Luke 2:21- 35 Presentation in the Temple

Luke 2:21- 35 Presentation in the Temple

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

As was the custom under the law, Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple to be presented to the Lord. In the Temple was a holy man, Simeon, who had been faithfully waiting for God to fulfill his promises to Israel. Simeon is described as just and pious. What does that mean? Living his life righteous in God’s eyes, humble and devoted to God. This reminds me of one of my favorite Old Testament passages – Micah 6:8 “You have been told, Oh man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Like Simeon, the passage in Micah promotes the pursuit of justice and goodness, and humility. Old Testament or New Testament - it is amazing how consistent God’s word is, how patiently he calls to us down through the ages.