The Son of Man E-Book

Kari B Lilja

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 326

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

Jesus of Nazareth is the most influential historical person. He was about thirty years old. He was active for no more than about three years. He never went abroad, and spoke no foreign languages. Neither he nor his followers conquered any towns or countries. He wrote no books. Despite all this, he is thought to have approximately two billion followers today. Jesus of Nazareth is known through four different gospel texts. We are talking about text that has had the largest impact on the world. After about 2,000 years, this text deserves to be published as a unified narrative. Now these four gospels have been combined into one story that regardless includes all the descriptions from the various gospels. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John recount together the recorded events of that time. The unified narrative will provide a new viewpoint to this old text.

Leseprobe

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Matt. 13:16

And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:9

To The Reader

THE gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus, Son of God. The gospels are the core texts of the Bible and of Christianity. The Old Testament foretells of the events of the gospels and texts written later explain them. The gospels are the core of Christianity.

All the different dogmas, denominations and traditions of Christianity have evolved on and around these texts during many centuries. The texts are an essential part of western cultural inheritance.

The gospels have sometimes been thought to contradict each other. However, if four people were asked to describe something that happened a few decades ago, all narrators would emphasise different things and they wouldn’t remember things exactly the same way. The gospels are, however, strikingly similar.

The teachings of Jesus create the moral foundation and backbone of the western culture. It is true that they have not always been observed, but the spiritual state of an individual or a society can be weighed against them. The biggest influence of the gospels on Christianity is likely how they tell how Jesus overcame death. He was executed in a cruel fashion by crucifixion, the common Roman punishment of the time. It is said that after three days he rose from the dead and appeared in front of his followers. This leads to the idea that death is not final.

Death is one of the few things that all people agree on – we will all die. It is nice to think that maybe your whole life isn’t over after all. It will continue and maybe take another form. A person is ultimately powerless before these matters, but thinking that life goes on is nicer than the idea of a final death. Even if one’s religion is irreligiousness, there is only room for belief and hope and nothing is for certain.

The gospels are fine stories and there is every reason to respect them as a part of the western cultural inheritance. Religious they become only if the reader believes them to be true.

A reasonable person will not question the basic teachings of the gospels that encourage people to love all others, be truthful, be unselfish, be humble, forgive others and to repent.

Without these teachings life would be loveless and false, selfish and proud and would be based more on revenge and bitterness than on forgiveness and thus people would not learn anything. This is often unfortunately true but humankind still has a long way to go. These are the things that determine the quality of life.

I have read the gospels with interest but it has always bothered me that it is difficult to keep in mind the other gospels when reading one. They tell about the same events, but because they’re written by different people in different words, it is difficult to comprehend the big picture.

I noted that often different narrators tell about the same things in an amazingly similar way. This led to the idea of combining the texts into one coherent story.

The time-line for the narrative comes from Matthew. Some parts of the gospel of Matthew have been replaced by stories from the other gospels and some parts have been added to the gospel. The principle was that the text that gives the most insight to a specific topic was chosen but so that the writers together tell what happened. All the stories are included in this text, but repetition has been avoided as much as possible. The titles come directly from the texts. Each text passage contains a reference to the Bible for easy comparison between the combined and the original text.

The narrative is easier to understand as a one whole text rather than as four separate ones. The texts fit together surprisingly well and as such they give us a new point of view to this old, most influential narrative.

Kari B Lilja

Contents

To The Reader

Initial chapter

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BABTIST

He had seen a vision in the temple

And the virgin’s name was Mary

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest

THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy

Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him

He shall be called a Nazarene

Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us?

THE EARLY ACTIVITY OF JESUS

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God

He is full of grace and truth

Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance

Thou art my beloved Son

The Lamb of God

Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God

Is not this Joseph’s son?

Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand

Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men

Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?

MIRACLES OF JESUS

Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast

Make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise

How can a man be born when he is old?

Give me to drink

Sir, give me this water

One soweth, and another reapeth

What new doctrine is this?

I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also

From henceforth thou shalt catch men

SERMON ON THE MOUNT

He taught them as one having authority

The Blessed

Ye are the salt of the earth

The law

Agree with thine adversary quickly

Thou shalt not commit adultery

I say unto you, Swear not at all

Be ye therefore perfect

When ye pray, use not vain repetitions

If ye forgive not men their trespasses

They have their reward

Where your treasure is?

Take no thought for your life

Judge not

Blessed be ye poor

Woe unto you that are rich!

Bless them that curse you

Forgive

Ye shall know them by their fruits

Every one that heareth these sayings of mine

I will: be thou clean

As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee

Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses

I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest

He must increase, but I must decrease

Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?

My name is Legion

Arise, and walk

I will have mercy, and not sacrifice

Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles

Take up thy bed, and walk?

I can of mine own self do nothing

Weep not

To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little

He went throughout every city and village

Who touched me?

