First of all, I’d like to say that this is an excellent question. If we don’t encourage questions, discussion and debate, then what is this forum for if nothing other than a lesson on Canon Law… BigDave. We can read all about the rules and catechism teachings in other places, but this forum is supposed to be for this type of question.
No one is saying here that Jesus was a sinner, but questioning Why this was not a sin is a great question, so consider this;
Jesus at 12 years old was obviously very knowledgable and as scripture says was “full of Wisdom”, just like Mary was “full of Grace”. After a long journey into Jerusalem on foot, the first thing they would have noticed would be loads of people from all over the region setting up camp and finding accomodations to celebrate the holiday. There were musicians, merchants, families, all different Jewish sects in a Roman occupied city. Along with all this, remember that Mary and Joseph would have most likely traveled with a large group of family and friends. Once they arrived in the city, it would be difficult to keep tabs on everyone in their party. Just think how hard it is for us going to a theme park with just a few people, never mind a large family with NO cell phone or method of communication. Imagine the chaos, and imagine a young boy with an incredible theological mind being drawn to the people and particularly the temple. In the temple is where he would find like minded thinkers and teachers of the law of Moses. Regardless of that, I believe the group stayed together for the whole celebration of Passover. They performed all the customary rituals and participated in the prayers and offerings and kept the law perfectly as required. But just as it is on any retreat, there was “free” time set aside to explore the great city of Jerusalem, and a 12 year old would have been afforded a certain degree of freedom that would be more restricted today.
With that in mind, as Jesus being “full of wisdom” began his discourse with the Jewish Rabbi’s, he would have become immersed in that dialog and was taking the opportunity to lay the foundation for the coming Kingdom of God. Being that these great “Doctors” of the jewish faith were astonished by his teaching, we can only conclude that time just raced by for everyone present listening and learning from this little Holy one. Mary and Joseph packed up with the whole group and set off on their journey. Jesus didn’t realize they were gone and they didn’t realize he wasn’t there because of the sheer number of people and the chaos I mentioned above. This type of family activity really must have been fun and exciting. I bet they really looked forward to this trip to Jerusalem by cooking, packing, saving and planning for it the whole year.
Now at one point, we have to conclude that during this time, the child Jesus knew that he had been left in Jerusalem. This is why scripture says he “stayed behind”, he did not go after them, or try to send a message to them (if that were possible). He just stayed at the Temple, at his Father’s house, and while he was there would be about his Father’s work (building the future Kingdom of God). It was three days that Mary and Joseph were searching for him and they must have looked everywhere BUT the Temple. This is why Jesus says “How is it that you sought me?”, in other words, “why didn’t you look for me here, where you must have known I would be?” Don’t forget, Mary and Joseph are the parents, not Jesus. He is wondering why they didn’t know how or where to find him, which is why it appears in this scripture that he is agitated. Further, when Jesus says “did you not know, that I would be about my Father’s business?”, Mary and Joseph did not understand, but Mary kept this in her heart, just like she did after the annuciation by the Angel that she would be the mother of God. Things were starting to come together for her, but she still needed to “keep them in her heart” to ponder, digest and come to grips with the knowledge that her son would be man’s redeemer. This was a great learning experience for her and for us, to understand the historical nature of Christ’s life as well as how the holy family relates to us in today’s world. The story touches us and lifts our hearts to fall in love with tradition, heritage, family and ultimately Christ himself.
No there was definately no sin. Not a chance, in fact; I hope that what I’ve written here shows why Christ’s whole life and missionary zeal proves just the opposite.
