Studies 1 to 7
← Birth and childhood of Jesus (Nativity)
Life of Jesus as a Child
-
PER018
The encounter with Simeon
The meeting between the Holy Family and Simeon at the Temple of Jerusalem, according to the Gospel of Luke, deepens Mary and Joseph's awareness of Jesus' divine mission.
Luke 2.25-35 (King James Version) :And, 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.And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.And 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,Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.And 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;(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER019
The encounter with Anna
The article explores the encounter between the prophetess Anna and Jesus at the Temple, emphasising her recognition of the Messiah and the spiritual impact of her testimony on Temple visitors, in connection with Jewish messianic expectations.
Luke 2.36-38 (King James Version) :And 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;And 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.And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER023
The stay in Egypt
The article explores the Holy Family's stay in Egypt, highlighting their biblical flight from Herod. Warned in a dream, Joseph leads a difficult journey of approximately 400–500 kilometres. The analysis covers practical matters, the Magi's contribution and the political context, although precise details of the stay remain uncertain.
Matthew 2.14-15 (King James Version) :When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER024
The massacre of the children in Bethlehem
The article explores Herod's massacre of the children in Bethlehem following the visit of the Magi, as described in Matthew 2:16–18. This account raises questions about the ignorance of the religious leaders and the impact of Herod’s decisions. It also addresses the tense political context of the time.
Matthew 2.16-18 (King James Version) :Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER025
Joseph's third dream
The article ‘PER025 - Joseph's third dream’ recounts a divine revelation in Matthew 2.13-15. Joseph receives the message that he may return from Egypt to Israel after Herod's death, highlighting the family and political dynamics of the return.
Matthew 2.13-15 (King James Version) :And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER027
The return to Nazareth
The article analyses Jesus' return to Nazareth, contrasting Matthew's and Luke's accounts and their distinct aims. Matthew, addressing Jews, mentions the stay in Egypt to highlight a prophecy, whereas Luke omits it, aiming instead at a non-Jewish audience.
Matthew 2.13-15 (King James Version) :And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
PER028
The twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple
This article discusses the event in Luke's Gospel in which twelve-year-old Jesus teaches in the Temple. It highlights the coexistence of his divine knowledge and human life, explaining his spiritual and physical growth. Luke and the Gospels omit his adolescent years, a choice intended to emphasise his ordinary divine journey.
Luke 2.41-52 (King James Version) :Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.And 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.But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.And 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.And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.And 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.And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
-
ANN016
The journey to Egypt
The article analyses the Holy Family's journey to Egypt according to Matthew, and its absence in Luke. It explores the theological and historical implications…