Lesson 6 - Looking unto Jesus Luke 2:22- 35

Jesus is Presented in the Temple 2:22-24

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

22 And 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 male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”)

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Verse 21 says that Jesus was circumcised at the end of 8 days, and then verse 22 says the time came for their purification. These are two separate events and the purification was the parents. Specifically, the purification was for Mary. This means she was not sinless contrary to what some people believe. Mary was God’s special who carried the baby to full term. This does not guarantee that she became a part of the Godhead. Mary is not a part of the Godhead or Trinity. Mary is not a co-redemptive savior. There is only one Savior, Jesus. This is all being done under the law. Galatians, the fourth chapter, starting with verse four gives us a New Testament perspective of the Old Testament reality. Catch the phrase, born of woman:

English Standard Version (Chapter 4)

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

In the fullness of time, meaning time was ripe, Jesus arrived on the scene from God the father, but born of woman under the law. This scenario presents many challenges, but with God nothing is impossible. A woman’s body, impregnated by the Holy Spirit makes God’s Sons arrival at the perfect time. They then followed the Jewish calendar and circumcised the child. Right on schedule, two pigeons were offered for Mary. Mary’s body needed purification according to the law, due to the process of childbirth. The turtledoves or pigeons were sacrificed, their blood was shed for her uncleanness. This was a sacrifice of poverty. Mary and Joseph were not well off, but they obeyed and knew their responsibility according to the Law of Moses. It cost them about $2.50.

The child is presented and offered up to the Lord as He is “Holy unto the Lord.” A sin offering is not offered up for Jesus, because he is not able to do this for himself as an infant. The same holds true for today, every one goes before the Lord under his own merit until he takes upon himself the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Jesus is all we need.

The Blessing of Simeon Luke 2:25- 32.

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation

31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Interesting, though it is brief, many have thought of this as a song, “the Song of Simeon. This is a fearful praise because He was told he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah, the Lord’s Christ. Now he has seen Him, death can now be imminent. Hopefully he has his house in order. Whether Simeon is singing or just praised the Savior with his words, we take notice.

Simeon has acknowledged that he is ready to die because he has seen the Lord’s Christ

Simeon has seen God’s Salvation, Jesus. vs.30

- Jesus has been prepared in the presence of all people. vs.31

- Jesus will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles. vs.31

- Jesus will be glory for God’s people Israel. vs.32

3. It is all according to your Word! vs.19

Simeon Wrap-up 2:33- 35

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Joseph and Mary are really impressed with the prophet Simeon. His prophetic words ring true in their hearts. He has not telling them only what they wanted to hear. He blessed the family as a whole told them that:

Jesus is appointed to the fall and rising of many in Israel.

He will be a sign that is opposed. There is great opposition, starting with Herod and Satan.

Mary will feel the sharp stabbing pain of Israel’s rejection- like a sword.

This is going to open up the revelation of how many hearts feel about him. Jesus is going to get under people’s skin, not only their hearts.

The Visit of the Prophetess, Anna 2:36- 38

English Standard Version (Chapter 2)

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

In the Old and New Testaments, a matter is considered true if it is observed by two or thee witnesses. Those witnesses in this case are Simeon and Anna(Deut. 17:6; Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1) There is the negative( an observed wrong) and legal aspect( in a court of law) to this, but in this case it is all good concerning Jesus. The witnesses of these parts of Jesus life are an important part of the gospel story.

The Lexham English Bible (Chapter 13)

13 This is the third time I am coming to you. ⌊By the testimony⌋ of two or three witnesses every word will be established. 2 I have already said when I was present the second time, and although I* am absent now I also say in advance to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,

3 since you are demanding proof that Christ, who is not weak toward you, but is powerful among you, is speaking in me. 4 For indeed, he was crucified because of weakness, but he lives because of the power of God.

II Cor. 13:1-4.

The Lexham English Bible (Chapter 19)

15 ⌊The testimony of a single witness may not be used to convict⌋ with respect to any crime and for any wrongdoing in any offense that a person committed; on the ⌊evidence⌋ of two witnesses or on the ⌊evidence⌋ of three witnesses ⌊a charge shall be sustained⌋.

The message of the coming Savior is a safeguard to the world that nothing was done in a malicious, cruel, deprecating, and deceiving manner. There were witnesses to the truth of the arrival of the Savior. There is nothing artificial in the intelligence of the gospel message. Truthful witnesses are hard to be found these days and we are them. We are witnesses of the truth. Let us take our task gladly and devotedly as we go forth into this world of sin and death with the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ.