2 Feb 26 | When the Temple Receives Its Lord
The Presentation reveals that God fulfills His promises not by bypassing the Law or the Temple, but by entering them and transforming their meaning from within.
The Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
-and you yourself a sword will pierce-
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
Today’s Focus
Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph bring Him to the Temple in obedience to Jewish law, where the humble offering reveals their poverty and fulfills Old Testament prophecy that the Lord would come to His Temple. Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah, forming a paired witness that confirms His identity. The scene shows God entering history quietly through humility and reminds believers to stay spiritually attentive so they do not miss His presence in ordinary moments.
In the Margins
If this Gospel seems familiar, we covered it right around New Years. Why a revisit? Well, it is now 40 days after the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This is a key date for Christians as it mirrors Leviticus 12 and Exodus 13, the period when the firstborn child should be consecrated to God.
The Temple is a covenantal space during this time. It is where Jews believed this was the place where heaven and earth meet. The thing about the Law is that it was never a requirement for the family to take the child to be presented at the Temple. This is possibly influenced from 1 Samuel, 1:24-28, where Hannah offers the child Samuel for sanctuary services. Regardless, it is actually prophetically fulfilling according to Malachi 3, where it says “…And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple.”
What this Gospel is showing is a peaceful and humble coming to the Temple, instead of clouds and glory as may have been expected. At the same time, Jesus is immediately recognized as the Messiah. The offerings, outlined also in Leviticus 12 tell us something else as well. We know that from the offering, Joseph and Mary would have been considered poor in their time. This is further illustration that God is coming to His Temple in pure humbleness.
This Gospel is showing us that as a baby, just over a month old, Jesus was already fulfilling prophecies. Beyond that, He was being recognized for His authority and the change He would bring about. Simeon and Anna form a male-female witness structure, which is in line with other biblical legal and narrative patterns. They saw and knew the truth before others.
This passage serves to remind us that God can show up anywhere He chooses, at any time, and in any manner. The presence of God is not always something mighty or grand either. He can show up in the smallest moments of our lives, but will have the most magnificent impacts. The question we have to ask ourselves is if we are looking for God? Are we taking time to reflect on what Jesus is teaching on a daily basis? It has been 40 days since Christmas, and in that time God has definitely been showing up to people. When we think we aren’t hearing God, it doesn’t mean God isn’t there. We just might not be looking for Him in the right way or the right places.
Reflection Question
Where is God asking for quiet obedience now that may become the place where deeper truth about Christ and your own heart is revealed?
A Small Invitation
If this reflection helped you, consider sharing it with someone who may be carrying more than they were meant to.