Luke 2:27-52 ▼

27 by the divine direction he came into the temple, just as the parents of Jesus were bringing in the child to perform what the law required in his behalf.

28 then he took him up in his arms, and returned thanks to God in these words, "now,

29 Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise.

30 for mine eyes have beheld the saviour,

31 whom thou hast provided for all mankind, a light to lighten the Gentiles,

32 and the glory of thy people Israel."

33 Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprized to hear such things pronounc'd concerning him.

34 then Simeon gave them his benediction, and said to Mary his mother, "the child you now see, shall occasion many in Israel to fall and rise again; he will be the Object of calumny,

35 which like a dart will pierce even thro' your own soul, that thereby the sincerity of many may be revealed."

36 There was likewise one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was of a great age, and had liv'd in a married state but seven years ever since she was a virgin:

37 being then a widow of about fourscore and four years old: she was assiduously in the temple, night and day religiously employ'd in fastings and prayers:

38 and happening to come in just at the same time, she likewise express'd her thanks to the lord, and spoke of Jesus to all those, who expected deliverance in Jerusalem.

39 and when they had performed every thing required by the divine law, they returned into Galilee, to Nazareth their city.

40 and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour.

41 Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the paschal feast.

42 when Jesus therefore was twelve years old they went thither, as was customary at the time of that festival.

43 when that was expired, they returned, but the young Jesus staid behind in Jerusalem, without being miss'd either by Joseph or his Mother.

44 so that they went a whole day's journey, imagining he was somewhere among the company, and then they look'd for him among their relations and acquaintance; but not finding him,

45 they turn'd back to Jerusalem to enquire for him there.

46 three days after they found him in the temple, sitting near the doctors, attending to them and asking them questions.

47 and all that heard him were astonish'd at his understanding and answers.

48 when Joseph and his mother saw him, great was their surprize: and his mother said to him, son, why did you leave us thus? your father and I have been looking for you with great concern.

49 Jesus replied, why were ye so sollicitous about me? don't you know that 'tis my business to be in my father's house?

50 but they did not comprehend the meaning of that expression.

51 However Jesus went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them: and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

52 in the mean time Jesus increas'd in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.