 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 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. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. The Return to Nazareth39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. The Boy Jesus in the Temple41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents[c] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Meditation Christmas nativities include Magi coming to worship Jesus a couple of years after his birth but do not include the rabbi who circumcised Jesus on the eighth day of his life or Simeon and Anna. Go figure. God’s Spirit uses the obedience of God’s people to reveal the power in the promise of Christmas. Joseph and Mary were obedient to the Mosaic law (22, 23-24, 39) and the Holy Spirit used this obedience for His redemptive purposes (24, 25, 26). Simon was “righteous and devout” (25). Anna was a prophetess (36). Both celebrate the “redemption” (38) Jesus fulfills, ancient prophecies of the Messiah and the ancient purposes of God, “Lord’s Christ” (26) and the “light for revelation to the Gentiles” (30). The Spirit of God uses obedience to the word of God to reveal the faithfulness and purposes of God to His people! Jesus grows up to say that to love Him is to obey Him (John 14:15, 21-24). To know Jesus personally is to obey Him totally (1 John 2:3). Will you respond to God’s grace by worshipping Jesus through obedience to His word? Jesus is King. We do not need to be circumcised! But we do need to believe, trusting God’s design and direction for all our lives as we learn to “delight in God’s law in our inner being” (Romans 7:22). Spirit empowered obedience turns the duty of obedience into delight, leading us to discover a more rich power in the promise of Christmas. Richly Dwelling -Why do most nativity sets not include the Rabbi who circumcises, Simeon, or Anna? Are they important for revelation to who Jesus is? -Are you surprised by the focus on law keeping in the narrative? Why does the Spirit use obedience to the law to reveal Christ? -Jesus came to fulfill the law and die for those who disobey the law- There is no condemnation for those in Christ. We are free to show our love for Jesus through obedience! HOW can you more faithfully obey King Jesus today? Key Verse 39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Comments are closed.
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