lesson note on the presentation of jesus in the temple

Ministry To Children

Jesus Presented (Luke 2:22-40) Sunday School Lesson

 22  When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses,Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  23  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),  24  and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Show students a simple map to point out places in the life of Jesus (Jerusalem, Galilee, Bethlehem, Nazareth). Point out Jerusalem in particular and pass around pictures of the Temple, emphasizing its significance. The holy parents were offering Jesus to God for His use. They knew He was meant to do amazing things. There were some people in the Temple who also knew that Jesus had a very special destiny…

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Provide a brief explanation of who Simeon was. He studied the Bible, and it says here that God promised he would see the Messiah before he died. After witnessing Jesus, he was satisfied and felt he had all he needed. Jesus is all we need, too! There was another person in the temple who recognized Christ’s purpose:

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[e] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 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.

These people had waited their whole lives and were thrilled and overjoyed to have a glimpse of the Savior. They knew that Jesus was called by God and dedicated to something special. The word “dedicated” means committed, set apart, or reserved for an important purpose. Jesus was dedicated to serve and to die for us. How can we be dedicated to Him?? Craft: Dedication cards: Have students make special dedication cards to remind them that they are meant for something special. Provide coloring materials, card stock, and string. Students can turn creations into bookmarks, door hangers, or just something to look at. They can put their names, a Bible verse, or a simple sentence reminding them to always seek the savior and be dedicated to HIM. Close with prayer and thanks for God’s work in our lives. Thank Him for giving us Jesus and for giving our lives meaning. Ask Him to help direct our paths and show what His purpose for us is.

Free Children's Ministry Lessons

Preschool lesson: running the race, kids bible lesson (matthew 18:21-35) the parable of the unforgiving servant, parables of jesus: 9 lessons for kids, lesson: heavenly treasures…winning in god’s eyes (matthew 20:1-16), thankful to god (3 lessons) on biblical thankfulness, leave a comment.

Luke 2:25-38 Notes

LUKE 2:25-38 - EXEGESIS

THE CONTEXT:   Chapter 2 starts with the story of the birth of Jesus (vv. 1-7)-the familiar and beloved story that includes the angels and shepherds (vv. 8-20). It moves to this week's Gospel lesson, the presentation of Jesus in the temple and return to Nazareth (vv. 22-40). It concludes with the story of Jesus' visit to the temple at the age of twelve (vv. 41-51) and a statement about his growth (v. 52).

At the point of our text, Jesus is only a few weeks old, but he has been recognized by:

• Elizabeth, Mary's kinswoman, whose baby, John, "leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!'" (1:41-42).

• Zechariah, Elizabeth's husband, who prophesied that God "has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David " (1:69).

• Angels and shepherds (2:8-20). The Wise Men will come later.

LUKE 2:22-24.  THEY BROUGHT JESUS UP TO JERUSALEM

22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS."

"When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord" (v. 22). Purification applies only to the mother. Whether intentionally or not, Luke seems to be combining two rites here:

     • One is the purification of the mother following the birth of a child (Leviticus 12:1-8). The mother is considered unclean for forty days following the birth of a son or eighty days following the birth of a daughter. During that time, she is prohibited from going to the temple or handling holy objects.

     • The other is the presentation in the temple-a consecration and redemption of the firstborn (Exodus 13:1-2, 11-16) signifying that the child is "holy to the Lord" (v. 23). The redemption commemorates the deliverance of the people of Israel through the final plague-the death of the firstborn of Egypt. Henceforth, all firstborn of Israel (animals as well as humans) are to be redeemed. The price of redemption for a human baby is five shekels of silver (Numbers 18:15-16). The purpose of the ceremony is to "be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us out of Egypt" (Exodus 13:16). However, Luke does not mention the redemption of Jesus here. He needs no redemption, because he will always belong to God (Farris, 302).

A third requirement for a baby boy is circumcision. That took place earlier, on the eighth day after Jesus' birth (v. 21).

"according to the law of Moses" (v. 22b). Luke makes it clear that Jesus, from the very beginning, is obedient to the Law of Moses. He also confirms the devotion of Joseph and Mary to the law, mentioning the law three times in verses 22-24 and again in verses 27 and 39. Luke has already told us of Mary's devotion (1:38, 46-55). We will soon learn that Joseph and Mary go to Jerusalem every year for Passover (2:41-42).

The law of Moses was God's plan in the Old Testament for the salvation of the Jewish people. Jesus is God's plan in the New Testament for the salvation of all people. It is fitting that Jesus, from the beginning of his life, has his roots firmly planted in God's law. As he will later explain, "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17).

"to present him to the Lord" (v. 22c). The Jewish people of Jesus' day observed a multitude of ritual observances to mark significant passages of ordinary life. These observances served as a constant reminder of their relationship with God and encouraged them to regard all of life as sacred.

Today we often ignore such observances or handle them crudely-and we are thereby impoverished. God has planted something in our hearts that needs to find meaning amid the everyday events of life.

As the church, we need to help people to observe the passages of life (birth, coming of age, marriage, illness, death) in ways that acknowledge the Lord-and that lend those passages dignity.

As individuals, we need to make space in our lives to express thanksgiving for the blessings we have received-and to praise God for his mercies-and to ask God for guidance and forgiveness. Where possible, we need to eat together as a family, and we need to take the opportunity to express thanks for the food-and for the people around the table. We need to pray with our children, and teach them to pray. We need to make God a part of our daily lives.  There are several parallels between dedications of Jesus and Samuel, the great prophet:

• Eli told Hannah that Samuel would be born (1 Samuel 1:17), just as the angel told Mary (1:26-38).
• Hannah brought Samuel, as a very young boy, to the sanctuary to dedicate him to God's service (1 Samuel 1:21-28).
• Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah (1 Samuel 2:20) just as Simeon blesses Joseph and Mary (v. 34).

"as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord'" (v. 23). The law in question is Exodus 13:2, where Yahweh says, "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal. It is mine" (see also Exodus 13:12, 15). This is in commemoration of the Passover, where firstborn Jewish males were spared death.

"and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, 'A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons'" (v. 24). The law requires a sacrifice of "a year old lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering" (Leviticus 12:6). However, there is a provision in the law for a woman who cannot afford a lamb. In that case, she is allowed to sacrifice two turtledoves or two pigeons (Leviticus 12:8).

     This offering of two pigeons tells us that Joseph and Mary are poor. Jesus begins his life in concert with the poor whose cause he will champion throughout his ministry. He was born in a stable and was raised as the son of a carpenter in little Nazareth, far from Jerusalem and the temple-far from the center of wealth and power.

LUKE 2:25-32.  LOOKING FOR THE CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking 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 carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 "Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A LIGHT  OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel."

"Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for ( prosdechomenos -waiting for) the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him" (v. 25). Luke emphasizes Simeon's unusual qualifications. He is righteous and devout. He has spent a lifetime "looking for the consolation of Israel" (v. 25). The Holy Spirit rests on him, and has revealed to him that he will not die until he has seen the Messiah (vv. 25-26). The Spirit guides him to the temple, where he encounters Joseph, Mary, and Jesus (v. 27). He takes the baby in his arms and prays, "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation" (vv. 29-30). God has fulfilled his promise, and Simeon has seen the Savior. Surely, over the years, he has prayed a thousand prayers, hoped a thousand hopes, and suffered a thousand disappointments. Finally, his dream is realized, and he can die in peace. God has rewarded his waiting.

     We are a busy and impatient people. We expect instant gratification, and hate to be kept waiting. We know that "Anything worth having is worth working for." We need also to learn that "Anything worth having is worth waiting for." God works in a time zone where a day is as a thousand years. When our dreams don't come true in a day, we need to keep in mind that God is still at work-still wrapping the package-still preparing the gift to fit our needs and preparing us for the gift. We need to pray, not just for the gift, but also

"the Holy Spirit was on him" (v. 25). "It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit" (v. 26). "He came in the Spirit" (v. 27). Just as Luke emphasizes the law in verses 22-24, he emphasizes the Spirit in verses 25-27. While the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day emphasized the law to the point that they killed the spirit, law and Spirit are hardly incompatible.

Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace" (v. 29). Simeon's First Oracle (vv. 29-32), known as the Nunc Dimittis (from the Latin words for "Now thou lettest depart," the Latin translation of Simeon's words, here translated "Now you are releasing"), has been used in Christian worship since the fifth century. In this First Oracle, Simeon praises God for allowing him to see "your salvation" (v. 30) and speaks traditional words of peace, salvation, and light.

"for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel" (vv. 30-32). Then Simeon speaks less traditional words (at least for this temple where Gentiles are restricted to the outermost court), acknowledging that God has "prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (vv. 31-32a). Isaiah had earlier said that "all flesh shall see (the glory of Yahweh) together" (40:5)-and spoke of "a light for the nations" (42:6) and salvation that would reach "to the end of the earth" (49:6), but Judaism is still quite insular.

