2) Finding Him in the Temple
Jesus had evidently spent those three days in the Temple talking with and asking questions of the priests and scribes and teachers there. Now the Bible just says teachers, but can’t you imagine that after a while hearing this young Lad and His questions and answers, that others would tell the scribes and priests that something unusual was happening out along the corridors of the Temple? Surely Jesus wasn’t teaching the teachers? No, He was merely a part of the normal teaching process of those who used the area of the Temple to teach their disciples and others who would listen to them.
Some Jewish teachers in this period reportedly conducted their classes in the temple courts; the famous Hillel and Shammai may have been two such teachers. Asking questions was used both in teaching and in learning, but it was important for learners to ask intelligent questions, as Jesus does. Teachers could answer questions with questions, and Jesus’ answers are also intelligent.
Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament.
This process is one that Jesus used Himself as He taught people during His three years of ministry. He would teach and then ask questions of others and then they too would ask questions of Him. And 18 years or so later, He is the Teacher in these same courts, and His many, many hearers are still struck with His insight and authority. And this day maybe Jesus did at least ask questions that began the priest, teachers and scribes to think in the direction of the Messiah. "What think ye of Christ? Whose Son is He? If David call Him Lord, how is He then his Son?" "Which is the first and great commandment?" "Who is my neighbour?"
A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments.
The Scripture says “when Jesus was found, He was interacting with the teachers of the Law, listening and asking intelligent questions. Everyone... was amazed (existanto, "beside themselves in amazement"; cf.8:56) at His understanding and His answers. When Mary and Joseph saw Him, they were astonished (exeplagēsan, "struck out of their senses," perhaps with joy; cf.4:32;9:43). In response to Mary's question about why He had treated them in this manner, Jesus drew a sharp distinction between them and God, His true Father (2:49). His statement confirmed that He knew His mission and that His parents also should have known about His mission. However, His parents did not understand this.”
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.
It looks as if even at 12 Jesus knew what His true mission on earth would be. And here we have the very first recorded words of our Lord Jesus Christ, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Notice in this first utterance of Christ, He says,“My Father!” Even though both Mary and Joseph knew who Jesus was, they seemed not to really understand what was going on here. He would later come to use “My Father” a lot.
In this passage we can see that “Jesus is the perfect example of someone Who seeks the Lord in the days of His youth. Jesus is a perfect example for our boys and girls and youth to follow.” We can see the sinless boy of twelve who had studied the scripture being illuminated by the Holy Spirit seeking to grow even more in the shadow of the Temple.
Now during this time Mary expresses her heart, maybe not as gentle as you might think she would but she was concerned for Him and probably a little upset based upon the way she asked Jesus, "Why did you do this to us?" She was just worried and stressed out. Jesus’ answer clearly indicated something that Jesus understood from this moment on, “I must.”
“The word must was often on our Lord's lips: "I must preach" (Luke 4:43); "The Son of man must suffer" (Luke 9:22); the Son of man "must be lifted up" (John 3:14). Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was moved by a divine compulsion to do the Father's will.”
Let me make an observation here. Joseph and Mary finally looked at the Temple in their search for Jesus; I suggest that when we are seeking the truth or eternal life we should search for Jesus too, looking for Him and His truth. Where do we find Jesus and that truth? In the Word of God, preached from pulpits in sanctuaries throughout the world through faithful servants of God. Come here to the place where the church of the Lord Jesus Christ gathers to worship and learn from His faithful children. Could you dear children of God share the truth of the Gospel with a person seeking the truth or do your depend upon those whom you have been called as leaders to share with them?
When you have grown weary and sorrowful because of troubles and trials, where do you go to find ease and rest for your souls? Go to the Scripture to find out,