the child - the crux
These verses from the Gospel of Luke reveal several important details surrounding the birth of Christ. First, the time has come for Mary to present her sacrifice at the temple in Jerusalem, as required by Mosaic Law regarding purification rites after childbirth. She and Joseph offer two young pigeons, which tells us they were poor people without the means to sacrifice a larger animal. We can also infer that they were devout in their faith, as they brought Jesus to present Him at the temple and dedicate Him to the Lord, another requirement of the Law.
Meanwhile, a devout man named Simeon was also in Jerusalem, waiting for the "consolation of Israel" (Isaiah 40:1-2). God had promised him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. When Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple, the Holy Spirit also prompts Simeon to go to the temple. He immediately recognizes Israel's consolation in the baby Jesus. He praises God, announcing that the comfort of Israel had come as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of [God's] people Israel." Simeon knew that this child, Jesus, would save God's people everywhere from their sins. In the temple, the heart of Jewish faith and culture, in Jerusalem, the heart of the nation of Israel, this righteous man declares that to gaze upon the face of the infant Jesus is to gaze upon the face of our salvation.
He continues, saying to Mary, "'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'" The Holy Spirit is speaking through Simeon, reminding Mary that Jesus is not only her son but the Son of God. Also in the temple, this day as she was every day, is the elderly prophetess Anna. Highly respected for her faith, Anna spent her days "worshipping night and day, fasting, and praying." Scripture says, "Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:38).
Obedience is the best position for blessing. Luke is intentional in showing us that Mary and Joseph were obedient to what God led them to do. They offered their sacrifices and brought Jesus to be dedicated, just as the Law required them to do. There's no suggestion it was done out of legalistic obligation but instead out of loving obedience. Likewise, Simeon believed God's promise that he would see Israel's consolation before he died, so when the Holy Spirit prompts him to go to the temple, he obeys and sees God's promise fulfilled. Both were blessed because they were obedient.
The mission of Jesus is universal. Simeon, though the leading of the Holy Spirit, declares my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32). Each of us is uniquely positioned by God to reach those around us. God's gift of salvation is for all humanity (John 3:16; Romans 3:23-24; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:4-7).
Jesus is the critical point in your story. What you do with Jesus is the crux of this story. John 3:17 tells us we are condemned through our sins, but there is hope. Jesus gave His life for you; all you have to do is accept His gift of salvation.
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Prayer Prompt
Father, help us to remember that no matter where we are in our journey of faith, You walk alongside us. Help us to turn to You for guidance, wisdom, discernment, and the courage to bring others to faith in You.
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Worship Set: King of My Heart l Jireh l Mercy l Freedom