     Luke will also write the book of Acts, and in that book will tell the story of the church opening its doors to Gentiles. Simeon gives us a very early clue as to the direction that salvation history will take. However, he is also careful to add that God has prepared salvation for "the glory of your people Israel" (v. 32).

"which you have prepared before the face of all peoples" (v. 31). Salvation is something that God has prepared. He intends this salvation for all peoples. Our first response might be that God is gracious to offer salvation to people who are not like us-but it should be that God is gracious enough to offer salvation to us. We are, after all, sinners-all of us (Romans 3:23). Our hope lies not in anything that we have done, but on God's grace-mercy that we have not deserved but which Christ has made available to us.

LUKE 2:33-35.  A SWORD WILL PIERCE YOUR SOUL

33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed- 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul-to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."

"Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him" (v. 33). Amazement is a frequent response to Jesus in this Gospel (1:63; 2:18, 47; 4:22, 36; 5:9; 7:9; 8:25; 9:43; 11:14,

"and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother" (v. 34a). Simeon blesses the Holy Family (v. 34), but then directs his Second Oracle (vv. 34b-35) to Mary. It is quite possible that Joseph dies before Jesus begins his ministry. If so, Joseph will not experience the events of this Second Oracle, which has an ominous tone. Simeon speaks of rising and falling-and opposition-and a sword.

The "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel" (v. 34b) could refer to the fact that some Jews will become Jesus' disciples while others will oppose him. It could refer to families being torn apart as some choose Jesus and the rest turn against them. It could refer to the first who will become last and the last who will become first (13:30). It could refer to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

"and for a sign which is spoken against" (v. 34c). While Jesus is light (v. 32), "the inescapable fact is that anyone who turns on light creates shadows" (Craddock, Interpretation , 39). Jesus will be a friend to tax collectors and sinners, but religious authorities will oppose him and will finally succeed in killing him.

Simeon tells Mary, "a sword will pierce through your own soul" (v. 35a). There will be times during Jesus' ministry when Jesus seems not to care about his family (8:19-21)-or when he seems to speak sharply to Mary (John 2:4), and those must be painful times for Mary. Also, Mary cannot fail to see that Jesus stirs great controversy, and must be distressed to know that it is the best rather than the worst of society that opposes him. At the cross, the sword that pierces Jesus' side surely will not be as painful as the sword that pierces Mary's heart. God has honored Mary by choosing her to be the mother of the Messiah, but the honor will not include an easy life. What could be more painful than a mother seeing her son executed as a common criminal?

"that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (v. 35b). Jesus will be able to perceive the unspoken questions of people's hearts (5:22), and will scatter "the proud in the thoughts of their hearts" (1:51).

LUKE 2:36-38.  THERE WAS ONE ANNA, A PROPHETESS

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

"There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years)" (vv. 36-37a). Luke often pairs a man and a woman.  Here he pairs Anna with Simeon. Other male/female pairings include (Johnson, 56):

• Zechariah and Elizabeth (1:5-24).
• Mary and Joseph (1:26-38)-although Joseph is only briefly mentioned.
• Jesus heals a centurion's servant (7:1-10) and a widow's son (7:11-17).
• Jesus heals the Gerasene demoniac (8:26-39) and a little girl and a woman (8:40-56).
• Jesus heals a crippled woman (13:10-17) and a man with dropsy (14:1-6).
• Jesus tells of a shepherd who has lost a sheep (15:1-7) and a woman who has lost a coin (15:8-10).
• Jesus tells of a widow and an unjust judge (18:1-8).
• Jesus denounces the scribes (13:45-47), and praises a widow's offering (14:1-4).
• Simon of Cyrene carries Jesus' cross (23:26) and women beat their breasts and wail for Jesus (23:27).
• At the cross a centurion who sees Jesus' death praises God and proclaims Jesus' innocence (23:47). Women stand at a distance, "watching these things" (23:49).
• Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus (23:50-54) and women attend to the body (23:55-56).
• Women discover the empty tomb (24:1-12) and Jesus encounters two men on the road to Emmaus (24:13-35).

These pairings reflect Luke's uncommon regard for women in that patriarchal society.

"who didn't depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day" (v. 37b). Like Simeon, Anna is devout, old, and a prophet. Like Simeon, she recognizes this child as the messiah (Tannehill, 70).

• Simeon is in the temple because the Spirit guided him there.
• Joseph, Mary, and Jesus are there to fulfill the requirements of the law.
• Anna is always there. She "didn't depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day" (v. 37). She would have to do so in the Court of Women, one of the outer precincts of the temple, because the inner precincts are reserved for men. In this instance, "never left the temple" does not necessarily mean that she slept there, but only that she was constant in her worship at the temple. Both Simeon and Anna have lived faith-filled, expectant lives. Simeon lived his life "looking forward to the consolation of Israel" (v. 25). Anna worshiped in the temple day and night. Barclay notes of her that "She was old and she had never ceased to hope.... never ceased to worship.... never ceased to pray" (Barclay, 23)-not a bad model for emulation!

"Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem" (v. 38). Anna bears testimony about Jesus to the faithful people who were gathered in that place.

     Earlier, Luke mentioned that Simeon was "looking for the consolation of Israel" (v. 25). Now he speaks of people who "were looking for redemption in Jerusalem" (v. 38). The parallel wording suggests that these two phrases are roughly synonymous. What these people expected is not clear from this brief phrase. Most probably thought of the redemption of Jerusalem in terms of freedom from Roman rule, but some would have had a grander vision-a vision of spiritual renewal.

Christmas Lesson Luke 2:25-38

2. (Lk. 2:25-32) A promise fulfilled to Simeon.

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[a] 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."

a. Waiting for the Consolation of Israel: Simeon may have known that there were rumors of something happening regarding the coming of the Messiah. The news of John the Baptist's birth and its meaning was widely publicized (Luke 1:65), and the shepherds who heard the angelic announcement may have kept temple flocks, and they may have reported what happened among the people of the temple.

b. So he came by the Spirit into the temple: It was not rumors, but the Spirit who led him into the temple on that day. Simeon was a man who knew how to be led by the Holy Spirit, both in hearing God's promise to him and being prompted to go to the temple at the right time.

c. He took Him up in his arms: Simeon's prophecy is filled with love for his Savior; and he hardly knows Jesus! We who know so much more about Him should love Him even more.

d. According to Your word: Simeon now had the peace of seeing God's promise fulfilled in his life.

e. You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation: It's as if Simeon was commanded by God to keep a lonely watch through the night until he saw the sun come up; here is God's sunrise, and because Jesus has come, Simeon can be relieved of his watch.

f. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles: The amazing thing about Simeon's prophecy is that it shows that this light is for the Gentiles also. The salvation of Jesus began with Israel, but was always to be extended beyond Israel.

3. (Lk. 2:33-35) A promise and a warning from Simeon.

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."

a. His father and His mother marveled: We can imagine their combination of joy and surprise to see how God has touched the hearts of others with an understanding of their Son is. No matter how well you know Jesus, there is something special about seeing someone else come to know Him.

b. For the fall and rising of many: This is shown in the way that Peter repents, but Judas despairs; in that one thief blasphemes, the other believes. Jesus is like a magnet that is attractive to some, but others are repelled from Him.

i. And a sign which will be spoken against: Sign is literally "a target that people shoot at." Jesus would surely be the target of much evil.

c. A sword will pierce through your own soul also: It was important for Mary to know that mothering the Messiah would not be all sweetness and light. It was both a great privilege and a great burden.

i. Possibly no other human agonized as much over Jesus' rejection and suffering as His mother did. This was not only because of the natural love of a mother, but also because His rejection was her rejection. Wonderfully, His vindication was hers also.

4. (Lk. 2:36-38) Anna's testimony to the Redeemer.

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.[a] 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.

a. Anna, a prophetess: We don't know in what capacity Anna was a prophetess . Perhaps it was in the way that she brought forth this specific word about Jesus.

b. Who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day: This godly woman served God with total devotion. Anna's close walk with God is shown by her love for Jesus, and her desire to tell others about Jesus ( spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption ).

i. Again, Anna knew almost nothing about Jesus, compared to what we know about Him -yet see how she loved Him!

Lk. 2:25-35 - Myers Commentary

The description in 2:21-24 of Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord introduces the events of 2:25-38, namely two Jewish people who have been waiting for the Messiah, and who are at the temple to meet and bless Him. It seems that Luke, following the instructions of Deuteronomy 19:15 to confirm a matter by two or three witnesses, is intentionally presenting three witnesses to the birth of the Messiah: the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna.

The shepherds have already witnessed the birth of Jesus; Luke now presents two individuals who provide further testimony. The first of these is Simeon in 2:25-35. It is possible that Simeon was a Levitical priest, and it was to him that Mary gave the five shekel redemption offering, and who then pronounced the blessing upon Jesus that Luke records here (Pentecost 1981:65; contra. Bock 1994:240). The blessing reiterates much of the Jewish expectations that were seen in the statements of Mary and Zacharias (1:46-55; 67-79), but includes some new elements as well. Simeon and Zarcharias are placed in parallel, as both are righteous men in the temple who act under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Green 1997:143).

