And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 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. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

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, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 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.—Luke 2:21–38

Outline

Introduction

1. Two Law Abiding Parents: Joseph & Mary (Luke 2:21–24)
2. Two Spirit-Inspired Witnesses: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25–26, 36–38)
3. One Savior of the World (Luke 2:27–35)

Application & Conclusion

Introduction

Do any of you have a bucket list? If you don’t know what a bucket list is, it’s a list of things you want to do before you die. Some bucket lists include things like traveling around the world, learning a new hobby, running a marathon, going to some major sports event, or climbing a mountain. It could be things like reading the Bible cover-to-cover in a year, going on a missions trip, or surprising others with unusual generosity. Bucket lists try to make sure we experience, enjoy, or accomplish something really special before we die.

This morning in our passage, we get to see the one thing that was on Simeon’s bucket list: He longs to look upon the Messiah. Simeon’s one final desire before he died was to get a glimpse of God’s salvation. Not only did Simeon get to see God’s salvation, he held him in his arms.

A bucket list is only one half of the equation. These are the things you want to do before you die, but if you don’t get to them, so what? But there’s another list—not a list of things you want to do—but a list of the things you need to do before you die. Some would say things like (1) making a will, (2) updating your beneficiaries in your financial accounts, or (3) reconciling conflict. But this morning, Simeon’s example, shows us the one thing that is needed before we die: We need to see and savor the salvation of God in the Savior Jesus Christ!

The main point of our passage is that Jesus has come to usher in a new and glorious work of salvation by fulfilling the Law and shining as a light to the Gentiles. Everything changes about how people are to relate to God once Jesus comes into the world. A new era has begun! Once Jesus comes into the world, everything changes: good news of great joy has broken into the deep darkness of our world. And my aim for us this morning is to instill in us fresh appreciation for Jesus.

In Luke we have looked at the response of those who first encountered Jesus: John leaps for joy, Elizabeth calls him Lord, Mary praises God, and shepherds worship. In our passage today we have two witnesses in Simeon and Anna.

1) Two Law-Abiding Parents: Joseph & Mary (Luke 2:21–24)

As I read verses 21­–24, notice how often it mentions the Law. Then in verse 27 it says Jesus’ parents did “according to the custom of the Law,” and then again in verse 39 it says that when “they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned.” Five mentions of the Law. Why? Because these opening verses present Joseph & Mary as faithful, law-abiding Jews who followed the Old Testament regarding three important ceremonies: (1) circumcision, (2) purification, and (3) the presentation of the firstborn to the Lord.

Jesus was raised in a home that observed the Law, following it carefully as God had commanded. Let’s see how Mary & Joseph did that:

1. Circumcision. Verse 21 tells us that Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day as God had commanded Moses in Genesis 17:11–12. Jesus received the sign of the covenant that would mark all Israelites. Therefore, Jesus is a true child of Abraham, sealed in blood, and he shares the same sign as his people.
   
   
2. Purification. Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary & Joseph go up to the temple to follow the Law of Purification that is described in Leviticus 12:1–8. A woman who gave birth to a son was ceremonially unclean for 33 additional days after an initial seven days (see Leviticus 12:1–4) and was required to bring a sacrifice. The family could bring a year-old lamb, or, if they couldn’t afford that, they could bring two pigeons or turtledoves (Leviticus 12:7–8). Luke makes a point to tell us that Mary & Joseph followed this Law of Purification for Mary. We’re also told that they couldn’t afford a lamb, instead sacrificing two pigeons or turtledoves, reminding us of the poverty and humble circumstances of Jesus’ birth.
   
3. Presentation. In addition to the purification of Mary, there was another ceremony often called the presentation or dedication of the firstborn, which is outlined in Exodus 13:2, “Consecrate to me all the firstborn. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is mine.” All the firstborn were to be presented and dedicated before the Lord. 

