Luke 2:22-40

The Presentation

Luke 2:22-40

Luke 2:22

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (use)

Meanwhile, for Luke, Jesus is a more subversive and Samuel-like figure, who grows up and in around the Temple. From Luke’s perspective, then, Jesus’ stay in Bethlehem (after his presentation at the Temple) and flight to Egypt are irrelevant, while his presentation at the Temple and (undramatic) childhood are highly relevant.

Paul, I., 2021. Why do Matthew and Luke offer different birth narratives?.
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The fact that she became unclean when she bore Jesus testifies to the reality of the Incarnation.

Danker, F.W., 1976. Jesus and the New Age. Proclamation Commentaries series. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, pg.30
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the rite of purification was necessary to be performed.

Calvin, J., 1555. Commentary.
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It is a mistake to imagine that this law of purification was merely political, and that the woman was unclean in presence of her husband, not in presence of God. On the contrary, it placed before the eyes of the Jews both the corruption of their nature, and the remedy of divine grace.

Calvin, J., 1555. Commentary.
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I do own that child-bearing is not unclean...

Calvin, J., 1555. Commentary.
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Here neither was necessary; but the whole mystery of the birth was not as yet revealed to Mary, and therefore her act was simply one of devout obedience to the law under which she lived.

Ellicott, J. 1879. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers.
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Zechariah regarding John the baptiser

Luke 2:25

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. (use)

The Holy Spirit led Simeon to be present in the temple courtyard when Mary and Joseph arrived to consecrate Jesus to God.

Constable, T., 2022. Expository Notes.
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Luke 2:27

And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, (use)

Simeon possessed the three essential characteristics of Old Testament piety: first, he was "righteous and devout"; second, he was one of the believing remnant in Israel who was looking for Messiah's appearing: "the consolation of Israel." Third, the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Constable, T., 2022. Expository Notes.
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Luke 2:29

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; (use)

Luke 2:30

for my eyes have seen your salvation (use)

...for though prophecy had ceased among the Jews, from the times of Malachi, yet upon the conception and birth of Christ, it now returned; as to Zacharias, Elisabeth, and the virgin Mary, and here to Simeon,...

Gills, J., 1748. Exposition of the Bible Commentary.
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Luke 2:33

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. (use)

If one wonders why they marveled at Simeon's words after what they had heard from Gabriel, Elisabeth, and the Shepherds, he should bear in mind that every parent is astonished and pleased at the fine things others see in the child.

Robertson, A.T., 1930. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville: Broadman Press. 149.0
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Luke 2:34

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" (use)

Towards Jesus Christ there can be no neutrality. We either surrender to him or are at war with him.

Barclay, W., 1953. Daily Study Bible.
barclay-1953-dsb~luke-2v34

Christ is not only the author of his people's comfort, but the matter and ground of it, the consolation of Israel.

Henry, M., 1896. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible. UK. Luke
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Luke 2:36

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, (use)

Luke 2:38

And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. (use)

If we only had Matthew's and Mark's Gospels, we might wonder if there were any Jews besides Jesus who understood the Old Testament correctly. Luke presented two so far who did, namely, Zechariah and Simeon.

Constable, T., 2022. Expository Notes.
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Let us labor for the Master from the dawn till setting sun; Let us talk of all his wondrous love and care. Then when all of life is over and our work on earth is done, And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

Black, J.M., 1893. When the roll is called up yonder.
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They represent the long history of an expectant people, nourished by God's promise. Zechariah and Elizabeth also fit this character type. They, too, are righteous, careful observers of the law (1:6), old (1:7), and filled with the prophetic Spirit when they recognize the fulfillment of God's promise (1:41, 67). These people represent their faith at its best, according to the values of the implied author, even though Zechariah has temporary doubts. To them the coming of the long awaited salvation is revealed.

Tannehill, R.C., 1986. The Narrative Unity of Luke-Acts: A Literary Interpretation. Vol. 1: The Gospel according to Luke.
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