Beholding Jesus
Notes
Transcript
Beholding Jesus
Open your bibles and turn with me to Luke 2:21-38
We are continuing our way through Luke.
We’ve seen the birth of Jesus.
We seen the announcement of Jesus to shepherds in a field…
And now Luke presses forward and gives us
two events in the span of about 40 days all at once.
And in these verses that we read here…
The scene moves almost seamlessly through three experiences.
And all of these are focused on the hope that Jesus brings.
And Luke shows us that Jesus changes everything!!
And God is doing something absolutely amazing through Jesus…
You think about how Luke began –
comparing and contrasting John the Baptist and Jesus’s announcement and birth….
And now, John has clearly taken a backseat.
Jesus is at the forefront!
And the news of Christ as the Messiah is spreading into all the world!
And it will continue to spread –
And that news will bring significant implications.
It’s subtle at first….
but by the end, Luke is all but forecasting where all this is headed!!
When Jesus goes to the temple-
What’s happening there….
What is subtly being communicated…
And then, when these two witnesses behold Jesus!
EVERYTHING CHANGES FOR THEM…
Just as it did for the Shepherds and just as it will for Simeon and Anna
Sermon Summary - Our lives change when we see Jesus Christ for who he is!
And Luke helps us see – everything changes when we see Jesus!
We see that first with Mary and Joseph,
and what is happening at the dedication of Jesus in the Temple.
And we see it in Simeon
And then an old prophetess, Anna
---------------------------------------------------
I. Jesus fulfills the Law of God in the most minute of details. (v.21-24)
I. Jesus fulfills the Law of God in the most minute of details. (v.21-24)
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 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.”
Now, this scene opens in a way that is similar to Luke 1:59,
When John the Baptist was circumcised
But there are two events taking place herein these verses,
and Luke sandwiches them together, rather intentionally.
The first event is 8 days after a Jewish child was born –
They would receive the mark of the Covenant of Circumcision –
prescribed by the Law in Lev 12:3 and commanded to Abaraham in Gen 17:12.
In which, Jesus, like John received the name given to him by His parents
as commanded by the angels.
And the 2nd event that is taking place here is 40 days after a child is born –
and it is the purification of Mary, and the dedication of the child unto the Lord.
Mary was to be purified according to the Law after birthing a child –
according to the Law in Lev 12
1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If a woman conceives and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days. As at the time of her menstruation, she shall be unclean. 3 And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 Then she shall continue for thirty-three days in the blood of her purifying. She shall not touch anything holy, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying are completed.
And in both of these events, Luke is showing us that Jesus
is doing something quite fascinating with the Law,
even as a little baby…..and even with the help of his parents.
In which they bring Jesus – to be dedicated to the Lord….
Now, every firstborn male was to be dedicated to the Lord -
Number 3:13, and also in Ex 13:2; 12.
Now, you could pay money to “buy back a son from the Lord,”
for which you could pay 5 shekels. As a redemption price.
But the Lord desires that the firstborn belongs to HIM!
And here is Mary’s firstborn son –
and they don’t pay 5 shekels, the live and present Jesus
in accordance with the Law to be dedicated in step with the Lord
and he is present fully and dedicated entirely unto the Lord!!
And there Mary brings an offering – and it’s interesting this offering that Mary brings!
She brings “a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.”
Now, Luke is pulling this from again from Lev 12:8….
and there are two sacrifices that can be given in the Law.
6 “And when the days of her purifying are completed, whether for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a lamb a year old for a burnt offering, and a pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering, 7 and he shall offer it before the Lord and make atonement for her. Then she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, either male or female. 8 And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”
Luke intentionally highlights this –
Mary and Joseph aren’t of nobility or elites of society –
they were among the poor and lowly.
They don’t have enough to bring the full offering….they don’t have a lamb…
Luke hints pretty notably, that Mary and Joseph cannot bring a lamb
because they cannot afford one, and so they bring what is acceptable for the poor.
And Luke throughou this gospel is very concerned with
the lowly and the rejected, the weak and the poor, the outcast of society.
And here Luke is powerfully showing– Jesus’ humble beginnings!
That he was born into a poor family….He didn’t come from much!
HE was born into the class of society that would have been rejected by many!
And yet, here is Jesus, the son of God –
being born into a family that the world
would consider dejected and poor, forgotten!!
Jesus has come to and for – truly the least of these!
To preach good news to the poor and the outcast!!
And this is fascinating to think about –
Mary and Joseph are going in living in light of the Law.
The child that Mary born was not a sinner!
