Study Desk

"Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?" But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!"

They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself!

But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside.

but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

But when she told them that Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn't believe her.

They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them.

Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.

But the angel said, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.

But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time."

Mary asked the angel, "But how can this happen? I am a virgin."

What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month.

But Elizabeth said, "No! His name is John!"

but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby's mother, "This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.

Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first,

because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.

"But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"