Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah

by Chris Stepien

In the Bible we are told Jesus was lost in the Temple for three days when he traveled to Jerusalem for Passover with Mary and Joseph.

Why did he stay behind? What did he do? Who did he meet? Where did he sleep? Was he ever in danger?

This Biblical novel is a compelling tale about 12-year-old Jesus, based on the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel. This book will grip your imagination—as you explore the Temple and experience the drama of ancient Hebrew traditions with the boy Messiah. It’s a story for the child in all of us.

Genres: Religion, Faith, Catholic, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Childrens

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2013

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about what it may have been like to be in Jerusalem during the Passover that took me over six months to read. Part of that was because I was only reading it about once a week; the other part was that I was not compelled to read it outside of my regular weekly time.
Spoiler alert for those who are thinking about reading this. If you are reading this because you are curious about what it may have been like for Jesus during those three days he was separated from his parents or what it was like for Joseph and Mary, that part of the story doesn't start until you are well over half finished with the book. Once that part starts, the story jumps around quickly from Jesus' story to Joseph and Mary's, sometimes even from paragraph.
Considered a children's book, this could be a good family read-aloud for those who are looking for a religious or spiritual read-along.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book but not so much about the 3 days. I enjoyed hearing the events leading up to it however. I didn't particularly like the fact that Jesus only spoke in scripture. That was really annoying, like the author was showing off. I did appreciate the author's knowledge of it and application but it was too much.

[Kam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning so much about Jesus, Mary and Joseph and their places and lives in Nazareth and Jerusalem. The customs and rules of the culture were so important to understand the gospels. I loved the scriptures quoted to describe the situations. It helped me make sense of what I already knew.

[Leslie Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so heartwarming and inspiring to see a 12-year-old Jesus, a peacemaker, an encourager, selflessly share what little He had. Do we know His first Passover experience was exactly like this? No. Could it have been? Yes!

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the author's novelization of this story from Scripture, portraying the boy Jesus as very human yet obviously connected to God. I do wish the printing had included extra space between paragraphs when the scenes changed and I did find it disconcerting to read dialogue in which the 12 year old Jesus was quoting Scripture that was recorded as things he said as an adult.

[Rhio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the way the book narrates the events in the young life of Jesus. It gives a more visual account of his interaction with his parents and friends. It gives life to Biblical passages and helped me appreciate better the stories in the Bible.

[Paul Lisney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Recommended read for any and all
This book was a great read. It is both entertaining and enlightening, and submerges the reader in first century Holy Land, educating the reader on Jerusalem of that time and the ways of the Jewish people, explaining the celebrations and holy days that prefigure our Christian/Catholic practices. Scripture is utilized frequently in the story, especially the psalms, bringing the words to life. The reader can tell that there was a lot of research put into this work to bring it to life so vividly. The characters are written well and it is an easy read, and is great fodder for contemplation on the life of Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Joseph. I’m sure that a lot of prayer and effort went into writing this and it was not in vain.

[Philip Lopresto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. It gives a fresh perspective on what might have happened while Jesus was lost in Jerusalem as a boy. The historical aspects of the story were enlightening and I found the book hard to put down even though I knew the ending. It ended rather abruptly and I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel that speculated on the hidden years of Christ's life. Would recommend to all, not just Christian believers!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice attempt to fill in the blanks of Jesus' childhood. Of course, it's all speculation, but what I did like was the way the author described how people lived during that time. So even though no one alive knows about Jesus' childhood, there is an educational aspect to this book which is very interesting.

[Karen Whooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. It is a fictional story based on the gospel story of Jesus being lost in the temple for 3 days at age 12. I loved the scripture references that allowed the possibility of the story. Well researched for historical dates, activities and more. I think most people would enjoy the story even if they are unaware of the historical significance.

[Hirley Datte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep in mind this is a novel. I loved the historical background, the facts about how people lived, seeing the human and God sides of Jesus. I loved the connections between water in Old Testament and today;s baptism. I loved the connections to the Passover.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor story telling of the three days Jesus spent in the Temple after Passover. A work of fiction but disconcerting to see passages of the New testament with citations as Christ is speaking.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story and I like how many bible passages were incorporated into it.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A familiar read but interesting from the perspective of Jesus as a 12 year old boy.

[Carrie Bulbuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a glimpse into what Jesus might have done during his first Passover in Jerusalem. Made the familiar Bible story come alive.

[Renee Torina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story. My favorite part were all of the scripture quotes. They made the story inspirational and thoughtful.

[Julie Menke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fiction on the life of Christ as a young boy

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Jesus trip to the temple as a twelve year old boy with his family and other pilgrims from Nazareth. Some good historical information but too much scriptural quotes and singing of psalms

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always a little leery of books that attempt to expand upon biblical events in a fictional way. It is so easy for them to go sideways. But this book comes with a recommendation from Matthew Kelly, and from a publisher that I trust. So even with my cautious approach to reading this book, I was greatly surprised. Once I started reading this book I could hardly put it down.

