*Luke 2:21-39
Eight days after his birth, Jesus is circumcised, presented at the temple, and recognized by Simeon and Anna as the Messiah.
- The Circumcision of Jesus:
- On the eighth day after Jesus’ birth, He is circumcised in accordance with Jewish custom, and He is given the name Jesus, as instructed by the angel before His conception.
- Presentation at the Temple:
- After the days of Mary’s purification according to the Law of Moses are completed, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
- This act of presentation is also in obedience to the Law of the Lord, which states that every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord.
- Simeon’s Prophecy:
- In Jerusalem, there is a man named Simeon who is righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit rests on him.
- Simeon has been waiting for the consolation of Israel, and it has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he will not die before he has seen the Lord’s Messiah.
- When Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord, Simeon takes Him in his arms and praises God, declaring that his eyes have seen God’s salvation, prepared in the sight of all nations.
- Simeon blesses Joseph and Mary and prophesies about Jesus, saying that He will cause the rising and falling of many in Israel and will be a sign that is spoken against. He also predicts that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul.
- Anna’s Testimony:
- Also in the temple is a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who is advanced in years and has been a widow for many years.
- Anna never leaves the temple, worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer.
- When she sees Jesus, she gives thanks to God and speaks about Him to all who are looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
- Return to Nazareth:
- After they have completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, Joseph and Mary return to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
- There, Jesus grows and becomes strong; He is filled with wisdom, and the grace of God is upon Him.
2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 2:24 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.
2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.