February 6, 2025
A Light to Lighten the Gentiles - Part 4
Luke 2:33
02/06/2025
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was
said about him. (ESV)
Mary and Joseph, on the fortieth day after Jesus was born,
brought Him to the Temple in Jerusalem in accordance with the
purification and redemption laws given by God to Moses. The
actions of the parents reflected on Jesus, who had to keep God's
Law perfectly on behalf of all sinners. Yet Jesus, at forty days
old, had to rely on His faithful parents who took their God-given
responsibilities seriously.
While entering the Temple, the family was stopped by a man
who had been promised by God that he would see the Christ, the
Savior of the world. Mary and Joseph knew the extraordinary
circumstances of Jesus' birth, and the shepherds heard the
proclamation of the angels the night Jesus was born.
Simeon, however, was not present at Jesus' birth. Yet this
faithful man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, the
Redeemer, recognized Jesus. His words, which we call the Nunc
Dimittis, ``Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in
peace,'' clearly told Jesus' parents about the work of their Son.
Saint Luke recorded: ``And his father and his mother
marveled at what was said about him.'' Clearly Simeon was
speaking the prophetic word of God as enabled by the Holy Spirit.
All who heard this word stood in awe of God's rich blessing of
life and salvation, even as they wondered how this infant would
carry the sins of the world.
May our Lord grant us faith to recognize our Savior and to
proclaim His goodness. Amen.