What came from her loins, was not an unclean child, born into sin!
And yet, there are Mary and Joseph, living in accordance to the Law
Because God commanded it, and they are submitting themselves
to the Law of God….
and Jesus too is being subject to the Law and even as a baby,
upholding the Law of God!
Notice the text –
v. 22 ----- the purification was in according to the LAW of MOSES….
v.23– as it is written in the LAW OF the LORD!
v.24– what is said in the LAW OF THE LORD!!
And here is Jesus – born under the Law!
And is upholding the Law in the most minute of ways!
To think in this text- there is God in the flesh!
The COVENANT maker!!
Becoming the COVENANT keeper,
and receiving the very mark of Circumcision in the flesh!!
Jesus has come to uphold the Law!
He’s come NOT to abolish the Law!
HE’s come to fulfill it!
And not a iota, not a dot will pass away from the Law until it is accomplished! (Matt 5:18)
And so when the religious crowds accuse Jesus of not upholding the Law!
Jesus can say– will 100% integrity and openness!
Every bit of the law has been accomplished by him!
Even from the 8th day in being circumcised.
And being dedicated to the Lord, entirely!
Jesus fulfills the law in the MOST MINUTE of ways!
He is the covenant MAKER and the COVENANT keeping GOD!
And fulfills the LAW, in the most minute of ways,
even when we violate the LAW in the most blatant of ways!
It is Jesus who has satisfied the Law and its demands on our behalf!
And this is Good news, because it changes everything for us!
God is able to look at the righteousness of Jesus,
and for those you look to Christ in FAITH –
not count their transgressions against them!
But instead, credit to them, all the righteousness of Jesus on their behalf!
The law is intended to point us to our need of a savior!
Because we cannot fulfill the Law and it’s demands!
We need someone who can stand in our place!
And fulfill the Law on our behalf!
And Jesus accomplishedthat great end!
4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
This is the hope of salvation for all who believe!
Of all who look to Jesus in faith!!
That Jesus fulfills the Law when we fail!!
He fulfills the Law in every way, even the most minute of ways!
---------------------------------------------------
II. Jesus prepares us for the hardships of life. (v.25-35)
II. Jesus prepares us for the hardships of life. (v.25-35)
Here, we are introduced to a man, Simeon!
Now, a little later we will meet Anna – and we told that Anna is from the Tribe of ASHER.
Simeon – I’m not a betting man, but I would imagine and take an educated guess,
that Simeon, is well from the tribe of Simoen!
I say that because Simeon is not likely a priest but certainly dedicated to the temple!
But I’ve got to be honest with you!
As I studied this text, I was blown away
My world was rocked by Simeon!!
There are a couple of movements here. The first is v.25-33.
In which, SIMEON, breaks forth in SINGING!!
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.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
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,
****NUNC DIMMITUS – means to depart
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.”
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
Notice what you learn of Simeon here in this text-
It’s easy to just scan right over it!
He is a righteous man, a devout man….he is a hope-filled man!
The Holy Spirit was upon him.
HE’s dedicated to the temple and the house of the Lord!
He’s living in light of the word of God!
And looking to the Lord in faith!
And here in Israel,
the Jews had been waiting for centuries for the Lord
to move and bring salvation to His people!
And many had all but given up hope!!
Jesus highlight this in Matthew 11:16-18
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, 17 “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
And when so many and Israel – turned away in rebellion, apathy, and disobedience!
Here is Simeon still believing the truths of God!
And he’s waiting for the CONSOLATION of ISRAEL! – LITERALLY - ENCOURAGEMENT
THE HOPE AND COMFORT AND REDEMPTION OF ISRAEL!!
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
And when everyone else around him, might have forgotten the Lord,
and thought, well he’s forgotten us!
Here is SIMEON – get the picture!
EVERY SINGLE DAY!
HE’s showing up!
He’s going to the TEMPLE!!
I haven’t seen the messiah yet,
but I’m trusting God that he’s coming and when everyone else has given up.
I’m coming back to the temple today!
I’m not coming in cold routine.
But in anticipation and in faith! Is he here?!?
Likely, even an old man!!
But he remains faithful!
DAY After day after day!!
Believing the Lord – who told him –
He would not see death before HE HAD SEEN THE Lord’s CHRIST!
THE MESSIAH with his own eyes!!
SIEMON is a man of FAITH!
And he’s going and he’s interested in every child that’s coming to be dedicated!
And every day!
He’s looking and waiting and waiting!
Hoping, praying!
IS THIS THE ONE?
