35 So the secret thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that happen will be painful for you—like a sword cutting through your heart.”
36 Anna, a prophetess, was there at the Temple. She was from the family of Phanuel in the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. She had lived with her husband seven years
37 before he died and left her alone. She was now 84 years old. Anna was always at the Temple; she never left. She worshiped God by fasting and praying day and night.
38 Anna was there when Joseph and Mary came to the Temple. She praised God and talked about Jesus to all those who were waiting for God to free Jerusalem.
39 Joseph and Mary finished doing all the things that the law of the Lord commanded. Then they went home to Nazareth, their own town in Galilee.
40 The little boy Jesus was developing into a mature young man, full of wisdom. God was blessing him.
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival.