JESUS FOUND IN THE TEMPLE

'Jesus is found in the Temple', William Holman Hunt

Think of an extremely intelligent twelve-year-old trapped in an isolated villages in the provinces. He frequently travels from this village, Nazareth, to the capital city of Jerusalem, because his parents are devout Jews who observe the major religious festivals.

Each time they are in Jerusalem, the boy is taken to the Temple. There he sees the academies set up within the Temple to teach young men. He is excited by what he sees, and wishes he could join the other students.

On his twelfth birthday he is told by everyone that he is now a man, and must assume the responsibilities of an adult.

While his parents are busy elsewhere, he goes into one of the academies, to listen. He finds himself drawn into the discussion. He has already studied in the synagogue in Nazareth, and he enjoys hearing new opinions and arguments.

Time passes. He is so absorbed in scholarly debate that he does not notice his parents have left.

Each of his parents assume he is with the other. He has previously travelled with the women and children, but now that he is a man he can travel with the men's group. He could be in either.

They leave the city the next day without realizing that he is not with them. When they do, they are horrified and rush back to the city.

Sensibly, he has not tried to find them, but has stayed within the Temple courts, probably finding a meal and a bed among the regular students of the Temple academy.

When his parents eventually find him, his mother reproaches him. But the young boy knows he has found his niche. It is not in the little village to which he will dutifully return.

The wider world beckons to him.

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About twenty years later in the city of Jerusalem, Jesus faced his final days. Trial of Jesus at Caiphas' Palace gives the background to one of the events in the lead-up to his death by crucifixion. 

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