Luke 2:21-52

1.         The Presentation in the Temple (2:21-24)

            Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day in accordance with Jewish law.  Obediently, Joseph and Mary followed all the Jewish customs based on God’s Old Testament revelation.  Jesus did not come to abolish the law; he came to fulfill the law.  Jesus faced the same expectations each person did, being “born under law” (Gal. 4:4).

            The name “Jesus” was given to the child, just as the angel instructed.  In keeping with the law, Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to the Lord.  Mary and Joseph also offered the purification sacrifice in accordance with the Old Testament law.

2.         The Witness in the Temple (2:25-40)

            Two persons met Mary and Joseph in the temple and explained Jesus’ calling and ministry.  The first was a “righteous and devout” man named Simeon (2:25).  God had promised Simeon that he would see the Christ before he died.  God kept his promise.  Simeon took the child in his arms and offered up a hymn of praise to God.

            Following Simeon, a second witness approached Joseph and Mary, Anna a prophetess.  Without invitation, she approached the baby Jesus.  She recognized what God was doing in the person of this baby and “gave thanks” (2:38).  Anna then spoke her prophetic words about the child to all who “were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (2:38).

3.         The Amazement in the Temple (2:41-52)

            As devout Jewish parents, Joseph and Mary attended the Passover each year in Jerusalem.  On this occasion, Jesus was left behind when his parents set out for home.  They found him in the temple “among the teachers” (2:46).  Where else would the Son of God be but in the house of God?  The teachers were “amazed at his understanding and his answers” (2:47).