By Pat Lubomski – Ypsilanti, Michigan
In Part 1, we read the miracles and specificities surrounding Jesus’s birth. In Part 2, we are continuing our deep dive into the first year of Jesus’s life, looking at where the baby Jesus was first brought into the temple.
Jesus’ Presentation at the Temple
“Now when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
“Every firstborn male will be set apart to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is specified in the law of the Lord, a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24 NET
In Leviticus, the law was set for a child to be presented in the temple and a sacrifice to be made for atonement when the mother’s days of purification were complete. The law also made provision for a family to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons if a lamb or sheep was too expensive for the family to offer.
According to the NET commentary, the offering of the pair of doves or pigeons spoke of the humble roots of Jesus’s family, as they could not afford the expense of the lamb.
Photo of turtledoves by Giovanni of Flickr
The Prophecy of Simeon
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon who was righteous and devout, looking for the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
So Simeon, directed by the Spirit, came into the temple courts…” Luke 2:25-27 NET
The temple courts is a reference to the larger temple area, not the holy place. Simeon would either have been in the court of the Gentiles or the court of women.
“…and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law,
Simeon took him in his arms and blessed God, saying, “Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
So the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “Listen carefully: This child is destined to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be rejected.” Luke 2:27-34 NET
This phrase “falling and rising” emphasizes that Jesus will bring division in the nation, as some will be judged and others blessed because of how they respond to him. Like in Isaiah 8, Jesus gets strong reactions from both sides!
“Indeed, as a result of him, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul as well!” Luke 2:35 NET
How do you think Mary reacted to this news? What a strong prophecy to be spoken over your baby boy, even if he did come to the world through extraordinary circumstances!
The Testimony of Anna
“There was also a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having been married to her husband for seven years until his death.
She had lived as a widow since then for eighty-four years. She never left the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day.
At that moment, she came up to them and began to give thanks to God and to speak about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38 NET
Here, the imperfect tense of the Greek word “elalei” (speak) looks at a process of declaration, not a single moment. This was a prophetic address given in the temple, not just a single statement.
Photo by form PxHere
“So when Joseph and Mary had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:39-40 NET
Verse 40 is almost a direct quote of verses in first and second Samuel, regarding the prophet Samuel who became strong and was filled with wisdom.
“…the boy Samuel was growing up and finding favor both with the Lord and with people.” 1 Samuel 2:26 NET
Samuel was the person that went to bed one night as a young boy, but the next day, woke up as the Man of God and a Prophet…he too, had greatness in him from a young age.
He was a forerunner and example of how Jesus would grow and save his people, in an even larger way!
Pat Lubomski has been married to Laurie since 1982. They have hosted home Bible fellowships for almost that long, and they currently pastor a neighborhood Baptist church, as well as fellowships in Southeastern Michigan and the Toledo area. They have one adult son, Jason.
Watch Pat teach at Christian Family Fellowship in “We Like People!”