2:25. At the time when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for Mary's purification and to redeem Jesus, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon . Jerusalem was the political and religious center of Israel. Simeon means "God has heard." There are numerous legends about Simeon. "We are told that he was high priest and successor to Zacharias (cf. Protevangelium of James 24:3-4), that Jesus raised his two sons from the dead (cf Acts of Pilate 17:1), and that he was perhaps the son of the great Rabbi Hillell (b. Shabbath 15a). All of these traditions are dubious" (Evans 2003:54; cf. Bock 1994:238). Though there was a Rabbi Simeon, the son of Hillel, alive at the time Jesus was born, this Simeon mentioned by Luke cannot be Simeon, the son of Hillel. For one reason, Simeon the son of Hillel lived a long time after the birth of Jesus, and later fathered a son named Gamaliel, whom Luke writes about in Acts (Lightfoot 1989:40). From Luke, it appears that this Simeon did not live too much longer, and was probably too old to produce a son. So all we really know about this Simeon are the four things Luke records.

First, Simeon was just (Gk. dikaios ), which could also be translated "righteous." From a Jewish perspective, it refers to one's right standing before God, specifically in regard to God's Covenant with Israel. Luke has previously informed his readers that Zacharias and Elizabeth were righteous, "walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless" (1:6), and that the ministry of John the Baptist will include helping people practice the wisdom of living righteously to prepare the way for the Messiah (1:17).

Simeon was also devout , which means he was reverent and pious. Though obedient to the law, he was not proud and arrogant about it (cf. Acts 22:12).

Third, Luke writes that Simeon was waiting for the Consolation of Israel , which is a prophetic term for the Messiah, the One who would bring peace, comfort, and relief from afflictions to the people of Israel. Such consolation is a frequent theme in Isaiah 40-66. Sometimes, in Rabbinic tradition, the Messiah is called a "consoler" (Evans 2003:54; cf. Lightfoot 1989:41). The term Luke uses, paraklesis is used later by John to refer to the coming Holy Spirit (John 14-16).

Finally, Luke records that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. Luke writes more about the Holy Spirit than any other Gospel writer. By doing so, he lays groundwork for the birth of the church at Pentecost in Acts 2. Prior to Pentecost in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit only came upon a select few, and only for a short while so they could accomplish a specific task. He would come upon kings to provide leadership, prophets to speak God's Word, and builders to construct the temple. After Pentecost in Acts 2, He remains in all believers permanently. If Simeon had the Holy Spirit upon him, he was specially chosen by God to do something specific for God.

2:26. The specific task given to Simeon was that he would be a witness to the birth of the Messiah. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's hrist.   Scripture doesn't say how old Simeon was, or how long he had been waiting, but tradition says he was 113 years old (Wiersbe 1989:177). Again, this is only speculation and tradition, not Scripture (Bock 1994:238).

2:27-28. Luke seems to imply that Simeon was the priest to whom Mary and Joseph brought Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law . As discussed in 2:23, this custom required them to redeem Jesus as their firstborn son with five pieces of silver. As Mary would not be allowed past the Court of Women, this meeting took place there, or possibly in the Court of Gentiles. The location is not without significance. In Israel, the temple was viewed as the center of worship, and the place where God dwelled among men. Yet it is here, in Israel's temple, that God reveals His plan to send a Messiah who will be for all the world, not just for Israel (cf. 2:30-32; Green 1997:146).

Once the offering was made, the priest would take up the child in his arms , and pronounce a blessing of praise to God, as Simeon does in 2:29-32.

2:29. Simeon begins by stating that he is now ready to depart in peace . The term means that Simeon is ready to die. He has been acting like a sentinel, waiting and watching for the arrival of some great event or person, and now that the task is complete, God can do with Simeon as He wishes (Bock 1994:241). Simeon is ready to die because the promises of God have been fulfilled. Simeon states that these promises were according to Your word , which does not refer to promises in Scripture which Simeon had read, but promises from God which had been spoken directly to Simeon (cf. 2:26). This implies that although God had not spoken to Israel through a prophet in over 400 years, God still spoke specifically to certain individuals who lived in faithfulness to Him. There are, of course, promises from Scripture which Simeon refers to in verses 30-32.

2:30. Simeon states that the reason he can depart in peace is his eyes have seen God's salvation , namely, the Messiah Jesus. By referring to salvation Simeon is not stating that he now knows he has eternal life, or that he knows that through Jesus, he gets to go to heaven when he dies. Those sorts of questions and issues are relatively new on the theological scene (primarily since the Bubonic Plague hit Europe in the 1340s, killing millions). Throughout biblical history, when people spoke and wrote about salvation , they were referring to physical deliverance from some sort of temporal calamity, such as sickness, premature physical death, enemies, and natural disasters like storms, floods, and famines. In the case of Israelites like Simeon, they most often thought of salvation in the way it is used in prophetical passages like Isaiah 40:5 and 52:10. Salvation is the time when God would deliver Israel from enemy occupation, and restore her to her rightful place among the nations, with the Messiah ruling and reigning over the entire world from Jerusalem (cf. Green 1997:145). This is what Simeon had in mind, as confirmed by what he says in verses 31-32. Forgiveness of sins (national and personal) was definitely a part of this, but only as a prerequisite to the permanent and perpetual deliverance from enemies that Israel hoped and longed for.

2:31. The salvation (i.e., the national deliverance of Israel from her enemies through the Messiah; see v 30) is something that God has prepared before the face of all peoples . The plans which God has for the nation of Israel were intended to reveal something about God to all other nations. Israel was not to be set apart simply for the sake of being different, but so that people could see who God was, and how He wanted to bless them and restore them unto Himself. Due to frequently falling short of the covenant requirements, the nation of Israel never fully revealed to the nations all that God intended, so now Simeon indicates that this will be the task of the Messiah, Jesus.

2:32. The task will generally involve two things, which both involve bringing light to a particular people group (cf. Bock 1994:244-245). First, the light of the Messiah bring revelation to the Gentiles (cf. Isa 42:6; 49:6; 60:1; Luke 1:79). Unlike Israel, the nations were without reliable revelation from God, and without knowledge of how to be reconciled to Him. The Messiah would bring (and be) revelation to the Gentiles and show them how to be welcomed into the family of God. Previously, when Mary and Zacharias spoke of the salvation that would come through the Messiah, they spoke only of deliverance from enemies for Israel (cf. 1:51-55, 69-74). Simeon's words here both build on that, and reveal more. The salvation will not be just for Israel, but will somehow include the Gentiles as well. Luke's depiction of the nature and mission of Jesus' ministry is being molded continually by the shape and progress of the narrative (Green 1997:144).

Israel, of course, would receive what was promised to her as well. The light of the Messiah will bring glory to His people Israel (cf. Isa 46:13). "As Isaiah 60:1-3 shows, the nation's hope was that, with the coming of salvific light to Israel, the attention of all people would be drawn to Israel" (Bock 1994:245). So the coming of the Messiah will accomplish for Israel what they never could accomplish on their own. This, however, does not mean that they will be set aside, but only that as a result of the Messiah, they will be able to enjoy the benefits of the covenant, and achieve all that God intended for them. There will, of course, still be stipulations, but that is addressed later in Luke's Gospel and elsewhere.

2:33. When Simeon finished speaking these things about Jesus, Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him (cf. 1:29; 2:19). Joseph is mentioned specifically by name (due to a textual variant the NIV and NAS omit his name) because Luke wants to emphasize two things. First, up to this point, when both are mentioned together, Mary has been mentioned first (cf. 2:16). Here, Joseph is mentioned first, indicating his role of spiritual leader in presenting Jesus at the temple. But secondly, up to this point in the narrative, Mary has wondered about Jesus (1:29; 2:19), and nameless crowds wondered (2:18), but nothing has been said about how Joseph responded. Luke now shows that Joseph finally begins to wonder about what kind of son he has been given. They are amazed because of the new things that Simeon has revealed to them about what kind of ministry Jesus will have, specifically, a ministry to bring revelation to the Gentiles. But Simeon is not done revealing surprises. He now turns to speak to Joseph and Mary to present a surprising reversal.

2:34-35. Then Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary. It does not appear that this blessing is recorded in Scripture, as what follows in verses 34-35 is not a blessing, but more of a prophecy. If, however, this is the blessing that Simeon pronounces, "it is not entirely encouraging" (Bock 1994:246). Simeon states that the arrival of Jesus will cause the falling and rising of many. With this statement, is Simeon referring to two groups, one that falls and one that rises, or to one group, which first falls, and then rises (Bock 1994:246)? If the former, then Simeon's prophecy reveals that not all in Israel will accept Jesus as the Messiah. Some, such as those in power in authority, will fall and others, who are poor and forgotten, will rise (cf. 1:51-53). If, however, Simeon means the latter, then this is a prophecy about the followers of Jesus, who will have to fall, or die to who they were, and rise again to new life in Jesus (cf. the baptism of John in Luke 3:3-6 with Amos 5;2; 8:14; Isa 24:20; Mic 7:8; Prov 24:16). The first option seems best, since a common theme in Jesus' ministry is that His ministry divides people into two groups (Luke 4:29; 6;20-26; 12:51; 13:28-35; 16;25; 18:19-14; 19:44-48; 20:14-18). Rather than bless the entire nation, as most Israelites expected, Jesus will instead divide the nation (Bock 1994:247).

