“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 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord'), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'
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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
'Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 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 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.'
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, 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. 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.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him."
Deeper Dive into the Passage
The passage highlights Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish customs, emphasising Jesus' Jewish heritage. The presentation in the temple and the offering of sacrifices were part of the purification rites. This underscores Jesus' role as the fulfillment of the Law, a theme important to Luke's audience, which included both Jews and Gentiles. Simeon's encounter with Jesus is significant as it reveals Jesus' universal mission. His words, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles," suggest that Jesus' message is for all humanity, not just Israel. This would have been a radical idea at the time, reflecting the early Christian belief in the inclusivity of salvation.
Simeon's prophecy to Mary about a sword piercing her soul foreshadows the suffering she will endure, particularly at Jesus' crucifixion. This highlights the theme of suffering and redemption, central to Christian theology. It also reflects the personal cost of discipleship, a message relevant to Luke's audience facing persecution.
Today, this passage can be seen as a reminder of the universality of Jesus' message and the importance of faithfulness amidst trials. For instance, just as Mary and Joseph followed their faith's traditions, modern believers are encouraged to live out their faith authentically. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as a light for all people can inspire inclusivity and acceptance in today's diverse world. The account of Jesus' presentation in the temple is consistent with Jewish customs of the time, lending credibility to its historical basis. However, as with many biblical narratives, the theological message may have been emphasised over precise historical details.
“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 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord'), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'
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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
'Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 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 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.'
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, 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. 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.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him."
Deeper Dive into the Passage
The passage highlights Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish customs, emphasising Jesus' Jewish heritage. The presentation in the temple and the offering of sacrifices were part of the purification rites. This underscores Jesus' role as the fulfillment of the Law, a theme important to Luke's audience, which included both Jews and Gentiles. Simeon's encounter with Jesus is significant as it reveals Jesus' universal mission. His words, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles," suggest that Jesus' message is for all humanity, not just Israel. This would have been a radical idea at the time, reflecting the early Christian belief in the inclusivity of salvation.
Simeon's prophecy to Mary about a sword piercing her soul foreshadows the suffering she will endure, particularly at Jesus' crucifixion. This highlights the theme of suffering and redemption, central to Christian theology. It also reflects the personal cost of discipleship, a message relevant to Luke's audience facing persecution.
Today, this passage can be seen as a reminder of the universality of Jesus' message and the importance of faithfulness amidst trials. For instance, just as Mary and Joseph followed their faith's traditions, modern believers are encouraged to live out their faith authentically. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as a light for all people can inspire inclusivity and acceptance in today's diverse world. The account of Jesus' presentation in the temple is consistent with Jewish customs of the time, lending credibility to its historical basis. However, as with many biblical narratives, the theological message may have been emphasised over precise historical details.
