Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Finding Jesus in the Temple, the Fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, holds profound significance in the Christian faith. This event unfolds during Jesus’ adolescence, providing a glimpse into His divine identity and purpose. As Mary and Joseph discover Jesus missing after the Passover pilgrimage, their anxiety mirrors the human experience of searching for meaning and connection.
The importance of this mystery lies in Jesus’ response when found in the Temple, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” This declaration illuminates His awareness of a higher calling and establishes the Temple as a symbolic space for divine revelation. Jesus, even at a young age, manifests His role as the Son of God, engaging in intellectual discussions that astound scholars.
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple becomes pivotal, foreshadowing His mission to reveal divine truths. It underscores the intrinsic connection between Jesus and the Father, emphasizing the sacred nature of spiritual exploration and understanding. This mystery invites believers to reflect on the divine wisdom in the Temple of their hearts and encourages a lifelong journey of seeking God’s presence in unexpected places.
Scriptures of Finding of Jesus at the Temple
And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not.
And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintances. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.
And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.
And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my father’s business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them.
And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. (Luke 2:41-52)
Scripture Commentary
Luke 2:41-52 recounts an incident from Jesus’ childhood, providing a glimpse into his early years. Let’s break down the key elements of this passage:
- Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2:41-42):
The passage begins with Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents, going to Jerusalem for the annual Feast of the Passover. It was a customary pilgrimage for Jewish families. Jesus, who was twelve years old at the time, accompanied them. - Lost and Found (Luke 2:43-45):
After the feast, as the family returns, they realize that Jesus is not with them. Mary and Joseph search for him among their relatives and acquaintances but cannot find him. This creates a sense of concern and distress for the parents. - Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46-47):
On the third day of searching, they find Jesus in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. The people in the temple are amazed at his understanding and answers. This episode highlights Jesus’ early wisdom and knowledge. - Mary’s Concern (Luke 2:48):
Mary, understandably worried, expresses her concern to Jesus, asking why he caused them such distress. She says, “Your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” This reveals Mary and Joseph’s human and parental sides. - Jesus’ Response (Luke 2:49-50):
Jesus responds by stating that he must be in his Father’s house. This statement reflects a deeper awareness of his divine identity and mission. However, Mary and Joseph don’t fully understand the significance of his words. - Submission and Growth (Luke 2:51-52):
The passage concludes by noting that Jesus went down to Nazareth with his parents and obeyed them. It emphasizes his submission to his earthly parents. The passage also highlights Jesus’ growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and people. - Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Mission:
This incident at the temple foreshadows aspects of Jesus’ later life and mission. It hints at his unique understanding of his divine relationship with God the Father and sets the stage for his future ministry.
In summary, Luke 2:41-52 provides a snapshot of Jesus’ early years, showcasing his wisdom, the concern of his parents, and his growing awareness of his divine mission. The passage offers insights into the humanity and divinity of Jesus, setting the stage for his later public ministry.
Feast Day of Finding the Boy Jesus in the Temple at age Twelve
The Feast of the Finding in the Temple, also known as the Feast of the Holy Family, commemorates an event from the childhood of the boy Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke in the Bible (Luke 2:41-52), when Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. On their way back, they realized Jesus was not with the group. After searching for him, they found him in the temple, engaged in discussions with the teachers, and exhibiting profound wisdom.
This event is significant because it highlights Jesus’ early wisdom and his sense of purpose. The feast serves as a reminder of the importance of family and the role of parents in nurturing and guiding their children. It is observed in various Christian traditions on Sundays within the Octave of Christmas or on December 30th.
Download our Joyful Mysteries pdf Document
We have a Joyful Mysteries pdf available for your use. It is free to download and share. It can be printed and used for praying the Rosary and is an excellent aid for anyone, especially for beginners. The author still uses it to this day.
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he always believed in Jesus Christ. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hand, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
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Last Publish: December 24, 2024