And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was {then} called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
While it may seem like an abrupt place to start this episode, we must remember that after Jesus was born, eight days pass before the text reveals any more details about the Christ.
As we noted earlier with the birth of John, the eighth day was the traditional day that the Jews were told to circumcise the newborn males (See Gen. 17:12). Also, the name of the child was announced on this day. On the eighth day, the Messiah was circumcised and His name was called Jesus. This was the name given to Him from on high (Phil. 2:9-11) as the angel of the Lord revealed it to Mary (See Luke 1:30-31). The text says that this was to be the name of the Christ, before He was ever conceived in the womb. His name means, “Jehovah is Salvation” (See. Matt. 1:21-23). God had prepared His redemptive plan from the beginning.
And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY {firstborn} MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."
As we will see, an additional time frame is to be placed between verses 21 and 22, because Mary would need to wait out the days of her purification (forty days according to the Law [seven days prior to the child’s circumcision and then an additional thirty-three days]) before she could go to Jerusalem and offer her sacrifices while presenting her firstborn to the Lord. If seven days had passed, she had thirty-three more days still to come.
Anytime that a woman gave birth, there were specifications given in the Law that made her unclean for a certain duration of time. This period of time depended on the gender of the child born to her. The first fact that we notice comes from Exodus 13:1-2, and it states that every firstborn male, whether of man or beast, would be dedicated to the Lord. So once a woman’s time of purification was complete, she would then need to present the child to the Lord while offering some sacrifices for purification in Jerusalem at the doorway of the temple (See Lev. 12:1-8). The text of Leviticus said that a woman had to bring a one year old lamb for a burnt offering and one turtle dove or one pigeon for a sin offering. If you could not afford a lamb, you could bring two doves or two pigeons one for the sin offering and the other for the burnt offering, then the priest would make atonement for you. While many scholars would point out that Mary was too poor to afford a lamb and probably only brought the dove or pigeon offering, what they fail to notice is that Mary had brought the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world and she presented Him to the Lord on this day (See. John 1:29).
Even though He was not offered on this occasion, Jesus would eventually die on the cross for the sins of the world, making full atonement for all the people. After all, it was not the burnt offering of the lamb that God desired, but rather the body of Christ to be offered on the cross (Read Heb. 10:1-14; also 9:23-28).
Since the new covenant of Christ would not come into effect until after the death of Jesus, we can see here that Mary, Joseph, the priests, and all of the people had to continually offer their sacrifices according to the old Law. It is no wonder, that all of the people were excited about the coming of the Messiah. The blessings in the new covenant are that Jesus serves as our High Priest, but He is also the offering for sin as the Lamb of God, so that we can all be cleansed from sin by His perfect sacrifice once and for all. No more rituals, just redemption, full and free under God's grace.
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Now Lord, you are releasing your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to your word; For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of your people Israel."
Simeon, of Jerusalem, is said to be a righteous man who was devout (upright). As an older man facing death, he was looking for the consolation of the land of Israel. In other words, he was looking for the promise of the Messiah to be revealed. Not only was the Holy Spirit with him, but the Holy Spirit made a revelation to him that, “he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” He knew with assurance that the Messiah (the anointed) was coming, and that he would see Him before passing on from this life. With this kind of insight into the coming of the Christ, the text says he was, “looking for the consolation of Israel”.
As we realize that no living thing can escape death, how are we doing with looking for the “second” coming of the Messiah (See Ps. 89:48 and Heb. 9:27). Granted, if the Lord returns prior to our death to call His faithful home, that is the only way we can forego death. Even then, our bodies must be changed and our soul will go on into eternity. Are you looking for the consolation of “spiritual” Israel (See Tit. 2:11-15; II Pet. 3:10-15)?
The text continues in verse 27 to tell us that Simeon came into the temple by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. At this time, Mary and Joseph arrived with Jesus. They had gathered here to offer their sacrifice for purification and to give this firstborn Son to the service of God. When they arrived and stood before Simeon, the text says Simeon, “took Him into his arms”.
