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Jesus’ First Visit to the Temple (Luke 2:22-24) As one “born under the law” (Gal. 4:4), Jesus’ parents obeyed the law Two things had to be accomplished on His first visit: As the firstborn, Jesus had to be presented to God and redeemed as on “holy to the Lord” (2:22-23)
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Jesus’ First Visit to the Temple (Luke 2:22-24) • As one “born under the law” (Gal. 4:4), Jesus’ parents obeyed the law • Two things had to be accomplished on His first visit: • As the firstborn, Jesus had to be presented to God and redeemed as on “holy to the Lord” (2:22-23) • Mary had to be purified at the temple with a sacrifice (2:24; cf. Lev. 12:1-8) • We learn that Jesus’ parents followed the law & that Jesus was born into poverty
Simeon Is the First to Meet Jesus in Jerusalem (2:25-27) • Simeon’s character – “just and devout” (2:25) • Simeon’s hope – waiting patiently & confidently for fulfillment of God’s promise (25) • “The Consolation of Israel” = the Messianic hope • His hope was founded upon the promise of the Holy Spirit (2:26) • Simeon’s compliance – “he came by the Spirit to the temple” (2:27) • He was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, obedient to the will of God; thus he was privileged to see the salvation of God • Simeon’s privilege – he got to see and hold the Messiah • He had been waiting for this, ever since the Spirit made the promise • He had no doubt that God had fulfilled His promise
Simeon Praised God in Song (Luke 2:28-33) • It was a worship hymn (2:26, 29) • He praised God for keeping His promise & sending the Messiah • He praised God that he had the privilege to see the Lord’s Christ • It was a salvation hymn (2:29-30) • He was now ready to die as he had seen the Lord’s salvation • It was a missionary hymn (2:31-32) • God’s scheme of redemption was prepared before creation of world • God’s plan of salvation was for all, including the Gentiles • Joseph and Mary continually marveled at what Simeon was speaking of Jesus
Simeon Prophesied About Jesus (Luke 2:34-35) • The Prophecy of a Stone • Jesus: stumbling stone to those who reject Him (Ro. 9:32-33; Ac. 4:11) • Jesus: stepping or cornerstone to those who obey (1 Pt. 2:7-8; 1C 3:11) • The Prophecy of a Sign • Jesus would be a sign from God, revealing divine truths • The Prophecy of a Sword • Jesus’ rejection, persecution & death would pierce thru Mary’s soul • In people’s reaction to Jesus, they reveal their true heart
Lessons to Remember • May we be numbered among the faithful remnant who are ever waiting before the Lord. • As Simeon looked for the coming of the Savior, may we anxiously await His final return. • Ever be grateful that God shared Israel’s Messiah with we Gentiles. We were without God and without hope (Eph. 2:11). • It is for us to determine if we are among those who rise or those who fall before the Messiah. • Let us so live our lives that we can sing Simeon’s lovely song.