In this way, Jesus will serve as a sign to the people of Israel. For the people of Israel, signs were always for the purpose of revealing the truth of the words of a prophet. Simeon, by declaring the sign, is indicating that his prophecies will come true, and the sign will prove it. The sign in this case is that though the Messiah has come to Israel, He will be spoken against . This serves not only to validate Simeon's words, but also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed . God's concern has always been for the condition of the heart, and how Israelites respond to the Messiah reveals what is in their hearts.

Mary also is given some hard words. Though up until now, she has been considered blessed, she now learns that with the blessing comes great pain. Simeon says to Mary that a sword will pierce through your own soul also . There are about ten views as to what exactly the sword pictures (for the views, see Bock 1994:248). It seems that the best option is that since Simeon was speaking prophetically by the Holy Spirit, he probably didn't know what the sword referred to either, but from our perspective, we can take it as a foreshadowing of the future crucifixion of Jesus, and the intense pain it would cause Mary. However, since a first-time reader may not be aware of the crucifixion of Jesus, the mysterious allusion by Luke encourages the reader to continue (Green 1997:151).

"Luke is warning us that [the work of the Messiah will not] look like what people had expected. In particular, this is becoming a story about suffering. ... Simeon speaks dark words about opposition, and about a sword that will pierce Mary's heart as well. ... Mary will look on in dismay as her son is rejected by the very city to which he offered the way of peace, by the very people he had come to rescue. ... But...he is also showing that the kingdom brought by this baby is not for Israel only, but for the whole world"

ANNA THE PROPHETESS Lk.2:36-38 - Devotion to God is really all that matters and Devotion to God is available to everyone (Cole Bible.org).

No matter what your station in life, you can devote yourself to the Lord, and that makes whatever you are and whatever you do count in light of eternity. Take Anna, for example.

Anna was a woman. While Jewish women enjoyed more respect in that day than women in other cultures, there still was a fair amount of discrimination against them. The rabbis did not approve of the same amount of instruction in the Torah being given to girls as to boys. They regarded women's minds as not adapted for such investigations (Alfred Edersheim, Sketches of Jewish Social Life [Eerdmans], pp. 132-133). The women were restricted to an area of the temple called "The Women's Court." They could not enter the inner court where the ceremonies were performed. According to Josephus, women and slaves could not give evidence in court (cited by Roland de Vaux, Ancient Israel [McGraw-Hill], 1:156).

And yet the Lord is pleased to include the testimony of Anna concerning Jesus. God is no respecter of persons. He is pleased with the devotion of any person, male or female.

Anna was a widow. In fact, she had been widowed at an early age. She easily could have grown bitter toward God. She could have complained of her loneliness. Widows in that culture didn't have much opportunity to get an education and learn a business or trade to provide for themselves. They were often the target of unscrupulous businessmen. No doubt Anna had experienced a difficult life. And yet she did not turn her back on God. In fact, God declares that He has a special concern for orphans and widows: "A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows is God in His holy habitation" (Ps. 68:5). Anna took refuge under God's protective care. Her trials drove her to deeper devotion to God, not away from Him.

Anna was elderly. While the elderly were more respected in that society than they are in ours, they were still subject to the abuse of the unscrupulous. In our pragmatic society, the elderly are often viewed as useless. They can't take care of themselves. Thankfully, God does not view the elderly as useless or as a burden on society! If an elderly person is devoted to God, their life and death is precious in His sight (Psalm 116:15).

The point is, no matter what your station in life-male or female, young or old, rich or poor-you can be devoted to God and He will be pleased with your devotion. The world may ignore or despise you, but God always has had such a godly remnant. They are the salt of the earth; they preserve the whole mass from corruption. You can be counted among them.

Thus we've seen that devotion to God is all that matters; it is available to all.

3. Devotion to God takes many outward forms, but always involves worship, witness, and waiting.

     • Worship: Most likely Anna did not live in the temple, but Luke means that she was there all the time. The word translated "serving" (NASB) has the nuance of worship or service to God. Anna's worship took the form of "fastings and prayers" (2:37). Fasting means going without food for some period of time, and is usually joined with prayer. For the Jews, the most common fast lasted from sunrise to sunset, although longer fasts are mentioned in the Bible. The Day of Atonement was an annual national fast. Otherwise, fasting was done in times of personal or national distress, or as preparation for special times of seeking the Lord. While there are no commands in the New Testament epistles for us to fast, there are examples of fasting (Acts 9:9; 13:3; 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27). Personally, I have found fasting to be a beneficial way of setting aside time to seek the Lord in times where I needed to know His will or in times of crisis.

Anna's worship also took the form of prayers. Some of God's saints are especially gifted for the ministry of prayer in that He enables them to devote large blocks of time to it. Part of that time involves interceding for others, but part of it also will be devoted to praise and thanksgiving. The main thing in prayer is to seek God and commune with Him.

Even if you are not gifted in the ministry of worship and prayer, you need to set aside time to seek the Lord as Anna did. Take a half-day each quarter or one lunch hour each week or an hour each Sunday afternoon to spend in devotion to the Lord. Read His Word, sing some hymns or praise songs, and pray. The familiar ACTS-Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication-is a helpful outline to follow in your prayer time.

     • Witness: Anna couldn't keep it to herself; she "continued to speak of Him" to others (2:38). If your cup is brim-full, you can't help but slop some of it on others. If you are excited about your relationship with the living God who sent His Son to save you from your sins, people around you will know about it. Some believers justify their not witnessing by saying, "I don't talk about it; I just live the message." But part of living the Christian life is talking about it!

We all talk about the things we love. Have you ever been around a sports fanatic? What does he talk about? "Did you see that game last night!" Have you ever been around a young man or woman who has just fallen in love? What do they talk about?

Yes, you need to be tactful and sensitive. Yes, you need to wait on the Lord for the right opening. But, all too often we don't err on the side of being too bold or insensitive. The order, by the way, is important: Worship first, then witness. The reason Anna was telling everyone about the Lord Jesus was that she spent much time in private devotion with the Lord. All too often, the reason that we do not bear witness is that we have lost our first love.

     • Waiting: Not only Simeon and Anna, but others also were "looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (2:38). While that phrase has nationalistic nuances, it also refers to the spiritual redemption that God had long ago promised and now was bringing to fruition for His people (Isa. 40:1, 9; 52:9; 63:4). J. C. Ryle ( Expository Thoughts on the Gospels [Baker], 2:74-75) observes that although these people lived in a wicked city, they "were not carried away by the flood of worldliness, formality, and self-righteousness around them. They were not infected by the carnal expectations of a mere worldly Messiah, in which most Jews indulged. They lived in the faith of patriarchs and prophets, that the coming Redeemer would bring in holiness and righteousness, and that His principal victory would be over sin and the devil." Even so, those devoted to God in our day "wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Devotion to God is really all that matters. It is available to everyone. It takes many outward forms, but always involves worship, witness, and waiting for His final redemption to come.

Truth:  Devotion to God is one and the same with devotion to Jesus Christ.

Pre-Order the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible

• The Deeper Meaning of the Presentation in the Temple

By Clement Harrold

For many Catholics, the fourth joyful mystery—the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple—can be a difficult scene to meditate on. What’s the episode about, anyway? And what might be its deeper meaning?

Beginning with the first question, it’s important to remember that the Presentation described in Luke 2:22-38 is not the circumcision of Jesus. That already took place eight days after His birth. Rather, the Presentation took place in order to fulfill two different dictates of the Mosaic Law.

The first of these, drawn from Leviticus 12, mandated that mothers needed to be purified forty days after giving birth to a male child. This is why the Presentation is celebrated in the Church’s calendar on February 2nd—also known as “Candlemas,” an allusion to Simeon’s words about the boy Jesus being “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:32)—because the event takes place forty days after the nativity (counting December 25 as day one).

In order to make the purification, the mother in question was required to sacrifice a lamb as well as either a pigeon or a turtledove. The law made provision, however, for those families who were too poor to afford a lamb, in which case they could sacrifice two pigeons or two turtledoves instead. St. Luke goes out of his way to inform the reader that this is exactly what the Holy Family did, thereby reminding us of their material poverty (see Lk 2:24).

The second precept of the Mosaic Law which Mary and Joseph were following is the requirement from Exodus 13:2 that all firstborns be consecrated to God in a special way. More specifically, this ritual rested on the understanding that the firstborn naturally belonged to God, and so the child’s human parents were expected to “redeem” (from the Latin redimō , meaning to “buy back”) their child by paying five shekels to the priest.

