43 The child Jesus - St. Luke describes in order Jesus the
fruit of the womb, Lu 1:42; an infant, Lu 2:12; a little child, Lu 2:40;
a child here, and afterward a man. So our Lord passed through and sanctified
every stage of human life. Old age only did not become him.
44 Supposing him to have been in the company - As the men and women
usually travelled in distinct companies.
46 After three days - The first day was spent in their journey, the
second, in their return to Jerusalem: and the third, in searching for him
there: they found him in the temple - In an apartment of it: sitting in
the midst of the doctors - Not one word is said of his disputing with them,
but only of his asking and answering questions, which was a very usual
thing in these assemblies, and indeed the very end of them. And if he was,
with others, at the feet of these teachers (where learners generally sat)
he might be said to be in the midst of them, as they sat on benches of
a semicircular form, raised above their hearers and disciples.
49 Why sought ye me? - He does not blame them for losing, but for thinking
it needful to seek him: and intimates, that he could not be lost, nor found
any where, but doing the will of a higher parent.
50 It is observable that Joseph is not mentioned after this time; whence
it is probable, he did not live long after.
52 Jesus increased in wisdom - As to his human nature, and in favour
with God - In proportion to that increase. It plainly follows, that though
a man were pure, even as Christ was pure, still he would have room to increase
in holiness, and in consequence thereof to increase in the favour, as well
as in the love of God.
