Infant Jesus at the Temple and Testimonies about Him

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own side also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’ “ -Luke 2:34-35 (ESV) [Read Luke 2:21-38]

Mary and Joseph as pious Jews had obligations concerning Jesus’ birth that had to be performed according to the law. On the eighth day after His birth they followed the command to circumcise a male child (see Genesis 17:12-24, 21:4, and Leviticus 12:3). This was a ritual act in evidence of the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants. It indicated a devotion to Yahweh God. In Old Testament times, the father might perform the rite on his child. Later, the Jews had those who specialized in the operation, and it may have been to one of those that Mary and Joseph took Jesus. Circumcision also indicated that the person would not be cut off from the covenant of God. It was a solemn and binding agreement between parents and God and ceremonially passed on to the infant with the outward act of circumcision.

After forty days, the Jewish time set for purification of the mother after the birth of a male child (see Leviticus 12), Joseph and Mary went to the temple and presented the required offerings, two turtle doves or two young pigeons. This offering was for the poor. The more well-to-do couple would have offered a lamb. Their desire to follow Jewish law prompted them to do this. By not having the money to purchase a lamb, the act was symbolic: Jesus Himself would become the Lamb, Himself offered years later for the sins of the world. Mary and Joseph’s desired to follow Jewish law prompted them to follow purification rites. Had it not been for following the law, they should not have had to go for this purification rite, for Jesus Christ was conceived of the Holy Spirit and therefore holy. Their conformity to Jewish law shows their faithfulness and obedience in keeping the covenant.

Two people in the temple interact with the Baby. First came old Simeon. “Waiting for the consolation of Israel,” was a term meaning a sign that God would soon come to comfort and rescue Israel. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and blessed Him. His psalm of gladness in Luke 2:29-32 echoes some of the Messianic words of Isaiah (see Isaiah 42:6, 49:6, 52:10) and Psalms (98:2). Following his outburst of praise, Simeon turned to Mary and made a prophecy of his own. He told her that her son would “cause the fall and rise of many in Israel.” Fall indicates judgment upon the arrogant; rise foretells salvation for those who will accept it. He also tells Mary her heart will be pierced as though by a sword. We know that Mary watched years later as her beloved Son was crucified. Old Simeon’s prophecy came true.

Next came old Anna, a prophetess and long-time widow who was given to fasting and prayer. She also recognized Baby Jesus as the Messiah and declared Him “the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Not only did Mary and Joseph know of the mission of the Son, but now two elderly people recognized Him as the promised Messiah. From Mary and Joseph, we learn the lessons of piety and obedience. From old Simeon and old Annah we learn the importance of living close to God and watching for His revelation.

Prayer: Lord, whatever acts of piety and obedience You call us to do, may we perform them with sincerity and devotion in fulfillment of a binding covenant we make with you. Amen. -Ethelene Dyer Jones 12.27.2015