The Christ Child at the Temple

Luke 2:21-39

Today, we’re looking at the account of Jesus’ dedication at the Temple in Jerusalem.

In the first century, Jerusalem was a city of about 100,000 people and was the center of worship for Israel.

The life of the city revolved around the Temple, an impressive structure expanded and beautified by Herod.

According to the Gospel of John, this project took forty-six years to complete.

The Temple held three important purposes for the people of Israel:

1. A Place of God’s Presence

The Temple was where God’s presence was manifested among His people.

During the dedication of the Temple and the earlier dedication of the tabernacle, God’s glory filled these places with such power that even the priests were unable to enter.

The account in 2 Chronicles describes this moment vividly:

2 Chronicles 7:1–3 KJV

1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

"The most important thing about a church is its message of the presence of God." — John Stott

2. A Place Where Law Met Grace

This was the place where the annual atonement for the people’s sins took place, performed by the high priest on the Day of Atonement.

The author of Hebrews writes about the significance of this sacrifice: Heb 9.24-28

Hebrews 9:24 KJV

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Here they met the Grace of God.

"Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." — Max Lucado

3. A Center of Worship and Life

The Temple served as the focal point of Israel’s religious life and celebrations.

God instructed all Jewish males to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year—at Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles:

Exodus 23:14 KJV

14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.

These sacrifices and pilgrimages were a way that they could show God their love and to worship Him.

"Worship is the highest form of love." — A. W. Tozer

In obedience to God’s commands, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem for His dedication and Mary’s purification.

I. The Presentation of Jesus

In Genesis 17, God instructed Abraham that every male child should be circumcised on the eighth day as a sign of His covenant.

Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple for this purpose, presenting Him to the Lord.

A. A Savior in Jerusalem

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

The name Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation.”

Through His very name, Jesus was presented as the Savior.

The name "Jesus" (Yeshua in Hebrew) was common but held special significance for this child.

It was a name of hope, declaring that "Jehovah is salvation."

Jesus' arrival wasn’t only as another baby but as the promised Savior, whose purpose would change eternity.

Joseph and Mary’s obedience in naming Him Jesus reflected their faith and submission to God.

Joseph and Mary heard the good news separately.

Joseph in...

Matthew 1:21 KJV

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Mary in Luke 1:31

Luke 1:31 KJV

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Bu once they heard the Good News, they faithfully did what they were supposed to do.

Do you remember being a young parent holding your newborn, wondering what the future holds.

For Joseph and Mary, this was heightened because they knew Jesus’ name pointed to His divine mission.

They held the world’s hope in their arms.

Just as Jesus was named with purpose, God has a purpose for each of us.

Even if our beginnings seem ordinary, we are called to live with God’s purpose in mind.

B. A Sacrifice of Obedience

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

After Jesus’ circumcision, Joseph and Mary returned to the Temple for Mary’s purification and Jesus’ dedication.

The Law required a period of waiting after a woman gave birth and then a purification offering.

Then they came to dedicate Jesus in a dedication ceremony.

For the redemption of the firstborn, five shekels (about $4.00) was paid along with the turtledoves.

The redemption ceremony took place in the following method:

The child was initially presented to the priest in recognition of God’s ownership.

After the presentation of the child, the payment of five shekels and two turtledoves was made.

Upon receiving the child, the priest would give two blessings:

one in thanksgiving for the law of redemption,

and the second for the gift of the firstborn son.

The fact that Joseph and Mary were from a poor home is seen in the sacrifice they offered as part of the purification rites: two turtle doves rather than a lamb.

Leviticus 12:8 KJV

8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

Even without wealth, they gave what they had, showing their commitment to honor God despite their circumstances.

They could not afford a lamb, but they brought the Lamb of God.

John later recognized Jesus this way...John 1:29.

John 1:29 KJV

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Joseph and Mary did not have many material possessions, but they had Jesus, and He is all that a person needs.

There is a dear family, a pastor and his wife.

He has many health issues, just recently he was in the hospital with a severe infection.

