← Birth and childhood of Jesus (Nativity)

Childhood of Jesus

  • PER009 Mary's return to Nazareth

    The article examines Mary's return to Nazareth after visiting Elizabeth. Familiar with the prophecies, Mary witnesses John's birth, confirming his future role in God's plan. She returns with her family after the Passover pilgrimage.

    Micah 5.2 (King James Version) :
    But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER015 The visit of the shepherds

    Recounted only by Luke (Luke 2:8-20), this episode describes the Bethlehem shepherds' visit to the infant Jesus, guided by a radiant angelic apparition on the night of 13 October -2 BC. The sole witnesses of this heavenly revelation, they leave their flocks to behold the Messiah. Their visit comforts Mary and Joseph, far from their families. In a first act of evangelisation, the shepherds return glorifying God and testifying to what they have seen.

    Luke 2.8-20 (King James Version) :
    And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER016 The circumcision of the infant Jesus

    Luke 2.21 recounts the circumcision of the infant Jesus, eight days after his birth in Bethlehem. In accordance with Mosaic law, Joseph and Mary have the child circumcised and name him Jesus, as announced by the angel Gabriel. This Hebrew name (Yehoshua) means ‘the Eternal is salvation’. Luke alone recounts this episode, emphasising the Messiah's humanity and his roots in Jewish tradition.

    Luke 2.21 (King James Version) :
    And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER021 The infant Jesus worshipped by the Magi

    The article discusses the worship of Jesus by the Magi, foreign sages guided by a star to Bethlehem. They recognise Jesus' divine kingship and offer gifts despite the modest conditions of his birthplace. This account highlights the universality of recognising Jesus as king and the spiritual awakening of the Magi, warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

    Matthew 2.9-12 (King James Version) :
    When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    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
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER026 Joseph's fourth and final dream

    Joseph receives divine instructions in a dream, leading him to return to Nazareth with his family rather than Bethlehem. Matthew emphasises that this decision fulfils the prophecy that Jesus will be called a Nazarene.

    Matthew 2.22-23 (King James Version) :
    But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate