Sacred Scripture quotes Jesus Christ only once during the first thirty years of His life on earth. The twelve-year-old asks two precise and profound questions: "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business (Luke 2:49 NKJV)? Other translations say "about My Father's house." Neither the Greek word for "business" nor "house" is found within this pivotal verse. For centuries Biblical scholars delved deeply into this interpretive predicament. Deacon David combines extensive research and superb storytelling to bring the historical drama and dilemma of Luke 2:49 to life.

Acknowledgements9

Prologue - The Joy of Family13

Chapter One - Jesus and Mary22

Chapter Two - A Holy Child Speaks25

Chapter Three - The Joy of the Journey31

Chapter Four - A Mother in Despair39

Chapter Five - Earthly Parents46

Chapter Six - Heavenly Father50

Chapter Seven - Five Greek Words58

Chapter Eight - Theory One: Person68

Chapter Nine - Theory Two: Place72

Chapter Ten - Theory Three: Thing80

Chapter Eleven - Theory Four: Ambivalence87

Chapter Twelve - Theory Five: Integration93

Chapter Thirteen - Theory Six: Pilgrimage97

Chapter Fourteen - The Boy Jesus in the Temple102

Epilogue - Best Friends Forever109

Bibliography122

About the Author127