Simeon Sees Jesus

²⁵A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He was a good man that truly worshiped God. Simeon was waiting for the time when God would come to help Israel (the Jews). The Holy Spirit* was in him. ²⁶The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Christ* from the Lord (God). ²⁷The Spirit led Simeon to the temple.* Mary and Joseph went to the temple to do what the Jewish law said they must do. They brought the baby Jesus to the temple. ²⁸Simeon held the baby in his arms and thanked God: ²⁹"Now, Lord (God), you can let me, your servant, die in peace like you said. ³⁰I have seen your Salvation* with my own eyes. ³¹You prepared him (Jesus) before all people. ³²He (Jesus) is a light to show your way to the non-Jewish people. He will bring honor to your people, Israel (the Jews)." ³³Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, "Many Jews will fall and many will rise because of this boy. He will be a sign (proof) from God that some people will not accept. ³⁵The things that people think in secret will be made known. The things that will happen will make your heart very sad."

Anna Sees Jesus

³⁶Anna, a prophetess,* was there at the temple.* She was from the family of Phanuel in the Asher family group. Anna was very old. She had been married for seven years. ³⁷Then her husband died and she lived alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting* and praying day and night. ³⁸Anna was standing there at that same time, thanking God. She talked about Jesus to all people who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.

Joseph and Mary Return Home

³⁹Joseph and Mary finished doing all the things that the law of the Lord commanded. Then they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee. ⁴⁰The little boy (Jesus) was growing. He became stronger and wiser. God's blessings were with him.

Jesus As a Boy

⁴¹Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover* festival. ⁴²When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the feast like they always did. ⁴³When the feast days were finished, they went home. But the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know about it. ⁴⁴Joseph and Mary traveled for a whole day. They thought that Jesus was with them in the group. They began to look for him among their family and close friends. ⁴⁵But Joseph and Mary did not find Jesus in the group. So they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there. ⁴⁶After three days they found him. Jesus was sitting in the temple* area with the religious teachers, listening and asking them questions. ⁴⁷Everyone heard him. They were amazed at his understanding and wise answers. ⁴⁸When Jesus' parents saw him, they were amazed. His mother said to him, "Son, why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you." ⁴⁹Jesus said to them, "Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be where my Father's (God's) work is!" ⁵⁰But they did not understand the meaning of what he said to them. ⁵¹Jesus went with them to Nazareth. He obeyed everything his parents said. His mother was still thinking about all these things. ⁵²Jesus continued to learn more and more. He grew taller. People liked Jesus, and he pleased God.

Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Salvation The name Jesus means "salvation." prophetess A woman who spoke for God. fasting Living without food for a time of prayer or mourning. Passover An important Jewish holy day. The Jews ate a special meal on this day every year to remember that God freed them from slavery in Egypt in the time of Moses.