The Book of Luke: The Presentation of Christ (Luke 2:21-39)
We are going to fast forward 8 days from where we last were in Luke 2 to talk about the “Presentation of Christ”. Luke 2:21 “21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”. We are going to look at 2 elderly people, Simeon and Anna, that cross paths with the Lord Jesus Christ. Before we do that, I want to give you 3 introductory thoughts and then we will look at Simeon and Anna.
#1 – In Luke 2:21, we see a scientific fact. We won’t go back to the Old Testament to see this but we see in the Mosaic law and before the Mosaic law of the circumcising of male children. The Bible is very specific of when 8 days were accomplished. This was then carried from Abraham to the Mosaic law. You might just read through that without thinking much about it but let me read to you from an article.
Does blood really coagulate best when a baby is 8 days old?
“Yes, it has been scientifically proven that a male baby’s blood is most likely to clot on the 8th day after birth. This has nothing to do with Vitamin K supplementation either preceding or soon after birth (although I’m definitely not opposing it). Without that injection, other factors involved in blood clotting make this a uniquely propitious day for circumcision. On the eighth day, the amount of prothrombin present is above one-hundred percent of normal (the only day in the male’s life in which this will be normally be the case)”.
It’s interesting that science has found that if you are going to circumcise a male child without using additional supplements that the best day to do that is on the 8th day of their life. What’s interesting is that in the ancient world, thousands of years ago, God told Abraham to circumcise his children on the 8th day. Moses was told to circumcise on the 8th day. Did Abraham understand why or Moses understand why scientifically? Not necessarily. They just did what God commanded. Obviously God knew when would be the best day for a child to be circumcised.
What we find is that science often is catching up to the Bible. The word of God is always ahead of science. These little thoughts or ideas are not meant to build your faith but they can solidify to you that the word of God was not written by man. There is no man thousands of years ago that knew the 8th day would be the best day naturally for circumcision. We see a scientific fact. The Bible knew what it was talking about.
Secondly, there is a scriptural variance. Luke 2:22 “22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;”. Here the Bible tells her that on the day of the purification of Mary, they brought Jesus. What the Bible is talking about in verse 22 is the commandment from Moses of bringing a sacrifice for the purification of the mother. The reason why I want to point this out to you is that the King James is very specific when it says “the day of her purification” which is referencing Mary.
At our Church, we are King James Only. In America today, there are hundreds of Bible versions that people can buy. Many people have been deceived by these versions and they think that it doesn’t matter what you read. The question you ought to ask yourself is that if God said something in a specific way, shouldn’t there just be 1 Bible? People often think that these other versions teach the same thing but are simply updating the language. That wouldn’t be a big deal if that were true but something else is happening. Words are being changed in these Bible. Words matter. Words teach different things. Here is all I’m saying, God didn’t say 2 different things. If these versions say different things, we have to ask ourselves which one did God say?
What is my point? In Luke 2:22, the Bible says “in the days of her purification”. In the ASV, this verse says “in the days of their purification”. Someone might not think that is a big deal but Jesus said we shall live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Also in the ESV, NASB, NRSV, RSV and others it says “their purification. The King James Bible says “her purification”. We can’t minimize the word of God. The word of God is the foundation for every matter of faith and practice in the Christian life. We need to know every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
If a version says “their purification” then it’s referring to the purification of both Jesus and Mary. If it says “her purification” then it’s merely referring to the purification of Mary. Mary was a sinner and needed to be purified. Jesus didn’t need to be purified. Let’s look at it in Leviticus 12:6 “6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:”. The young pigeon or turtledove is for a sin offering. Why was Mary bringing the sacrifice? Part of it was for a sin offering. Leviticus 12:7 “7 Who shall offer it before the Lord, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood. This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female.”.
