The purification of Mary 1 study
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth 2 studies
Birth and Childhood of Jesus
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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 -
PER013
The birth of Jesus the Messiah.
This article analyses Jesus' birth in relation to several biblical texts and historical elements, such as the festival of Sukkot and Herod's rule. It surveys the challenges Mary and Joseph faced during their stay in Bethlehem and the theological significance of this event.
Matthew 1.24 (King James Version) :Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
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
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ANN016
The journey to Egypt
The article analyses the Holy Family's journey to Egypt according to Matthew, and its absence in Luke. It explores the theological and historical implications…
The purification of Mary
This episode is part of the accounts of the childhood of Jesus as reported by the Gospels, and more particularly the Gospel of Luke. It describes the presentation of the child Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem and the fulfillment by Mary and Joseph of the rite of purification prescribed by the Mosaic law after childbirth. This act of obedience to the Torah reveals the deep piety of the family of Jesus and its roots in the Jewish tradition.
This episode helps us better understand the cultural and religious context in which Jesus grew up. It illustrates the religious practices and Jewish customs of the time, which are indispensable for grasping the full meaning of the Gospel accounts. It is also the occasion of striking prophetic encounters, notably with Simeon and Anna, who recognize in Jesus the expected Messiah.
For the reader, this episode is a valuable doorway into the deep links between Judaism and Christianity, between the fulfillment of ancient promises and the breaking in of a new revelation.
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PER017
The purification of Mary
The article discusses Mary's purification after Jesus' birth, a Jewish ritual observed by Joseph and Mary at the Temple of Jerusalem. This act of devotion and humility, recounted in Luke 2:22-24, demonstrates their faithfulness to the law of Moses despite their modest financial circumstances.
Leviticus 12.1-8 (King James Version) :And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:Noteof the first…: Heb. a son of his yearNoteshe be…: Heb. her hand find not sufficiency ofWho shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
This episode, reported by the evangelist Luke, tells of the meeting between Mary, who has just learned that she will bear the Son of God, and her cousin Elizabeth, pregnant with John the Baptist. This intimate and meaningful moment comes at the very beginning of the nativity accounts, at the crossroads of two miraculous stories announced by the angel Gabriel.
The scene lies at the heart of the context of the birth of Jesus and illustrates how two women, each bearing an extraordinary divine promise, recognize one another in faith. It is during this visit that Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims the blessing of Mary, and that the child leaps in her womb — the first sign of the coming ministry of John the Baptist.
This episode also gives rise to the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise, one of the most famous poetic texts of the New Testament. It offers valuable insight into the theology of Luke, his sensitivity to women, to the humble and to the fulfillment of prophecies, and is an ideal doorway for exploring all the accounts of the childhood of Jesus.
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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 -
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