Luke 2:44

Supposing. Jesus had never given His parents a valid reason for anxiety. They presumed that He was acquainted with their plans to return with “the company,” and that He knew the proposed time for departure.

Company. Gr. sunodia, “a company of travelers,” or “a caravan,” from sun, “together with,” and hodos, “a road,” or “a way.” For companionship and protection, those attending the various annual feasts at Jerusalem customarily traveled in large groups. Often all of those going from a village or town would plan to travel together in a caravan. In the bustle of departure of a large caravan it would be difficult for Joseph and Mary to check with all their relatives and friends to learn where Jesus was. Furthermore, as it was customary for the women to travel in a group ahead of the men, it is possible that Joseph and Mary were separated shortly after they set out on the road, and that each supposed Jesus to be with the other.

A day’s journey. The return journey to Nazareth would probably take a group such as this several days at best (see on v. 42). The first day’s journey, if they followed the Jordan route, would probably carry them no farther than Jericho, 15 mi. (24 km.) from Jerusalem.

They sought. They sought persistently and thoroughly. We can well imagine the increasing anxiety of Joseph and Mary as they began their search late in the day, after “a day’s journey,” and continued to go from relative to relative and from friend to friend throughout the camping site of their caravan. Such a search must have carried them well into the night. But their efforts were fruitless. Jesus was nowhere to be found!