33Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, "This child is the reason that many people in Israel will be condemned and many others will be saved. He will be a sign that will expose 35the thoughts of those who reject him. And a sword will pierce your heart." 36Anna, a prophet, was also there. She was a descendant of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. Her husband had died seven years after they were married, 37and she had been a widow for 84 years. Anna never left the temple courtyard but worshiped day and night by fasting and praying. 38At that moment she came up to Mary and Joseph and began to thank God. She spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for Jerusalem to be set free. 39After doing everything the Lord's Teachings required, Joseph and Mary returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40The child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was with him. 41Every year Jesus' parents would go to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. 42When he was 12 years old, they went as usual. 43When the festival was over, they left for home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents didn't know it. 44They thought that he was with the others who were traveling with them. After traveling for a day, they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they didn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46Three days later, they found him in the temple courtyard. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. 47His understanding and his answers stunned everyone who heard him. 48When his parents saw him, they were shocked. His mother asked him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick looking for you!" 49Jesus said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you realize that I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they didn't understand what he meant. 51Then he returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52Jesus grew in wisdom and maturity. He gained favor from God and people.
| 