The Book of Leviticus tells us that this offering is to be brought for the sin offering of the mother. When the modern versions say “their purification” adds Jesus to the equation who needs a sin offering. What’s the problem? These versions are saying that Mary brought an offering for the sin of Jesus. There is no sin in Jesus. Jesus was 100% perfect. The Bible says “he who knew no sin”. Which one did God say? “Her purification”.
Not only would it have been inappropriate for Mary to bring a sin offering for Jesus since he was without sin. It would have been inappropriate for Mary to bring a sin offering for any 8-day old. An 8-day old baby has not sinned. A baby in those 8 days has slept, ate and gone potty. They haven’t transgressed God’s law. We understand that they are born with a sin nature but they have not yet sinned. The Bible tells us that the purpose of the offering was for “her purification”. This is what Mary did in obedience to the law. Why? The Devil is behind the modern versions. He has been questioning and changing the word of God since Genesis 3. He wants to produce Bible versions to confuse people and change the word of God.
Let me give you a 3rd introductory thought. A sobering thought. Luke 2:23 “23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”. I want you to notice that in Luke 2:24, we see the exact sacrifice that Mary and Joseph brought for the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Go to Leviticus 12. In Leviticus 12:8, they were given 2 options for a sacrifice for a child. Leviticus 12:8 “8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.”. The reason why it says if she is not able is because she might not be able to afford a lamb. So if you can’t afford a lamb then you can bring 2 turtledoves or 2 young pigeons (1 for a burnt offering and 1 for a sin offering). When Joseph and Mary brought a sacrifice, they brought 2 young pigeons. They brought a poor man’s sacrifice.
We have a sobering thought that the parents who God in heaven chose for his Son Jesus Christ was a home of humility. This tells us that Joseph was not successful financially. He was a just man and didn’t even want to embarrass Mary before he realized of the virgin birth. However, he didn’t have a lot of money. It shows that the #1 emphasis to God is not money. He looked at how spiritual the parents of Jesus were but not how rich they were.
If God has blessed you financially then praise God for it but let me tell you that money is not a big deal to God. In this Christmas season, we have commercially Christmas and made it about gifts. We tend to make an idol out of money. People won’t have children until they are financially secure. That isn’t the way that God looked at it. God was ok with them not being able to afford a lamb for a sacrifice. Be more interested in teaching your children how to be godly than what kind of clothes that they have. They loved God and that is what counts.
In Luke 2:25, we are going to look at our first character tonight, Simeon. Luke 2:25 “25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.”. First we will look at the portrayal of Simeon. The Bible refers to him as “just and devout”. This means that he lived right and he was faithful to his walk with God. He was a man who was just and devout. The Bible also says that the Holy Ghost was upon him. He is described as a spiritual man.
Luke 2:26 “26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,”. Simeon is described here as a spirit filled man.
Go to Psalms. Let me ask you this question as we consider Simeon. Where are the spiritual men today? Where are the men today that are filled with the Spirit of God. Psalm 12:1 “Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”. Where are the Spirit filled men? Where are the men like Simeon or Joshua of old who said “as for me and my house we will serve the Lord”. Where are the men who will stand up to protect and provide and lead their families with the Spirit of God behind them. I’m afraid that we are missing the spiritual man in today’s world.
Simeon was a spiritual man that loved God. He didn’t have to be forced to come to Church on a Sunday night. He loved God. He was interested in his walk with God. Not only was he a spiritual man but he was probably an old man. I say he was probably an old man because the Bible doesn’t specifically tell us that. If you look at the wording though, it appears like he is an old man. Luke 2:26 “26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”. The way that sounds is that he was probably an old man approaching death.
Go to Proverbs 16. Proverbs 16:31 “31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”. The hoary head means hair that is gray or white. The key is “if it be found in the way of righteousness”. We ought to honor and respect elders that love God. We need old men that are still going soulwinning, still reading the Bible and sticking with the things of God. I’m thankful for parents that have been faithful to God for decades. I’m thankful for Brother Ray Anderson (the father of Pastor Anderson) who has been with us from day one. I’m thankful for fathers now who will stick with us and eventually be that older man with the hoary head that is righteous.
