Immerse: Messiah - Flipbook - Page 20
8
IMMERSE
•
MESSIAH
2:28-48
Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child
in his arms and praised God, saying,
“Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
I have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared for all people.
He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then
Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child
is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has
been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the
deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce
your very soul.”
Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of
Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died
when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow
to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day
and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as
Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God.
She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly
for God to rescue Jerusalem.
When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the
Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew
up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was
on him.
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.
When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual.
After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus
stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because
they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show
up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and
friends.
When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for
him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions.
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him,
“why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”
