Introduction
- The quiet manger contrasted with the glorious angelic choir in the field of the shepherds.
- The incarnation is awe inspiring, reveals Jesus’ humility.
Read Luke 2:21-40
- The way we prepare for the arrival of our children. The most important step is seeking the Lord’s blessing. Praying for health and spiritual well-being.
- Joseph and Mary are seeking God’s blessing.
- 5x’s, “according to the Law of Moses/the Lord” (vv.22, 23, 24, 27 39).
- Purpose = Contemplate our reaction to Christ.
- Mary and Joseph’s Reaction (2:21-24, 33)
- Simeon’s Reaction (2:25-35)
- Anna’s Reaction (2:36-40)
Mary and Joseph’s Reaction (2:21-24, 33)
- 21 8th day: Circumcised and named. Why circumcision? Paul > only applicable in the Old Cov. (Gal.)
- Why was it a sign of the Old Covenant? Why did Jesus receive it?
- Jesus fulfilling law’s requirements perfectly.
- Circumcision signifies original sin passing by procreation.
- Need for bloodshed to cover sin. Not applicable to Christ! Who was Christ fulfilling law’s demands for?
- Circumcision is an example of Christ’s active and passive obedience (death). Bloodshed at circum. & cross.
- We stand or fall on the basis of Christ’s blood.
- 22-24 40th day > Jerusalem = (1) Js redeemed (“firstborn”). (2) Mary’s purific.
- Js born into a poor family. 2 birds b/c couldn’t afford a lamb (Lev. 12:8).
- 33 “marveled”. Why? 1st mention of universal redemption-Gentiles.
- Do you still marvel? Don’t you love to be around new believers? Joy/awe is contagious!
Their obedience led to…
Simeon’s Reaction (2:25-35)
- Simeon’s Character (25-26): “righteous and devout” waiting for the consolation (deliverance) of Israel.
- Simeon’s Words (27-32): He could now depart in peace (29). Simeon had seen the gospel. Even in the darkest of days God preserves a people who know Him (Elijah, 1,000 in Israel).
- 32 Light for: (1) revelation to the Gentiles. (2) Glory to Israel.
- God living in their midst once again. Only this time, in the flesh.
- Simeon’s Words to Mary (33-35): Js would turn Israel on its head. Many would rise and many would fall. Js = object of opposition.
- How would it affect Mary? It would pierce her soul. Probably remained until the resurrection.
- Are you watching for His 2nd coming?
- Are you prepared to die?
Someone else overheard Simeon’s Song…
Anna’s Reaction (2:36-40)
- 36 Became a widow after 7 years of marriage. Is she 84 or 103+ (depending on when she married, 12 being the earliest)? Luke say’s she was “very old”, but she was also very active…
- 37 Then she began worshiping, with fasting and prayer night and day. Hyperbolic? The expression “coming up at that very hour” seems to suggest that she had just arrived at the temple (2x/day).
- Fasting and prayer are aspects of a healthy spirituality. Fasting not as common today (fear of aescetecism). Scripture clearly commends it.
- 38 She went to the temple and began to speak of him to those waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna came to the temple and went around telling everyone there who Jesus was. She thanked God for sending his Son and then she went around telling everyone about his arrival.
- Shouldn’t this be characteristic of all Christians?
In…
Conclusion
- Even though we no longer observe these ceremonial aspects of the law today, we continue to approach God with gifts of sacrifice (lives, finances, time, talents).
Bock A clear theological point dominates the application. To see Jesus is to see God’s salvation. To see Jesus is to see God’s light and revelation.
- It is so important to begin with the gospel, Christ’s active/passive obed.
- What is your reaction to Christ?
- Marvel (Joseph & Mary)
- Watching & Waiting (Simeon)
- Worshipping & Telling Others (Anna)
- We should strive to follow all of their examples as we offer our lives as a living sacrifice.