December 9, 2002
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Dec. 22
Christ's birth broadcasts a summons to all people
___Luke 2:21-38
___By Robert Creech
___University Baptist Church-Clearlake, Houston
___The Father entrusted the infant life of his Son into the hands of a pious Jewish couple. Matthew describes Joseph as a "righteous man" (Matthew 1:19), indicating his devotion to the ways of God and his adherence to the instruction of the Law. Luke portrays Mary as equally devout, trusting her very life, body and reputation to the hands of God (Luke 1:38).
___Following the amazing events surrounding Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary faithfully obey the instructions of the Law. When Jesus is eight days old, they circumcise him in conformity to the Law (Genesis 17:12; 21:4; Leviticus 12:3), and they name him "Jesus" in obedience to the angel's instructions (Luke 1:31). Then, 40 days following his birth, his parents enter the Jerusalem temple to present their firstborn to the Lord (Exodus 13:2-12) and to present an offering for Mary's cleansing (Leviticus 12:1-8).
___Luke introduces two minor characters in the story of the Messiah's arrival: Simeon and Anna. These two faithful representatives of Israel step on the scene to bear witness to the future of Jesus. Luke describes Simeon in such a way that we immediately trust him. He is righteous, devout, full of the Holy Spirit and hope (Luke 2:25). Simeon carries an assurance from the Holy Spirit that before his eyes close in death, they will have the privilege of looking on the Messiah of Israel (Luke 2:26).
___On this particular day, the Spirit directs Simeon to the temple, and his path crosses that of Joseph and Mary. When Simeon sees the child, he immediately recognizes him as the hope of Israel. Taking Jesus into his arms, he offers a song of praise to God (Luke 2:29-35). Like the other songs of redemption punctuating Luke's account of the coming of Jesus--Mary's song (1:46-55), Elizabeth's song (1:42-45), Zechariah's song (1:68-79), the Angels' song (2:14)--Simeon's song foreshadows the ministry of Jesus and its effect on Israel.
___Simeon's song discloses that, as Messiah, Jesus will not only bring glory to the people of Israel, he will also bring the light of revelation to the nations (2:32). As a Gentile himself, this theme is especially important to Luke in his gospel and its sequel, the book of Acts. Suddenly a shadow falls across Simeon's face, and he discloses a darker side of Jesus' future. Jesus' ministry will result in a shift in power in Israel. This revolution will only come with a price, however. Jesus will face strong opposition. Even Mary will suffer. Simeon declares a sword will pierce her heart as the plan of God unfolds.
___Earlier, Mary had treasured away the amazing words of the shepherds to be pondered for years (Luke 2:19). Later, in Jesus' 12th year, she would add other puzzling events and words to that treasury (Luke 2:51). In the same way, these words of Simeon barely make sense to the young parents at the time they are spoken (Luke 2:33). Mary will see these words come into focus as she watches her son go about his Father's business.
___Just as Simeon's words are sinking in, another prophetic figure steps forward to validate Simeon's oracle. Anna, an 84-year-old widow, spent her days in the temple, praying and fasting, hoping for the coming of Israel's Messiah (Luke 2:28). Luke does not record Anna's words, but he does say she began to give thanks and to speak of the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
___Luke ascribes a prominent role to women in his story of Jesus. Anna, along with Elizabeth and Mary, are key figures in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Other faithful women will play key roles as the story develops.
___Luke's story of the coming of the Messiah into the world emphasizes the truth that Jesus came for both Jews and Gentiles. He makes it clear God brought this universal savior through the righteous remnant of his people Israel. Jesus' coming fulfilled both the law and the prophets. Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary, Simeon and Anna represent the pious remnant that trusted God and hoped for the fulfillment of his promises.
___Luke's account also emphasizes the way in which Jesus' coming into the world ironically transcend human categories of power. Angels announce his birth to lowly shepherds, not to powerful kings. God chooses a peasant couple, not royalty, to parent the child. Women and men alike play a role in God's plan.
___As Mary puts it in her song of praise, "He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty" (Luke 1:51-53).
___Luke's story calls the church to a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan. It calls us to offer our lives in devotion, as do these pious individuals. It warns us to prepare for suffering as we follow him. It invites us to transcend cultural standards regarding who is valuable. Luke summons all people, Jew and Gentile, men and women, old and young, to proclaim the good news that God has sent his Savior into our world.
___Question for discussion
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