My Jesus Journey – Luke 2:21-40, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple

When Jesus is eight days old, his parents bring him to the Temple to present him to the Lord. What a baby dedication: the Son of God being dedicated to His Father!

From the beginning of Jesus’ life, he fulfilled the law and was the fulfillment of the law.

Joseph and Mary, according to the law, offer a sacrifice to God for their first-born son. Though their offering was considered a “poor man’s” gift, they gave what they had. God receives their sacrifice for His Son, though one day His Son would give everything be the sacrifice for them all, the perfect lamb that His parents could not afford. None of us could give or be worthy of what He did to redeem our souls.

God continues to announce His Son’s birth and His mission, even as His Son is dedicated. God goes to miraculous lengths to make His presence known, through angels, dreams, the moving of the Holy Spirit and His prophets. He speaks to men and women, rich and poor, young and old.

He speaks to us today, too. No matter who you are, what you are, where you are going or where you have been: He wants you to know and to see His Son.

Simeon had waited his entire life to catch a glimpse of the Messiah. God had promised before Simeon died, he would meet Him. As Jesus was presented in the Temple by His parents, Simeon was there and couldn’t help but take the baby in his arms and praise God! Only when he had embraced Jesus as his Savior could he die in peace.

Just as Simeon prophesied, Jesus will make the deepest thoughts of our hearts come to light. We can either choose to reject Jesus, and be undone, or we can believe and live in great joy.