Topical Bible: Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus In, when a Youth

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Herod the Great's Temple, a magnificent reconstruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, served as a central place of worship and cultural identity for the Jewish people during the time of Jesus. This grand edifice, known for its architectural splendor, was a focal point of Jewish religious life and a symbol of national pride. It was within this sacred space that a significant event in the life of Jesus occurred when He was a youth.

The Gospel of Luke provides the primary account of Jesus' visit to the Temple as a young boy. According to Luke 2:41-50, Jesus, at the age of twelve, accompanied His parents, Mary and Joseph, to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, a customary pilgrimage for devout Jews. The passage states: "Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast" (Luke 2:41-42).

After the festival, as Mary and Joseph began their journey home, they realized that Jesus was not with them. In their search, they returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the Temple, engaging with the teachers. Luke 2:46-47 describes this remarkable scene: "After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers" .

This event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' early awareness of His divine mission and identity. When His mother expressed concern, Jesus responded, "Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?" (Luke 2:49). This statement indicates His recognition of a unique relationship with God, whom He referred to as His Father, and His commitment to His heavenly calling.

Secondly, this episode underscores Jesus' wisdom and understanding, even as a youth. His ability to engage with the learned teachers of the Law and His insightful questions and answers left a profound impression on those present. This early demonstration of wisdom foreshadowed His future ministry, where He would teach with authority and challenge the religious leaders of His day.

Herod's Temple, therefore, serves as the backdrop for this pivotal moment in Jesus' early life. It was within its courts that He began to reveal His divine nature and purpose, setting the stage for His later public ministry. This account, preserved in the Gospel of Luke, offers a glimpse into the early life of Jesus and His growing awareness of His role in God's redemptive plan.

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Luke 2:46
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
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The Foundation of the Church.
... Shortly before his illness, Herod Agrippa, the son of Herod the Great's murdered
son, Aristobulus, while ... This chain Herod hung up in the Temple, for he was ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxi the foundation of.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... And, indeed, on Hilary's part there was a great willingness to believe in this unity ...
that the term is used by Athanasius only twice, once in youth and once in ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm