Christ's Life Prior to his Ministry
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The Boy Jesus Visits Jerusalem
Every year Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the Passover. When Jesus was 12 years old he went up to Jerusalem with his parents to celebrate the custom of the feast.
After the celebration, Mary and Joseph went home, thinking Jesus was in the crowd that was returning to Nazareth. But Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
One day passed and Jesus' parents realized, after searching all over for Jesus, that he was not among them. They immediately returned to Jerusalem.
After three days, they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers. Jesus was listening and asking questions. Everyone who heard Jesus was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
When Mary and Joseph saw Jesus they were astonished. Mary said to Jesus:
Why have you treated us this way? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you everywhere.
Jesus said to them:
How is it that you were looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?
Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus was saying to them. But they left together to return to Nazareth, as Jesus was subject to his parents.
Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Not much else is known about the life of Jesus until John the Baptist began his public ministry and Jesus bursts on the scene followed by signs, wonders and miracles.