37
Then her husband died, and she was a widow for eighty-four years. Anna never left the Temple but worshiped God, going without food and praying day and night.
38
Standing there at that time, she thanked God and spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.
39
When Joseph and Mary had done everything the law of the Lord commanded, they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee.
40
The little child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's goodness was upon him.
41
Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast.
42
When he was twelve years old, they went to the feast as they always did.
43
After the feast days were over, they started home. The boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.
44
Thinking that Jesus was with them in the group, they traveled for a whole day. Then they began to look for him among their family and friends.
45
When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him there.
46
After three days they found Jesus sitting in the Temple with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47
All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and answers.