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few

THE SENDING OF THE APOSTLES

He that receiveth you receiveth me

Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

I receive not honour from men

I send you forth as lambs among wolves

Your names are written in heaven

Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see

Go, and do thou likewise

Mary hath chosen that good part

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day

For he had healed many

Ask, and it shall be given you

He hath Beelzebub

The tree is known by his fruit

He that heareth, and doeth not

We would see a sign from thee

The unclean spirit

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it

Who is my mother?

Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

But he that denieth me before men

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself

For where your treasure is

Be ye therefore ready also

To whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth?

What is right?

Except ye repent

And if it bear fruit

Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity

JESUS TEACHES IN PARABLES

Behold, a sower went forth to sow

Blessed are your ears, for they hear

The parable of the sower

For there is nothing hid

The kingdom of heaven

Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field

Have ye understood all these things?

Friend, go up higher

A certain man made a great supper

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour?

JESUS IN GALILEE AND VICINITY

A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country

This is John the Baptist

How many loaves have ye?

O thou of little faith

Lord, evermore give us this bread

I am that bread of life

It is the spirit that quickeneth

If any man will do his will

Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me

They be blind leaders of the blind

Great is thy faith

Ephphatha

How many loaves have ye?

A wicked and adulterous generation

Woe unto you, Pharisees!

Do ye not yet understand

And he cometh to Bethsaida

Whom say ye that I am?

Whosoever will save his life

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF JESUS

This is my beloved Son: hear him

O faithless generation

Let these sayings sink down into your ears

Lest we should offend them

Woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Forbid him not

Seventy times seven

O thou wicked servant

It came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up

Rejoice with me

A certain man had two sons

Where are those thine accusers?

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also

The truth shall make you free

If ye were blind, ye should have no sin

I am the door

I and my Father are one

Give an account of thy stewardship

The law and the prophets

If one went unto them from the dead

JOURNEY INTO JERUSALEM

They twain shall be one flesh?

Suffer little children to come unto me

Who then can be saved?

We are unprofitable servants

Were there not ten cleansed?

The kingdom of God is within you

The Son of man be in his day

Shall he find faith on the earth?

God be merciful to me a sinner

Go ye also into the vineyard

Lord, are there few that be saved?

Herod will kill thee

The third day he shall rise again

Ye shall drink indeed of my cup

Whosoever will be great

This day is salvation come to this house

Jesus had compassion on them

Lazarus, come forth

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard

JESUS IN JERUSALEM

Hosanna to the son of David

If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out

Ye have made it a den of thieves

If ye have faith, and doubt not

What authority doest thou these things?

What things soever ye desire, when ye pray

A certain man had two sons

The stone which the builders rejected

For many are called

Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s

He is not a God of the dead

The great commandment in the law?

Which is the first commandment of all?

What think ye of Christ?

SPEECH AGAINST THE PHARISEES

For one is your Master, even Christ

Ye fools and blind

Beware of the scribes

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem

She threw in two mites

JESUS TALKS ABOUT THE LAST TIMES

Take heed that no man deceive you

And then shall they see the Son of man coming

Take heed to yourselves

Lo, here is Christ

In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh

Watch therefore, for ye know neither

One he gave five talents

I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat

Father, glorify thy name

His commandment is life everlasting

Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people

They covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver

THE LAST SUPPER

They made ready the passover

Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

A new commandment I give unto you

This do in remembrance of me

If ye love me, keep my commandments

Whether is greater?

Before the cock crow

Lord, behold, here are two swords

I am the vine, ye are the branches

The Spirit of truth

Ask, and ye shall receive

I have glorified thee on the earth

JESUS’ AGONY AND DEATH

Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me

Lord, shall we smite with the sword?

I spake openly to the world

What need we any further witnesses?

I do not know the man

I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood

Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice

Let him be crucified

Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do

Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom

It is finished

The veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom

A bone of him shall not be broken

Go your way, make it as sure as ye can

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

He is not here: for he is risen

Did not our heart burn within us

Ye are witnesses of these things

Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed

Feed my sheep

Follow thou me

I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

Initial chapter

FORASMUCH as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Luke 1:1-4

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BABTIST

He had seen a vision in the temple

THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, 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.

Luke 1:5-25

And the virgin’s name was Mary

AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible.

And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

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.

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.

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Luke 1:26-56

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest

NOW Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.

And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.

And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.

And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.

And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; as he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Luke 1:57-80

THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

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.

Matt. 1:1-17

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise

WHEN as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Matt. 1:18:25

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy

AND it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

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 Judaea, 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.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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.

Luke 2:1-20

Where is he that is born King of the Jews?

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

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.

Matt. 2:1-12

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him

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.

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

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.

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.

Luke 2:21-38

He shall be called a Nazarene

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.

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.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.

And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

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.

Matt. 2:13-23

Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us?

AND the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

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.

Luke 2:40-52

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the