Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Is Presented in the Temple (In Jerusalem)

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The presentation of Jesus in the Temple is a significant event in the early life of Christ, recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event underscores the fulfillment of Jewish law and prophecy, highlighting Jesus' identity and mission from infancy.

Biblical Account

The account of Jesus being presented in the Temple is found in Luke 2:22-38. According to the Mosaic Law, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord (Exodus 13:2, 12). Additionally, the law required a purification ritual for the mother after childbirth (Leviticus 12:2-8). Mary and Joseph, adhering to these requirements, brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer the prescribed sacrifice.

Luke 2:22-24 states: "And when the days of their purification were completed according to the law of Moses, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: 'Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord'), and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'"

Simeon and Anna

During this visit to the Temple, two prophetic figures, Simeon and Anna, recognized Jesus' significance. Simeon, described as righteous and devout, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, declaring Jesus as the salvation prepared for all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel (Luke 2:29-32).

Anna, a prophetess and widow, also recognized Jesus. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

Theological Significance

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple is rich in theological meaning. It emphasizes Jesus' fulfillment of the Law from the very beginning of His life, underscoring His role as the perfect and obedient Son of God. This event also highlights the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah by devout individuals who were led by the Holy Spirit, affirming His divine mission and identity.

Furthermore, the presence of both Simeon and Anna, representing the faithful remnant of Israel, signifies the continuity of God's covenant promises. Their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah points to the broader theme of salvation history, where Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the hope of Israel.

Conclusion

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple is a pivotal moment that encapsulates the intersection of law, prophecy, and divine revelation. It marks the beginning of Jesus' public identification as the Christ and sets the stage for His redemptive work. This event invites believers to reflect on the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine enters the human story to bring salvation to all.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:21-38
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus in the Temple.
... and had called for teaching, he had not presented himself as ... early alarmed by the
teaching of Christ (John 4 ... called together, it was announced that Jesus was in ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus in the temple.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... Son, in that Jesus, as a Jew, presented to the ... Jesus often revealed such (John
9:16); but the ... are still revealed by their attitude toward Christ, the sincere ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... when on the eighth day he was named "Jesus," a name ... So, too, when five weeks later
he was presented in the ... he had seen the Messiah, "the Lord's Christ." Led by ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f the presentation of jesus.htm

The Life of Christ.
... divinely instructed to return, and the child was presented in the ... Thus, whilst the
Old Testament predictions pointed to Jesus as the Christ, living prophets ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

"The Kingdom of God is at Hand"
... and was bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from ... Again and again the history
of Christ's withdrawal from ... truth in whatever guise it may be presented. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 23 the kingdom of.htm

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... from the rock and which typified the Christ (I. Cor ... so, it is likely that the words
of Jesus have some ... abides, similar to the contrast which he presented to the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxviii in the temple at.htm

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
... and set apart, it was fitting that Christ our passover should be presented there
amidst rejoicing ... the temple as his Father's house, Jesus withdrew from ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cv jesus triumphal entry into.htm

Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King.
... They came to Jerusalem after Jesus had been presented in the ... to be placed over the
head of Christ upon the ... None has borne the title since; so Jesus has stood ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xiii eastern wise-men or magi.htm

The Tears of Christ.
... the temple where Jesus had been presented, where He ... Brothers, those tears of Jesus
should be very ... us the sympathy, the tenderness of Christ; terrible, because ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xlv the tears of.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... side of the character of Hillel has been presented by writers ... have a deep bearing
upon the history of the Christ. ... reckon it, in spring ad9, that Jesus for the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm