They realize that Jesus is not with them (Lk 2:44-2:44)

“They assumed

That Jesus was

In the group

Of caravan travelers.

Thus,

They went

A day’s journey.

Then they started

To look for him

Among their relatives

And friends.”

 

νομίσαντες δὲ αὐτὸν εἶναι ἐν τῇ συνοδίᾳ ἦλθον ἡμέρας ὁδὸν καὶ ἀνεζήτουν αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς συγγενεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς γνωστοῖς,

 

Luke said that Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them after they were a full day out of Jerusalem, probably about 20 miles.  They had assumed that Jesus was in their caravan group of travelers (νομίσαντες δὲ αὐτὸν εἶναι ἐν τῇ συνοδίᾳ).  Thus, they went a day’s journey (ἦλθον ἡμέρας ὁδὸν) before they recognized this.  Then they started to look for him (καὶ ἀνεζήτουν αὐτὸν) among their relatives and acquaintance friends (ἐν τοῖς συγγενεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς γνωστοῖς).  It seems like this should have been a priority before they started.  This was not very good parenting, unless they had more kids to worry about.