Paper 125 Overview: Jesus at Jerusalem

Jesus visited Jerusalem for the first time when he was almost thirteen years old. This trip was exciting for Jesus because he could explore the temple by himself. He attended discussions led by religious teachers and asked thoughtful questions. This experience helped shape Jesus's understanding of his future mission.

Jesus was disappointed by what he saw at the temple. He did not agree with the animal sacrifices and felt the temple was not being used properly. After getting separated from his parents for three days, they found him in the temple talking with teachers. He told his parents he was "about his Father's business."

Jesus's visit to Jerusalem was one of the most exciting events of his early life. He especially enjoyed attending temple discussions by himself, and this experience stood out in his memory. This was his first opportunity to be independent and free from responsibilities, which was rare throughout his life.

Women did not usually attend the Passover feast, but Jesus wanted his mother to come along. Many Nazareth women joined them on the journey. On the way to Jerusalem, they sang the one hundred and thirtieth Psalm. Jesus was excited to finally see Jerusalem and the temple.

When Jesus walked through the temple courts, he was shocked by the lack of respect he saw. He thought people were behaving inappropriately in what he considered "his Father's house." Jesus was most upset when his father took him to the court of the gentiles, which was full of loud talking, money-changers, and animal sellers.

Jesus was especially bothered by seeing women of bad reputation in the temple area. He expressed his feelings to Joseph about this. Although Jesus admired the service of the temple, he was disturbed by the spiritual ugliness he saw on many worshipers' faces. He also became sick at the sight of animal sacrifices and the bloodstained area where this took place.

Five Nazareth families celebrated the Passover with Simon of Bethany's family. Jesus had convinced his parents to accept this invitation instead of staying with Mary's relatives. As a new son of the covenant, Jesus told the story of the Passover, but included comments that showed how the temple visit had affected him.

Even at this young age, Jesus began to question the practice of sacrificing lambs for the Passover. He believed that God did not approve of animal sacrifices. Jesus had trouble sleeping that night because of dreams about the slaughter he had seen. His parents were also troubled by his reactions to the temple ceremonies.

The Nazareth travelers were supposed to meet at the temple at mid-morning on the first day of the week after Passover ended. Jesus had gone into the temple to listen to discussions while his parents waited for their fellow travelers. Jesus became so involved in a discussion about angels that he did not notice when his parents left.

His parents did not realize Jesus was missing because Mary thought he was traveling with the men, while Joseph thought he was with the women. They discovered he was missing when they reached Jericho that evening. They spent a sleepless night worrying about what might have happened to their son.

While his parents were looking for him, Jesus stayed at the temple all afternoon. Later, he went to Bethany to stay with Simon's family. Jesus spent much of the evening alone in the garden, thinking. The next morning, he returned to the temple early.

On the second day, Jesus began to ask questions during the temple discussions. He asked thoughtful questions in a respectful way that impressed the teachers. When one teacher asked how old he was, Jesus replied he was "thirteen years lacking a trifle more than four months." Some teachers were dismissive when they learned he was from Nazareth, but others defended his right to join the discussions.

By the third day, many people came to watch Jesus talk with the temple teachers. Word had spread about this young boy from Galilee who asked challenging questions. His parents were still searching for him but did not think to look in the discussion groups.

Jesus asked important questions about: what was behind the veil in the holy of holies, why women were separated from men in the temple, why animals were sacrificed, whether it was right to allow buying and selling in the temple, and whether the expected Messiah would be a political ruler or spiritual leader. The teachers were amazed by his questions, which were both wise and respectful.

Jesus did not seem to be worried about his parents, even when someone mentioned they might be looking for him. He returned to the temple for more discussions. The teachers were impressed by Jesus's knowledge of Hebrew and Greek scriptures. During the afternoon session, the discussion leader invited Jesus to share his views on prayer and worship.

That same afternoon, his parents finally found him in the temple. Mary asked, "My child, why have you treated us like this?" Jesus replied, "Why is it that you have so long sought me? Would you not expect to find me in my Father's house since the time has come when I should be about my Father's business?" Everyone was surprised by his response. The family returned to Nazareth, and Jesus assured his parents he would be obedient to his earthly father while also doing his heavenly Father's will.