All of this helps us to see that the Presentation in the Temple was about two important things: (1) the purification of Mary and (2) the redemption of baby Jesus. So far so good. But there are two other elements here which are worth paying attention to. For one thing, the Mosaic Law nowhere demanded that the purification or the redemption take place within the Temple. This means that the Holy Family was being extra devout by going to the Temple for this special day.

Additionally, there is one detail in the Presentation narrative which is startling for its absence. While St. Luke does mention that Mary and Joseph bought the two turtledoves, he never takes the time to mention the paying of the five shekels to redeem baby Jesus. In other words, he cites the redeeming-of-the-firstborns precept laid down in Exodus 13:2, but he leaves out a description of this redemption taking place. Why might that be?

For the late Pope Benedict XVI, in his Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives , the answer was obvious. St. Luke leaves a literary silence in the passage in order to drive home the point that the infant Jesus belongs to His Heavenly Father:

Evidently Luke intends to say that instead of being “redeemed” and restored to his parents, this child was personally handed over to God in the Temple, given over completely to God. . . . Luke has nothing to say regarding the act of “redemption” prescribed by the law. In its place we find the exact opposite: the child is handed over to God, and from now on belongs to him completely. (p. 3)

Understanding this detail can help us bring the fourth joyful mystery to life in a new way. The Presentation isn’t just another boring religious ritual. On the contrary, it is a deeply symbolic moment pointing to Jesus’s divine identity, and to Mary and Joseph’s perfect cooperation with His divine mission.

Further Reading:

http://jimmyakin.com/how-the-accounts-of-jesus-childhood-fit-together

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/whats-happening-at-the-presentation-of-the-lord

Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives (Image, 2012)

Clement Harrold is a graduate student in theology at the University of Notre Dame. His writings have appeared in  First Things ,  Church Life Journal ,  Crisis Magazine , and the  Washington Examiner . He earned his bachelor's degree from Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2021.

You Might Also Like

The liturgical year invites us to walk with Jesus through the most wonderful story ever told: the Gospel. In  Through the Year with Jesus: Gospel Readings and Reflections for Children , catechist and popular blogger Katherine Bogner reveals the rich mystery of the seasons we celebrate in the Church.

• What Consolation Does God’s Answer To Job Offer To Those Who Are Suffering?
• Is Satan The Ruler of This World?
• What Was the Babylonian Exile and Why Should I Care?
• What Are 10 Things I Should Know About Jeremiah?
• What Are Some Psalms Worth Memorizing For Different Occasions?
• What Does Jesus Mean When He Talks About Vultures Gathering Where The Body Is?
• What Does Jesus Mean When He Says “Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen”?
• Why Did Nathanael Believe in Jesus?
• What Advice Does the Bible Offer to Young Men for Overcoming Habitual Vice?
• What Should I Meditate On For The Third Luminous Mystery?
• What Lessons Can we Draw From the Parable of the Weeds?
• Was Mary Magdalene a Former Prostitute?
• Was Jesus Being Unfair to the Pharisees When He Allowed His Disciples to Eat Grain on the Sabbath?
• What Scriptural Lessons Can We Draw From the Rule of St. Benedict?
• Does the Bible Say Whether There are People in Hell?
• Why is John the Baptist Such a Big Deal?
• Do Old Testament Teachings on Homosexuality Still Apply Today?
• If Catholics are Right about Mary, Why is She Talked About so Little in the Bible?
• Do Dinosaurs Prove that Death Existed Before the Fall?
• Was Abraham Reprehensible for Pretending that Sarah was His Sister?
• Where Does the Bible Teach That the Holy Spirit is God?
• What are 10 Things I Should Know About Ezekiel?
• Why does God try to kill Moses in Exodus 4?
• What is Hope and How is it Different from Faith?
• Did Jesus Appear to the Disciples in Jerusalem or Galilee?
• Did Jesus Really Descend into Hell?
• What Does “The Day of The Lord” Refer to in Sacred Scripture?
• Was Jesus’ Death the Most Painful Death in History?
• Did St. Joseph Suspect Mary of Infidelity?
• Did Judas Receive the Eucharist at the Last Supper?
• Is Christ’s Blood Offered for Many or for All?
• How Was Crucifixion Perceived in the Ancient World?
• Why Does Jesus Praise the Unjust Steward?
• Does God Ever Abandon Us?
• Did the Demons Know Jesus was God?
• Were Men and Women Equal in the Old Testament?
• What Does It Mean to Be Created in God’s Image and Likeness?
• When Were the Gospels Written?
• What Does the Bible Teach about Making Time for Personal Prayer?
• A Pro-Life Message for a Post-Roe World
• Reformation-Era Problems
• Perspicuity As A Protestant Bedrock?
• The Great Adventure
• Mission Possible: Helping Our Children Encounter Christ
• Give God Permission
• Finding Consolation in the Book of Revelation
• Distinguishing Heresy from Schism
• Queen Esther and the Feminine Genius
• The Meaning of Human Friendship
• The Mystery Hidden from Ages Past: Our Salvation in Christ
• Change Is Difficult
• Engagement Is a Time of Transition
• The Communion of Saints
• Trying to Avoid Suffering at the Cost of Mourning
• God’s Loving Plan for Us
• Images of Heaven
• Raising Godly Adults in an Ungodly World
• Infertility: Some Advice to Family and Friends on What Not to Say
• Nurture Your Teen Toward Maturity
• The Real Presence of the Risen Christ
• Fulfillment of Human Persons in Relations
• Theology: A Matter of Mind and Heart
• The Beauty and Challenge of Christianity
• The Body of Holiness
• Becoming Holy, Becoming “Gods”
• St. John Vianney Novena
• An Act of Faith
• What Is Beauty?
• The Christian Gentleman
• The Fisherman and the Pharisee
• Should Christians “Mind Our Own Business”?
• Are Man and Woman Interchangeable?
• The Spousal Meaning of the Body
• The Redemptive Call of Marriage
• Embracing the Commitment of Marriage
• Why Jesus Ascended into Heaven
• The Sanctity of Marriage
• If Christ Defeated Death, Why Do We Die?
• Mary, Model for Mothers
• Presiding in Love: Authority in God’s Eyes
• Trust and Mercy
• The Empty Tabernacle of Good Friday
• A Priest's Perspective on Holy Thursday
• From Triumphal Entry to the Cross: Did Jesus Really Think God Had Forsaken Him?
• The Bible in the Liturgy and the Liturgy in the Bible
• There Would Be No Scriptures without the Church
• How Much Do You Know about the Sacraments?
• Growing in Love of Neighbor
• An Ash Wednesday Reflection
• Why Church Teaching on Birth Control Won't Change
• Society Must Uphold the Sanctity of Marriage
• Upholding Church Tradition
• Modern Ideologies and the Loss of Reality
• Pro-Life Fast Facts
• How to Celebrate Word of God Sunday
• I Am Pro-Life Because: A 30-Second Defense
• A Brief Guide to the Pro-Life Cause
• What Wisdom Can We Gain from the Wise Men?
• Mary's Role as Mother Glorifies Her Son

Lesson Plan: 1. The Portrait of an Ancient Saint (vs 22-27) 2. Simeon's Song of Praise (vs 28-32) 3. Simeon's twofold Benediction (vs 33-35) 4. Portrait of a Mother in Israel (vs 36-38) 5. Conclusion

Lesson Setting: Time: 4 B.C. 40 days after the birth of Jesus Place: The Temple in Jerusalem. The home of the family was at some house in Bethlehem.

1. The Portrait of an Ancient Saint

According to the Jewish law, every first-born male child, like the first-fruits of the farm, was consecrated to God, belonged to Him, in grateful recognition of God's deliverance of the first- born of all the Egyptian (Ex 13:2; 13-15). Accordingly when Jesus was 40 days old, both for the consecration of the boy, and the legal sacrifice for the mother, the whole family went to the Temple at Jerusalem.

Consecration of Children: To consecrate yourself to God is the commencement of life, for there is no other. Parents should, in their hearts and purpose, consecrate their children to God from their birth. For they are the gift of God's love. In them are vast possibilities for good or for evil for themselves and for others, for time and for eternity. A child is too precious a jewel for us to be careless about, lest, as the man returning from Africa with his whole fortune in one diamond, tossed it up in sport till at last it fell into the sea, so we too can lose the soul of our child. A definite goal is of great value to parents and to the child as he/she grows up.

A religion that is worthy of the name proclaims that it is the duty of every man to strive, in complete self-sacrifice, with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his mind and with all his strength for the Kingdom of God, which means the working together of all things for the perfect good; and it bids him to have faith that if he does so happiness will in some way come in the end. Destiny is mysterious, baffling; yet if pursued relentlessly may lead to success in directions unforeseen, and not designed at the outset; but it does not bless a man unless he wrestle with it until the breaking of the day.