We also see a proclamation from Simeon. Luke 2:27 “27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,”.
Salvation is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He is our salvation. Jesus later would say “I am the way, the truth and the life, no cometh unto the Father but by me”. Salvation is not found in your works or anything that you do. He got on the cross and made the payment for you.
We see the person of salvation which is Jesus Christ. We also see the extent of salvation. Notice verse 31 “31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”. Today we have people that say he only came to the Jews and after they rejected him is when he came to the Gentiles. Yet right at the beginning we see him coming for everyone. Galatians 3:28 “28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”.
We saw the portrayal of Simeon and the proclamation of Simeon but we also see the prediction of Simeon. Luke 2:33 “33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;”.
Simeon predicts that Jesus will either be the fall or rising of people. For some people Jesus is your rising but for others your fall. You cannot maintain neutrality with Jesus.
Matthew 21:44 “44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. “. Falling on the stone is a positive thing because that is when you humble yourself and realize you need Jesus for your salvation. However, if the stone falls on you then it will grind you to powder. Here are the only 2 options though. Either you fall on Jesus or he falls on you and crushes you. My point is that you can’t be neutral with Jesus. Simeon said that Jesus was for the fall and rising of many. Jesus said that he was the only way to heaven and God in the flesh. You either believe that he is who he said he was – The Savior, the Son of God, the Messiah, the Christ, the chosen one, salvation or you believe he is crazy. You can’t say he is a good man. He is either the real deal or insane. He is set for the fall and rising of many.
Matthew 10:32 “32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”. You either confess Jesus or deny Jesus. If you choose Allah or your good works, you are denying Jesus. The Bible says in Philippians 2:10 “10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”. You can’t be neutral about Jesus.
Not only is there a demand of your belief on Jesus but he is a divisive figure. Luke 2:34 “34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;”. He says that there will be many people who speak against Jesus.
Matthew 10:34 “34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”. Jesus causes division.
Notice what Simeon also says in Luke 2:35 “35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”. I believe that Simeon is referring to that Mary’s heart will be broken with the death of Jesus. Of course she realizes that he is God and salvation but she was also his mother. She taught him to walk and helped him grow and she watched him die on the cross. We often understand that there is a cost of serving Jesus. Not only does it cost you serving Jesus but sometimes it costs others also. It cost Mary also as the mother of Jesus.
In verse 36 we meet the 2nd character also. “36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;”. We aren’t sure when she got married but she was married for 7 before her husband passed away. “37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”. She was a widow for around 84 years after becoming a widow. She probably spent her years very lonely as a widow but she served the Lord. “38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”. She served God with fasting and prayer night and day. I’m sure this isn’t how she planned her life or what she wanted. She got busy serving the Lord though.
We not only need some spiritual old men serving God but also some spiritual old women. Titus 2:3 “3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,”. We also need aged women that will teach the younger women and younger generation to serve God.
We also see that she was a soulwinner. Luke 2:38 “38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”. She spake to everyone about the Lord. All women should be servants and soulwinners. I’m thankful for a Church that is filled with godly ladies who do preach the gospel. Let me ask you, are you filling those 2 priorities?
Let me give you an example. The house of God should be like a firehouse. You think of firefighters and they are to put out fires. We as soulwinners are like spiritual firefighters. We go out and pull them out of the fire. Firefighters don’t only fight fires though. When they are in a firehouse, you will see them doing all kinds of different things. They have chores to do. At Church, you ought to be serving while in the house of God. Then you also go out soulwinning. Serving and soulwinning.
Luke 2:39 “39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.”. I want to encourage you to be with us for the next sermon transcript. We will fast forward 12 years that show us the only passage of scripture of Jesus as a child. It would be good for us to see what Jesus was like at the age of 12 especially if you have young children that you want to love God.
Let’s pray.