Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 2:41-52

"And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up after the custom of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day`s journey; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance: and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. And it came to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions: and all that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not that I must be in my Father`s house? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and he was subject unto them: and his mother kept all [these] sayings in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." — Luke 2:41-52 (ASV)

It is for the honour of Christ that children should attend public worship. His parents did not return until they had stayed all the seven days of the feast. It is good to stay until the end of an ordinance, as is fitting for those who say, It is good to be here. Those who have lost their comforts in Christ, and the evidences of their having a part in him, must reflect on where, and when, and how they lost them, and must turn back.

Those who would recover their lost acquaintance with Christ must go to the place in which he has put his name; there they may hope to meet him. They found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their schools; he was sitting there, listening to their instructions, proposing questions, and answering inquiries, with such wisdom, that those who heard were delighted with him. Young persons should seek the knowledge of Divine truth, attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their elders and teachers as may increase their knowledge.

Those who seek Christ in sorrow will find him with the greater joy. Know ye not that I ought to be in my Father's house; at my Father's work; I must be about my Father's business. Here is an example; for it is fitting for the children of God, in conformity to Christ, to attend to their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns give way to it. Though he was the Son of God, yet he was subject to his earthly parents; how then will the foolish and weak sons of men answer for it, who are disobedient to their parents?

Although we may neglect human sayings because they are obscure, yet we must not think this way about God's sayings. What at first is dark may afterward become plain and easy. The greatest and wisest, those most eminent, may learn from this admirable and Divine Child that it is the truest greatness of soul to know our own place and office; to deny ourselves amusements and pleasures inconsistent with our state and calling.