Main Idea: Jesus Christ fully understood his purpose for coming and joyfully submitted himself to the Father’s plan.

Jesus remains in Jerusalem as his parents depart for Nazerth.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.

• Exodus 23:14-17

Jesus responds to his parents’ astonishment with an explanation of his purpose.

6 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

• Luke 4:43, 13:33
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Jesus returns to Nazerth in submission to his parents and ultimately to the Father’s plan.

51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

• Proverbs 3:1-4

So What?

Do I understand the purpose of the coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of the Father’s plan?

• Romans 5:19
• 2 Corinthians 5:21