Recognizing the Savior: Jesus Presented at the Temple (Luke 2:21–39)
After the joy of Jesus’ birth, His parents continued to follow the customs and laws of their faith. In this part of the story, we see Mary and Joseph take baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. There, two faithful people—Simeon and Anna—recognize that this tiny child is no ordinary baby. He is the promised Savior.
Let’s walk through what happened.
Jesus Is Named and Circumcised
Eight days after Jesus was born, He was circumcised, just like all Jewish boys at that time. This was a sign of being part of God’s covenant people. At that time, Mary and Joseph officially gave Him the name Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was born. His name means “The Lord saves,” and it perfectly fits the mission He came to complete.
A Visit to the Temple
According to Jewish law, parents were to bring their firstborn son to the temple and dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph were faithful in doing this. They also brought a small offering—two birds—which showed they were not wealthy. But even though they didn’t have much, they gave what they could.
This moment reminds us that honoring God doesn’t require riches—just a willing heart.
Simeon Sees the Promised Savior
At the temple, there was a man named Simeon. He was devout and loved God. He had been waiting for the Messiah, the one God had promised to send. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Savior.
When Simeon saw Jesus, he knew instantly who this child was. He took the baby in his arms, praised God, and said that he could now die in peace. He said that Jesus would be “a light” for all people—not just for Israel, but for the whole world.
Then Simeon spoke directly to Mary. He told her that Jesus would bring both hope and pain. Many people would rise and fall because of Him, and His life would be deeply meaningful—but also costly.
Anna Shares the Good News
Another faithful person was there that day—an elderly woman named Anna. She was a prophetess who spent all her time at the temple worshiping God. When she saw Jesus, she immediately began praising God and telling others about this child who would bring redemption and hope to Jerusalem.
Anna had waited a long time, but her trust in God never faded. And now, she saw His promise come true with her own eyes.
Returning Home
After these special moments in the temple, Mary and Joseph returned to their home in Nazareth. The Bible tells us that Jesus continued to grow, becoming strong and wise, and God’s favor was upon Him.
What We Can Learn
This story reminds us that:
- God keeps His promises. Simeon and Anna waited faithfully, and they were rewarded.
- Jesus came for everyone. Simeon said Jesus would be a light not only for the Jewish people but for all nations.
- Faithful living matters. Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna were all obedient and devoted to God. Their simple actions became part of a much bigger story.
- God often works through the quiet moments. There were no crowds or fanfare at the temple that day, but something world-changing happened.
Even as a baby, Jesus was recognized as the hope of the world. The people who saw Him that day had eyes of faith—and their joy can still inspire us today.
Luke 2:21-39 (WEB)
2:21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.22 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 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 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.”25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking 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 should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law, 28 then he received him into his arms and blessed God, and said,29 “Now you are releasing your servant, Master,according to your word, in peace;30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;32 a light for revelation to the nations,and the glory of your people Israel.”33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him. 34 Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”36 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, 37 and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day. 38 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.39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.