IS THIS THE ONE?
UNTIL!! – There is Jesus, coming by His parents to be dedicated!
AND SIMEON knows!
HE’s HERE!!!
And For SIMEON– it was the release and comfort of even his own life!!
FOR NOW – YOUR SERVANT can depart in PEACE!!
And here is SIMEON waiting for the COMFORT of ISRAEL!
A corporate hope of THE MESSIAH to come to a collective people!
And for SIMEON, beholding Christ in the flesh!
Becomes deeply personal!!
LORD, I’m prepared to depart and DIE!!
For I have seen the LORD!!
And the same is true for us today!
The only way we can prepare for our coming death is by beholding Christ!
And believing HIM IN FAITH!!
FOR MY EYES – SIMEON says, HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION!
IT is Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the LIFE,
and the only way to be accepted by FATHER!
THE only way that we MUST BE SAVED!! – is through CHRIST!!
And the consolation of Israel, of the Messiah coming, is the comfort of Simeon’s own heart!
And notice what he says–
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.”
Now, in the same way Luke has hinted before, Now it’s crystal clear!
And SIMEON declares, this salvation is for all people’s
It’s for the nations!!
This gospel is for all who will believe and look to Jesus in FAITH!!
HE is comfort and peace, and the forgiveness for the hearts of all men!!
It’s the great truth that Paul will proclaim in the BOOK OF ROMANS in Romans 1:16
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Behold Christ, and seeing
Jesus changes everything for those who look to CHRIST in FAITH!
And for no telling how LONG –
people would have look at SIMEON, and thank, man what is this guy doing!
Every kid that comes to the TEMPLE, and he’s just interested in every one of them!
BUT THEN, HE BEHOLD’s JESUS!!
And it all clicks!!
MY EYES have seen the LORD’s CHRIST– HIS SALVATION!!
And it’s for all people!!
And then you see – a 2nd movement here...in Luke 2:33-34
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.”
Simeon tells us that there is going to be SPIRITUAL warfare surrounding this MESSIH!
Not everyone is going to believe in him!
There are some who will believe in faith!
And others will stumble because of HIM!
Some will come to CHRIST and REJOICE….
and others will be opposed to him!!
He will be – a rock of stumbling an offense to many!
Not everyone is going to believe.
He will divide hearts –
he will divide families; some will believe the CHRIST, and others will vehemently hate HIM!
HE’s be cherished by many, but DESPISED and rejected by many more!!
EVEN his own people – will reject him and even crucify him!!
And Simeon likely quotes from Isaiah 8:13-15
13 But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.”
There is going to be hardship on the part of following Jesus!!
Jesus warns of this!
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
And Jesus said the same on the SEMRON on the MOUNT!!
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Beloved – it doesn’t take long to learn, that FOLLOWING JESUS,
means following HIM INTO HARDSHIP ,and even persecution!
But, it’s worth it!!
It’s worth followingJesus, even if that means suffering for his name’s sake!
And when many of the crowds left Jesus, because the way of the cross was too difficult!
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”
And next, here in Luke 2:34
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
SIMEON looks to MARY, the mother of Jesus, and says some soul-piercing words!!
You remember when the announcement was Given to ELIZABETH of her son John to be born!
It was said by ELIZABETH – that the Lord has taken away her reproach!
Zechariah and Elizabeth were old,
they wouldn’t see the day, when their son John was BEHEADED!
So nothing is spoken to them about the hardship that John would see!
But for Mary – A SWORD is going to PIERCE through her own soul! (v.35)
One day – Mary is going to see the way the world, that JESUS came to say, will treat him!
She’s going to be there, and she’s going to watch as Jesus is falsely accused!
And he’s whipped and beaten!!
FLOGGED, stripped, and humilitated!
Strung up naked as a criminal….and crucified…..
And all Mary is going to be able to do is watch!!
AS her SAVIOR, and LORD…..AND HER OWN SON!!
IS PUT TO DEATH!!
And in doing so – the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed!
As the RELIGIOUS leaders, and the JEW put Jesus to death!
But it’s interesting that Luke begins to show us….
that the most unsuspecting people, have eyes of faith!!
To the degree that after Jesus is crucified!
The first person to pronounce Jesus is the CHRIST….IS NOT A JEW….
but it IS A ROMAN CENTURION
WHO is willing to behold Jesus!!
And look to him in faith!!
And everything changes when we look to Jesus in FAITH!!
But here, Luke is showing us!
It’s not going to be a bed of roses!
You are going to face hardship and suffering in followingJesus!
