We Found Jesus--in the Temple Talking with Rabbis. He Was Only a Boy.

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Joseph's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife is Mary, and we have a son named Jesus who was given to us by God. We have other children too.

Last time, I told you about our trip to Jerusalem for the Passover and for Jesus celebration from boyhood to manhood. During this celebration Jesus was asked questions by the Rabbis and priests, as is typical of all boys. I mean, I had to go through these questions as well back when I was a boy. This was a test to see that our young men had learned what they should have from the Scriptures.

After the week of Passover, we packed our things and left Jerusalem with all our relatives to go back to Nazareth. The large group had walked a day when I thought about Jesus. Since he was a man now, he should be riding up with the men instead of back with the children. I went back to look for him and didn't see him. I asked Mary where he was. She said she thought Jesus was with me.

That's when we panicked.

The uncles, aunts, cousins and every other relative searched for Jesus. When he couldn't be found, Mary and I left our family and walked back to Jerusalem.

"Joseph," Mary said. "By the time we get there Jesus will have been on his own for two days. He must be hungry and thirsty. Where did he sleep?"

I didn't know the answers, but I had a peace. "God is watching him, Mary. We can only do our best."

That next night we arrived back in Jerusalem before the city gates closed. We searched everywhere we could think. "Mary, we need to sleep somewhere tonight and begin searching again tomorrow."

"Joseph, I can't sleep. Not until I know where he is."

"He won't be in the streets. Everyone has gone in their homes. There isn't anyone to ask. We'll search again tomorrow."

So we found a place to sleep. But neither of us slept very well. The next morning we ran to the temple hoping to find him there. Maybe the priests took pity on him and gave him food and a place to sleep. 

The temple grounds were very big. We asked every person we saw if they'd seen him. Finally we found him in the temple courts. He was sitting with a crowd of people around him. He was asked questions and he answered them, surprising those listening with his answers.

Mary ran to him. "Jesus! Jesus!" He looked up at her. "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."

Jesus stepped away from the crowd and walked closer to her. "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

In truth, I didn't understand what he meant by that. "Time to go home, son."

Jesus said his goodbyes to the priests and walked with us as I asked. As we journeyed, I asked him what he and the priests talked about. He told me their questions and his answers. I had no idea he knew so much about the Scriptures.

Once we arrived home, Mary told me she treasured the conversation and thought about the questions from the priests and Jesus' answers.

In the years that followed, Jesus continued to show us his respect. He worked hard and learned so much. Actually, I often wondered how he simply knew things. I've seen this child that God has given us grow from an infant to a young man and can witness that he grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.


Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

We've Lost Jesus!

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Joseph's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife is Mary, and we have a son named Jesus who was given to us by God. We have other children too.

Each year, I take my family and join our other relatives for the annual trip to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Passover.

Jesus is twelve years old this time. It is the custom of the Jews to have a celebration for a boy turning into a man at his birthday. A ceremony is held for the family. We sing, eat, laugh, and celebrate the man who was a boy. Then, the boy must answer questions from the Rabbis. 

Between Mary's relatives and mine, our family has become quite large. We pack enough to last several days then meet our relatives for the long walk through the mountain passes toward Jerusalem. 

I've noticed that this is the week of the Passover Feast for you as well. How fitting that my story is being told at this very time! God be praised.

When we travel, the men go first. There are so many of us, we have plenty to talk about as we walk. There are a lot of political issues, ways to do this and ways to do that, all must be discussed over and over because I may think this way but my cousin thinks another. Actually, I think he is wrong and should listen to what I say.

The women ride with the children in the carts. I can hear them talking and laughing at times. These family times are so important to us.

Photo by Mary Vee A Bar Mitzvah
held at the top of Masada

When at last we reach Jerusalem, we go about the usual Feast requirements. We offer sacrifices, at the Temple, make our food, hold the ceremony for Jesus who was soon to be proclaimed a man. The week flies by before I realize it. And when the week ends, we pack to go home.

With all the family there, the children play with one another and ride with cousins. This is nothing new. I ride in the front with the other men, and Mary rides with the women and children. 

