The life of Jesus up to the age of 12

PER005 Mary's visit to Elizabeth

Mary's visit to Elizabeth, recounted in the Gospel of Luke, highlights Mary's faith and the prophetic importance of this event in the fulfilment of Scripture. The article explores the historical and theological context of this encounter.

Luke 1.39-45 (King James Version) :

And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER003 Announcement of the birth of John the Baptist

This article describes the announcement of John the Baptist's birth, recounted exclusively in the Gospel of Luke, highlighting the attention to historical detail and John's prophetic significance as the forerunner of Jesus.

Luke 1.5-25 (King James Version) :

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course,According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple.And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER004 Announcement of the birth of Jesus the Messiah

The article discusses the announcement of Jesus' birth by the angel Gabriel to Mary in the Gospel of Luke, emphasising his conception through the Holy Spirit. It also explores the prophetic and family contexts surrounding this major event in Christianity.

Daniel 8.6 (King James Version) :

And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER012 The journey to Bethlehem

Joseph and Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census, foretold to coincide with the Messiah's birth. Despite Mary's advanced pregnancy, the couple cover 137 km, with the journey planned for the Feast of Tabernacles. Luke is the only biblical author to document this journey. After the arduous trip, Mary goes into labour, bringing their arrival into line with the prophecies.

Luke 2.3-5 (King James Version) :

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER006 Mary's praise, or the Magnificat

This article examines Mary's Magnificat, a hymn of praise in which she expresses her gratitude to God, acknowledging her role in the plan of redemption. An analysis of Luke 1:46-55.

Luke 1.46-55 (King James Version) :

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER014 The genealogy or genealogies

The article examines Jesus' genealogies in Matthew and Luke, reflecting both his royal lineage through Joseph and his humanity through Mary. These complementary accounts emphasise Jesus' divine and human duality, reinforcing his messianic legitimacy.

Matthew 1.1-17 (King James Version) :

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER022 Joseph's second dream

The article discusses Joseph's second dream, recounted in Matthew (Mt 2:13-15), in which an angel orders him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. It highlights divine protection and Joseph's crucial role, examining differences between Matthew and Luke and offering historical and theological insights.

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The life of Jesus up to the age of 12

Episodes 1 to 10

Episodes 11 to 14