ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have questions like I had when I first knew the Jesus' Birth Story, perhaps today's blog will help.  "Did Joseph and Mary go to Egypt?  And how long did they stay?
 
First of all, they did go up to Jerusalem to the Temple where they had Jesus purified according to the Law of Moses.  (Luke 2:22)"They followed the law, as Jesus was not born to be above the law, but to fulfill the law."  And later, he fulfilled it perfectly.


While at the Temple, Joseph and Mary marveled at the attention their baby received. Simeon said Jesus was a gift from God and recognized Jesus as the Messiah, a light to the world.  Anna, a prophetess, spoke for God, proclaiming His truth and she, also, gave thanks to God for the babe who was to redeem Jerusalem.


The book of Luke tells us Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth where the child grew and became strong, wise, and wore the grace of God.  Between verses 38 and 39 there is a time lag. They are placed first in Jerusalem at the Temple to fulfill that law with Jesus in verse 38, and then in verse 39, they are returning to Galilee to their old town of Nazareth.  The verse 41 tells us they went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover every year.  The study portion for these verses tells us, "There was ample time for them to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's wrath, and return to Nazareth when it was safe to do so."


Luke also tells us that Jesus at age 12 was not in the company returning home from the Passover Week and was not missed for a whole day.  They began looking for him among other relatives and friends..  When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him there.  After three days, they found him in the temple courts sitting among the teachers, asking questions and listening.  At the time of the Passover, the greatest rabbis of the land assembled n the  courtyard to discuss the great truths of God.  The coming Messiah may have been discussed as it was a popular topic among the rabbis.  Jesus would have been eager to listen and ask probing questions that Mary and Joseph could not answer.


The teachers exclaimed at the depth of Jesus' wisdom. In verse 49, Jesus asked his parents, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"  Mary then knew--she had to let go of her child and let him become a man, God's Son, the Messiah.


Most of the information I have passed on to you today was found in the study portion of my wonderful Bible (mentioned long ago!).  It is The Life Application Study Bible, the New International Version.


Many people have a curiosity about the Book of Revelation.  Perhaps, the next blog I do  (watch for it in a few days) will give an explanation of John's Revelation from God--as soon as I have one myself!


As some say  in Minnesota--Yours till the cows come home!  (What?)


Jo INMN