Simeon the Saint: "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon ('Simon')" (Matt. 2:25). Nothing is known of this aged saint, except what is here revealed; but his present holy state must have been the ripened fruit of long years of true living, and of communion with God. This man met the holy family in the temple, and recognized in some way through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, who the child was to be.

Essential Characteristics – The Evangelist is careful to make known what this man was while giving no indication of who he was.

(A) First Characteristic – And the same man was just, righteous, desiring with all his soul to see what was right and just, and to do it; and having had good success in realizing this quality in his daily life. He faithfully kept the second table of the law, upright, honest, generous, kindly, a true man in all his relations to his fellowmen. This is one of the foundation stones of every really good and saintly life. Any man without the strictest sense of justice is certainly destined to fail.

Illustration: The Test of Gyges' Ring. Plato, in his Republic (Bk. 2, Ch. 3), uses as an illustration the story of Gyges' Ring to test what is real justice and what is only apparent. Plato's story is that a certain Lydian shepherd (about 600 B.C.) found in some strange way a gold ring. Coming with this ring on his finger into the meeting of the shepherds making their monthly report of their flock to the king, he happened to turn the stone of the ring toward himself into the inner part of his hand; and when this was done he became invisible to those who sat beside him, and they talked of him as absent; and astonished at this he again handled his ring, turned the stone toward outward, and on turning it, became visible. He made trial of this several times, and found that it always had the same power. Using this power of invisibility, he entered the place, slew the king, and took possession of the Kingdom, for no one could know that he was guilty. Such a ring would be a test of the righteousness of men. A truly just man would be just even when no one would know his wrongs if he committed them. The man that was only seemingly and outwardly just, would commit crimes if he could do it without discovery.

(B) Second Characteristic – And devout, practicing a cautious and careful observance of the divine law. Simeon sustained his justice toward man by the divine motives of the religious life; living in an atmosphere of worldliness, surrounded by temptations, and dangers, he used every means that heaven gives us to help us live rightly toward our fellow men. The truly good man is always both just and devout. His righteousness is far truer, higher, and sweeter when filled with the love of God; and his religious feelings are mere vapor, clouds without rain, unless sustained by a righteous life. A man who gives liberally of his wealth and time to beneficent objects, but by his actions says business is business, and, although the Ten Commandments are followed here, the Golden rule is not – to what extent does the love of God dwell in him?

The two Tables of the law must always be kept together. No person can keep either of them well without the other.

(C) Third Characteristic – "Waiting for the consolation of Israel" (v 25). 'Consolation' in the Greek is one of the same words translated 'comfort' in John's Gospel. The word means 'comfort' and 'consolation,' but it also implies the method of bringing comfort, by making strong, and courageous, by invigorating, by inspiring new life and vigor. It was for such consolation of Israel that the true saints were hoping and waiting. It is for such consolation to come to the Kingdom of God that we too are waiting. And now it had begun to come in the birth of the Messiah. Two things are implied in real waiting: (a) The first is the desiring very much some great blessing, some ideal, and some great absorbing hope. (b) The other is that the only true way to wait for the fulfillment of God's promises, for the coming of His Kingdom, for a revival of religion, for growth in grace and goodness, is to wait as Simeon waited, by a holy life, a devout love and trust, by using every means. The idler is not waiting for God. Only they who look for Him, use every instrumentality, pour forth earnest prayer, long as one waiting for the morning – such alone are waiting. "The mighty pyramids of stone, That wedge-like cleave the desert airs, When nearer seen and better known Are but gigantic flights of stairs. The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not attained by sudden flight. But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night" (Longfellow). (d) Fourth Characteristic: "And the Holy Ghost was upon him" (v 25). The Spirit that came upon him was holy. Here is revealed the source and the inspiration of Simeon's beautiful and well-balanced character. We must never forget that Old Testament saints were taught by the Holy Ghost, as really as believers after the gospel was set up, though not in such full measure. Simeon possessed that higher form of spiritual life expressed in the earliest days by walking with God or practicing the presence of God. This may be illustrated by the difference between plants struggling for existence in a parlor window in winter, and the full, free, boundless growth in the kindly sun and genial atmosphere of spring. The Holy Spirit will dwell within so far as we give him room in our hearts. All the 'works of the flesh' dwelling in our heart prevents the full indwelling of 'the fruits of the Spirit.'

Illustration: Goethe's 'Tale of Tales' represents a fisherman's wooden hut, rough and dark, as changed into solid silver by the shinning of the lamp within, and soon even the form was changed into a beautiful temple of exquisite workmanship. Such is the transforming power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, creating the incandescent soul.

The next two verses relate some of the effects of being guided by the Spirit.

v 26 ... "And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost." In what way we do not know; but the Holy Spirit illumines the mind, purifies the conscience, gives clearer vision of old truths as well as reveals new truth.

v 26 ... "That he should not see death," i.e., should not die; for the only way to see death is by experience.

v 26 ... "Before he had seen the Lord's Christ," i.e., the Lord's Anointed; the Messiah whom Jehovah gives and sends.

v 27 ... Not only did Simeon receive the assurance that he should live to see the beginning of better times, but he was guided "by the Spirit into the temple" where he could see the fulfillment of the promise.

The Making of a Saint: Man prays in faith, God acts by law. A man is not made into a saint by magic, nor created one as Adam was created a full-grown man. He grows to be a saint by the laws of spiritual growth. Every quality that makes up the character of a good man, grows from a little seed, grows by exercise, by overcoming its enemies, by using all good influences, and by all that develops and ripens those qualities. No man can make things grow. He can get them to grow by arranging all the circumstances and fulfilling all the conditions. But the growing is done by God.

2. Simeon's Song of Praise

v 28 ... "Then took he him up in his arms." Recognizing that this was the Messiah he had been waiting for, according to the promise.

v 28 ... "And blessed God." Gave Him thanks and praise.

2:29 ... "Now." At last, after long waiting. v 29 ... "Lettest thou." Not a prayer, but a statement of fact; 'now thou are letting.'

v 29 ... "Thy servant depart in peace." Be released – discharged from his long service by death. It was the breaking of his bonds of slavery to his infirm body, and sending him into the glorious liberty of his heavenly home. Compare Paul's expression concerning his own death, 'the time of my departure,' where the Greek word for 'departure' expresses the loosing of the cables which bind a vessel to the shore till the moment of its sailing. Then these moorings are unloosed, the cables are cast off from the wharf, and the vessel sets sail across unknown seas for the longed for port. His old age did not come creeping into port a wreck, with broken masts and rudder gone, but full-sailed still, and strong for other voyages in other seas. His was the old age that God loves to see.

Simeon represents himself under the image of a sentinel whom his master has placed on an elevated position and charged to look for the appearance of a star, and then announce it to the world. He sees this long-desired star; he proclaims its rising, and asks to be relieved of the post he has occupied so long.

v 30 ... "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Simeon sees in this child the means of deliverance which God is giving to the world. The word 'prepared' (v 31), is connected with this sense of salvation ... denoting an apparatus fitted to save: we make ready an apparatus. This is an utterance of very remarkable faith. He held in his arms a little child a few weeks old, weak and helpless, to all appearance, as any other child, and yet he discerned in this child the salvation of God.

Jesus Our Salvation: (a) He brings from God the news and promise of salvation. (b) He lives a perfect life, showing us what salvation is. (c) He instructs us as to salvation and the means to attain it. (d) He urges upon us every possible motive for seeking salvation. (e) He sends the Holy Spirit, who changes our nature, and thus works out the salvation in us. (f) He speaks to us from personal knowledge of God, of His love, His care, His readiness to forgive, His nearness to men, His fatherhood. He tells us about heaven and immortal life from His own experience. Only the Son of God could possibly make atonement for sin. Only He could have power to save us at all times and in all places, to be our ever-present example, our infallible guide.

v 31 ... "Which thou hast prepared." Ever since the fall, God had been preparing this salvation. The whole previous history of the world, with its training of the Jews, the education of the nations, the experiments men made for themselves in religion, was a preparing of this salvation. But it was especially prepared in what we have studied so far in the life of Jesus.

v 31 ... "Before the face of." In the sight of, in order that all may have the advantage of it.

v 31 ... "All people." All the people. The conception of the Gospel as a provision, not for the Jewish nation only, but for the whole world, is evidently not a later idea, developed by Paul. It belongs to, and is seen in, the germs and buds of Christian truth.

v 32 ... The 'salvation' is analyzed into Light and Glory. "A light to lighten the Gentiles." Only a salvation that was for all peoples, classes, races, and nations, could be a divine salvation. The success of the Gospel in all lands, its meeting the wants of all classes and nations, is one of the strongest proofs of its divine origin. This proof of the Gospel given us by modern mission work, is alone worth to the churches of Christ thousands of times more than all mission work has cost.

