Luke 2:25-47
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him.(A) 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.[a](B) 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon[b] came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law,(C) 28 Simeon[c] took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,(D)
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,(E)
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”(F)
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed(G) 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,(H) 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.(I) 38 At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child[d] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.(J)
The Return to Nazareth
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.(K) 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.(L)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover.(M) 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. 43 When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of this. 44 Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.(N)
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