The point that Luke is making is that Mary & Joseph are godly parents who obey the Law and that Jesus was brought up under and according to the Law. Why is that important? Jesus comes into the world not only as a sacrifice for our sins to pay the penalty we deserve, but Jesus lives a perfect life under and according to the Law for us. His righteousness is imputed to us so that we are righteous. Romans 5:19 says, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” We all inherited sin from Adam, but through Jesus’ perfect obedience to God’s Law, we are made righteous.

We are saved as much by Christ’s death as we are by his perfect life. Galatians states, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4–5). Very simply: We don’t get the punishment we rightly deserve, because Jesus took it for us, and we get all sorts of blessings, inheritance, joy, and grace that we don’t deserve, because Jesus gave us his perfect righteousness. 

Mary & Joseph raise their son according to the Law, which sets the stage for Jesus’ encounter with Simeon and Anna.

2) Two Spirit-Inspired Witnesses: Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25–26, 36–38) 

We don’t know much about Simeon. We’re told that he is “righteous and devout,” a godly saint. He was “waiting for the consolation of Israel,” meaning he’s waiting for God’s deliverance. We also suspect that Simeon is an old man. It’s not explicit, but the opening words of his prophecy and prayer in verse 29 suggest he’s elderly and even near death: “Lord now you are letting your servant depart in peace.”  

What’s significant about Simeon is that he’s filled with the Holy Spirit, mentioned three times (vv. 25, 26, and 27). Simeon is the sixth person in the birth narratives that is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The frequent appearance of the Holy Spirit indwelling God’s people is a sign that something special is going on.

Our second witness is likewise old, clearly important to Luke. Scholars aren’t entirely sure of her age because the language could mean that (1) she was a widow until she was 84 or (2) she was a widow for 84 years, after being married for seven years (see ESV footnote). If she was a widow for 84 years, married for seven years, and married around age 12–14, Anna is probably closer to 105 years of age. She too is a witness of Jesus; she “gives thanks to God” and speaks about Jesus to “all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (v. 38). That phrase “redemption of Jerusalem” is parallel to Simeon’s waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (v. 25). Here Jerusalem, the capital city, refers to the nation as a whole.

Even though it’s not explicitly said that Anna is filled with the Spirit, I think it’s inferred by calling her a prophetess and by her immediate recognition of Jesus in verse 38. She’s also devout like Simeon, as she “did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day” (v. 37). Why mention Anna in addition to Simeon? I think Luke is giving us two separate witnesses to establish valid testimony (as described in Deuteronomy 19:15). Why two witnesses?

First, Simeon and Anna are two Spirit-inspired witnesses who further confirm the identity and work of Jesus. Simeon and Anna represent the anticipation of faithful saints as they await the Messiah. Luke writes about this new and glorious work of salvation that has come, making sure his readers know that faithful, pious Jews rejoiced at his coming. The waiting for and anticipation of the Messiah has become reality: Christ has come! Salvation has come! Light has shone into the darkness. Good news has come. Deliverance is here! Indestructible joy has dawned! 

So we have two law-abiding parents who raise their son according to the Law, and two Spirit-inspired prophets who give testimony of the Savior, leading to the one Savior of the world. 

3) One Savior of the World: Jesus Christ (Luke 2:27–35) 

The high point or climax of this section seems to be Simeon’s prophecy and his words to Mary. Simeon essentially says, “I can now die in peace because I’ve seen Jesus.” He gets to hold God in the flesh and lay his eyes on Jesus who will bring salvation. Verse 31 says this salvation was “prepared in the presence of all peoples,” meaning that God’s plan is unfolding according to his promise. The Christmas story is by design, not by accident. God planned it this way. 

The most significant thing about Simeon’s prophecy is where he says Jesus will be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles” (v. 32). Gentiles are included in this good news; non-Jews can likewise celebrate this King. It is indeed for all the peoples. The book of Acts will make it even more clear that Jews and Gentiles would participate as equals in God’s coming kingdom. In Acts, the Holy Spirit would fall on Gentiles so that the disciples would marvel, glorify God, and say, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). 

