Jesus Presented in the Temple

BY Abby Flynn

Section 3: The Light Dawns

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21-40, Leviticus 12:6-8

I sometimes feel like we’ve gotten so comfortable with Advent and the Christmas story that we forget how absolutely not normal every part of it is.

From prophecies of Jesus’s coming, to a virgin birth, to being placed in a manger and drawing the attention of wise men and shepherds from afar, none of this was normal.

Mary and Joseph weren’t superhuman people chosen by God to be Jesus’s mom and dad. In fact, stories like Jesus being presented in the temple remind us that they were just young, inexperienced parents. They followed tradition and did what they knew best to do while also knowing their son was actually the Son of God. So Jesus was brought to the temple and presented to the Lord, just like all the other young boys (Luke 2:23).

Now if you’re like me, you may remember hearing Simeon’s name, but have never really focused on his story. Simeon was a godly man. A man who the Holy Spirit had promised would not die until he saw Jesus with His own eyes. Then the Spirit guided him into the temple the day Jesus was there, and that promise was fulfilled (vv.29–30).

“For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.” —Luke 2:30–32

The prayer Simeon gives is full of so much revelation and perspective. He declares that Jesus will be not only glory to Israel, but a light for the Gentiles and other nations. Not only was He coming for God’s people, He was coming for the rest of us, too.

Simeon mentions that Jesus’s coming will mean death to some, and life to others who believe in Him (v.34–35). He hints at pain that is to come because Jesus would bring both light and revelation (v.32). The Bible says that Mary and Joseph marveled at his words. How could they not? 

Then we meet the prophet Anna who also testifies about Jesus. She speaks specifically about the redemption He would bring to Jerusalem. Can you imagine what it was like for Mary and Joseph to hear all this? Jesus’s birth not only fulfilled prophecy after years of waiting, He also came to redeem what was lost and to bring hope to those who didn’t deserve it.

And today we praise Him. We trust Him. We believe in Him because everything the prophets said about Him is true. This is our King. This is our Light of the World.

Written by Abby Flynn