Every morning and evening a lamb was offered upon the altar. This was to represent the death of the Saviour. As the child Jesus looked upon the innocent victim, the Holy Spirit taught Him its meaning. He knew that He Himself, as the Lamb of God, must die for the sins of men. With such thoughts in His mind, Jesus wanted to be alone. So He did not stay with His parents in the temple, and when they started for home He was not with them.

Hver morgen og aften blev et lam ofret på alteret. Det skulle symbolisere Frelserens død. Idet barnet Jesus betragtede det uskyldige offer, underviste Helligånden ham om dets betydning. Han forstod, at han som Guds lam selv måtte dø for menneskenes synder. Jesus ønskede at være alene med disse tanker. Han forlod derfor sine forældre i helligdommen; og da de påbegyndte hjemrejsen, var han ikke med.