Which figure recognized Jesus as the Messiah in the Temple as a baby?

• A. Mary baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
• B. Anna recognizes Jesus as the Messiah when he is presented in the Temple.
• C. Anna condemns Jesus in the synagogue.
• D. Anna translates the scriptures for Jesus.

Answer: (B)

Recognizing Jesus as Messiah at the Temple during his presentation as a baby. In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him and complete the purification rites. Anna the prophetess, a devoted figure in the Temple, sees the child and, moved by the Spirit, recognizes him as the long-awaited Messiah. She gives thanks to God and speaks about the child to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. This moment is distinct from other events: Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan happens later in life, not at the Temple; there’s no record of Anna condemning Jesus in the synagogue or translating scriptures for him in this scene. So the best description is Anna recognizing Jesus as Messiah at the Temple presentation.