The day is about near to the end, and we've planned to camp. I start thinking that Jesus should be riding up front with the men. After all, he had his celebration. He no longer should be with the children. I pull away from my cousins, saying, "I'll be right back." I turn back to the wagon that Mary would have ridden in and ask for Jesus to come join me up with the men.

She looks at me like I've asked for some rare jewel. She says, "Because he is now a man, I thought he was with you already, Joseph. I haven't seen him."

"He isn't up with the men."

She holds her hands to her face. "Joseph, we need to search the caravan."  

I hurry to the front of the line and ask the men to stop. "Jesus is missing."

Each family searches the entire caravan. Jesus is nowhere to be found. I rush back to Mary.

She is frantic. "What should we do?"

"We have to go back to Jerusalem and find him," I say. "He'll be all right." This is one of those moments when I wish an angel would visit me and tell me what to do. But none do this time. I have to figure this one out and believe God will show me what to do.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

Nazareth: Tucked in the Hills and Far From the Lime Light

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2
Luke 2

From Matthew's Notes

My name is Joseph. My wife, Mary, and I have returned to Nazareth. This is home. This is where our family is. Hah, everyone was so happy to see little Jesus. I must admit, I'm pretty proud of him too.

I'm not a big city guy, that's why Nazareth is the perfect place to live. The town is tucked between to large hills, eh, you may call them mountains. It's not near a road well traveled. There are some Israelites who have never been here, and I can understand why. There is nothing but a community living their lives.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

As a carpenter, I need work which sometimes takes me out of my small town. There is a wealthy city called Sipphori on the hill. And I mean wealthy.

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

My work has stretch beyond working with wood to other types of construction. On the floors, I've placed mosaic tiles. The decorative ones are usually placed in the sitting room where guests are entertained. Guests would sit on the floor around the edge and comment on the patterns and images in the tile after a meal. 



The people who live here, though want to please everyone. There goal is to get along with anyone, any politics, any religion. This has both good and bad. First, they never make a commitment. All they want is to do is have fun and live their lives without harm. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

So, I could freely talk about the Almighty and practice my Jewish ways there and not be bothered. 

They also let the Greeks sacrifice pigs in temples to Zeus. Romans sacrifice as they want. Those who wish to worship trees or any other object. Many of the people living here were Jews who did not stay true to their faith. Some came here to impress the Romans and to gain power. 

Photo by Mary Vee
Sepphori, Israel

I bring my son Jesus to help me. He works along my side, building, crafting, setting, sanding, whatever is needed. In truth, seeing him with me makes the day go by quickly. I know God has an important plan for Jesus. He told me so. At least for now, Jesus is by my side.

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

My research in Israel.

The Great Escape

By Mary Vee
Matthew 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

My name is Joseph, my wife is Mary. I would have never expected the guests who visited us today to come to our home. 

Several men who, by their clothing and language, traveled from the east. They said they'd seen a star in the night sky. One that, through their studies led them to understand a king had been born. The star led them to our home.

They wanted to see Jesus. They had gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The conversation amazed me. These men did not worship God. 

An angel hadn't spoken to them like one who visited me in a dream or like the one who visited the shepherds telling them to come see Jesus. All these men knew they'd figured out from writings, the night sky, and their conversations.

I went outside with them. They showed me the stars and the one bright one over our home. They told me how they'd come to their conclusion that Jesus was the one born to be king of the Jews."

After they left, Mary and I talked about their visit for a while. She then put Jesus down to sleep. 

During the night, I had a dream. An angel spoke to me. He sounded concerned. He said, "Hurry, get up now. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."

I awoke instantly. Wide awake as if I'd slept all night. I woke Mary. "We have to leave."

She climbed out from her blankets. "What's wrong?"

"An angel spoke to me in my dream. He said we need to leave right away. Herod is searching for the child and wants to kill him. Hurry. We are to go to Egypt."

We packed only what we'd need and left the house. 

She didn't look back, or try to leave messages. We didn't tell anyone what we were doing. The child didn't make a sound while we walked in the city. We simply left in the dark of the night with Jesus asleep in her arms and travelled to Egypt.

