Obedience, Praise and Thanks

Luke 2:21–40 NIV84

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Introduction

Considering the birth of Jesus…

A joyous time of much joy.

Very often the spirit of Christmas takes over people. Already now the shops are starting to get their Christmas decorations up.

The “spirit of Christmas” is growing… excitement and joy...

But when we consider the true message of Christmas, the true reason for our Saviour coming, it must take our gratitude, our appreciation, our joy, so much deeper than merely fun-filled earthly celebrations can.

The birth of the Saviour into the world is profound and awe-inspiring on every level.

As we turn our attention to the passage today, we will see three examples of joy-filled obedience. People who were looking forward to the Saviour; people who longed to obey God; people who lived for the joy of serving God.

I trust that as we consider these examples, you will be encouraged and challenged in your own walk with the Lord.

1. The Parent’s Obedience

As we come to the text, we must recognise firstly this wonderful obedience by the parents of Jesus in terms of what was required by the Jewish law.

Recall that Jesus was coming to be the one that fulfilled the law perfectly on behalf of all people, and so this was important. Any place where Christ did not perfectly fulfill the law, even when that was out of his hands (as it was with his circumcision) would render him unfit to be the perfect redeemer.

But here we find great obedience by the parents of Jesus.

In this regard, notice firstly their...

1.1. Obedience in Circumcision and Naming (v.21)

Luke 2:21 NIV84

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.

The eighth day was the day that God had commanded Abraham to have all males circumcised. You will recall that we looked at that when John the Baptist was circumcised (see Genesis 17).

In obedience to the command of God, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus in order to him to be circumcised.

But we see further than this that they obeyed the command of God given to them through the Angel Gabriel in terms of naming the child.

Luke 1:31 NIV84

31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

And so Mary and Joseph give him the name Jesus, according to what had been told to them.

Here was two very simple, and yet very important acts of obedience on the part of this couple.

But further to this, we find their...

1.2. Obedience in Purification and Consecration (v.22-23)

Luke 2:22 NIV84

22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

This verse continues to show us the obedience of Mary and Joseph to the Jewish Law of God given through Moses.

We see firstly obedience to the laws of purification. We find these laws recorded for us in Leviticus 12...

Leviticus 12:1–4 NIV84

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. 3 On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. 4 Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over.

Luke is very careful to outline the fact that Mary waited the required period - 7 days of uncleanness, followed by a further 33 days before she could enter the sanctuary - so that should would fulfill the days of her purification. Here was careful obedience by Mary.

But notice also that Joseph and Mary then took Jesus to Jerusalem to “present him to the Lord,” this in order to consecrate him.

And then verse 23 says...

Luke 2:23 NIV84

23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),

This again is an important act of obedience on their part.

Consecration of the first-born male was a requirement set down by God at the time of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt.

Recall that the last plague that God would bring upon the Egyptians was the killing of the first-born throughout their land, which would then force Pharaoh to say “enough is enough,” and he would tell the Israelites to get out of the land.

But God had said to the Israelites that they were to slaughter lambs, and place the blood of the lamb on their doorposts, so that the killing angel would not put their first-born to death.

In Exodus 12, they eat the Passover meal, and God then sends the plague upon the people of Egypt, killing the firstborn, so that there was not a household in Egypt that was not affected. But this leads to the Israelites essentially being driven out. And so the Exodus itself is recorded in Exodus 12.

But then in...

Exodus 13:1–2 NIV84

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal.”

And so here are Mary and Joseph, going to fulfill the command given by God to consecrate the first-born son.

We see that Joseph and Mary are careful to obey God in terms of the sacrifices that they were to offer up.

1.3. Obedience in Sacrifice (v.24)

Luke 2:24 NIV84

24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

The sacrifice that was required is also found in Leviticus 12...

Leviticus 12:6–7 NIV84

6 “ ‘When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering. 7 He shall offer them before the Lord to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. “ ‘These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl.

But we see that Mary didn’t bring a lamb and a pigeon / dove, but rather, that she brought two young pigeons. The reason was because she couldn’t afford a lamb. Notice verse 8 of Leviticus 12...

Leviticus 12:8 NIV84

8 If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.’ ”

Mary and Joseph were poor enough that she was unable to afford to buy a lamb for an offering, and thus needed to provide another pigeon instead.