Jesus is the Light of the World: Light is mysterious in nature, ineffably bright and glorious, everywhere present, swift-winged, undefiled, and undefilable. Light is the source of life, of beauty, of manifested reality, of warmth, comfort, and joy; of health, and of power. It destroys all darkness; unites in itself purity and cleanness. Without it the world would be but a mess of coldness and death. Now what light does for the natural world, Jesus does for the world of man, for mind, soul, and spirit. Wherever Jesus is received there come the blessings of light on all forms of moral darkness. It exposes the deeds of darkness, and so makes their removal possible. The revelations of the light, where all seemed quiet and serene, make some think the world is growing worse; but on the contrary they are a sign that it is growing better, as the mud of spring is a sign that the winter is over and summer draweth nigh. It was when Jesus had described the awful days of evil and calamity coming upon the world, that He said to His disciples, 'Then look up, and life up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh.'

v 32 ... "The Glory of Thy People Israel." Because the light that shone on the Gentiles came through Israel. The light giver has always more brilliance than those on whom the light shines. It is one of the greatest possible blessings to be the means of giving light to others. That the Messiah, the world's Redeemer, was a Jew, glorified that nation. If they had only received Him, He would have made them the center of the world's civilization and religion, the greatest and most influential nation that ever existed. The end is not yet. The pupil of Moses may ask himself, whether all the princes of the house of David have done so much for the Jews as that Prince who was crucified on Calvary. Had it not been for Him, the Jews would have been comparatively unknown, or known only as a high Oriental caste which had lost its country. Has not He made their history the most famous history in the world? Has not He hung up their laws in every temple? Has not He avenged the victims of Titus, and conquered the Caesars? What success did they anticipate from their Messiah? The wildest dreams of their rabbis have been far exceeded.

The Great Missionary Movement: It is plain to see that Christianity is a great Missionary Movement, Home and Foreign. That is the very soul and life of Christianity. There has been a marvelous change in the general attitude toward missions within the last few years. Its great work has risen above the unseen foundations as a lighthouse above its rock build foundations beneath the waters. Some who in the past have laughed at missionaries and rated them as second- rate and feeble, find today that they have been statesmen and heroes. Throughout the ages, whole nations have been and are being changed by their work and service.

3. Simeon's Twofold Benediction

v 33 ... "And Joseph and his mother marveled." They were wondering at what he was saying, both as coming from a stranger, and because of the boundless extent of benefits which he predicted, reaching to the ends of the world.

v 34 ... "And Simeon blessed them." Pronounced a blessing upon them.

First Blessing: "This child is set for the fall and rising again" (v 34), or rising up. If the fall and rising refer to the same persons, then the fall is that of consciousness of sin, a feeling of need, of helplessness, a low estimate of one's goodness; and the rising again is into newness of life, into divine favor, into higher hopes, into the family of God. The fall and rising may refer to different persons. The coming of the Messiah necessarily involves a crisis, a separation. Some welcome the light; others love the darkness. Judas despairs, Peter repents. Wherever there is a test, some fail and some succeed. Christ destroys bad customs, that He may build up good ones; He over- throws false ideas, that the true may prevail; He turns the world upside down, that He may place it right on an eternal foundation. All bad fashions, governments, pleasures, habits, ambitions, hopes, must fall before Christ, that there may be an arising of those which are good. Second Blessing: "And for a sign" (v 34). A manifest token, a phenomenon impossible to ignore. Jesus was "a sign" (v 34) of God's love, of God's power, of the new era of righteousness, of the fulfillment of God's promises, of the strong feeling of God against sin, of the certainty of its punishment, of the only way of salvation. This sign is a great blessing, even though some speak against it.

v 34 ... "Which shall be spoken against." Those who did not want to obey, who misunderstood the sign, spoke bitterly against Jesus and all the signs by which He proved that He was the Messiah. In our own day, Jesus is spoken against by all who wish to continue in sin, whose vile business is interfered with, and whose bad conduct is reproved by the Gospel. Falsehood, selfishness, unrighteousness, and worldliness still reproach and speak evil of the religion of Jesus.

v 35 .... "A sword shall pierce through thy own soul." Mary must suffer herself in the sufferings of her son.

v 35 ... "That," referring to the whole statement beginning with...

v 34 ... "Behold." The fact that Jesus was a sign and a test necessarily was the means that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

4. Portrait of a Mother in Israel

Christ has had so much to do with the blessing and amelioration of the lot of women that it was eminently fitting that a woman should give her benediction with that of the man. v 36 ... "Anna," the same name as Hannah. v 36 ... "A prophetess," one who holds communion with God and speaks forth what He gives her to say. v 36 ... "Phanuel," same as Peniel. v 36 ... "Aser," same as Asher. v 37 ... "A widow of about fourscore and four years." This is either her age or the time of her widowhood, in which case her age would be over a hundred years.

v 37 ... "Departed not from the temple," was a constant and regular worshipper there.

v 38 ... "Coming in that instant, while Simeon was speaking." She was on one of her frequent visits at the temple.

v 38 ... "Give thanks." Showing that by faith she saw who Jesus was. Note: Both these aged persons to whom these things were revealed, were very holy, and in close communion with God. v 38 ... "Spake," 'was habitually speaking,' v 38 ... "of him to all them that looked for redemption," not to the general public.

Application: All Christians are waiting for the redemption of themselves and of the world. We are like an organ with many stops and keys. We have been striving to make ourselves and the world the music and harmonies of heaven. Then Christ came into the world and into our consciousness, and we realize how imperfect the results compared with His perfections. And He gives us the ideal to strive for and the power to gain the redemption of our souls and the world.

Illustration: Once upon a time, in a large Southern home, there was an organ which the family had not yet learned to play. One family member after another tried the instrument, drew out its stops and wakened some of its harmonies; but none of them dreamed of the wonderful music which lay hidden there. Then one day came the master player, who sat at the organ like all the others, and began to play; and the whole family stopped talking and a hush came over them and they whispered, 'Is this the organ which we have owned for so long? This which first sighs and weeps, and then thrills with passion and joy?' From that day the hope of their home was to reproduce the music which was then revealed, and when the best of them did his best, they said, 'This makes us think of the master player.'

Just such an instrument is human life, with its complex mechanism, its possible discords, its hidden harmonies, and many a philosopher and teacher has drawn from within it some of the music which was there. Then one day comes the Master. He knows, as the Gospel says, what is in man, and bending over human life, reveals the music of it; and from that day forth, the hope of the world has been to reproduce the harmony; and when the best of men do their best, we say: 'This makes us think of the Master's playing.'

• اللغة العربية

• Messianic Version

JESUS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE – Teen Bible lesson

by truewaykids | Jan 6, 2022 | NT TEEN , TEEN | 0 comments

This study focuses on the dedication of Jesus at the temple. We will learn how Simeon and Anna were prepared by God and waited patiently to see the fulfilment of the prophecy concerning Jesus for many years. This lesson is aimed at the pre-teens and teens, and by the end of this lesson, they should have learnt about the following:

• Simeon and Anna’s story.
• Dedication to God.
• Waiting patiently for God’s promises
• The infallibility of God’s words. 
• Devotion and commitment to God.

MEMORY VERSE: “ for my eyes have seen your salvation .” Luke 2:30

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE LESSON

BIBLE STUDY NOTES FOR TEENS

1.      WHAT IS DEDICATION. (Verses 22-24)

Explain the concept of dedication to God and its significance. You can also use scriptures from the Old-Testament to explain this point to them. (Exodus 13:2, 12, Leviticus 12). Dedication to God stands for consecration and a life set apart for God. This is why Jesus was also dedicated at His birth. Therefore, He lived for God throughout his life.

APPLICATION POINT : If the child was dedicated to God at birth, remind them of this fact and if possible, show them pictures or videos of the occasion. If none are available, maybe you could show a moment of another child’s dedication. Regardless of whether they were dedicated or not, say that they can each pray now and dedicate them to God afresh. Let them know that means that they are committing their life and plans to God, and they should live for God throughout their lives. Lead them in a moment of prayer.

2.      SIMEON, WAITED ON GOD. (Verses 2:25-32)

Talk about Simeon and his prophetic role in God’s agenda. God revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the coming of the Messiah (Jesus) into the world. Simeon had to wait for a long time before the fulfilment of God’s promise. Here are a few points worthy of note in Simeon’s story:

• Just like God had a specific purpose for Simeon (Verse 26), God has a purpose for all of us too. Explain that God has a purpose for them and that no one was born accidentally. God knows us, and he has a plan for every one of us. (Jeremiah 1:5)
• The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon (verse 22). This was why he was able to fulfil his divine destiny. Explain  shortly who the Holy Spirit is and how important He is to the fulfilment of God’s purpose for him or her.
• God wants us to be obedient to Him in all we do. It is not only important that we have the Holy Spirit, but we must also obey Him too. Relate this point to how Simeon obeyed the leading of the Holy Spirit to come to the temple. If Simeon did not obey God, he would have missed his divine moment of meeting the Messiah. Emphasize how important it is for us to obey God with the example of Simeon. 
• Firstly, explain that Jesus is God’s salvation for mankind. He came into to the world to deliver us from sin and give us life everlasting. Read Jesus’ own words from John 3:16.
• Secondly, the statement “my eyes have seen your salvation” tells us that God always fulfils his promises.  God promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah and that promise came to pass eventually. Teach the teens that God always fulfils His word and that we can always trust Him that His good promises to us will come to pass no matter how long it takes.

