Luke 2:42

“And when he was twelve years old, etc.] Not that he was now, hwxm rb, “a son of the commandment”, f137 to use the Jewish phrase; or now came under the yoke of the law; or was obliged to the duties of adult church membership, as is asserted by some; nor particularly to go to Jerusalem to make his appearance at the feast of the passover, or any other feast: for according to the maxims of the Jews, persons were not obliged to the duties of the law, or subject to the penalties of it in case of nonperformance, until they were, a female, at the age of twelve years, and one day, and a male, at the age of thirteen years, and one day; but then they used to train up their children, and inure them to…”

“FIRST CONSCIOUS VISIT TO JERUSALEM. (Luk 2:41-52) went up--"were wont to go." Though males only were required to go up to Jerusalem at the three annual festivals (Exo 23:14-17), devout women, when family duties permitted, went also, as did Hannah (Sa1 1:7), and, as we here see, the mother of Jesus. when twelve years old--At this age every Jewish boy was styled "a son of the law," being put under a course of instruction and trained to fasting and attendance on public worship, besides being set to learn a trade. At this age accordingly our Lord is taken up for the first time to Jerusalem, at the passover season, the chief of the three annual festivals. But oh, with what thoughts and feelings…”

“Twelve years old - All males among the Hebrews were required to appear three times a year before God, to attend on the ordinances of religion in the temple, and it is probable that this was the age at which they first went up to Jerusalem, Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16. To Jerusalem - Where the feasts of the Jews were all held. This was a journey from Nazareth of about 70 miles. After the custom of the feast - According to the usual manner of the feast. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:42 Jesus was twelve years old: A Jewish boy entered into his covenant responsibilities at age thirteen (the bar mitzvah ceremony developed later to express this custom). With this visit, Jesus’ parents were preparing him to fulfill his role in the covenant community.”