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“A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel” (Lk 2:32)

The story of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Lk. 2:22-40) is a story of three parts. The first part (Lk. 2:22-35) is the encounter with Simeon. The second part (vv. 36-38) is the encounter with Anna and the third part (vv. 39-40) is the growth of the child in the home of Mary and Joseph in Nazareth.

In the first part (Lk. 2:22-35), the evangelist emphasizes Jesus’ fulfilment of the Law or the Torah. Luke repeatedly mentions that the parents of Jesus were keen to do for him what the Law of Moses required (vv. 22.23.24.27). Moreover, Simeon whom they encounter is described as righteous and devout, terms which refer to devotion to the Law (See Ananias in Acts 22:12). Again, the name Simeon comes from the Hebrew Shema which means to listen or to be obedient to the Law. Thus, the first characterization of Joseph and Mary are people who observe the Law of YHWH. Those who receive Jesus, are first and foremost people devoted to the Law.

The second part (Lk. 2:36-38) is the encounter with a prophetess Anna. Luke makes an interesting observation of the woman. She has been faithful to YHWH from the time of her virginity, hence her childhood, through the time of her marriage, her youth, to the time of her widowhood. Anna is the model of faithfulness. She is the prototype of the person who remains true no matter the circumstances. The testimony of Anna indicates that Jesus comes to fulfil the prophets, those who will call Israel to covenant fidelity and remind her of her marriage to YHWH.

The third part (Lk. 2: 39-40) is the family life of the child back in Nazareth. One word stands out in v. 40. The child grew in Wisdom. Wisdom is that quality which one acquires through a good upbringing, the ability to differentiate good from evil and to choose good. Jesus at his presentation thus fulfils the entire revelation to Israel. He is the fulfilment of the Law, the Prophets and Wisdom, the three parts of God’s self-revelation to Israel. Thus, he is the light to enlighten the gentiles and the glory of Israel his people.

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