Good Morning,

Luke 2:27-32
Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord (2:22), Simeon also went into the temple courts, having been moved by the Spirit to be there on this day. God planned this meeting in keeping with his promise to Simeon (2:26).

Mary and Joseph came to the temple to do what the Law required. This obedience to the Old Testament law is cited several times in Luke. It points out Jesus’ as one who obeyed the law, even from birth, because his parents did exactly as they were commanded.

At the temple, Mary and Joseph met an old man who took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God. The Spirit led Simeon to recognize this baby as the “consolation of Israel – the Lord’s Messiah” (2:25-26).

Simeon praised God because He had done what He promised. In other words, Simeon was now ready to die in peace because he had seen God’s salvation.

To see Jesus is to see salvation.

Jesus Christ is the fullest manifestation of God’s “glory” anyone has ever seen.

Luke, writing to Gentiles, pointed out from the very beginning God’s plan was to offer salvation to Gentiles as well as to Jews. The mission to the Gentiles is a key theme in Luke and Acts.

Many thought the Christ had come to save only His own people. Luke made sure his Greek audience understood Jesus had come to save all who believe, Gentiles as well as Jews.

Jesus the Light
Simeon referred to Jesus as “a light for revelation.” Few images capture Jesus’ mission as well. Light makes stillness come alive; light settles fear; light reveals mystery; light aids relationships.

Jesus is God in the flesh, eternal light breaking into a spiritually dark world.

Jesus is our light. He is not a distant sun, remote and driven by physics’ laws.

Jesus is the light of our life, our courage, our enabler.

Start each day by turning on the light. Plan a moment of meditation on God’s Word, a prayer of dedication to live for God all day.