Jesus is Presented in the Temple (Luke 2:21-40)
Jesus is Presented in the Temple (Luke 2:21–38)
Luke 2:21: The Circumcision of Jesus
“On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.”
Jesus' circumcision on the eighth day, which was a rite required by the Law of Moses, is a significant moment in his life. Fulfilling the command explained by the angels to Mary and Joseph, the Messiah is formally named Jesus, which means "God saves." His name highlights his mission even before he begins his ministry.
Mary and Joseph are following the Jewish law, and though it is simple in its outward expression, it signifies the beginning of Jesus' participation in human. He fully identifies with humanity.
Luke 2:22–24: Jesus is Presented at the Temple
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons.’”
Mary and Joseph bring their son to the temple in Jerusalem to offer the prescribed sacrifice for purification. This moment emphasizes the humble beginnings of Jesus’ life—his parents are not wealthy, and their offering of doves or pigeons, the sacrifice for the poor, shows their modest status. Despite the poverty of the offering, the couple’s faithfulness to the law and to the traditions of their people stands as an example of devotion.
Luke 2:25–28: Simeon’s Prophecy: Jesus is God's Salvation
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying…”
Simeon, a righteous and devout man, has spent his life waiting for the promised Messiah. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he is led to the temple at just the right moment, where he encounters the infant Jesus. This is not a random meeting—Simeon has been promised that he would see the Messiah before his death.
"The consolation of Israel" refers to the hope and comfort that the Jewish people had been waiting for, believing that God would send a Savior to restore and redeem them. The phrase suggests that the long-awaited Messiah would not only bring relief from oppression but also restore the nation to its former glory. This expectation is seen in Acts 1 when, post-resurrection, the disciples ask Jesus, "Are you now going to restore Israel?"
The Holy Spirit moves Simeon to go into the temple courts where the people are. There, he meets Mary and Joseph and the infant Messiah who will do the work of God on earth.
His response is one of profound joy and thanksgiving. Holding the child, he declares that he has seen God’s salvation with his own eyes, and he praises God for the fulfillment of the promises. Simeon’s words reveal that Jesus is not only the Savior of Israel but also a light to the Gentiles, offering salvation to all people.
Luke 2:29–32: Simeon’s Song
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
Simeon’s song, known as the Nunc Dimittis, is a declaration of peace and fulfillment. With his eyes having seen the salvation of God in the form of the infant Jesus, Simeon is ready to depart in peace. The hope of Jesus has entered his heart. All is well. He recognizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, but his light extends beyond Israel to all nations. The Savior’s coming is not just for one people but for the whole world. Simeon’s words encapsulate the universal nature of Jesus’ mission: to bring light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.
Luke 2:33–35: Simeon’s Prophecy to Mary
“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’”
Joseph and Mary marvel at what was said about Jesus. They've both experienced angels, Elizabeth encouraged Mary, Joseph was prompted in a dream to marry her, the shepherds came and told them of exquisite things they heard about their song, and now Simeon's words must have once again reinforced all they had heard and experienced thus far.
Simeon’s prophecy turns toward Mary as he speaks of the destiny of her son. Jesus will cause both the rise and fall of many in Israel, as he will be a sign that many will oppose. This moment foreshadows the struggles and divisions that will surround Jesus throughout His life. He will be a point of contention—some will embrace him, while others will reject him. The mention of a “sword” piercing Mary’s soul hints at the deep pain she will experience as she witnesses her son’s suffering. This is a somber moment, reminding us that Jesus’ path will not be without immense cost.
Luke 2:36–38: Anna’s Testimony
“There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Anna, an elderly widow, serves as another witness to the truth of Jesus’ identity. Like Simeon, she has spent her life waiting for the redemption of Israel. Her faithfulness to God is evident in her devotion to prayer and worship at the temple. When she sees Jesus, she immediately recognizes him as the fulfillment of God’s promise. She, too, praises God and shares the good news with those who are waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna’s testimony, along with Simeon’s, affirms that Jesus is the long-awaited Savior, and her witness underscores the inclusivity of God’s plan.
Luke 2:39–40: The Return to Nazareth
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”
After completing the necessary rituals, Mary and Joseph return to their hometown of Nazareth. The moment of Jesus’ presentation at the temple is one of several in his early life that marks him as fully obedient to God’s law. The closing verse of this section speaks to Jesus’ growth—not only in stature but in wisdom and grace. It is a quiet foreshadowing of his later ministry, where he will demonstrate a depth of understanding and divine favor. People will marvel at his teaching.
Luke 2: 21-38 and Meaning for Today
The presentation of Jesus at the temple is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s Word. Mary and Joseph, though humble, faithfully fulfill the law and demonstrate a deep trust in God’s promises. The testimonies of Simeon and Anna highlight the joy of seeing God’s promises fulfilled and the recognition that Jesus is the Savior not just for Israel, but for the world. The fact that both the old and the young, the devout and the faithful, are able to witness this moment speaks to the wide-reaching impact of Jesus’ life and mission. It also serves as an invitation for all of us to recognize the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus Christ and to share that good news with others.
Conclusion
The story of Jesus’ presentation at the temple calls us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and the universal nature of his salvation. Jesus is the Savior for all people, regardless of age, background, or status. The lives of Simeon and Anna remind us that God’s promises are always kept, and those who wait faithfully will see His salvation. As we consider this passage, let us be reminded of God’s grace in our own lives and the call to live in faithful anticipation of his continued work in the world.
