Luke 2:36-52 ▼

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity:

37 and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, and she departed not from the temple, but served, day and night, with fastings and prayers.

38 And she came in at that hour, and gave thanks to Lord, and spoke of him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

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

40 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him.

41 And his parents went up every year to Jerusalem, at the feast of passover.

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

43 And when they had kept the full number of days, and had set out to return, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew it not.

44 But supposing that he was in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him among their relatives and acquaintance;

45 and not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.

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

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding, and his answers.

48 And when they saw him they were amazed. And his mother said to him: Child, why have you acted thus toward us? Be hold, your father and I have sought for you in sorrow.

49 And he said to them: Why did you seek for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?

50 And they did not understand the words which he spoke to them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

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