Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Entry of the Lord into the temple
St. Luke 2: 22-39
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2: 34-35)
St. Luke 2: 22-39
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2: 34-35)
Here we see the presentation of our Savior to the temple. During this time there is a lot of waiting for something unknown, realizing there is a Savior on His way, and being patient in God’s timing. In this passage, it is so intentional that God shows to us two elderly witnesses of the good news.
Although during this passage there are customs going on required by law, we must remember the Son that is being presented to the temple is anyone but ordinary. We see this, especially through the hope God placed in Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as being “righteous and devout” (v25). He was a man that not only followed the laws set before him, but he was patient in his wait for the savior, he was patient in everything he did because he had hope that was righteous and rooted in knowing our Savior is on his way. How many of us have this kind of patience?
Then we see Anna, an elderly woman who waited and never left the temple. We see her devoted heart to prayer and fasting, and she prayed day and night (v37). Anna was a woman of a small tribe, Asher, but she was a woman with a big heart who no matter how small her tribe was knew how big her Savior is. Anna went on to be a witness to those around her and praise the child that has come to redeem the people of Jerusalem.
Mary and Joseph left the temple with a greater idea of who their son would go on to be. With the hope that was evident in others, they also became hopeful their Son would be a light for the world, and glory for all people.
Although during this passage there are customs going on required by law, we must remember the Son that is being presented to the temple is anyone but ordinary. We see this, especially through the hope God placed in Simeon and Anna. Simeon is described as being “righteous and devout” (v25). He was a man that not only followed the laws set before him, but he was patient in his wait for the savior, he was patient in everything he did because he had hope that was righteous and rooted in knowing our Savior is on his way. How many of us have this kind of patience?
Then we see Anna, an elderly woman who waited and never left the temple. We see her devoted heart to prayer and fasting, and she prayed day and night (v37). Anna was a woman of a small tribe, Asher, but she was a woman with a big heart who no matter how small her tribe was knew how big her Savior is. Anna went on to be a witness to those around her and praise the child that has come to redeem the people of Jerusalem.
Mary and Joseph left the temple with a greater idea of who their son would go on to be. With the hope that was evident in others, they also became hopeful their Son would be a light for the world, and glory for all people.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son, we pray this good news continues to change hearts that are hardened, spirits that have fallen, and the world that is broken. Give us the Faith that we need to be encouraged like Simeon and a witness like Anna. Make us useful instruments in advancing your Kingdom. Amen.
Lexine Varughis
Chicago MTC, IL
Chicago MTC, IL
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church