Again, this just points us to and continues on the theme of the humble conditions in which our Lord entered into this world. He was not born into any wealthy family, but rather into a family of little financial means.

But irrespective of their financial means, what we find is that here was a family that was faithful to obey the Lord. They brought the sacrifices that were required, so that atonement could be made for her, so that she would be clean.

Consider just briefly that atonement was now being made for her through the sacrifice of pigeons, but soon her very son that was here brought into the temple would become the perfect sacrifice for the full atonement that was needed.

Luke Original Meaning

All these sacrifices indicate how seriously Judaism took approaching God in worship and how prepared a heart and soul one should have as they address God.

The second thing that we see from our passage is...

2. Simeon's Praise (vv.25-35)

This praise from Simeon gives to us yet another song that is recorded for us by Luke in the opening two chapters. As we consider this praise of Simeon, notice with me...

2.1. Simeon's Character and Hope (vv.25-26)

Firstly in verse 25, we read...

The New International Version (1984) Jesus Presented in the Temple

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.

The man Simeon was a righteous and devout man. He was a man that loved the Lord God, and lived in a righteous manner before God, seeking to please the Lord. He was devout in his conduct. Serving God was not a matter of second importance, but rather was the foundation of his life.

Notice further from verse 25...

The New International Version (1984) Jesus Presented in the Temple

He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Here was a man who believed in the promises of God, in the hope of Israel. There was no doubt in his mind that what God had promised in terms of a Saviour coming to rescue Israel was indeed the truth. He trusted that God would fulfill His promises. This is an example for us!

We see also that the Holy Spirit was upon. As a devout and righteous man, trusting in God, God’s presence was with this man in a peculiar and special manner.

We then read in verse 26,

The New International Version (1984) Jesus Presented in the Temple

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

We don’t know any further details of this special revelation of God to Simeon, but clearly God had set him apart to see this great occasion of the arrival of the Saviour into the world. And here was his hope. Here is what he looked forward to, and longed for.

This leads us to then consider...

2.2. Simeon's Actions and Words (vv.27-32)

With the power of the Spirit upon him, he comes to understand that the Saviour has indeed been born. Not only that, but he realises that at this particular moment in time, the child will be at the temple. This is shown to us at the beginning of verse 27, which is then followed by the words that he speaks...

Luke 2:27–32 NIV84

27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon is moved by the Holy Spirit into the temple. At the same time, Mary and Joseph are in the temple for the fulfillment of the law of God. And Simeon sees this child and immediately sees that this is the child that was promised.

Notice the words that he speaks...

Firstly, he gives thanks and praises God. He calls Him “Sovereign Lord.”

And says that because God has fulfilled this wonderful promise to him to show him the Messiah, he can now be taken from this life. He is ready to depart in peace. This great expectation and longing that he had was finally brought to fulfillment.

In verse 30 he says that his eyes have seen the salvation of God.

There was no doubt in the mind of Simeon that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and that he had now seen this Saviour.

This salvation, according to verse 31, has been prepared in the sight of all people. Verse 32 brings some clarity as to the meaning of this phrase...

Firstly, a light for revelation to the Gentiles.

Light .... AND .... Revelation..

This what was prophesied through Isaiah...

Isaiah 9:2 NIV84

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

The reference there is specifically to the Gentiles, those who had no revelation of God in the way that the Jews had.

Further in the book of Isaiah, we get a small glimpse into God’s wonderful plan to bring salvation through this Messiah to all people’s of the earth, rather than merely a particular nation...

Isaiah 49:6 NIV84

6 he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

God’s grand plan of bringing salvation not only to a small people group, but to the ends of the earth, was here being brought to fulfilment. Simeon recognised that this child was not only the Saviour of Israel, but rather the Saviour of the whole world.

But Simeon does also say that this child would be “glory to your people Israel.”

While the light would come as a revelation to all the nations, because they did not know the revelations of God as demonstrated to Israel in the buildup until this time, this child would also be glory to Israel.

He would be the culmination of the hopes of Israel; the great King and Lord that they had longed for; the great Messiah that they were looking to. All that they hoped for and longed for was to be found in this child.

Listen to how Isaiah summarizes these two facets in Isaiah 60:1-3...

