MPV Commentary

Purification of the Virgin--Presentation of the Babe in the Temple-Scene There with Simeon and Anna.

The purification rites for a male child were forty days long (Leviticus 12:2-4). After this period, the mother was required to offer a lamb as a burnt offering and a turtle dove or young pigeon as a sin offering. If she couldn't afford a lamb, she would bring another turtle dove or young pigeon; if even that was impossible, she would bring a portion of fine flour without oil or frankincense (Leviticus 12:6-8). The fact that Joseph and the Virgin brought "a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons" suggests they were in modest circumstances but not destitute (2 Corinthians 8:9).

As a first-born male, Jesus was to be presented to the Lord. This practice commemorated the deliverance of Israel's first-born sons from destruction during the Exodus, when their blood was sprinkled on doorposts (Exodus 13:2). In place of these first-born sons, the tribe of Levi was set apart for sacred duties (Numbers 3:11-38), and any remaining first-born sons were to be redeemed with five shekels (Numbers 18:15-16). The Virgin presented Jesus in obedience to this law at the east gate of the temple court, known as Nicanor's Gate.

By presenting her child, the Virgin was symbolically surrendering him to God. This act would find its ultimate fulfillment in the "living sacrifice" of Christian mothers, whose hearts are cleansed from evil by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Simeon, a righteous and devout man who had been waiting for the consolation of Israel, was guided by the Holy Spirit to the temple at the exact moment when Jesus' parents were presenting him. The Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah (Luke 2:26).

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and recognized him as the promised Messiah without needing Mary's explanation. This act was a declaration of Jesus' significance, as if Simeon said, "This is all my salvation and all my desire" (2 Samuel 23:5). Simeon addressed Jesus as "Lord," using a term that conveyed his submission to God's will.

Simeon expressed his desire to depart, saying, "Now you are releasing your servant." He had seen the salvation of God in Jesus, an object of sight that many others would not recognize (John 1:14). Simeon's faith was rewarded by this present sight, and he declared that Jesus would be a light to all people, bringing glory to Israel.

Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be a sign spoken against, and that many in Israel would fall and rise again due to their unbelief. He also warned Mary that she would experience struggles and sufferings as a result of her son's ministry.

Anna, a prophetess from the tribe of Asher, was present at the temple. She had lived with her husband for seven years and been a widow for eighty-four years, making her at least 103 years old. Anna served God through fasting and prayer, often staying in the temple even during night services (Psalm 134:1-2).

As Simeon's testimony faded away, Anna took up his words, declaring to all who were seeking redemption that Jesus was the fulfillment of their hopes.

The order of events surrounding the Magi's visit, Jesus' flight into and return from Egypt, and his circumcision and presentation in the temple is unclear. It may be best to leave this matter unresolved, as it arises from two independent narratives that are difficult to reconcile.

Jesus' mental development kept pace with his physical growth, and the favor of God rested increasingly upon him (Luke 2:52).