Chapter I: Period of Preparation

This includes the events of 30 years, from the Birth of Jesus to his Baptism, and though the longest, contains the fewest recorded incidents of any. Upon the map are indicated by red lines four journeys of Jesus.

1. =The Presentation in the Temple.= (From Bethlehem to Jerusalem and return.) From Bethlehem, his birthplace, the infant Jesus, at the age of 40 days, was taken to Jerusalem, to be presented before the Lord in the Temple. Here he was recognized as the Messiah of Israel, by Simeon and Anna, and then was taken back to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:22-38.)

2. =The Flight into Egypt.= (From Bethlehem to Egypt.) After the visit of the Wise Men, the Saviour, still an infant, was taken down to Egypt, in order to escape the jealousy of Herod the Great. (Matt. 2:1-18.)

3. =The Settlement at Nazareth.= (From Egypt to Nazareth.) After the death of Herod, Jesus was taken from Egypt to Galilee, to the village of Nazareth, the early home of Joseph and Mary. Here he spent his youth. (Matt. 2:19-23.)

4. =The Visit to the Temple.= (From Nazareth to Jerusalem and return.) The only recorded event of the Saviour's youth, is his journey to Jerusalem, at the age of 12 years, to attend the Passover. On the return journey, he was lost by his parents, and after three days, found in the Temple (probably in the Court of the Women), conversing with the doctors of the law. He returned with Joseph and Mary to Nazareth (Luke 2:40-52), and thenceforth no events in his life for 18 years are related.

The places in this period are: (1.) Bethlehem, a village six miles southwest of Jerusalem, now _Beit-lahm_. (2.) The Temple in Jerusalem. (See plan on page 138.) (3.) Nazareth, a village on the border of the Plain of Esdraelon, in Galilee, now _en Nasireh_, a place of 6,000 population.

MAP 1.

PERIOD OF PREPARATION, FROM THE BIRTH TO THE BAPTISM.]

OUTLINE REVIEW OF JOURNEYS--FIRST PERIOD.

PERIOD OF PREPARATION.

1. _Presentation in the Temple._ (Bethlehem to
Jerusalem and return.) Recognized by Simeon and
Anna.

2. _Flight into Egypt._ (Bethlehem to Egypt.)
Escape from Herod.

3. _Settlement at Nazareth._ (Egypt to Nazareth.)
Childhood and youth.

4. _Visit to the Temple._ (Nazareth to Jerusalem
and return.) Found among the doctors.