* The two F.O.G. Bibles and Commentary below are currently a work in progress.
The Birth of Jesus
(Isaiah 7:10-16; Micah 5:1-6; Matthew 1:18-25)
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and Angels
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
The Prophecy of Simeon
25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
The Prophecy of Anna
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
(Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 2:19-23; Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30)
39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
King James Bible
Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.
The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)
1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David; 5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that she should give birth. 7 She brought forth her firstborn son, and she wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.”
15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough. 17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child. 18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
The Prophecy of Simeon
25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 “Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The Prophecy of Anna
36 There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
(Matthew 2:19–23)
39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” 49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
The Birth of Jesus
(Matthew 1:18–25)
1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. a 2 This was the first census to take place while b Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. 9 Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord! 12 And this will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men
on whom His favor rests!”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the Baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. 18 And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, which was just as the angel had told them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21 When the eight days until His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.
22 And when the time of purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord” c), 24 and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” d
The Prophecy of Simeon
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. e And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, 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 The Child’s father and 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.”
The Prophecy of Anna
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. f She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
38 Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
(Matthew 2:19–23)
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. g He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
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 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 His parents 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 h?” 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.
Footnotes:
1 a Or of the whole land or of the whole world
2 b Or This was the census before
23 c Exodus 13:2
24 d Leviticus 12:8
27 e Literally the temple ; also in verse 46
37 f Or was a widow for eighty-four years
40 g BYZ and TR became strong in spirit
49 h Or I had to be about My Father’s business
The Birth of Jesus
(Isaiah 7:10-16; Micah 5:1-6; Matthew 1:18-25)
1And it came to pass in those days, there went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world be enrolled -- 2this enrolment first came to pass when Cyrenius was governor of Syria -- 3and all were going to be enrolled, each to his proper city, 4and Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, that is called Bethlehem, because of his being of the house and family of David, 5to enrol himself with Mary his betrothed wife, being with child. 6And it came to pass, in their being there, the days were fulfilled for her bringing forth, 7and she brought forth her son -- the first-born, and wrapped him up, and laid him down in the manger, because there was not for them a place in the guest-chamber.
The Shepherds and Angels
8And there were shepherds in the same region, lodging in the field, and keeping the night-watches over their flock, 9and lo, a messenger of the Lord stood over them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they feared a great fear. 10And the messenger said to them, 'Fear not, for lo, I bring you good news of great joy, that shall be to all the people -- 11because there was born to you to-day a Saviour -- who is Christ the Lord -- in the city of David, 12and this is to you the sign: Ye shall find a babe wrapped up, lying in the manger.' 13And suddenly there came with the messenger a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying,
14'Glory in the highest to God, and upon earth peace, among men -- good will.'
15And it came to pass, when the messengers were gone away from them to the heavens, that the men, the shepherds, said unto one another, 'We may go over indeed unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that hath come to pass, that the Lord did make known to us.' 16And they came, having hasted, and found both Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger, 17and having seen, they made known abroad concerning the saying spoken to them concerning the child. 18And all who heard, did wonder concerning the things spoken by the shepherds unto them; 19and Mary was preserving all these things, pondering in her heart; 20and the shepherds turned back, glorifying and praising God, for all those things they heard and saw, as it was spoken unto them.
Jesus Presented at the Temple
21And when eight days were fulfilled to circumcise the child, then was his name called Jesus, having been so called by the messenger before his being conceived in the womb.
22And when the days of their purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present to the Lord, 23as it hath been written in the Law of the Lord, -- 'Every male opening a womb shall be called holy to the Lord,' 24and to give a sacrifice, according to that said in the Law of the Lord, 'A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.'
The Prophecy of Simeon
25And lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name is Simeon, and this man is righteous and devout, looking for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him, 26and it hath been divinely told him by the Holy Spirit -- not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord. 27And he came in the Spirit to the temple, and in the parents bringing in the child Jesus, for their doing according to the custom of the law regarding him, 28then he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and he said,
29'Now Thou dost send away Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word, in peace,
30because mine eyes did see Thy salvation,
31which Thou didst prepare before the face of all the peoples,
32a light to the uncovering of nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel.'
33And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him, 34and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, 'Lo, this one is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against -- 35(and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through) -- that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.'
The Prophecy of Anna
36And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was much advanced in days, having lived with an husband seven years from her virginity, 37and she is a widow of about eighty-four years, who did depart not from the temple, with fasts and supplications serving, night and day, 38and she, at that hour, having come in, was confessing, likewise, to the Lord, and was speaking concerning him, to all those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
(Isaiah 61:1-11; Matthew 2:19-23; Matthew 13:53-58; Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30)
39And when they finished all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they turned back to Galilee, to their city Nazareth; 40and the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41And his parents were going yearly to Jerusalem, at the feast of the passover, 42and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know, 44and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances, 45and not having found him, they turned back to Jerusalem seeking him. 46And it came to pass, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them, 47and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, 'Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.' 49And he said unto them, 'Why is it that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?' 50and they did not understand the saying that he spake to them, 51and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart,
52and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour with God and men.
The Favor of God Message paraphrase
The Birth of Jesus
¹ In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.
² (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
³ And everyone went to their own town to register.
⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,
⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
The Shepherds and the Angels
⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.
¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
¹⁷ When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,
¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Jesus Presented in the Temple
²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.
²² When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),
²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Simeon’s Prophecy
²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required,
²⁸ Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying:
²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised,
You may now dismiss Your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
³¹ which You have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.”
³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about Him.
³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising 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 own soul too.”
Anna’s Prophecy
³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
The Return to Nazareth
³⁹ When Joseph and Mary 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; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him.
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.
⁴² When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.
⁴³ After the festival was over, while His parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it.
⁴⁴ Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.
⁴⁵ When they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him.
⁴⁶ After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
⁴⁷ Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.
⁴⁸ When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for Me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?”
⁵⁰ But they did not understand what He was saying to them.
⁵¹ Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Footnotes:
2:7: Placing Jesus in a manger symbolizes His humility at birth, contrasting with the royal expectations of the Messiah.
2:11: The term “Messiah” here refers to the long-awaited deliverer of Israel, who is also identified as the Lord, a title of divinity.
2:14: The angels’ proclamation speaks of peace, but specifically to those who are receptive to God’s favor, not universally.
2:22: Purification rites after childbirth were part of Jewish law, showing Joseph and Mary’s obedience to the customs of their faith.
2:32: The “light for revelation to the Gentiles” indicates the broader mission of Jesus beyond Israel.
2:35: Simeon’s prophecy that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul foreshadows the suffering she will experience as Jesus’ mother.
2:46: Jesus’ interaction with the teachers at such a young age reveals His early wisdom and understanding, even as a child.
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