New Testament Stories

Presentation of the Baby Jesus in the Temple

And When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.  Luke 2:22

                             When Jesus was a month old, they took him to the temple in Jerusalem, to be presented to God. They brought a sacrifice of two pigeons as thanks for their son. They did this to keep the law of Israel.

       There was an old man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was wise and good. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would see God's Christ, or Messiah, before he died. 

     On the day that Mary and Joseph had brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon had met them inside. He took the baby in his arms, blessed God, and said, "Lord, you have set your servant free to go in peace as you have promised. My eyes have seen the Savior, Whom you have given for all people. A light for all nations, and the glory of your people Israel."

      There was also in the temple a woman prophet named Anna. She was eighty-four years old and spent everyday at the temple, praying and worshipping. She was coming into the temple just when Mary and Joseph was there. She gave thanks to God and talked about Jesus to everyone who was waiting for Jerusalem's freedom. 

     After Mary and Joseph had done everything according to the law of Israel, they left Jerusalem and went to their home.