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More Bible Stories
The Presentation In The Temple
The Jewish law required each child to be presented to the Lord, and each mother to be purified forty days after childbirth. In order to fulfill the law, the Holy Family journeyed to Jerusalem for these ceremonies. Being poor, Joseph was able to offer only a pair of doves for Mary's purification. The presentation of the child was a simple ceremony. Simeon had come to the temple were the ceremony was taking place. God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. He immediately recognized Jesus as the Saviour. Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms, and prophesied that Christ would be the salvation of all people, Jews and gentiles alike. Simeon also foretold Christ's rejection, and the sorrow that would pierce Mary's soul. In the temple, Anna, an aged prophetess, came to the child and praised God before all who were present; for she, too, recognized Jesus as the true Messiah.
Christ Among The Doctors
Every good Israelite, in Bible times, went to Jerusalem once a year to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old,Joseph and Mary brought Him with them, from Nazareth to Jerusalem. When the Feast was over, the caravan of Mary and Joseph departed for Nazareth. After traveling the first day's journey, Joseph and Mary became aware that Jesus was missing! Greatly alarmed, they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him. After a long, hard search they found Jesus in the temple. He was sitting among the doctors of law, taking an active part in the discussion, and amazing the learned doctors with the knowledge and wisdom of His questions and answers. Astonished, by the whole incident, Mary gently ask her son, "Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have worried, and looked long for you." Jesus replied, "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" Mary and Joseph did not understand the meaning of Jesus words. But Mary kept all these things in her heart.