Love At First Sight Series

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

LUKE 2:21-40

Introduction

In December we have observed the Advent Themes of Hope, Peace, Joy.

-John the Baptist was the Forerunner of Hope

-Mary maintained Peace in a difficult calling.

-Angels proclaimed a time of great Joy for all.

-Today we want to see the Love that Jesus inspired in others - as an infant and even today.

Joseph and Mary acted in great love for the infant. The Shepherds were amazed and led to glorify God.

Forty days later it was time for Jesus to be presented in the Temple, in obedience to the law.

Luke 2:21-24

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. 22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Bock: The journey of Jesus’ parents to the temple combines three separate ceremonies as recorded in God’s law

Purification of a woman 40 days after birth of a child. Presentation of the firstborn to God. The dedication of the firstborn to the Lord’s service. Though this dedication to service is like many others that took place in Israel for centuries, this one is unique because it is Jesus the Christ!

Only Luke tells us of two people who had been waiting and watchful for the coming of the Son of God. What dedication … love for God! Today’s message is focused on love: Loving God, Loving Jesus, and Learning to Love one another!

1. Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

Luke 2:25-35 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss[a] your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Simeon was a Righteous and Devout man. He was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (the consummation of God’s promise). “Devout” was a word often used for a statesman or an official of some kind.

Bock: "Whereas the shepherds symbolized the average person on the street, Simeon represents the testimony of a wise elder who has walked with God."

Simeon was a man led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would see the Lord’s Messiah before his death. The Holy Spirit led him to the temple courts to encounter Jesus and his parents.

Simeon had two important messages:

-Praises God for allowing him to see the salvation that Jesus would bring - and a light to the Gentiles.

-The life of Jesus would be one that would bring joy to many, but he would meet opposition. So much so that, “A sword will pierce your own soul too.” God reveals his Son’s destiny to be more than a decoration in a manger scene.

What love Simeon expressed for God, and the Messiah that God sent. He teaches us…

-To anticipate the Messiah.

-To accept the Messiah when we meet him!

-To spread the announcement, “I have seen the Savior!”

Simeon wasn’t alone in the Temple that day!

2. Anna (Luke 2:36-38)

Luke 2:36-38 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[a] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.