37. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day.
38. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39. When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee.
40. The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
41. Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.
42. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom.
43. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t know it.
44. Supposing that he was among their band of travelers, they journeyed on for a full day while looking for him among their family and friends.
45. When they didn’t find Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
46. After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them.
47. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.
48. When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother said, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!"
49. Jesus replied, "Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?"
50. But they didn’t understand what he said to them.
51. Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart.
52. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.