3.      A MOMENT OF CONFIRMATION (Verse 33-35)

The parents of Jesus were in awe to hear all that Simeon said about Jesus, and they were amazed at all that happened. (Verse 33).  This meeting was a moment of confirmation. Share a moment of confirmation from your own life when God has confirmed His plans for you. How are some ways that God confirms His plans and purposes?

4.      ANNA THE PROPHETESS (Verse 36-38)

The case of Anna is also very similar to that of Simeon as considered above. Anna was a widow who lived in the temple, continually praying and worshipping God. Like Simeon, she was waiting and hoping to see the coming of the Messiah before her death. As at the time of the dedication of Jesus in this scripture, Anna was 84 years. She had been staying in the temple since when she lost her husband from her youth. Here are a few important lessons from the life of Anna:

• Just like Anna, God wants us to be devoted to him with our whole lives. Anna spent her life in the temple praying and fasting (verse 37). Explain that although we might not live in the temple like Anna, we must learn the lesson of devotion and total commitment to God as she did. Anna dwelt in the temple, but now, all those who accept Jesus as Saviour become the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
• Despite the pain of losing her husband as a young lady, God brought meaning and purpose out of her suffering. Whatever situation we face, God can bring beauty and joy out of it for us.  We must learn to trust God no matter what we go through.

5.      CONCLUSION

Here are a few points to note as you round up this study:

• Anna and Simeon were both aged according to this scripture. They were still serving God and committed to him even as older people. Use this to encourage your youth to serve God throughout life.
• Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Just like Anna and Simeon proclaimed, Jesus is not just a religious leader or moral person. He is the Saviour.  
• Like Simeon and Anna, we must wait for some of God’s promises for our life to come to pass. Assure the child that no matter how long it takes, God’s promise will become a reality, just like it did for Simeon and Anna.
• Pray together on all that was taught in this lesson and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THE STORY OF ANNA AND SIMEON?
• WHAT OTHER EXAMPLES ARE IN THE BIBLE OF PEOPLE WHO WAITED FOR GOD’S PROMISES TO BE FULFILLED?
• HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING BEFORE? HOW DID IT FEEL DURING THE WAITING?
• HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER YOU GOT WHAT YOU WERE WAITING FOR?

YOUTH GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR JESUS PRESENTED AT THE TEMPLE

BLINDFOLD COLLECT

Scatter several balls of two different colours across the playing area. You could use scrunched-up paper.

Split players into two teams. Give each team a basket.

Blindfold one player from each team. The two teams go and stand at their baskets.

The blindfold player should be on their hands and knees.

On “go,” the blindfold player must collect all their team’s balls and place them in the basket. Their teammates should shout directions.

The first team to collect all their balls wins.

Talk about how the task is difficult when we can’t see well. Pray and ask God to open your eyes.

DON’T LOOK AT ME

You will need a group to play this game. Ideally more than 8.

Have the players stand in a circle shoulder to shoulder.

Everyone must look at the floor.

On the count of three everyone must look up and at another player.

If two players look at each other they are both out.

The game continues until there are only two people left.

Talk about how we must look and fix our eyes on Jesus for salvation.

AMBIGUOUS IMAGES

Search for some Ambiguous images online. They are pictures that show two images as one. Some of the most famous are the candlestick/couple kissing, duck/rabbit.

Ask the group what they see and then show them the other images.

Talk about how some people in the temple only saw a baby, but Simeon and Anna saw the Saviour. Explain how we should see Jesus as our Saviour.

Free printable Teen Worksheets in the lesson pack.

View lesson for other age groups

Translations.

Want to receive a new lesson every Friday?

Enter your details below to receive a  Free printable Bible lesson every Friday to use with your under 5s.

Every lesson includes lesson guides, story, worksheets, colouring pages, craft and more.

Thank so much for signing up. Please confirm your subscription in the email account.

Share this:.

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent lessons

• Saul becomes Paul
• Saul’s Conversion – Inclusive Bible Lesson for Kids
• The Colours of Christmas (5 Part Series for Kids)

Pin It on Pinterest

Mobile main menu

• Church seasons

My Creativekidswork

• My subscriptions

Bible story: The presentation of Jesus at the temple

Creative activities based on the bible story of the presentation of jesus at the temple.

In Luke 2:22-39a, we read about the presentation of Jesus at the temple. According to Jewish law, when a firstborn son is 40 days old, he is to be presented to the Lord at the temple and a sacrifice is to be made. Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple and presented him to Simeon, a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the promised Messiah.

Simeon took the baby in his arms and praised God, saying that he had seen the salvation of the Lord. He also warned Mary that her son would cause controversy and that a sword would pierce her own soul. They also met Anna, a prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and gave thanks to God.

We have compiled a range of creative ideas and activities below that relate to this Bible story. These resources are designed to help you share this important message in an engaging and interactive way, whether you are a children's ministry leader, a Sunday school teacher, or a religious educator in a Christian primary school.

Our activities below are suitable for use in various settings such as church children's programs, children's ministry, catechism classes, children's services, Bible clubs, vacation Bible school, and Sunday school, and will help students understand the relevance of the Bible to their lives, and the importance of applying its teachings in practical ways.

Discover all 15 activities and ideas

Lesson - NT: Life of Jesus 01 - Jesus presented at the temple (Download PDF)

Children's moment - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - The welcoming committee

Craft - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Naming the baby

Craft - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - The arrival of the Messiah

Experiment - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Is it a duck or a rabbit?

Game - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Bringing good tidings

Game - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Nine letters

Game - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - The promise fulfilled

Icebreaker - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Unleash the shaving foam

Object lesson - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - An allegorical story

Object lesson - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Creating a swaddling cloth

Object lesson - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Israel feels forgotten by God

Prayer idea - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Longing for God

Storytelling tips - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Three tips

Video - NT: Life of Jesus 01: Jesus presented at the temple - Runaway

A meditative guide to the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Public Domain

Place yourself inside the Temple and watch as Mary and Joseph enter to present Jesus to the Jewish priests. When reading the Bible, many scenes are described very briefly, with very few details. This makes it relatively easy to pass over an important event quickly, missing the depth of the symbolism hidden in the story.

One of the best things we can do is slowly read the Bible, chewing on every word and even placing ourselves into the scene. When we do this with our imagination, we can discover spiritual truths that we didn’t expect to find.

Here is a meditative guide to the event of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, as laid out in The little book of the most holy child Jesus . It presents a beautiful meditation, allowing us time to think about every aspect of the biblical event and allow God’s grace to invade our hearts.

Let us enter the Temple of Jerusalem. The one great house of the true God in all the earth. Bright and rich with gold and colour and curious work. The house of prayer, the one place of sacrifice. The great altar of God stands there. Crowds pass to and fro to bring their offerings or to join in the never-ending worship. Unheeded through the crowds—unheeded because so lowly and quiet—a pair go up to the place of offering. A maiden bearing in her arms a Babe. By her side a staid and thoughtful man. They are Mary and Joseph, and they bring the little Jesus into the Temple. No longer the gloomy cave. The Holy Child and His parents pass through the crowds in the stately courts of the Temple, their hearts overflowing with joy and peace; but so quiet and of such low estate are they, that none seem to notice them. Yet that Babe is the Lord of the Temple, Lord of heaven and earth, of all creation. Heaven itself cannot contain His glory, nor countless angels worship Him enough or sound the praises due to Him. It is His will to be offered thus for the love of us, with all His glory hidden, in His Temple on earth. It is His will because it is the will of the Father who has loved us with an everlasting love. The crowds know not, as they press by, that it is their Savior and God. Yet Mary, whose only thought is to do the will of her Son, knows that she is offering a gift beyond all price, at once her first-born Son and her God. Aged Simeon, the holy servant of God, for years and years has come daily to the Temple with the hope of seeing this holy Babe. He was told by the Holy Spirit that he should not die before he had this great joy And now he takes the  Child,  his Lord, in his arms, a peaceful calm flows in upon his soul, and he is ready to die when the good God wills. Anna, too, the aged Prophetess, for this also had waited in the Temple for long years. Now she sees her heart’s desire. She reveals the Holy  Child  to the Jews; but little do they heed. They are taken up with this world, and love its pomps and grandeur so well that when they look upon its Lord and Maker they see but a little Infant like any other  child  of men. A poor Infant in a young maiden’s arms,  Jesus,  Thou art come to do Thy Father’s will. I desire to do that holy will in all things, whatever it may cost. I offer myself to Thee; do with me what Thou seest best, now and for evermore.

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Gospel for the Feast of Presentation of the Lord

Luke 2:22-40 or luke 2:22-32, presentation of jesus at the temple.