This is amazing because the last time I checked, most of us are not Jewish. We are the fulfillment of these realities this morning. Our church—comprised mostly of Gentiles gathered together in worship of Jesus—is proof that this is being fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. This good news goes global: God is not a tribal deity, but the Savior of the world. This truth also motivates our mission to make disciples of all peoples.

Mary and Joseph marvel at these things as they continue to get more and more insight into the nature of Jesus (v. 33). But then Simeon gives Mary a prophecy of division. This first image is drawn from Isaiah—which we saw in 1 Peter—where Jesus is the cornerstone. Some will trust in him and never be disappointed, and others will stumble over him (Isaiah 8:14–15; 28:13–16). This bears out in the ministry of Jesus where we see opposite reactions to Jesus: rejection or belief. It says later in verse 35 that Jesus’ ministry would also reveal hearts and have a dividing effect. You either love him or hate him; there is no middle ground.

The phrase “and a word will pierce through your own soul also” (35) strikes a sad and somber note. Mary will experience pain and suffering as a result of Jesus. What does this refer to? There are a number of options, but I think two are most likely: Jesus’ ministry (1) would take him away from his family, and (2) would ultimately result in his crucifixion. First, Jesus would leave home and wouldn’t continue his father’s trade, and his travels would keep him occupied with little time for his earthly family. Part of me wants my kids to grow up and live close by so we can have Sunday dinners together! Second, Jesus’ crucifixion would bring about Mary’s greatest heartache and suffering: burying her son in his early thirties. I’ve already outlived Jesus! This sword of sorrow would be driven into Mary as she buries her son.

Application & Conclusion

Two law-abiding parents, plus two Spirit-inspired witnesses, lead to the one Savior of the world. Jesus came to usher in a new and glorious work of salvation by fulfilling the Law and shining as a light to the Gentiles. So why should we have a fresh appreciation for Jesus? The salvation that Jesus brings is a complete new era—a new thing—and yet has continuity with what God has been doing from the beginning.

Luke makes a point to show Mary & Joseph obeying the Law, and Simeon and Anna as a prophet and prophetess. Luke is telling us that the era of Law and the Prophets is passing away. “Law and Prophets” is shorthand for describing the Old Testament: the Law referring to the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch) and then all the Prophets (and sometimes the “Writings” or Psalms). Jesus ushers in a new era and establishes a new covenant in his blood. Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Thus Jesus had to be born under the Law, live a perfect life according to the Law, fulfill the Law, and then establish a new law that would be written on our hearts by faith and through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Later in Luke, Jesus says, “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached” (Luke 16:16). Galatians tells us that “we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed” (Galatians 3:23).

But now that faith has come—Jesus has come into the world—we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself up for us. The good news is that we do not live and die according to rules and regulations, but we live by faith in Jesus. And if we have faith in Jesus, we have received the Holy Spirit that dwelt within John, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna. And that same Spirit allows us to cry, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). Christ is where we don’t get rules and regulations, but we get God himself. 

The story of redemptive history is that God delivers his people from slavery by killing the firstborns of Egypt, liberating his people. But his people remained hardhearted, wayward, and wandering. He gave them his Law, but it could not keep God’s people from disobeying. God gave priests, prophets, and kings, but they still departed. So God sent forth the ultimate and perfect Prophet, Priest, and King to deliver his people. He gives his firstborn to fulfill the Law, upholding it perfectly, and then ushers in the New Covenant through his blood. So that we have forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ death, and Jesus’ righteousness as our own so that we could be sons and daughters of God.

The question then for us this morning is, how will we respond to Jesus? For those this morning who do not yet know Jesus—you’ve never trusted in him, you’re not sure, or you’re hearing this for the first time—I want to invite you come, like Simeon, and see the salvation of God: Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus beckons a response, and our prayer this morning is that you would respond in faith. We want to invite you to look deeper into these things and to not rest until you have clarity about Jesus.