They are on a very limited budget.

They took a struggling, dying church after he retired from his church, just so they could have a pastor.

They don’t have a lot of money.

When they heard about what happened to the car we bough back in April, they sent us a check to help us buy another car.

It’s not enough to buy a car, but they just wanted to help for when we get the rest of the money.

God hasn’t provided the car yet, but we have the money stashed away for when God reveals what his will is there.

I have never been so humbled by a gift as I was by them sending that money to us.

Mary and Joseph’s offering showed that they were truly dedicated to God.

And it showed that their dedication wasn’t about material wealth, but about a heart fully devoted to Him.

God doesn’t require us to be rich, but to be faithful with what we have.

Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to honor God with our resources, our time, and our hearts, regardless of our circumstances.

II. The Peace of Simeon

In the Temple, Joseph and Mary encountered a man named Simeon.

He was a devout man awaiting the Messiah’s arrival.

This account of their meeting shows us what it means to live with hope, trust and peace in God.

His encounter with Jesus is a reminder that true peace is found when we recognize and welcome God’s salvation.

A. A Man of Waiting Faith

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Simeon’s life was marked by his patient, expectant faith.

He was not distracted by the concerns of his time but stayed focused on God’s promise, waiting for the Messiah to bring the “consolation of Israel”.

He waited with hopeful expectation, knowing God had revealed that he would see the Savior.

Definition: Waiting in verse 25, from Greek prosdechomai—to expect the fulfillment of a promise.

He was waiting to hear of the Messiah’s coming.

He had been waiting a long time.

God’s delays are not God’s denials."

Just as Simeon awaited Jesus’ first coming, we look forward to His return.

Titus 2:13 KJV

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

The story is told of an American soldier Joseph O'Donnell, who served during World War II. He was separated from his family for nearly four years.

Captured by the Japanese, O'Donnell endured harsh conditions in a prisoner-of-war camp, not knowing if he would ever see his family again.

Despite unimaginable hardships, he held onto hope and faith that he would one day be reunited with his loved ones.

Throughout those long years, his family also clung to hope, trusting that he was still alive and would return home.

When the war finally ended, O'Donnell was freed, and he returned home to an emotional reunion with his family.

Oh the power of hope, endurance, and faith.

This is what sustained both him and his family, even in the darkest times.

Similarly, Simeon waited and trusted that God would fulfill His promise.

Like O'Donnell’s family, we are called to hold onto God’s promises even when the wait seems long, trusting that His faithfulness will bring fulfillment in His perfect timing.

Simeon was faithfully waiting to see the Messiah because the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Christ before his death.

But not only was he a waiting man, but he was also ...

B. A Spirit-Led Man

In verse 25, it is revealed that the Holy Ghost was upon Simeon, indicating that he was a spiritual man.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

The Holy Spirit guided Simeon, who lived a life in contrast to the surrounding culture.

He listened, followed, and trusted the Spirit’s guidance to bring him to the Temple at precisely the right moment to meet Jesus.

His devotion serves as a reminder that we are called to live Spirit-led lives.

Galatians 5:16–17 KJV

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Like Simeon we can be led of the Spirit to meet the people that God wants to bless and maybe even witnessed to.

He was a man waiting for the Messiah

He was a Spirit led man…but he was also...

C. A Man Ready for Eternity

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Simeon understood that, since he had seen the salvation of God in Jesus

After seeing Jesus, Simeon was at peace and prepared for his passing.

His prophecy revealed that Jesus would be a light to all people and a source of division.

While some would accept Him, others would reject Him, as they still do today.

No one is ready to die until they meet Jesus.

Simeon then gave a prophecy

Luke 2:32 KJV

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

This was a prophecy of salvation for all.

But each person is in need of a personal Saviour.

It is not only for all, but for each.

Each person is responsible to answer the call of salvation.

Jesus came to save all people from their sins, if they will just believe on Him.

Romans 10:12–13 KJV

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

It was a prophecy of a miracle, but also a prophesy that some would reject him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

Jesus would be the cause of much division among men.