Isaiah 60:1–3 NIV84

1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

We see also under this section of Simeon’s praise, the blessing and his prophetic words that speaks to Mary and Joseph...

2.3. Simeon's Blessing and Prophecy (vv.33-35)

In verse 33 we read...

Luke 2:33 NIV84

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

In one sense, they understand and recognise that Jesus is coming into the world as the Messiah. We’ve seen that already previously. And yet in another sense, they almost seem stunned at what is unfolding. The full gravity has not yet hit them. And so even for them in this moment this is a time where they are learning all the more about the glorious nature of this child.

What follows an indication that Simeon “blesses” them (probably referring to them all, including the child). He then goes on to speak prophetic words concerning Jesus.

Luke 2:34–35 NIV84

34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

A few things are important to note concerning Simeon’s words to Mary...

Firstly, the child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel.

As Christ would enter into this world and begin His ministry, He would teach and say words that would cause great wonder and awe, But those same teachings and words would be the cause of great anger.

Isaiah was again the prophet that spoke of these things to which Simeon refers.

Isaiah 8:14–15 NIV84

14 and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. 15 Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured.”

The Apostle Peter confirmed that this had indeed come to fulfilment, when he also quoted the Isaiah passage in 1 Peter 2:6-8. The fact was that Jesus would come and bring a great split in the nation. Those who would believe, and those who would not. And this was the most important decision that any person could make - do I follow Jesus Christ, or do I not follow Jesus Christ!?

Matthew 10:34–36 NIV84

34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn “ ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

The great question continues to be placed at the feet of every person in humanity is: Do you accept Jesus Christ for the person that He claimed to be, or do you reject Him. That is the most important question that you can ask.

Secondly, this child will be a sign that will be spoken against.

This speaks of those who would oppose Jesus. Those who would speak against Him being the Son, the Messiah. This is recorded most notably for us in the religious leaders of the day as they outright rejected Jesus…

But throughout the course of history, there have been multitudes that have opposed Jesus Christ.

The day in which we live is no different. In fact there is rising opposition to Jesus Christ and His ways and His teachings. The world around us is content to accept certain palatable aspect and truths concerning Jesus - such as His love - but cannot accept the fullness of Christ and His life and teaching.

When sin is confronted; when clear lines of what is moral right and wrong are drawn, as derived explicitly from Scripture, even the very words of Christ Himself, the world has its back up. They will not accept such absolutes, particularly when those absolutes speak against the cultural moral decay of our day.

And so Christ becomes one who is spoken against. And if they will not speak directly against Christ himself (at least their own version of Christ) then then will speak against the church that represents the true Christ.

We must not be surprised when the world rejects Christ and when the world rejects the church. This is what was to be expected.

Thirdly, Simeon says that this will lead to the thoughts of many hearts being revealed.

The way in which we respond to Christ reflects the attitude of our hearts towards God. Indeed, Christ was the perfect revelation of God Himself. Here is God the flesh. If you despise Christ as revealed in Scripture, you despise the God who created you. If you will not accept the teaching and the words of Christ, it is because you reject the truth of who God himself is.

And you set yourself up as judge over God, and thus seek to dethrone Him and take His place.

This is what is being revealed when the world (and sad to say - even many that claim to be the church) refuse to accept the Word of God, and the perfect self-revelation of God in Scripture, in all that he taught.

And then finally, there is a word concerning Mary herself - a sword would pierce her own soul too.

Mary would not be spared from pain. The pain that she would experience would come as she watched her own Son, perfect as He was, the Saviour as He was, being nailed to a cross, humiliated, mocked and beaten; put to death like a common criminal.

A sword would pierce her own soul, but in that event itself, would ultimately come the deliverance of mankind.

3. Anna's Thanks (vv.36-40)

Another encounter is about to take place in the Temple. What a magnificent visit this must have been for Mary and Joseph. All parents are proud of their little one - but this must have blown their minds!

As we consider this thanks given by Anna, notice how Luke portrays her...

3.1. Anna's Character and Hope (vv.36-37)

Luke 2:36–37 NIV84

36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

After identifying her lineage, Luke gives a wonderful account of a godly old lady. And when we say old, she was very old.

In verse 37, it says in the NIV that she was a widow until she was eighty-four. The literal translation is “and she a widow up to eighty-four years,” which some have argued is a record of the number of years she had been a widow.

