Luke 2:22-40
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. 39 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.
My wife loves to watch cooking shows and competitions that feature Bobby Flay. I get it. He’s good-looking, comes off as very personable, and, of course, is an incredible chef known for creating culinary masterpieces that are just bursting with flavor.
“Bursting with flavor”. That’s a good way to describe this passage. This is one of my favorite narratives in Scripture, and it is bursting with tasty details that we simply must savor.
In verses 31-32, we’re reminded again that Jesus is for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike. Verses 29-32 point out that prophecy is being fulfilled. In verse 31, we’re told again that this is all part of God’s plan as God is working and moving to redeem people. We also see the Holy Spirit working and moving as Simeon comes to greet the newborn king. Four times, we’re told that the requirements of the Law are being fulfilled in Jesus, which reminds us (as Jesus said of Himself in Matthew 5) that Jesus hasn’t come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
The interactions between Joseph and Mary and Simeon and Anna are amazing. Simeon and Anna are both old and faithful. Imagine Joseph and Mary coming to the Temple, and these two older people, who they don’t know, simply walk to them, take their child in their arms, and start praising God, prophesying, and telling everyone who will listen that Jesus is the one they’ve been waiting for. Wow.
It’s all wonderful stuff.
But there is also a sad, sorrowful notes in this warm encounter. In verse 35, Simeon speaks of opposition and the fall and rise of many in Israel and then an even more distressing hint of bitterness regarding a sword that will pierce Mary’s soul as the shadow of Jesus’ death on the cross begins to stretch out before us.
That sorrowful note of opposition speaks to a choice that everyone will have to make about Jesus. You know, every day, you and I make hundreds of choices of all manner and size of importance. As you read this, you’ve probably already chosen what to wear today. Later on, you’ll choose what to eat, to work, to study, and you’ll choose who to spend time with. You make loads of choices every day. Some big, some small, and some choices are so small you don’t realize that you are actually making a choice. However, the truth is that all our choices affect us and reflect on what beliefs and values we hold in our hearts. Our choices reveal what’s at the center of our hearts. Our choices reveal what we think about God, about ourselves, and our relationship with God.
Look back in the passage in verses 34-35. Simeon says that there is a choice to be made, a choice regarding Jesus. Will you choose to accept Jesus, or will you choose to reject Him? Some will, and some won’t.
Would it help you to know that God has already made a choice to love you? That’s what is revealed to us through the entire narrative account of Jesus’ birth. Jesus is given to all of us. We see that in all who are present in the narrative account of Jesus’ birth. The older childless couple, the young unmarried pregnant girl, the young man who acts in faith, the lowly shepherds in the field, those who are suffering, those who are praying, those who are struggling, and those who are waiting. Repeatedly we’ve been reminded that this newborn child hasn’t been given just for the right sort of people, He has been given to us all.
So, when it comes to Jesus, what do you choose?
Know that I’m constantly praying for you, and if ever you have a specific prayer request, please let me know.
God bless!
Scott