Some will believe on Him, but many will speak against Him.

Even today, the name of Jesus is spoken against.

The Pharisees and Sadducees in John 8 spoke against Jesus.

John 8:41 KJV

41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

It was a prophecy of Mary’s suffering

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Mary was there at the crucifixion of Jesus, watching Him die for the sins of the world.

Certainly, she was pierced with pain watching her son suffer.

Are we ready for eternity?

Knowing Jesus brings a peace that allows us to face life and death without fear.

Accepting Christ as Savior gives us the assurance of God’s promises beyond this life.

III. The Proclamation of Anna

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

At that same moment, an elderly woman named Anna entered and recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

The name Anna means grace.

Anna, like Simeon, spent her life in the Temple, serving faithfully.

Her story shows the beauty of steadfast service and the power of a faithful witness.

Anna was a gifted teacher of the Word of God.

She was a gracious, contented lady.

A. Faithful in Service

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

Anna was a widow, but she loved God.

She had spent years serving God in the Temple, even after her husband’s death.

She was steadfast in her love and devotion to God, reminding us of the value of lifelong service.

I hope that as we come the end of our lives, we will continue to serve the Lord with the time that He gives us.

Her husband died a few years after they were married.

Ever since his death, Anna had not departed from the Temple. - She was faithful to the Temple.

Despite her personal losses, Anna chose to remain dedicated to God.

She served continually, fasting and praying. Her faithfulness was a testimony of devotion, showing that life’s hardships don’t need to turn us away from God.

She endured to the end, never losing hope in God.

Faithfulness in service often requirest perseverance.

When we continue to serve God, even through difficult times, we honor Him and inspire others.

Not only was she faithful in service, but she was also...

B. A Faithful Witness

Anna responded to seeing Jesus with rejoicing and told others about Him.

She told others that she had seen the salvation that God had given to Israel, the Messiah.

She couldn’t keep silent about the Savior she had encountered, becoming one of the earliest witnesses to Christ’s arrival.

She told everyone who came in to dedicate their babies about the Lord.

She shared the good news, encouraging us to be bold in telling others about Christ.

Proverbs 11:30 KJV

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that winneth souls is wise.

Anna’s excitement about Jesus challenges us to have the same urgency in sharing the gospel.

Despite her circumstances, she was excited to tell the good news of Jesus’ arrival.

In Acts 5, the disciples were busy preaching the gospel, when they were arrested and thrown in prison.

The angel told the disciples in Acts 5:20,

Acts 5:20 KJV

20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

They were sitting in prison for telling the truth, but angel brought them out and said, “Ok, get busy again!”

Anna is a great example to us as a faithful witness!

Are we bold in sharing our faith as Anna was?

When we truly recognize who Jesus is, we should feel compelled to tell others, bringing hope to those around us.

Conclusion

Mary and Joseph marveled at what was revealed about Jesus in the Temple that day.

Simeon, having seen God’s salvation, was ready to meet the Lord.

He believed on Jesus for salvation.

If you haven’t placed your faith in Christ, consider today what He offers—salvation and peace.

Will you trust in Him?

Simeon waited patiently to see the Messiah.

He was faithful to God for many years, believing the Messiah would come.

Where are those who will choose to remain faithful to God, believing on Him no matter what?

Anna’s life was marked by service and witness.

She was an elderly lady who gave much of her life to the Lord.

But after she saw the gift of salvation that God had provided through His Son, she told everyone she saw.

Let us remain faithful to God in every season, like Simeon and Anna, sharing the good news of Christ with a world that needs His hope and peace.

Mary and Joseph’s dedication of Jesus, Simeon’s waiting faith, and Anna’s devoted service all highlight aspects of a life lived in honor of God.

Like Simeon and Anna, let us wait, serve, and witness faithfully.

Simeon and Anna understood the peace, purpose, and hope that came with encountering Jesus.

This is the same peace Jesus offers to each of us today.