READ: Luke 2:25-38; Isaiah 40:5; 42:6; 46:13; 49:6; and 52:9-10
PRAY: The “Nunc Dimitis” is the liturgical song based on Simeon’s words in Luke 2:29-32. It begins with the words, “Lord now you let your servant go in peace…” (or in Latin, “Now you dismiss”). Pray or sing these words from Scripture or a favorite arrangement as you begin your devotions this week.
DO: Speak to an “elder” member of your family or our church. Talk to them about what life was like when they were young, what church was like, and what their faith means to them. Share your experiences with them as well.
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Who has shared God’s promises with you? Think of elders and mentors who have helped to shape your faith, from childhood into adulthood. How has/did your relationship connect you with God? How did their words/actions bear witness to God? To God’s promises?
How is Simeon a witness for Jesus? How is Anna a witness? How do they connect Jesus to his religious heritage? At the same time, are they leading Jesus toward something new? If yes, how so?
How has your faith changed since you were a child? How has it stayed the same?
This presentation ritual is in many ways the closest thing Jesus would have experienced to an infant baptism. What similarities or differences do you see?
Who was present at your baptism? What promises were proclaimed? How did your family celebrate? Did they express any hopes or expectations for your future?
What does it mean for you that Jesus is the light of the world?
The Big Idea: Jesus is God’s promised Savior.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Luke’s gospel account is the only one that gives us these accounts of the events that take place after Jesus’ birth (with the exception of the flight to Egypt in Matthew, where Jesus is not as much the central focus). Luke’s gospel account is also the only account to begin with the story of Zechariah’s angelic encounter at the temple. Unlike John’s account, Luke (as well as the other two synoptic authors) recount Jesus making only one trip to Jerusalem (where the temple was located) as an adult. This single trip is framed between verses 9:51 and 19:28, and the whole account is framed by Zechariah and the apostles in the temple from beginning to end (1:5 and 24:53), making Jerusalem and the temple a central focus of most of Luke’s gospel.
Luke is careful to portray the positive aspects of temple worship and the role of the temple and Jerusalem in the life of the faithful. In this account, we learn that from the beginning of his life, Jesus was a part of temple worship and participated in Jewish customs and religious laws with his family. Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day (cf. Luke 2:21, Genesis 17:11-12). Mary participated in the purification ritual for a woman after childbirth (cf. Luke 2:24, Leviticus 12). Jesus was also presented to the Lord (cf. Luke 2:22). This presentation was probably connected to the ritual Redemption of the Firstborn, although that law simply requires setting the child apart, not bringing him to the temple (Exodus 13:11-16, Numbers 18:15-16), and Luke does not mention the monetary offering prescribed. In addition, although it’s impossible to date the Jewish practice of bar-mitzvah (son of the commandment) to this early of a date, Jesus’ encounter at the temple occurs during his twelfth year, bar-mitzvahs traditionally being a celebration of a child’s thirteenth birthday.
When Jesus and his parents arrive at the temple, they’re greeted by Simeon and Anna, both of whom Luke takes care to identify as reliable and faithful individuals. Remembering that the temple is an enormous complex, some 35 acres large, the knowledge that Simeon was “guided by the Holy Spirit” (v. 27) takes on new significance, as does the immediacy of Anna’s response.
APPLICATION
How does Simeon define “salvation” (Luke 2:20ff.)? For whom is God’s salvation intended?
How does this compare to the prophecies in Isaiah (cf. also Isaiah 40:5, 42:6-9, 49:6, and 59:9-10)?
According to Simeon, will God’s salvation be easy? What warnings does he give?
How do these warnings compare to the prophecies in Isaiah (especially 42:4 and 52:13-53:12)?
How do we experience God’s salvation?
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