Question: What is the real meaning and significance of the story of “The lost and finding of Jesus in the temple” when you were 12 years old?

God’s answer:

Meaning: “Bar Mitzvah literally means “son of the commandment.” (Bat Mitzvah for female). Under Jewish Law, children are not obligated to observe the commandments, although they are encouraged to do so as much as possible to learn the obligations they will have as adults. At the age of 13 (12 for girls), children become obligated to observe the commandments.

The Bar Mitzvah ceremony formally marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious services, to count in a minyan (the minimum number of people needed to perform certain parts of religious services), to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts and to marry.

The popular bar mitzvah ceremony is not required, and does not fulfill any commandment. It is a relatively modern innovation. In its earliest and most basic form, a Bar Mitzvah is the celebrant's first aliyah. During Shabbat services on a Saturday shortly after the child's 13th birthday, the celebrant is called up to the Torah to recite a blessing over the weekly reading.”¹⁸

Question: Based on my reading, during your time there was no bar mitzvah ceremony. So, when a boy came of age, what was done during your time?

God’s answer:

Question: During your time, does this happen when a boy turns 12?

God’s answer:

Meaning: The story of Jesus lost and finding narrates what happened when Jesus came of age, which is most probably a milestone event during that time, as it is now. The fact that Jesus was sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions indicate that there is social acceptance – he had reached an age where it is acceptable for him to participate in such activities.

Question: Why didn’t you inform Mother Mary and Saint Joseph of Your whereabouts for three days?

Gods answer:

If one reads this story, it would seem that Jesus action was quite disrespectful and inconsiderate. On the contrary, this event is a prefiguration of Jesus death and resurrection. The phrase “in a little while you will see me...” is Jesus words during the Last Supper when He told the apostles that He will return.

Jesus was informing Mother Mary way in advance where He will be going and why. As will be stated later, when Jesus died, He stayed in His temple for three days. He was lost to the world and after three days, He resurrected. Likewise, in this event, He entered the temple as a boy and after three days emerged as a young man. This He did for Mother Mary’s sake in preparation for His death so she knew in her heart where He was going and what He had to do. It is a business trip. After three days, He will return a changed man.