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Luke 2:45

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

Luke 2:45 · King James Version

Meaning

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. On their way back home, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them. They searched for him among their relatives and acquaintances but could not find him. Filled with worry, they returned to Jerusalem to look for their son. This incident demonstrates the deep love and concern that Mary and Joseph had for Jesus. It also highlights the humanity of Jesus, as even the Son of God could be lost to his parents. Through this verse, readers are reminded of the importance of seeking Jesus in all aspects of their lives, not just in times of need but also in times of joy and celebration.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse from Luke 2:45, where Mary and Joseph search for the young Jesus in Jerusalem, is that it highlights the human nature of Jesus. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and experiences, including getting lost and causing worry for his parents. This event also foreshadows Jesus' ultimate purpose of seeking and saving the lost, as mentioned in Luke 19:10. The word "seeking" in this verse emphasizes the earnest search Mary and Joseph undertook to find Jesus, reflecting the importance of diligently seeking God in our own lives. The search for Jesus also serves as a reminder for believers to continually seek and pursue a relationship with Him, even when it seems like He is not immediately present in our lives. This verse encourages us to persistently seek God's presence and guidance, knowing that He is always near and ready to be found by those who earnestly search for Him.

Luke 2:45 in other translations

American Standard Version

and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him.

World English Bible

When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.

Douay-Rheims

And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And when they found him not, they turned backe to Hierusalem, and sought him.