Can we even begin to know the feelings of an aged man who had a chance to hold the Savior of the world in fulfillment of the promise of God? While most people would overlook this text, I believe this is a beautiful and meaningful moment in the life of every human being who lays hold of salvation in Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:8-14).
Have you given up everything that you might gain Christ? The words of Simeon, after he had met the Savior, were filled with praise and thanksgiving. He said, “Now Lord, you are releasing your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to your word; For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of your people Israel.” In essence, Simeon says, “I can die in peace now, because you have showed me according to your word the salvation of all people.” He even said, “you are releasing your bond-servant to depart (die) in peace”. The consolation of Israel was in his arms and he had comfort in knowing that soon, salvation, full and free, would be available to all mankind.
One of the most disturbing things we can ever do is die without knowing Jesus as our salvation. It is so easy to let go of this life when you know you are guaranteed eternal life. Yet, if this life is all that we think we have to look forward to, we will cling to this world and never come to Jesus for the salvation He offers to all. If you cannot see that your sins have separated you from God, you will never see a need to come to the Lamb of God to have your sins washed away.
Simeon continues, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” and then he quotes from the book of Isaiah to prove that this is a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 49:1-6). As we pointed out in the introduction to our study, Luke is writing to a Gentile audience and he writes in such a way that his account of the life of Christ would be clearly understood. He mentions here the consolation of Israel, and the fact that the coming of the Messiah would be the glory of God’s people Israel. But notice, Luke doesn’t leave the Gentiles out when penning the words of Simeon. He said, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES…” Just because salvation was first offered to the Jews (John 4:22), doesn’t mean that it would not pass to the rest of the nations (Luke 24:47).
And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this {child} is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
After Simeon spoke all of these words, Joseph and Mary were said to be amazed. Simeon’s final words in this context are serious words to Joseph and Mary. He said, “Behold, this {child} is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed--and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
What Jesus was about to become was worthy of a “behold”, as many would fall and rise because of this child in Israel (See Isaiah 8:14-15; 28:16). The reason many will fall is because of disobedience to the word of God (I Peter 2:4-8).
Those who “rise” are those who are exalted by the Lord because of their obedience to the Lord and His revealed word (I Cor. 1:21-24). Those who would accept the Christ would find eternal life and would be raised up and seated in the heavenly places with God and His Son (See Eph. 1:20-21; 2:6; Col. 2:12; 3:1; I Cor. 15; II Cor. 4:13-14; Rom. 6:4; 8:11). Those who build on the solid rock of Christ will stand while all others will stumble and are destined for a fall and eternal damnation (Matt. 7:24-27).
Jesus was opposed (rejected) as the Son of God and was a sign to all of their fall. As Jesus was preached, and people rejected the message, they were judging themselves unworthy of salvation (Acts 13:46; Isaiah 8:18). Barnes said, “Never was a prophecy more exactly fulfilled than this. Thousands have rejected the gospel and fallen into ruin; thousands are still falling of those who are ashamed of Jesus; thousands blaspheme him, deny him, speak all manner of evil against him, and would crucify him again if he were in their hands; but thousands also "by" him are renewed, justified, and raised up to life and peace.” We know that those who would come to Christ would see Him as a different kind of sign (See Isaiah 11:10-12). Others would come to Jesus and accept His salvation.
Mary and Joseph were told that a sword would also pierce their heart with regards to Jesus. As the plan of redemption called for the sacrifice of the life of Jesus, both Joseph, and especially Mary, would have to be prepared for the anguish it would cause them. This is also symbolic of the pricking of hearts in the realization of sin and a willingness to repent and return to the Lord. Both Joseph and Mary would one day have to recognize Jesus as their Savior. Who would have thought that Mary would deliver Jesus in birth only to have to be delivered by Jesus in the new birth (John 3:3-5)?
The Hebrew writer described Jesus as the word of God and said He is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as {we are, yet} without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:12-16). This is a message that Mary would need when she faced the death of her Son. She was going to have to prepare for His physical death, but also for acknowledging His lordship, and the sword would pierce her soul (Rev. 2:16; 19:15).
