Introduction to the Bible – The Life and Teachings of Jesus Part 4 – Luke 2:21-52

Luke 2:21-52The Circumcision and Presentation of Jesus·  V.21-24 – Jewish families had certainceremonies following the birth of a child: 1) Circumcision – Every boy was circumcised and named on the his eighth day, this symbolized their separation from the Gentiles and their unique relationship with God; 2) Presented to the Lord – A firstborn son was presented to the Lord, this showed that the child belongs to God, the only One able to bring life.· V.2:21 “He was named Jesus” – Just like Johnthe Baptists, Jesus’ name was given by the angel, Gabriel. Jesus means “The Lord Saves.”· V.2:24 “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” – The normal sacrifice would be a lamb, but if the family couldn’tafford a lamb they could offer these birds. This again shows the lowly beginnings of Jesus’ life on earth. o  *The wise men likely visited Joseph and Mary a year or two after Jesus was born. Mary and Joseph used the gift from the wise men to escape to Egypt until Herod died, then they moved to Nazareth, a remote town far from the authority. (See Matthew’s account.)Simeon’s Prophetic Praise· V.2:25 “looking forward to Israel’sconsolation” – Israel had a hope in God’s plan for His people, specifically that a Messiah would save them. *Limited view to earthly status vs. Jesus’ true mission. · V.2:25 “the Holy Spirit was upon him” – In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit worked through individuals at select times for select purposes. As the New Testament unfolds we see a new role of the Holy Spirit – indwelling all believers! In this scene we see the Holy Spirit confirming a promise made to Simeon.· V.2:32 “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel” – Luke’s theme throughout his writing is that salvation through Jesus is available for everyone, both Jews and Gentiles. · V.2:33 “His father and mother were amazed” – The Jews knew about the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Simeon prophesied that Jesus is the Messiah and that He would be a light to the whole world (to Jews and Gentiles). · V.2:34-35 – Simeon prophesied that Jesus would have two effects on Israel, some would fall (reject Him) and some would rise (accept Him). Simeon also said that Mary would be grieved at the rejection of her Son. Anna’s Testimony· V.2:36 “well along in years” – Though Simeonand Anna were older in age, they never gave up hope for the arrival of the Messiah. Anna could’ve been anywhere from 84 to well over 100 years old. The Family’s Return to Nazareth·  Several years had passes between verse 38 and39. Matthew gives the account of the family fleeing to Egypt for a time before returning to Nazareth.· V.2:40 “became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on Him” – This is a similar description of John the Baptist growing up. In His Father’s House· V.2:43 “the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it” - When large families travelled,sometimes the older kids were with extended family, which may be why Mary and Joseph didn’t realize Jesus wasn’t with them.· V.2:47 “Astounded by His understanding and His answers” – The rabbis (teachers/scholars) would meet in the temple, teaching and having conversations. Jesus was 12 years old (not yet 13, which would be the age of an adult in the Jewish culture) and amazed the rabbis with His understanding of Scripture. · V.2:48 - When Joseph and Mary questionedwhere Jesus was, He asked, “Why were you looking for Me?” This probably means, “Didn’t you  know I would be in thetemple?” In Favor with God and with People· V.2:52 “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people” – In this passage, wisdom is intellect and practical holiness, stature is physicallygrowing to adult size, favor with God is a spiritual closeness to the Father, and favor with people is having social respect. At age 12 Jesus amazed the rabbis; imagine how much He grew by the time He started his earthly ministry (around age 30).