Luke 2:28-52 ▼

28 Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

31 which You have prepared in the sight of all people,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel.”

33 And Joseph and the Child’s mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him.

34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your soul as well.”

36 There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years,

37 and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

38 Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.

41 Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.

43 When those days were over and they were returning home, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but Joseph and His mother were unaware He had stayed.

44 Assuming He was in their company, they traveled on for a day before they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends.

45 When they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.

46 Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

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

48 When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

49 “Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”

50 But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.

51 Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.