Jesus interacts with the Temple leaders (Luke 2:45-46)

The Search. Luke tells us that they stayed “the full number of days” at the feast. According to Jewish tradition the Feast of Passover lasted seven days, but the rabbis taught that a devout Jew only had to stay for three days. We are not sure if they stayed 3 or 7 days. Jesus’ parents did not know that He was not with them when they left the feast to return home to Nazareth. They traveled a full day before they discovered that Jesus was missing. At first this might seem that His parents were negligent, but according to the custom of the day the women walked in front of the caravan and the men walked behind. Therefore, it is very possible that Mary thought that Jesus was with Joseph and maybe Joseph thought He was with Mary. After they had searched for Him among their relatives, they stopped their search when they discovered that Jesus was not with them.

When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. (NASB) Luke 2:45-46

So Joseph and Mary returned to Jerusalem and searched for Him three days for a total of five days. The Greek language tells us that they were searching and searching. Have you ever lost your purse, wallet, credit card, check book, car keys, or child? Do you remember how you felt? I have misplaced my car keys, and I remember searching and searching. It was not a comfortable feeling. There was a sense of panic once I discovered that I could not locate them. At first you think you will find them, but you do not. Then that sick feeling takes hold of you. That is how Joseph and Mary felt, not for one hour or one day, but for four days. When they finally found Him, they must have been upset because He was just sitting, listening, asking questions, and answering questions of the rabbis. His parents were relieved and upset all at the same time. The Greek implies that He was repeatedly asking and answering questions of the rabbis.