Why did Jesus remain in the temple?

Answer 1

A:

Luke 2:42-46 says that when he was twelve years old Jesus stayed behind, discussing theology with the rabbis and doctors of the Temple : "And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival ....After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."

We now know that the author of Luke's Gospel relied on the works of Josephus for historical material he added to the gospel, so it is very possible that this anecdote was also copied from Josephus (Life 1.28): "I made mighty proficiency in the improvements of my learning, and appeared to have both a great memory and understanding. Moreover, when I was a child, and about fourteen years of age, I was commended by all for the love I had to learning; on which account the high priests and principal men of the city came then frequently to me together, in order to know my opinion about the accurate understanding of points of the law." If so, Jesus did not really discuss or preach to these learned men, but the story is based on that of Josephus, which was probably also an exaggeration.

Answer 2

Jesus remained in the temple because he was discussing and teaching about religious matters with the teachers and elders. He was engaged in deep discussions about the scriptures and his understanding of them.