Act 1 scene 3 “My Fathers House”

Every year, they’d walk the road Up to Jerusalem’s temple abode Feast of Passover—crowds, prayers, bread Tradition alive, their spirits fed Twelve years old, and the boy was bright Eyes like fire, heart full of light They came as a family, tight and close But on the way home, they lost the most ⸻ [ENSEMBLE – whispered, rhythmic tension] They looked to the left They looked to the right One day’s gone Now two days’ flight No son in the crowd No sandals near The boy they raised Had disappeared ⸻ [MARY – firm, urgent rhythm] Have you seen my son? He’s small but wise With olive skin and quiet eyes He listens deep, he speaks with care— He’s not the kind to disappear We searched three days, through dust and heat Through every alley, every street And where do we find him? Calm as breath Sitting in the temple like he escaped death ⸻ [JOSEPH – over beat, anxious tone] We were scared, boy—do you understand? This world ain’t safe—this wasn’t planned You’re twelve. You’re still our little man Why would you leave without our hand? ⸻ [YOUNG JESUS – slow, clear, beat drops soft] Why were you searching? Why the fear? Didn’t you know I had to be here? In my Father’s house—I’m not lost I’m learning truth, no matter the cost They asked, I answered—they questioned, I spoke The scrolls are open, the fire woke You raised me up with hands and heart But Abba’s calling set me apart ⸻ [TEACHERS / SCHOLARS – ensemble, staggered lines over rising beat] “Who is this child?” “His questions astound.” “His wisdom’s wild.” “His depth profound.” “He quotes the law with no delay.” “He speaks like he was born this way.” “The child is learning, sure and fast— Like he’s remembering, not just asked.” ⸻ [MARY – soft, conflicted] My son… I don’t yet know your path But you hold a weight I cannot grasp You grew within, you grew beside But now I see—you’ll stretch wide ⸻ [NARRATOR – closing lines, beat slow fade] He returned to Naz’reth, under their care Grew in wisdom, grace, beyond compare And Mary kept each word inside Like folded cloth, she’d one day find The boy they thought was just their own Was tuning his heart to a greater throne