Luke 2:21-38 | Leviticus 12:8
Jesus’ entrance into the world continues to demonstrate God’s choice of the ordinary. Joseph and Mary present the lowest of offerings for sacrifice (birds). This was no well-to-do family.
The beauty of Simeon’s story and Anna’s story is striking. It can be hard to imagine anyone today having such patience and fortitude as these two, at least in the West. Years. They waited for years for this.
(If anyone’s looking for a good funeral text, Simeon’s song is it.)
And if there’s any doubt that Luke received stories from Mary, these two should help. (And the one coming tomorrow.)
What an entrance into the world, pointed and intentional, but humble and ordinary.
Luke 2:21-38
When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived. When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
“Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
because my eyes have seen your salvation.
You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Leviticus 12:8
But if the mother cannot afford a sheep, she can bring two turtledoves or two pigeons—one for the entirely burned offering and the other for the purification offering. The priest will then make reconciliation for her, and she will be clean.
Prayer
God,
You continue to humble me in the person of Jesus. We can strive for so much in life, an upward trajectory, but you reach down in and through him.
I pray that you help me to live into his poverty, even if not in financial strata, in composure and posture. May all those I meet, young and old, receive the joy of your Kingdom, no matter how long or short our interaction.
Give me the fortitude, the long-view of Simeon and Anna. Help me day by day to keep on.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.