A 5-day per week study.
March 13 – Reading Luke 2:22-40
Read and believe in Jesus.
“…my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared in the presence of all peoples.” Luke 2:30
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The Gospel according to Luke 2:22-40
(Review) In the last study, we read the familiar story of Jesus’ nativity. Everything pointed to a lowly birth, except for one thing that happened in the middle. It began with the long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, then no room to lodge in the usual places, and finally settling in a stable, where Jesus’ first “crib” was a feed trough. Afterwards, the group of sheep-smelling men came to ooh and aah over the baby and tell their tale of a vision.
But right in the middle, Heaven couldn’t contain itself. Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, who sat at the Almighty’s right hand, had made it safely to earth and mankind. The glorious work of salvation – stolen from man in the Garden of Eden – was about to take place. And… a Heavenly Host burst out in a song of praise, “Glory to God in the Highest!”
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Vss. 22-24.
At the end of yesterday’s study, the first “rite” of babyhood took place. At eight days old, Jesus was circumcised (initiated into the Community of Israel) and given His name. (which Gabriel has told Mary)
Now, at about 6 weeks, there were two more Jewish rites written in “the Law of the Lord” that had to be fulfilled.
- The Rite of Purification. (Leviticus 12:2-4) When a woman had a baby boy, she was considered “ceremonially unclean” for 40 days. After that, she was to bring a lamb and a pigeon or dove (or two pigeons or 2 doves, if she was poor) to the priest, who would make an offering for her, and then she would be “ceremonially clean” and able to worship, fellowship, and partake in marital relations. (Mary and Joseph’s offering was two birds.)
- The Dedication (and Redemption) of the Firstborn Son. (Exodus 13:2, 12-15 and Numbers 18:16) Because the LORD freed the Israelites from slavery with the death of Egypt’s firstborn sons, He claimed all the firstborn males of Israel to be HIS (man and beast). The animals would be sacrificed, but the baby boys were to be ‘redeemed’ or bought back. The amount was five silver shekels.
Joseph and Mary faithfully performed these rituals according to “the Law of the Lord.” Right from His beginning, Jesus fulfilled ALL the Law perfectly – for us – so He would be the perfect “spotless” Lamb of God sacrifice.
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Vss. 25-35.
Simeon, a special old man (not a priest), who was righteous, devout, and waiting (longing) for “the consolation of Israel” (a messianic title derived from the O.T., like in Isaiah 40:1-2). The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah with his own eyes.
(Wow! Can you imagine a promise like that?) What hope and expectation he must have had!)
On that day, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to “redeem” Him, Simeon “just happened” to be there. The Spirit of God indicated somehow that THIS BABY was the Messiah Simeon had been looking for. Simeon walked over to the couple, took baby Jesus up in his arms, and praised God.
“Lord, now you are letting your servant
depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
that you have prepared in the Presence
of all peoples;
a Light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for Glory to your people Israel.”
Mary and Joseph stood there and marveled at what Simeon said about Jesus. Then this dear old man blessed them. He also warned Mary that “a sword will pierce through your own soul.”
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Vss. 36-40.
There was also an eighty-four-year-old prophetess named Anna in the Temple that day. She had been married only seven years before becoming a widow. Now, she didn’t leave the Temple area, but worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day.
When she saw the parents and Jesus, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were “waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Those who looked forward to the Messiah)
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(What a wonderful thing that God included these two old people early in the life of Jesus. Yes, God still has a use for seniors. Just think how grandparents and great-grandparents can have a godly influence on our children today!! Thank You, Lord!)
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(NOTE: Luke omits the visit of the Magi when Jesus was around 2-years old, and the flight to Egypt for a time, and picks up when they are heading back home. Finally.)
The family travelled to Nazareth after years away. They were a family now. Did anyone remember when Mary left in disgrace as an unwed mother? (Well, yes. Some did.) They settled back into the familiar patterns, and Jesus grew up. He became strong and filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him.
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Jesus fulfilled everything according to the Law, even when He was an enfant and couldn’t do it Himself. He did what WE never could do – not sin, EVER. And all that God required in the Law, it was done. Jesus lived sinless, in perfect harmony with His Father in Heaven. Then He died – the spotless Lamb of God – to take away the sin of the world. He paid sin’s debt = death. For us. THANK YOU, Jesus.
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Vss.
Morning Meditations 