by Timothy W. Burnett
After the 40 days of Mary's post-birth purification, they brought the child to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord God. They also went to "offer a sacrifice" according to God's word which said, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." It was very important to God that his child be reared by people who were meek to do His will. Next we come to their encounter with the prophet Simeon in Luke 2:25-35. According to the scripture Simeon was a "just and devout" man who waited patiently for the consolation of Israel, and holy spirit was upon him.
The red thread throughout the Old Testament since Genesis 3:15 was the anticipation of the Messiah who would be the savior of mankind. Even David spoke of the Messiah in Psalms 110:1, "The Lord said unto my Lord, 'Sit thou at My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool�'" David clearly distinguished between the Lord God, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the first born son of God). All of Israel was to wait patiently through the generations until the appointed time. That time came while Simeon sat patiently. He was given revelation that he would not die until he saw the Messiah. God led him by the spirit into the temple and eventually showed him the child.
Next he took the child in his arms and began to prophesy as recorded in verses 29-35. What an up-lifting moment this must have been for Joseph and Mary. They watched and listened as a prophet of God spoke of the child as "A light to lighten the Gentiles [Isaiah 42:6] and the glory of God's people Israel." He prophesied to Mary that the child was set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel that the deepest thoughts of many might be revealed. Moreover, her whole life would be pierced also. We can hardly imagine the pain Mary must have felt during the time her son was scourged and crucified.
According to Luke 2:36-38, during their time in the temple, they also encountered the prophetess Anna. The word gives detailed background information about Anna. She thanked God and spoke of Him to all that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. God sure knew how to build up His servants Joseph and Mary. Anna, Simeon and Elizabeth must have played fantastic and dynamic roles in preparing Mary to rear up God's beloved son.
Finally, we come to this wonderful scripture in verse 40, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Mary and Joseph did God's will and reared God's son in His wisdom and grace. In the King James Companion Bible, E.W. Bullinger noted that the words "in spirit" were omitted in all the earlier known texts. This is found to be true according to the context of Matthew 3:14-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-23 and John 1:32-34. In contrast with his cousin John the Baptist, who was anointed with holy spirit while in his mother�s womb, Jesus was not anointed with holy spirit until about 30 years after birth.
Mary and Joseph's devoted service toward God brought very good results. His child grew and became strong, filled with God's wisdom, and God's grace was upon him. Jesus learned to do God�s will so perfectly that when his ministry began, others could see God in his life.
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