But it’s worth it!
As you are mocked….as you are living in faith, when everyone else doubts
Even as your own soul is PIERCED, Mary….
We can trust that the Lord is working and accomplishing his plan!!
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
----------------------
III. Jesus fills our longing with praise and worship! (v.36-38)
III. Jesus fills our longing with praise and worship! (v.36-38)
Now, Luke clues us in to 2nd witness of Jesus’ dedication at the Temple!
We meet Anna – who all we know of her is found in this passage of scripture.
We know her occupation, her father, her tribe, her sorrow, and her character.
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.
This is really rare – Prophetess– were very rare….
Certainly in the OLD TESTAMENT…but even in the NEW TESTAMENT
In the Old Testament, you only have 3 prophetesses mentioned…
One is Miriam in Ex 15:20
Some say Deborah, but Deborah was a judge, not a prophetess.
The other would be NOADIAH – NEH 6
And HULDAH – 2 Kings 22
And yet – here the rarityof Anna – the PROPHETESS
An old woman, advanced in years!
She’d seen affliction and sorrow….
Married, and then 7 years later, she lost her husband.
The Lord released her from service in her home, and she’d lived as a widow….
until the likely ripe old age of 84.
And notice what she’s doing!
She’s devoted to the temple – She hardly leaves!
And she worships and she prays….day and night!
She’s living like her FATHER – PHANUEL – which means to seek the face of GOD!
There is ANNA – doing just that, seeking the face of the LORD!!
And she – like Simeon is living in FAITH…
WAITING for the redemption of ISRAEL!!
And she just like Simeon, when she sees CHRIST –
Her heart erupts in worship!!
Maybe she even sees SIMEON holding Jesus in his arms!
ANNAS comes up that VERY HOUR!
She beholds CHRIST and begins to GIVE THANKS TO GOD
PRAISE THE LORD and SPEAK of CHRIST
to all who were waiting for the redemption of JERUSALEM.
And here is the oldPROPHETESS
Who become one of the first bearers of the GOOD NEWS of SALVATION!
She’s proclaiming the truths of GOD!
She proclaiming in worship!
AND PROCLAIMING the GOSPEL.
And think about it
Both ANNA and SIMEON
LIVES are changed when they behold JESUS!
SIMEON says I’m prepared to DIE!
I can die a happy man!
THE COMFORT of ISREAL is here!
ANNA begins to praise and proclaim the GOSPEL of THE REDEMPTION of JERESALEM!
And both of these things take place!
when Christ was just a child.
Jesus had not fulfilled the entirety of the law through his perfect life yet.
Jesus had not gone to the cross yet.
The gospel had not happened in real time.
Yet, Simeon and ANNA –
looked upon Jesus with faith, and it changed everything for them!!
CONCLUSION: -------
Just as Simeon and Anna’s lives were forever transformed
when they saw Jesus for who He truly was—
as Savior, Redeemer, and the fulfillment of God's promises—
our lives, too, change when we encounter Christ in His fullness.
The moment we recognizeJesus not just as a historical figure but as our personal Savior,
our hearts are stirred, our hopes are renewed, and our perspectives shift.
Simeon’s joy, Anna’s devotion, and the awe of those who heard their testimony
remind us that encountering Jesus isn't just a moment; it's a life-altering reality.
So, let us reflect on who Jesus is
Have we truly seenHim for who He is, as the Savior who brings light to our darkness,
the one who gives meaning to our lives, and the one who ushers in God’s eternal kingdom?
When we see JESUS, our lives will never be the same.
He’s fulfilled the Law on our behalf!
Even in the most minute of ways!!
So that we are accepted by the Lord!
Not in our righteousness!
But, instead, we stand clothed in HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ALONE!
May we, like Simeon and Anna,
proclaim with joy that we have seen the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ,
and may that revelation lead us to worship, obedience, and a transformed life.
Let us pray, asking God to open our eyes and hearts to recognize
Jesus as the One who changes everything.
To know that Christ has come for the nations!
That our passion would be for the spread of this gospel to all peoples!
To know that God keeps HIS PROMISES!
That we are waiting no more for the comfort of ISRAEL!
THE PEACE OF GOD has come in CHRIST!!
God is faithful!
He can be trusted!
The MESSIAH has come!
So may we too, stand firm in the truth of CHRIST!
LIVE in the FAITH and CONFIDENCE OF CHRIST!!
BELIEVING and KNOWING WHO CHRIST IS!!
BECAUSE
Sermon Summary - Our lives change when we see Jesus Christ for who he is!
