Luke 2:21 – 40 Jesus Presented in the Temple
Gathering: As we gather from 12:00 to 12:10, we will do so in silence as we prepare for today’s
Bible study. Often a video clip of sacred or secular music and images will start our session,
followed by a time for silent reading and meditation. The striking of a small chime will end our time
of silence.
Welcome & Check In: A time to briefly introduce ourselves by name and to share any special joys
or concerns.
Our Covenant: We will read together our group covenant to remind ourselves of our mutual pledge
of love, respect and support for each other.
Opening Prayer:
Context for Today’s Reading:
Luke makes it clear that Mary and Joseph are devout Jews who observe the law of Moses. The law
requires that all Jewish baby boys be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. They observe this
custom. They also follow the laws for purification after birth (Leviticus 12), which state that the
new mother is unclean for 40 days after the birth of a male child and for 80 days after the birth of a
female child. After the time of uncleanliness has passed the mother is to go to the priest for ritual
purification, after which she will again be clean. The parents are to bring a sacrificial offering for
atonement, consisting of a lamb and a turtle dove or pigeon. Joseph and Mary cannot afford a lamb,
so instead they bring two turtle doves or pigeons, which is allowed under the law. Since Jesus is
their firstborn, according to the law (Numbers 18:16) they must pay five shekels (almost a month’s
pay) to the priest to redeem their son, for the firstborn belong to the Lord.
Mary and Joseph go to the temple in Jerusalem for the rituals of purification and redemption. This is
Jesus’ first trip to the temple. He will return there as a 12-year old, again when he is tempted by
Satan before the start of his ministry, and during the final week of his life. The temple plays a
central role in Luke’s gospel and a large portion of this book is devoted to Jesus’ journey to
Jerusalem and the temple.
While at the temple, the holy family meet an old man and woman, both of whom are described as
prophets. Both are righteous and devout. They embody the history and traditions of Israel. Simeon
has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will not die until he has seen the Lord’s Messiah (the chosen,
or anointed one, translated in Greek as christos (“Christ”)). Simeon is guided by the Holy Spirit to
the temple where he meets Mary and Joseph. Simeon takes Jesus into his arms, knowing that he is
the one for whom he has waited.
Simeon’s song of praise is known as the “Nunc Dimittis” after the first two words of the Latin
translation (“Now dismiss”). Simeon prophecies that Jesus will be a salvation for all people, both
Gentiles (for whom Jesus will be a light, or revelation) and for Jews, to whom he will bring glory.
Turning to Mary, Simeon further prophecies that Jesus will be the cause of both the rise and the fall
Luke 2:21 – 40 Jesus Presented in the Temple
of many in Israel, affirming the great reversal that Mary proclaims in the Magnificat. Simeon further
prophecies that many will oppose Jesus, and that a dagger will also pierce Mary’s soul,
foreshadowing the unbearable pain of seeing her son crucified.
As if so often Luke’s custom, he pairs a story of a man with that of a woman. Anna has been a
widow for many years and has dwelled in the temple, never leaving the temple but instead praying
and fasting there, which showed her to be extremely devout. Just like Simeon, she instantly
recognizes that this child will redeem Israel.
Mary and Joseph complete all the duties required of them under the law and then return to Galilee to
Nazareth, where Jesus will be raised. He grows strong in body and filled with wisdom, and the favor
of God is upon him. With the exception of the next story about an incident in the temple when Jesus
was about 12 years old this is all we know about the childhood of Jesus.
Luke 2: 21 – 40
21
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name
before he was conceived in the womb. 22When the time came for their according to the law of
Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of
the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a
sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young
pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous
and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had
been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s
Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when ttihe parents brought in the
child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and
praised God, saying, 29“Master, now you are dismissing your servant 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 for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s
father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and
said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to
be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword
will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the
tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37
then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with
fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak
about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished
everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:21 – 40 Jesus Presented in the Temple
Questions on the passage:
 Is there a word, phrase or image that especially stood out for you in this reading?

Luke emphasizes that Mary and Joseph were righteous and devout Jews doing all required of
them under the law. Why do you think this was important to Luke and his audience?

Simeon and Anna express the yearnings of the people for redemption and a return to former
glory through a chosen one. Can you identify with this longing for a return to a better time
and for one to lead us there?

Simeon’s hymn tells of his life being fulfilled once he saw the Messiah so that now he could
die in peace. Has something similar ever happened to someone you knew? What would
need to happen for you to feel that your life was complete?

Does the image of Simeon holding the baby Jesus move you, and if so, in what way? What
feelings do you remember having when you held a newborn baby?