The first part of the book is preparation for the Passover feast, including the family's travel to Jerusalem. This part of the book can be reconstructed from numerous historical sources about the life and times of Jesus Christ; from sources in the Jewish tradition, from Roman documents and also from other historical documents from the time. It was fascinating to see Jesus in his home setting, whit friends, in school, working in Joseph's shop. To see his friendships, his day to day life was a fascinating insight. The journey and celebration of the feat of Passover was amazing to read. It really brought the historical events to life.

The three days are 100% speculation, from how Jesus was separated from the caravan to what he did. Many of his actions in this imaginative account mirror things he would later do in his public ministry. His few encounters with a younger Caiaphas were interesting even if a big stretch. His interactions with a street thief, slaver, leper were all interesting to read.

All of Jesus's speech in this book is scripture. It was a little weird seeing phrases spoken with new testament references prior to their occurrence. Even if the author wanted all of the words of Jesus to come from the bible maybe footnotes or end notes would have worked better. But even though it is a bit distracting does not hinder the story.

This book was a wonderful read. I found myself transported back and immersed into the events. I highly recommend it.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books from Beacon Publishing.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

It too me a bit to get into this book. I understand it was an imaginative scenario, but part of it seemed sacrilegious. Particularly the parts where Jesus' parents were talking about making a marital arrangement for him. It was also hard because the author chose to use Yosef instead of Joseph and Yeshua instead of Jesus. I understand these are probably more accurate names in their native language, but it required extra concentration on my part to remember which was who. It doesn't seem like it would be that hard, but it really did take a few extra brain cells from this well-educated brain. I also thought it was weird at the end, when Yeshua had gotten separated from his parents and the narration was required to bounce back and forth between where he was and where they were - I feel like every other book I've ever read would, at the least, have a blank line to indicate the location change. But this book just wove it all together. Miriam (Mary) was praying in one paragraph and in the next paragraph the prayers...and you realize now it's Yeshua praying. One final thing that bothered me was the amount of scripture in the book. It certainly must have helped the author to reach a desirable length. I'm no historian or Bible scholar, but it seems laughable that they walked around quoting long passages of scripture back and forth to each other instead of a genuine conversation.

What I did like, however, was all the insights into the time period. Little facets of daily life. These are what made the read enjoyable and worthwhile. I especially liked the ideas about what Jesus did while he was waiting for his parents to find him. I always imagined he just sat in the temple and talked to the old teachers. But he was in the streets doing the Lord's work.

[Sean Elliot Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Three Days: The Search for the Boy Messiah," by Chris Stepien, is a novel I came across and really enjoyed. The rarely-explored context of the Yeshua/Jesus situation in which the boy is lost from his parents for three days is thoroughly fleshed out in a meaningful and inspiring way. Any novel about the Lord draws me.

What would it have been like for all those within the family and neighbors to have lived in the vacinity of Yeshua? All this and much more are explored in a way that gives insight to the Jewish culture as well as the geopolitical situation in ancient Israel at the time of Christ. As a character, the boy Yeshua is a delightful inspiration in the way He responds to religious tradition, enemies, the poor and outcast, being lost and hungry, as well as te other scenarios that are common to us all. Yeshua's use of Scripture, too, as a means to respond to challenges and aspects of daily life is actually powerful and beautiful.

There were a few parts where the story seemed to get bogged down (I found myself especially looking forward to scenes with Yeshua) but the overall story is worthwhile and enjoyable. The other downside to the story is that the author segues from one setting to another without warning, which caused me to stop and reread the previous lines to get my bearing on more than one occasion. But aside from that minor flaw, the novel is wonderful.

There were scenes that made me emotional, that inspired me, and that made me think. The setting of ancient Jerusalem's city life was palpable--especially the scenes involving the Passover.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel, despite any flaws. I recommend this novel very much.

-Sean Elliot Russell

[Michele Pfrogner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Robert Delaney of Michigan Catholic, may have called this book "a highly entertaining work of historical fiction," but, to me, it's science fiction. Between characters reciting scripture, Joseph, on page 46, states, "There were so many carpenters and masters and slaves working on the Temple and Herodium it was insane." "Insane?" Like, in 21st century slang, "insane?" And then, as the author demonstrates his research of the time period (a gratuitous ploy played throughout this farce) through an explanation of what girls during Christ's childhood learned, Stepien mentions "Cooking, spinning ...family psychology" (95). "Family psychology?" Psychology was not founded until 1854! One of the author's sources is the Reader's Digest publication Jesus and His Times. I had no idea that Reader's Digest is considered a biblical authority! Stepien also introduces a female child, who is interested in Jesus as a potential husband. Mary even teaches her to play the lyre! (My understanding is that the only person named in the Bible who plays the lyre is David.)
As a cradle Catholic, I am at odds with this novel because I believe Jesus, even from a young age, knew He was God. Of course, He may have grown up like "other children" of the times, but still--He was God, knowing His purpose on earth. This reimagination of Jesus' early life deeply disrespects His deity.
If anyone is really interested in reading this book, the beginning of "Three Days" actually starts on page 207 0f this 292-page disappointment.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

FtIt's always interesting to imagine why happened in the gaps between Bible Verses. Stepien takes on the challenge and provides valuable context to explain the culture. I'm not sure that everything he proposed would have happened as he says, but it is fiction and one man's opinion. It certainly it does provide "food for thought."

