The Birth of JesusExemplo

Jesus’ Temple Dedication

Jesus was dedicated according to the Mosaic Law, by bringing Him to the temple to be circumcised on the eighth day after His birth. Mary and Joseph named Him Jesus, meaning “the Lord is Salvation,” which is the name the angel gave to Joseph in his dream. In naming Jesus, Mary and Joseph once again displayed their faith that this child was indeed the Immanuel Isaiah had promised, the Son of God, Who would bring salvation to the world!

Mary and Joseph followed all the laws Moses recorded regarding newborn babies (see Leviticus 12), including the presentation of sacrifices at the temple. Normally, this sacrifice would include one lamb and one bird, but those who could not afford a lamb could bring two birds instead. Since Mary and Joseph brought two birds for the sacrifice, this means they were a poor couple whom God chose not for what they could offer Him materially, but what they could offer spiritually through their obedience.

Simeon’s Fulfilled Promise

God saw fit to reveal to Simeon, a righteous and devout man, that he would see the Christ with his own eyes before he died. We don’t know how long after this promise Simeon waited for the moment Jesus was brought to the temple, but we do know that God directed him there at the exact moment he needed to be there.

Simeon recognized Jesus instantly. Out of all the thousands of children who had been dedicated at this Jerusalem temple, Simeon knew that this one was the Son of God. As Simeon held Jesus, he told God that he could now depart this world in peace because he had seen the One Who would be a light to the Gentiles and bring glory to Israel.

Did you catch what Simeon said Jesus would do? Simeon praised God that Jesus’ light would be a revelation to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews. Over time, Jewish leaders had excluded Gentiles from worshiping God the same way that Jews did, contrary to God’s law (see Numbers 15:14–16, Isaiah 56:6–7).

Simeon still believed God’s promise of salvation was not just for Jews, but also for Gentiles. The Messiah had not come only to save His own people, but the people of every tongue, tribe, and nation. Because of his faith, Simeon reaped the reward the Jewish leaders should have eagerly been waiting for: the chance to see the Son of God with their own eyes!

Reflection

How do you think Simeon felt when he recognized that Jesus was the Christ? How would you react if you had the chance to hold the Savior of the world?