Luke 2:22-40
“Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25)
In Luke 2:22-40, we encounter a moment in the early life of Jesus—a scene that, on the surface, seems quite simple. The passage begins with Mary and Joseph's adherence to Jewish law. Their decision to offer a sacrifice, even a modest one—two doves or pigeons—speaks to their humility and poverty. This is a reflection of how the Lord often works through the humble and the poor, upending human expectations of grandeur. Christ, in His infancy, is presented not in a grand ceremony, but in a quiet, obedient way.
Unexpectedly, Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus encounter two people in the Temple who are there with expectant hope. The first is Simeon, described as a righteous and devout man, who has been waiting and longing for the coming of the Messiah. When he sees Jesus, he recognizes Him immediately. The second is Anna, a prophetess who also immediately recognizes the child and gives thanks to God. Simeon and Anna, both of whom are faithful and expectant, are models to us in their recognition of the Messiah even in infancy.
As I reflect on this passage, I’m reminded of the importance of waiting in hope and trusting in God's promises even when they seem distant. Simeon and Anna’s lives teach us about the fruitfulness of patient prayer and faithful expectation. In the everyday moments of life, where nothing outwardly spectacular seems to happen—God is at work.
Simeon and Anna challenge us to keep our eyes open for the moments when God reveals His presence in our lives, and to speak of the joy of His salvation to others.
Are we waiting with the hope that Simeon and Anna had? Are we living out our faith with the same humble devotion that Mary and Joseph modeled?
May we, too, be people who see and recognize Jesus immediately.
This passage is a beautiful reminder that God's work is often revealed to those who wait in expectant faith, and that God's presence, though often quiet, is always profound.
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