Stepien "borrows" phrases Jesus will speak later in the gospel. Sometimes the "foreshadowing" seems to fit perfectly, but t times it is odd.

The question of when Jesus knew he would be crucified has been debated for over two centuries and is alluded to here. After witnessing a prisoner on the way to his own crucifixion, young Jesus carves a cross. A younger Caiaphas (who later take a big part in Jesus' crucifixion) sees the cross and spends an ironic moment contemplating it. A carpenter commends the craftsmanship and offers to find a place for it in the new temple which is being built. I find the idea very troubling. At the time a cross was known only as a horrific torture instrument. Later when Christians use it as a sign of victory, it is shocking. A young man from a good family carving such an image in his free time would at the least be alarming!

Scenes jump from location to location with no warning.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting to spend a bit of time imagining and fleshing out the world of young Jesus. Unfortunately that's about all the good I can say of this book, which is written so terribly I'm ashamed it's associated with my faith. Perhaps if you had only a mildly passing familiarity with the Bible it would be a good introduction, but Stepien does SO much "tell don't show" it's exhausting to read this. He needs to figure out if he wants to write an academic article with citations, a history text, or an actual novel. Right now he's not succeeding at any of those because he's leaning heavily on the history to the detriment of the story. He repeats himself badly, both from one section to another and often from one sentence to the next. It's just...awkwardly written in so many ways. Disappointing. 2.5 stars rounded down.

[Teresa Biggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes it is a book of fiction but the author did some great research to give us an idea on the day to day lives of Jewish people during the first century.... why there would have been a caravan to go to the temple, why it took so long to get there. I really appreciated those details. I could even get understand and maybe believe the why Jesus was left behind and why it took his parents 3 days to find him. All that was very plausible and made for good story telling. It was irritating to me at the end when the author switched from Jesus to Mary and Joseph from paragraph to paragraph to paragraph.. it would have been nice to see even some spacing between speakers. It was a little confusing. I thought it was bit strange that Jesus spoke in quotes from the NT.

[Doris Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes Yeshua (Jesus) as a young boy of twelve from his home in Nazareth to his first Passover in Jerusalem. It took about a week to get from Nazareth to Jerusalem in a caravan. During this time we are witness to the faith of these people of Nazareth, their love of the Old Testament, especially the Psalms. In Jerusalem they explore the Temple and offer sacrifice to God. When it is time to leave, Jesus inadvertently gets lost in the crowds. He stays in the Temple, waiting for His parents to come for Him. Of course, His parents are frantic. When they find Him, He is explaining the Scriptures to a group of young people. This is a lovely novel imagining what Jesus could have done.

[Stephany Long · Rating 1 out of 5]

Received this book from Dynamic Catholic and it’s supposedly recommended by Matthew Kelley. I couldn’t get over all of the inaccuracies about Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Discussing a wife for Jesus? I’m pretty sure that never happened. Mary knew Jesus’s destiny. Joseph’s courtship of Mary also seems wildly far fetched. The author goes out of his way several times to mention Jesus’ average looks when we know from scientific evidence give to us by the shroud of Turin that Jesus’ features were symmetrical and he was anything but average. I made it about a third of the way but I couldn’t keep reading. Even as fiction, this was not well done at all in my opinion.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a little awkward when multiple places are written about the same time, it's almost seamless as the young Jesus fits scripture into all aspects of his day.
Yeshu, at age 12, accompanies Miriam and Yosef to Yerushalem at Passover for the very first time in his life. We see the workings of a caravan and how Yerushalem handles the great variety of people who come to stay for three days. Yeshua's reaction to the lamb and sacrifices are informative. The details on how he was separated and survives alone in a huge city for three days are interesting and feel very real.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really cool to read a “what if” like this. Even more so since it often went into the mind of Jesus. Different from my normal genre, but it was very intriguing.

There were a few downfalls for me. I did get a little bored starting at a little over halfway through, mostly because it was mostly day to day things taking place. Then, when the book switched perspectives, there was no obvious indication. One second it would be in Jesus’s and the next it would be Joseph’s without any divider or indicator of some sort.

It was interesting, I’m glad I read it, but not a super favorite for me.