The presentation of Jesus in the temple

                                                                      Luke 2:22 - 40

Rev. Neli Miranda 

During the past Sundays we witnessed Jesus’ epiphanies, particularly in Galilee where he began his ministry in the synagogue of Nazareth. Today, as we we celebrate the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, we pause in the narrative to celebrate a special feast, the presentation of Jesus in the temple. 

Today’s gospel brings us an endearing image of Jesus and his parents in the temple, forty days after Jesus’ birth.  As was customary and being a devout family, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple in observance of the law that concerned both a mother and her child in relation to the purification period following childbirth.  According to the law, a woman was required to observe 40 days of purification due to post-partum bleeding before presenting herself and her child in the temple or a local synagogue.  This is why Luke says, ^“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” (2,22). Initially, all first-born sons were consecrated to God’s service, a duty later assumed by the Levites. Then, the law prescribed that all first-born sons must be redeemed from their service by paying five shekels upon their presentation at the temple or synagogue. Given that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, just four or five miles from Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph had the choice to present Jesus in the temple.

With the presentation in the temple, the family was also required to offer an animal sacrifice which depended on the family’s financial circumstances.  Luke tells us that Jesus’ family made a humble offering of two turtledoves or pigeons. This modest offering suggests their humble economic status, indicating that they did not come from a wealthy background but were ordinary people.  It is noteworthy that Luke does not tell us about Jesus’ redeeming ceremony; nor does Luke tell us if five shekels were paid. Instead, Luke introduces two important persons:  Simeon and Anna, who seem to change the course of Jesus’ presentation ceremony.

Luke presents Simeon as a devout and righteous Jew residing in Jerusalem, who had awaited God’s consolation to Israel. Simeon had been assured through the Holy Spirit that before his death, he would witness the arrival of the Messiah. On the day of Jesus’ presentation, Simeon, guided by the Spirit, comes to the temple and encounters Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. Holding the baby in his arms, Simeon praises God, rejoicing in the fulfillment of God’s promises. His eyes now see the One Sent by God, Jesus, a light for revelation to the gentiles—all nations—and for glory to the people of Israel. The baby in his arms is not a military leader, a warrior, nor a king who will bring victory to Israel over Rome. He is a light to Israel and all nations!! What a moving image: an elderly man holding a newborn in his arms, proclaiming peace and human unity under God.

Following the account of Simeon, Luke introduces Anna, a prophet—a messenger of God. She was a widow of advanced age who lived in the temple. She had dedicated herself to worship at the temple, fasting and praying night and day. Being there, she likely welcomed Mary and Joseph, witnessed Jesus’ presentation, and Simeon’s proclamation. Upon this glorious moment, Anna began to praise God and to speak about the child to all those awaiting the redemption, the liberation of Jerusalem. She is one of the first of Jesus’ disciples to proclaim the good news.

The presentation of Jesus in the temple is embraced by Anna and Simeon. They are two elderly people who embody the guardians of faith, who maintain hope within the community through their steadfast belief in God’s promises. Their voices and experience are significant in the community. Simeon is the one who recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, while Anna, the prophet, fervently proclaims the good news to the people. Their roles in Jesus’ presentation are fundamental! Their participation transformed Jesus’ presentation into a revelation of God’s visitation.

The epiphanic scene in the temple is not distinguished by characters traditionally seen as powerful or holding high societal positions, but rather by a humble family, a fragile newborn, and a couple of elderly people. They are the ones who bring us the message of consolation and redemption today. In particular, Anna and Simeon invite us, the elders in the community, to recognize and embrace our role as guardians of the faith, guiding the younger generations with wisdom.

The presentation of Jesus in the temple does not end with Jesus being redeemed for five shekels but with the proclamation of him as the Messiah, the One who brings light to the world. He is the Beloved Son, the first-born of God, and we are his sisters and brothers. Through him, we are all presented and consecrated to serve God today. Let us embody our consecration by bringing a message of consolation and liberation to the world! Amen.