What are the key points in Luke chapter 2 verses 22 to 38?

Answer 1

A:

The authors of the two nativity accounts both wished to demonstrate that Jesus was acknowledged as the messiah, even as a baby. In Matthew's Gospel, this is demonstrated by the visit from the magi and the flight from Bethlehem to Egypt. In Luke 2:22-38 this is achieved by witnesses at the Temple.

It was customary for Jewish mothers to take their new-born children to the Temple, after the days of their purification, prior to time which a new mother would be deemed to defile the Temple. At the Temple, the parents would offer a sacrifice as thanks for the birth. A lamb was the usual sacrifice, but the very poorest were permitted to offer a pair of pigeons. When Joseph and Mary offered two pigeons, we learn that they were poor.

A man called Simeon had been told that he would not die until he had seen the messiah, and the Holy Spirit directed him to the Temple on this day. He took Jesus in his arms and said that now he could die in peace, saying that Jesus was a light to lighten the gentiles and the glory of the people of Israel. Simeon blessed them.

Luke then says that Ann, a widowed prophetess, who was about eighty four years old, was also at the Temple, fasting and praying there both day and night. When she saw Jesus with Mary and Joseph, she gave thanks, and told everyone about Jesus.

The author of Luke had no doubt that the instant recognition of Jesus by both Simeon and Anna would be understood as positive proof that Jesus was indeed the messiah.