Luke 2:27-52 ▼

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and, when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, that they might do concerning Him according to the custom of the law,

28 he received Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Now Thou releasest Thy servant in peace, Lord, according to Thy word;

30 because my eyes saw Thy Salvation,

31 Which Thou didst prepare before the face of all peoples;

32 a Light for a revelation to the nations, and for a glory of Thy people Israel."

33 And His father and mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning Him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, This Child is set for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against,

35 (and a sword shall pierce through your own soul); that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

36 And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, (she was far advanced in days, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

37 and she had been a widow as much as eighty-four years), who departed not from the temple, serving with fastings and supplications night and day.

38 And, coming up at that very hour, she was making confession to God, and was speaking concerning Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 And, when they accomplished all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

40 And the Child was growing, and was becoming strong, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

41 And His parents used to go annually to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.

42 And, when He became twelve years old, they, going up according to the custom of the feast,

43 and having completed the days, as they were returning, the Boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and His parents knew it not;

44 but, supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day's journey; and they were seeking Him among their kindred and acquaintances;

45 and, not finding Him , they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

46 And it came to pass that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

48 And, seeing Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Child, why didst Thou treat us thus? Behold, Thy father and I were seeking Thee, sorrowing!"

49 And He said to them, "Why were ye seeking Me? Did ye not know that I must be in My Father's business?"

50 And they understood not the saying that He spake to them.

51 And He went down with them, and came into Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus kept advancing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.