The journey was not difficult. No one chased after us. We found a wonderful home to live in and made our lives in Egypt, planning to stay as long as God wanted us to and knowing He would let us know when we should go back home.

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

Anna's Reward

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy-Concordia Lutheran Conference

My name is Anna. I am a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. 

I am not a young woman, by no means. My eyes don't see as well as they used to but I can still walk.

I was married when a young woman. Very young. My husband died after seven years of marriage. Eighty four years have passed since his death. You've probably done the math and realized I am about 105 years old.

God has blessed me over the years. The greatest blessing came on this day I'm about to tell you. 

I was in the Temple day and night. I found my comfort fasting and praying from sun up through the night to sun up the next morning. On this day, I had just given thanks to God for His blessings and care and went walking about the Temple. 

There were men and women in the Temple court. I really enjoyed walking up to them and starting conversations. I didn't know if some happened to be lonely, needed an uplifting word or some advise. I learned about the needs of many people this way. These were the people I talked with God about during the night hours. My life couldn't have been better. 

Perhaps it was because of my constant time in the Temple that God allowed me to be in the same place as Mary and Joseph when they presented their baby whose name was Jesus. Being there, and quickly understanding who this baby was, I couldn't help but give thanks to God out loud for this child who had come to save the world. I told every person I saw about the boy Jesus who had been brought to the Temple. "He is the one will redeem us!"

Those in the Temple listened with great interest because Israel desperately needed to be redeemed. What only some understood was that this baby IS the Messiah He IS God's son.

Thanks be to God. He has not only given me long life, but guided my steps to be in this place at this time to see His son, the Messiah and be able to tell others what I witnessed.


Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

Simeon's Last Wish

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy-Concordia Lutheran Conference

My name is Joseph. Eight days have passed since Mary had her baby. We didn't have much to offer the child more than love. This child was a special one, a baby sent from God. 

Both Mary and I had been told by God's messengers, the angels, that she would have a baby and we were to call him Jesus.

As is tradition when a boy baby is born, we took the baby to the Temple to offer the purification sacrifices as is told in the Law of Moses. I was to bring a pair of doves or two young pigeons. The baby's name would also be recorded at that time.

Mary held the little one, and he laid quietly in her arms.

While at the temple we saw Simeon. I knew of him, he was a righteous and devout man of God. Simeon was old and sat at the Temple waiting for the nation Israel to be consoled. As we walked into the temple courts, I saw him walking too. 

The elderly man moved slowly toward us. It seemed he wanted to speak with us, and I was right. When he came near he said, "If I may, please let me hold the child."

Mary gently handed Jesus to him.

He looked at the child's eyes and smiled in such a loving way. "The Holy Spirit told me that I would not die before I had seen the Lord's Christ." A tear slipped from his eye and he sighed.  "Sovereign Lord," he looked up to the sky, "as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

I didn't know what to say. I though about what the angel said to me and what Mary said the angel said to her. Now Simeon said the message again. This little boy is the Christ, the one who was to come and save us. Jesus is the one.

Simeon looked up at Mary who stood next to me. He said, "This child will bring the falling and rising of many in Israel. He will be a sign that will be spoken against. The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. A sword will pierce your own soul too."

He swallowed and closed his eyes for a moment. He handed Jesus back to Mary then placed a wrinkled hand softly on the boy's head.

God has sent His Son, and He lay in Mary's arms. 

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

We Searched for The Baby in the Manger

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes of the Shepherds

Photo courtesy

The most amazing visitor came to our camp a short time ago. I am a shepherd and several other men work with me.

Not far from Bethlehem, we finished our day's work. We corralled the sheep and sat around talking. Sometimes we sang. We didn't carry a tune well, but the sheep liked it.

The stars were really bright and the sky black. Once the night fire blazed an amazing visitor arrived. It was an angel!

I told the story of what the angel said to us last time, you can scroll down and read what happened. I will never forget this visitor.

Anyway, I am walking, a bit out of breath while telling you this story. The other shepherds and I are walking down a hill. No I'm not out of shape. I'm out of breath because of my excitement. The angel told us to visit a very special person.

