Mary and Joseph finally, after three long days of searching, find Jesus in the Temple. They’re overjoyed but also just relieved and confused as to why God would hide Himself from them.

Jesus, barely a teenager, stands on the steps of the temple, holding a scroll of the Law in His hand. He is the Word made Flesh. He descends the step, coming towards his parents, bringing them the first public inkling of the Gospel. He is in His Father’s house. He raises his hand to Heaven, gesturing casually in unspoken question as to why they would have looked for him elsewhere.

—Monica Skrzypczak, Artist Statement