It was through this same sword that the thoughts of many hearts would be revealed and judged. Literally, as the spear pierced the heart of Jesus while Mary was standing by the cross (John 19:25, 34), she would have to bear the anguish of watching Him die and it would be as though a sword was thrust through her very soul. But she and many others would realize later, that the sacrifice of Christ and the shedding of His blood were for the remission of sins (Matt. 26:28). While blood made Mary unclean in giving birth to Christ, the shedding of His blood would bring forth a crimson flow that would cleanse the sins of the world, including her own.
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with {her} husband seven years after her marriage,and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and {began} giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
We begin this next section of our text with the introduction to a female prophet (prophetess) by the name of Anna. The text tells us that she is the daughter of Phanuel and that she is of the tribe of Asher (or Aser). The tribe of Asher was one of the tribes that became a remnant that were humbled and returned to Jerusalem (See II Chron. 30:9-11)
While no one knows why Anna is called a prophetess, it seems as though while prophecy was reviving with the coming of the Messiah, that she too was being informed from on high. Luke only knows her as a prophetess through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Let us remember though, that it was not uncommon to have a woman who was serving as a prophetess (Judges 4:4; Acts 21:9).
We also learn here that Anna was an elderly lady somewhere around the age of 84 who was a widow. She was married for seven years and then she spent the rest of her widowed life (night and day) in service to God in the temple, with prayer and fasting. There are a great many elderly in the kingdom today who feel that they are often useless in the work of a local church. I hope and pray that this text will not only help us to see the kind of faith that Anna had, but that it will motivate us to greater service, regardless of our age and what we feel our abilities may be. Even as a widow, Anna would not give up serving the Lord and doing His will. She fasted, prayed and served in the temple, night and day, while never leaving that place. We need to spend more time in service to the Lord. We need those who are older in the church to set the example for the young generation (Titus 2:1-8). Are we serving the Lord night and day for what He has done for us under the New Covenant? Do we spend time fasting and praying? Do we allow our age (whether young or old) to hinder us from serving the Lord? Do we allow difficulties to become an excuse for not serving Him (I am a widow, or I am too old etc.)?
During her service to the Lord, the text says, “she came up and {began} giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” The word in this text for “she came up” literally means, “standing by”. Anna, like Simeon, had laid eyes on the face of God (which is the meaning of the name Phanuel, her father, which can be seen in Gen. 32:30; see also Deut. 34:10).
Jesus who was the redemption of Jerusalem, was there in the temple where Anna had served for such a long period of time. All she could do after seeing the Messiah, was to speak to everyone who was looking for salvation. How are we doing with telling others of the Savior, Jesus Christ? Do we have the same level of enthusiasm and zeal that Anna had as an elderly widow? Do we give thanks to God as we realize what He has done for us in Christ? Anna’s faith is a beautiful example for all of us. She was showing the qualities of one who would be qualified as a “widow indeed” (See I Tim. 5:5). Perhaps Anna was given a vision of what it is going to be like when the saved get to heaven (Rev. 7:13-17; see also Psalm 134)
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
When “they” (that is Mary and Joseph) were finished with the presentation of the Christ child to the Lord and the sacrifices for Mary’s purification, Luke says, “they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth” Let us not miss the fact that Mary and Joseph set a great example of doing “everything” that they were suppose to do according to the Law of God. We who are under the Law of Christ, must make sure to be obedient to Him as well (II John 9-11; Gal. 6:2).