But either way, the fact is that she was an exceedingly godly lady, who had served and worshiped God night and day at the temple, fasting and praying.

What a wonderful example this is for us! Here was a lady who was concerned for others and was deeply concerned for the worship of God. While most people simply cannot afford to spend as much time in formal worship of God, the sad reality is that so often Christians don’t even have a desire to go and worhsip God with His people.

May we pray that God would give us this burning passion to go and be in the presence of God, most significantly, among the people of God at the gathering of church.

But what is so important for us is the thanks that she gave...

3.2. Anna's Thanksgiving (v.38)

Luke 2:38 NIV84

38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Perhaps she had been in the temple while Simeon was speaking his own words concerning Jesus. But Anna now approaches, and she has no doubt in her own mind that this is the Son of God, the Saviour of Israel. And so she to gives thanks to God, and then began to tell other people around her about the child.

Notice that she speaks to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem… which would most certainly have been all of those holding to the Jewish faith.

But as a person that is filled with praise towards God, she begins to tell people about this Saviour. She was an evangelist, who through the impact of the truths concerning Christ for her, was compelled to go an tell others also.

After an eventful visit to the Temple, we see finally...

4. The Parents' Return

Luke 2:39–40 NIV84

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

We see that the parents of Jesus did everything required by the law. They were careful to obey on every count. And having done so, Luke records that they returned to Galilee.

They went to the town of Nazareth. And much like we saw recorded about John the Baptist, the child grew and became strong.

Just a brief comment on this. We often think of Jesus in terms of his ministry life. His wisdom; his power; his actions as he ministered in the world. And that is right and fitting - that is the focal point of Christ’s entering into the world.

But we must not lose sight of the fact that he grew and was strengthened, and he faced much of what we face in this world, all through his growing up years. He went through the process!

He’s a Saviour that can relate to us, because he grew through all of the

Application and Conclusion

Encourage us to lives of obedience and consecration unto God...

Mary and Joseph were those who lived lives of obedience.

Now, firstly in this regard their obedience played just a small part in the Saviour being our perfect Saviour. His obedience to His heavenly father in every respect is thr eason that we become acceptable before God. His righteousness is imputed to those who repent and believe in Him. Salvation is by His grace, through Christ alone.

But we are then called as Christians to live obedient lives before God.

1 Peter 1:13–16 NIV84

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Yes, God can use anyone he chooses - even the disobedient.

But God’s desire of us is to live lives that our submitted under Christ our Lord. How great is the work that God may do through His church as they are obedient unto Him in all their lives.

We are called to be obedient to love God with all our heart soul mind and strength...

Think about the extent of this love we are called to have for God.

Then, we are called to be obedient by having a love for our neighbour - all those around us.

Are we living that life that is self-sacrificial, committed to living for the good of others, and considering them.

Part of this is through everyday simple acts of love towards others. Not so that we can tick the box, and say we’ve done our good deed for the day. But rather a heart that is inclined towards loving others.

And then there is the love that we are to show

Christ was light… the church is light...

Acts 13:47 NIV84

47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Paul and Barnabas were going to take this light to the Gentiles.

The church is the body that must take this Gospel message, this light to the world.

Let us be prayerful to do that. To be those who are involved in this task.

Let us prayerfully consider how it is that we form part of this task of taking the Gospel to the world.

One last point of application - particularly for our more elderly members...

If we consider the picture of Anna, and even of Simeon, we see these elderly people worshiping God and being used by Him, even in their old age.

Luke Bridging Contexts

Anna pictures the constancy of faith, revealing that even late in life God can use one in ministry.

It is never too late to be ministered to by God. It is never too late to minister for God!

Luke Bridging Contexts

This passage offers a whole perspective on life and on contentment. Here are two people near the end of their life, still serving God full steam ahead. Contentment is not a matter of age or energy level, neither is it a function of accumulation. It is defined by an openness to serve God and to share him with others. Such a perspective calls for serious reflection.

For all here today - are you serving the King today. Is our King’s agenda your key goal and aim. Are you submitted to Him, and are you pursuing deeper understanding and knowledge of Him, and are you seeking greater holiness in your own life, because of the holiness and righteousness that is yours in Christ?