Jesus grew. Even when He was still young, He was very wise. And He was kind and good and honest.
When Jesus was twelve, He traveled with His parents, and
other friends and relatives, to Jerusalem to celebrate the
Passover. When the celebration was finished, the group
began their journey back home. But after many miles, Mary
and Joseph realized that Jesus was not among the crowd
of travelers.
"Jesus, where are You?" cried Mary and Joseph as they
searched along the roadside for Jesus. They hurried back to
Jerusalem. For three days, they searched without finding Him.
Finally, Mary and Joseph stopped at the temple. And there
was Jesus! He was sitting with the teachers, listening and
asking them questions. All who heard Jesus speak were
astonished at His wisdom. Mary ran up to Him. "Jesus!" she
cried. "Why did You do this? Your father and I have been
looking all over for You!"
"Didn't you know I would he in My Father's house?" He asked.
Mary and Joseph did not understand exactly what He meant by this,
but they all traveled happily back home. And Jesus continued to
grow into a man who was loved and respected by both God and men.