Because Matthew and Luke’s accounts of these events seem to be out of place, we offer here a great explanation for the critics. Some wonder, in light of Luke’s account, when the Magi came to see Jesus to present gifts to Him. They also want to know when the flight to Egypt for safety from Herod took place. It seems that Matthew places these events before the time that Mary and Joseph returned to Galilee (See Matt. 2:22). But we must recognize Matthew’s mention of returning to Galilee as a second return. Luke makes no reference to the dealings of Herod with the Messiah and simply addresses the time period prior to that event. Once Mary and Joseph had accomplished the requirements of the Law and returned home to Galilee for the first time, the Magi came with gifts and the Lord came in a dream with guidance for escaping Herod and his evil plan to destroy the Christ. Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt and then returned after Herod’s death, to Galilee. While some picture the Magi at the manger scene, this is just a false representation of what actually happened. When the Magi followed the star in the sky to find Jesus, even though they were sent to look for Him in Bethlehem, they most likely found Him in Nazareth at the home of Joseph and Mary at almost two years of age. Matthew simply says, “And he (Herod m.l.h.) sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found {Him} report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over {the place} where the Child was.” (Matt. 2:8-9)
Jesus was not in the stable where he was born, but was at a house according to Matthew 2:10-11. Jesus was born outside of an inn and it certainly didn’t qualify as a house. Since Nazareth was the home of Joseph and Mary, they would have returned there with Jesus after the events of fulfilling their duties in the temple. To place these events in proper order, we notice the following:
>Mary gives birth to Jesus in the stable
>She is unclean for 40 days after his birth
>After 7 days (on the 8th) the Child is circumcised and then named Jesus
>This leaves 33 more days before Mary and Joseph can go to Jerusalem
>After those days were completed, they fulfilled their duty to the Law
>They have an encounter with Simeon and Anna
>They return home to Galilee in Nazareth
>Some time passes and word gets to Herod of this Messiah
>Herod sends the Magi in search of Jesus
>The Magi are guided by the star in the east to the place where Jesus was
>They found him in a house, when he was roughly 2 years of age.
>The Magi present gifts to the holy Child and worship Him
>Mary and Joseph receive word that they should flee to Egypt
>They leave for Egypt until it is safe to return
>Herod dies, and then Mary and Joseph return home to Galilee (second time)
As we have pointed out before in these studies, people who try to discredit the Scriptures could find answers with only a moment of study and sincere contemplation of the biblical record. One thing is certain, there won’t be an unbeliever on the last great day, when Jesus comes again to judge all mankind (Phil 2:8f). We will all be like the Magi, bowing down and worshipping the Lord with every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father.
Luke completes this section of our study by saying, “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Jesus was getting ready for His public ministry and in that process was becoming stronger physically, more wise mentally, and He had the grace of God on Him, spiritually (See Isaiah 11:1ff). John tells us in His gospel that Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Jesus brought God’s grace to us, and taught us the truth that we need, to come in contact with the wonderful gift of Christ in salvation. Here the Bible means, “God’s favor” when it says, “God’s grace”
With this we come to the end of the information that is revealed in Luke’s gospel about the birth of Christ. Barnes said here, “It is remarkable that this is all that is recorded of the infancy of Jesus; and this, with the short account that follows of his going to Jerusalem, is all that we know of him for thirty years of his life. The design of the evangelists was to give an account of his "public ministry," and not his private life. Hence, they say little of him in regard to his first years. What they DO say, however, corresponds entirely with what we might expect. He was wise, pure, pleasing God, and deeply skilled in the knowledge of the divine law. He set a lovely example for all children; was subject to his parents, and increased in favor with God and man.”
How are we doing when it comes to leading a life that is acceptable to God? Are you saved from sin through the blood of Christ? Do you have the favor of God upon you? Are you growing in the Lord? Are you becoming stronger and more wise in spiritual things? Where do you stand with God today?
Today, you have an opportunity to realize what God has done for you, and in turn you can change your life to serve the true and living God. He loved you enough to send His only begotten Son to die for your sins. If you have been serving the Lord as one of His disciples, but you realize that your level of dedication is not where it needs to be, the Lord is ready for you to return to Him.
Don't exit this episode without reaching out for assistance with your spiritual needs unless you know with Divine assurance that you have had your sins washed away by the blood of Christ and that God’s favor is upon you. Send me a message or email and I will be glad to get you in touch with a good local church in your area and to help you respond to the good news about Jesus through obedience to His call.
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