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The Finding in the Temple
Oil and Tempera Painting, The Mische Technique
2005
Not for sale
And the child grew and waxed strong, filled with wisdom, and the grace of
God was upon him. And his parents were wont to go every year to Jerusalem at
the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up
according to the practise of the feast; and when they had fulfilled the days
and were returning the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents knew it
not. Thinking that he was in the caravan they came a day’s journey, and sought
for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances, and since they found him not,
they returned to Jerulsalem in search of him. And it came to pass that after
three days they found him in the temple, seated in the midst of the teachers,
both listening to them and asking questions. And all that heard him were amazed
at his intelligence and his answers. And upon seeing him they were struck with
wonder: and his mother said to him, “My child, why hast thou done so to us?
Behold, thy father and I seek thee sorrowing?”
And he said unto them, “How is it that ye sought me? Knew ye not that I must
needs be in my Father’s house?” And they understood not the word which he spoke
to them.
- Luke 2:40-50
The painting shows a symbolic encounter between Jesus and the teachers in
the temple. He is trying to reveal a higher universe to them, and they are not
yet ready to receive it. In the distance his parents are seeking him.
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