Jesus has ushered in a new era marked not by Law, but by the indwelling power of the Spirit. This morning, for those who believe, you have been given the indwelling Holy Spirit as the down payment of the inheritance that we will receive in Christ. We—right now—can experience everlasting joy and life in Jesus.

Let me end with this story to encourage us to recognize we are living in a new era marked by Jesus and the indwelling power of the Spirit. At the end of World War II, the Japanese surrendered on August 15, 1945, and formally signed surrender documents on September 2, 1945, on the deck of the USS Missouri, finally ending the war. A completely new era had begun. Japan and America were no longer at war, and finally we had peace.

But there was one Japanese soldier, stationed on a small island in the Philippines, about 93 miles southwest of Manila, by the name Hiroo Onoda. He didn’t believe the war was over, because he was in a remote place and understood the leaflets proclaiming the war’s end as enemy propaganda. So he kept fighting the war on this little island for another 29 years. For three decades he fought a war that was over and finished. He survived on bananas and coconuts, hiding from Filipino villagers. He was finally found in 1974, and they brought his commanding officer to come and relieve him of duty so that he could finally go home. Hiroo didn’t know that the war was done, that a new era had dawned, and that peace had arrived.

This morning in Jesus, a new era has dawned, marked by the indwelling power of the Spirit, forgiveness of sins, and the imputed righteousness of Christ, and that peace has arrived. Come and see the salvation and light of God that has arrived. Christ has come; Christ will come again.

Sermon Discussion Questions 

Main Point: Jesus—God’s salvation and light—has come to fulfill the Law, to bring light to the Gentiles, and usher in a new era. 

Outline

1. Two Law Abiding Parents: Joseph & Mary (Luke 2:21–24)
2. Two Spirit-Inspired Witnesses: Simeon & Anna (Luke 2:25–26, 36–38)
3. One Savior of the World (Luke 2:27–35)

Intro Question: Do you have a bucket list? What are some of the things on it? Do you have a “spiritual bucket list” and what types of things should we have on it?

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think there is a repeated emphasis on Mary and Joseph obeying the Law? (Luke 2:22, 23, 24, 27, 39)
• What types of things do we know about Simeon and Anna? What are some similarities and differences with how they are described?
• What is significant about Simeon’s prophecy (Luke 2:29–32) and his words to Mary (Luke 2:34–35)? How do you think Mary and Joseph felt hearing these things for the first time?
• What type of people do you imagine Simeon and Anna being? Such as their spiritual life, faith walk, attitude, and demeanor? How might we become more like them?
• When we look ahead throughout Luke & Acts and to today, how are the things that were written and spoken fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus? 

Application Questions

• How does Jesus being born under the Law and fulfilling the Law impact us today? How should we approach obedience to God’s law?
• How can we receive, believe, worship, and wait for the long awaited Messiah like Simeon & Anna?
• Simeon tells Mary that Jesus will be sign that is opposed (Luke 2:34) and will be a sword that pierces her soul (Luke 2:35). How is Jesus received or opposed today? Where do we see the type of division that Jesus brings to our world?
• This Advent, we have said that “Christ is come; Christ will come again.” How can we meditate on these truths afresh in light of what we learned from this passage?
• Who are some people who are not trusting in Jesus and need to look upon the salvation of God and the light of revelation to the Gentiles? Pray for open doors to share Christ with unbelieving neighbors, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances.

Prayer Focus
Take a moment to praise God for sending his send to fulfill the Law, to bring light to all peoples, and to usher in a new era built upon the person and work of Christ. Confess any sins of failing to keep God’s commands. Thank God for the forgiveness and righteousness that is purchased by the sacrifice and perfect life of Christ. Ask God for faith to believe, receive, and worship Jesus, and to wait for his second coming with the same joy and eagerness as Simeon and Anna.