The angel said a baby had been born tonight. There might have been more than one baby born this evening but not many in Bethlehem. That will narrow the search. The angel also said the baby had been wrapped in swaddling clothes and was laying in a manger. 

Any baby born tonight will be in swaddling clothes. That is a cloth wrapped around the baby to make if feel secure and keep it warm. 

The big clue will be the manger. Babies are usually born at home, in a house. The only way this baby was in a manger would be if the mother was not at home. So she is one of the travelers for the census.

Second this traveling mother would have had her baby in an inn had they arrived in time to get a room. So the next clue is she is someone who arrived this evening. Now we should be able to find this very special baby.

You might wonder, why would a group of shepherds leave the comforts of the open air, on a hill, and walk into the craziness that goes on in the city? All my life I'd heard about the Messiah that would come some day. I and my brothers have looked forward to that day. The the angel said this newborn baby was not just any baby. This baby is the Messiah, Christ, the Lord.

Once the angels left us, the other shepherds and I said to each other, "Let's go down to Bethlehem and see the baby which the Lord told us about."

We hurried through the streets, knocking on every inn along the way asking, "Was a baby born here tonight?" The innkeepers thought we were crazy and they wrinkled up their noses saying we smelled. Okay, so we were shepherds, we couldn't help it.

Finally, one innkeeper answered, "A man and wife arrived a little bit ago. The woman was in labor. I sent them to the stables. You can find them there."

We hurried around the back to a cave-like stable. Hardly a place to give birth. There in the trough, where the animals eat, was a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. The mother and father looked at us. "An angel came appeared a little while ago and told us a baby had been born in the city of David. The baby is the Savior. He is Christ the Lord. The angel said we could find him wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger." 

We knelt at the manger and praised God. The mother said her name was Mary and the father said his name was Joseph. To think, I was looking at the Messiah. We spoke softly like we do to our sheep, so not to wake the little one.

After our visit we hurried through the streets telling everyone what we had seen and heard that night. The angel who visited us on the hill. The angel's message. The thousands of angels who came and sang praises to God. The baby who is Christ the Lord.

I and the other shepherds returned to the sheep singing, laughing, and praising God for all the things we had heard and seen. 

The sheep were safe and all there.

Everything was just as the angel said it would be. 

And my heart is racing for joy.

The Messiah is here.

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

It Was A Dark and Clear Night. One We'd Never Forget

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy

Not far from Bethlehem, I and my shepherd friends finished our day's work. We corralled the sheep and sat around talking. Sometimes we sang. We didn't carry a tune well, but the sheep like it.

The stars were really bright that night. I remember noticing one in particular. 

We built a fire to keep warm and to keep the wild animals away from the sheep. Usually we took turns keeping watch at night, but it wasn't late enough to go to sleep. 

I took a few steps away from the fire and looked at the city below. It was Bethlehem. I didn't understand how people could live in cities when they could sleep under the stars.

I walked back to the fire and sat with the other shepherds. 

Suddenly a bright light appeared in the sky. It was a bright glowing light. I didn't know what it was. My friends and I stumbled back in fright. We fell over each other not knowing what to do. It took me a moment to realize this glow I saw was the figure of an angel. "Don't be afraid," the angel said. "I have good news that will bring great joy for all people."

None of us had ever seen an angel before. We huddled together, trying to understand what was happening. 

The angel said, "Today in the city of David, a Savior has been born. He is the Christ, the Lord. This is the sign you will need to look for: There is a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

We had barely handled the one angel talking to us when the whole sky lit up. Thousands of angels appeared in the sky singing. I listened closer. They were singing praises to God. 

"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth, peace to men in whom he is well pleased."

My breath caught in my chest. This was a night I would never, ever, ever forget. The singing was like a perfect choir. Harmony. Melody. Masterful singing. The voices rang, echoing on the hillside. 

Never, in all my life did I imagine I would see an angel much less hear thousands singing praises to God.

Well, I won't be sleeping tonight. We have a special baby to visit.

Come back for the next story.

*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org