Luke 2:22-40 - The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Luke 2:22) When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23) (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24) and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25) Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26) It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27) Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law. 28) Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29) “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30) for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31) which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32) a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33) And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34) Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35) so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36) There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37) then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38) At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39) When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40) The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Background: How quickly the angel choruses disappear! How quickly the shepherds go back to their flocks! How quickly the pageantry of the miraculous birth gives way to the affairs of ordinary life. Mary and Joseph have a son to rear, and we who gathered dewy eyed at the manger know where that life is going. Today’s story emphasizes a theme that Luke repeats often; Jesus’ commitment to the law, even from the cradle. This story concludes Luke’s birth narratives.
What was going on here? Two rituals required by the law are referred to here. One was the ritual cleansing of the mother. Since there was blood involved in childbirth, a woman was considered unclean for a period of time following giving birth. The length of time depended on whether the child was a boy or a girl. After the birth of a male child a mother was unclean for 7 days and underwent purification for 33 days. It was twice as long for the birth of a girl. During this time, she was not allowed in the temple or to touch any holy thing. At the end of the proscribed time, the mother was required to sacrifice a lamb plus a turtledove or pigeon. If the family was too poor to afford this sacrifice, the law provided that two doves or pigeons could be substituted. Mary’s sacrifice tells us not only that she was a woman of faith, but that Jesus was born into poverty. The second ritual was a dedication ritual in which a first-born son was returned to God as a thanksgiving for the gift of fertility. For five shekels the baby could be redeemed and raised at home.
Who was Simeon? Simeon, whose name means “God hears”, was an ordinary man of faith. He was not an ordained religious leader, nor did he have any special religious credentials. He simply walked with God. What we do know about him was that he lived a life of prayer that was marked by patient waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Who was Anna? Anna was a prophet known for her spiritual wisdom. Anna spent her time in the temple serving God through fasting and prayer. She probably married young and was widowed after seven years. The Greek is difficult to understand, but she was either 84 years old at the time of Jesus’ presentation or else she had lived as a widow for 84 years which would have made her extremely old.
Word Study
Vs. 25 – looking forward to – literally, to be glued to
The consolation of Israel – a phrase referring to the comfort that will come with Messiah’s reign. It refers specifically to the time of restoration for Israel’s national life.
Vs. 26-27 – note that Simeon’s life is marked by close attention to and reliance upon the Holy Spirit.
Vs. 28 – took into his arms – literally, received into the bend of his arm, cradled.
Praised – blessed, spoke well of
Vs. 29 – master – Greek –dispotes. Literally, absolute ruler
Dismissing – free fully, relieve, release, let die, pardon, forgive, loose, set at liberty
Peace – used 14 times in Luke. It is both the goal and result of God’s redemptive work. Peace is deep, rich, harmonious, oneness, wholeness, quietness, rest. This word is sometimes translated, put back together again.
Your salvation – this refers to the one who brings salvation. It could be translated as ‘your defender’.
Vs. 31 – prepared – provided, made ready
All people – God’s salvation and defense are not just for Israel, but also for all
Vs. 34 – Simeon’s blessing is full of revelation. Just as turning on a light brings the possibility of shadow; Jesus’ birth comes with the reality of the suffering and sacrifice that will come to him and the pain his death will bring to his mother.
Falling and rising – this refers to two different groups of people, those found righteous at judgment and those who fall to judgment.
Vs. 36 – prophet – one who gives voice to God’s truth
Vs. 37 – worship, fasting, and prayer – a life totally dedicated to disciplined faith
Vs. 38 – Anna, too, immediately recognizes Jesus as Messiah and the truth poured from her to all that would listen.
Vs. 40 – wisdom – Greek – Sophia – refers to the wisdom of God, especially as it relates to learning from experience
Favor – Greek – charis – sometimes translated as grace or gift
Questions for Personal Reflection
1. What are the activities or priorities in your life that open you up to noticing spiritual realities in everyday events?
2. Anna and Simeon found their grounding and identity in worship in the community of faith. How does worship with others sustain and deepen your faith experience?
3. Anna and Simeon had been waiting all their lives for God to move in a powerful way for their people. What do you long for God to do in these days?
4. Can you imagine how Joseph and Mary must have felt when greeted in this way by these two-holy people? What hopes and fears might this encounter have awakened?