"And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Luke 2: 40-47 ASV
<p>The illustration depicts Jesus at age 12 standing among the elders of the temple and engaging them in conversation.

Christ among the Doctors

"And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. And his…

"And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Luke 2:42-47 ASV
<p>Twelve-year-old Jesus sits on a curved bench, surrounded by doctors, teachers, and other learned men. Everyone is leaning towards him intently. One man points to the pages of a book sitting in his lap. Mary and Joseph are running in from the corner.

Mary and Joseph Find Jesus Learning and Teaching in the Temple

"And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled…

"And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." Luke 2:46-47 ASV
<p>Illustration of a twelve-year-old Jesus sitting in the temple among priests and other learned men. Jesus sits on a raised platform, right arm raised, with six men surrounding him. One man to his left is writing on a scroll, while another in front of him writes on a tablet.

Jesus Teaching at the Temple at Twelve Years Old

"And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers,…