Jesus’ circumcision, naming and temple presentation
21 When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.[a]
Simeon’s response to Jesus
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Reflection
Verses 21 – 24 tell us of Jesus’ circumcision, naming and temple presentation as was the custom in this time. After a period of ritual cleansing the mother was to offer a yearling lamb and a dove or pigeon. If poor, she could offer two doves or pigeons (Lev. 12:6-8). Mary’s offering indicates that she and Joseph were poor. The trip to Jerusalem was about 6 miles from Bethlehem and there Jesus was presented to the Lord. The dedication of the firstborn son was a requirement under Moses’ law. These events are expected and ordinary.
The following event is extraordinary with the Holy Spirit bringing everyone together so that Jesus is recognized and acclaimed as God’s agent of salvation and the nature of that salvation explored to clarify the universal reach of God’s agent of salvation.
Verses 25 – 35 are about a man named Simeon’s response to Jesus. Simeon is mentioned nowhere else in the Scripture. Verse 2:26, it had been revealed to him, is significant that with messianic expectation running so high, see 3:15, and with the many old testament prophecies that spoke of His coming, still only a handful of people realized the significance of Christ’s birth. Most of them, including Simeon, received some angelic message or other special revelation to make the fulfillment of the old testament prophecies clear.
Verse 2:29-32, Simeon’s psalm, is known as the Nunc Dimittis, from the first two words of the Latin translation referencing verses in Mary’s Song of Praise, 1:46–55 and Zechariah’s prophecy 1:68–79. It is the fourth of 5 psalms of praise Luke included in his birth narrative. It is a touching expression of Simeon’s extraordinary faith.
In verse 34-35 Simeon explains that the coming of salvation is also the advent of conflict and Israel will be divided in its response to Jesus.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
If you are like me it may take time to fully process impacting and earth shaking scripture like this. Tomorrow morning, I will likely find new thoughts generated by my subconscious that bring new light and understanding. For those of you who are parents, can you imagine the birth of your son being ushered in by a star in the sky, the presence of angels and a strange old man coming up to you, taking your son in his arms, and clearly Spirit filled, proclaiming his amazing future?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this time of Advent. May our eyes and minds sense the awesomeness of this season and the presence of your son at work in our lives right now and in the days to come. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
