Jesus: The Light of Redemption and New Temple

 

Summary

Today, we reflect on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, a significant event where Jesus, at just 40 days old, was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph. This act was in accordance with Jewish law, which required the purification of the mother and the presentation of the firstborn son. This event is not just a historical account but a profound revelation of who Jesus is and what He represents for us. The law required that the firstborn be redeemed, a practice that harkens back to the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down. This redemption of the firstborn is symbolic of Jesus' role as the Redeemer of the world.

In the temple, Simeon, a devout man, recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. He had been waiting for the "consolation of Israel," and upon seeing Jesus, he declared Him as the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. This moment signifies the shift of God's presence from the temple to Jesus Himself, marking Him as the new temple where God's glory resides. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was presented in the temple, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.

This event reminds us of the light that Jesus brings into our darkness. Just as Simeon waited for the fulfillment of God's promises, we too wait for the ultimate redemption that Jesus will bring when He comes again. In the meantime, we are called to live in the light of His presence, trusting in His promises and finding peace in His salvation. The presentation of Jesus in the temple is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Significance of Redemption: The presentation of Jesus in the temple highlights the concept of redemption, where the firstborn is bought back. This act foreshadows Jesus' role as the Redeemer, who would ultimately pay the price for our sins, offering us freedom from spiritual bondage. [14:41]

2. Jesus as the New Temple: With Jesus' presentation, the focus of God's presence shifts from the physical temple to Jesus Himself. He becomes the new temple, the dwelling place of God's glory, inviting us to find our connection with God through Him. [17:43]

3. Simeon's Recognition of Salvation: Simeon's encounter with Jesus in the temple is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises. His declaration of Jesus as the light for revelation and glory underscores the universal nature of Christ's mission. [22:01]

4. Living in the Light of Christ: The presentation of Jesus is a reminder that He is the light in our darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in His light, allowing His presence to guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties. [14:41]

5. The Promise of Ultimate Redemption: Just as Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel, we too wait for the final redemption that Jesus will bring. This anticipation encourages us to live with hope and faith, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises. [22:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:15] - Confession and Absolution
- [05:46] - Reading from 1 Samuel
- [07:21] - Epistle from Hebrews
- [10:49] - Gospel from Luke
- [14:41] - The Significance of the Presentation
- [17:43] - Jesus as the New Temple
- [22:01] - Simeon's Recognition
- [23:45] - Closing and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Presentation of Our Lord

Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:22-32
- Hebrews 2:14-18
- 1 Samuel 1:21-28

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific actions did Mary and Joseph take when they brought Jesus to the temple, and why were these actions significant according to Jewish law? [10:49]

2. How does Simeon describe Jesus when he sees Him in the temple, and what does this reveal about Jesus' mission? [17:43]

3. What is the significance of the sacrifices offered by Mary and Joseph, and how does this relate to Jesus' role as the Redeemer? [14:41]

4. How does the sermon describe the shift of God's presence from the temple to Jesus Himself? [17:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the presentation of Jesus in the temple symbolize His future role as the Redeemer of the world? [14:41]

2. How does Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles" expand the understanding of Jesus' mission beyond Israel? [22:01]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of waiting for God's promises, as exemplified by Simeon and Anna? [22:01]

4. How does the concept of Jesus as the new temple challenge or enhance traditional views of where God's presence is found? [17:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were in darkness. How can the light of Christ guide you through similar situations in the future? [14:41]

2. Simeon waited patiently for the fulfillment of God's promises. What promises from God are you currently waiting for, and how can you find peace in the waiting? [22:01]

3. The sermon highlights Jesus as the new temple. How can you cultivate a personal connection with God through Jesus in your daily life? [17:43]

4. Consider the idea of redemption as presented in the sermon. In what areas of your life do you feel in need of redemption, and how can you seek Jesus' redeeming power? [14:41]

5. How can you live in the light of Christ in practical ways, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties? [14:41]

6. Simeon recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises. How can you be more attuned to recognizing God's work and promises in your life? [22:01]

7. The sermon speaks of the ultimate redemption that Jesus will bring. How does this hope influence your actions and decisions today? [22:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Redemption Through Jesus
The presentation of Jesus in the temple underscores the profound concept of redemption. In Jewish tradition, the firstborn son was to be redeemed, a practice that symbolized the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt. This act of redemption foreshadows Jesus' ultimate role as the Redeemer of the world. By being presented in the temple, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the law and the promise of spiritual freedom. His life and sacrifice offer us liberation from the bondage of sin, inviting us to embrace the freedom He provides. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the depth of God's love for us. [14:41]

"For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV)

Reflection: What does it mean for you personally to be redeemed by Jesus, and how can you live in a way that reflects this redemption today?


Day 2: Jesus as the New Temple
With Jesus' presentation in the temple, there is a significant shift in the understanding of where God's presence dwells. Traditionally, the temple was the physical place where God's glory resided. However, Jesus' arrival marks a new era where He Himself becomes the new temple. In Him, the fullness of God dwells, and through Him, we find our connection to the divine. This shift invites us to seek our relationship with God through Jesus, recognizing Him as the ultimate dwelling place of God's glory. As we embrace this truth, we are called to deepen our relationship with Christ, finding our spiritual home in Him. [17:43]

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Jesus as the dwelling place of God's presence in your daily life?


Day 3: Simeon's Recognition of Salvation
Simeon's encounter with Jesus in the temple is a powerful testament to the fulfillment of God's promises. Having waited for the "consolation of Israel," Simeon recognizes Jesus as the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. This moment highlights the universal nature of Christ's mission, extending beyond the boundaries of Israel to encompass all of humanity. Simeon's declaration invites us to see Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises and the source of salvation for all. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to embrace the inclusivity of Christ's mission and share His light with others. [22:01]

"For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be a light to those around you, reflecting the universal nature of Christ's mission?


Day 4: Living in the Light of Christ
The presentation of Jesus in the temple serves as a reminder that He is the light in our darkness. Just as Simeon waited for the fulfillment of God's promises, we too are called to live in the light of Christ's presence. His light guides us through life's challenges and uncertainties, offering us hope and direction. As followers of Christ, we are invited to walk in His light, allowing His presence to illuminate our path and transform our lives. This call to live in the light challenges us to trust in His promises and find peace in His salvation. [14:41]

"For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to invite the light of Christ to bring clarity and transformation?


Day 5: The Promise of Ultimate Redemption
Just as Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel, we too wait for the ultimate redemption that Jesus will bring. This anticipation encourages us to live with hope and faith, trusting in the fulfillment of God's promises. The presentation of Jesus in the temple is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. As we await His return, we are called to live in a way that reflects our hope in His promises, allowing this hope to shape our actions and attitudes. This promise of ultimate redemption invites us to live with an eternal perspective, grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness. [22:01]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you live today with an eternal perspective, allowing the promise of ultimate redemption to influence your decisions and interactions?

Quotes

"Today, February 2nd, is the Feast of Christ called the Presentation of Our Lord, when Jesus, 40 days old, was brought into the temple by Mary and Joseph, performing sacrifices for him and for the purification of Mary and for Jesus. And Simeon worshipped him there in that temple." [00:00:46]

"God wrote down the customs and practices that he wanted the people to keep because these practices were important for them. These practices, these things, would be ingrained into them and put into them not just the things that they were to do, but God's promises, his promise to send a Savior, his promise to send the seed of the woman to crush the head of Satan." [00:13:59]

"Epiphany is light in the darkness. Jesus is light in the darkness. We live in darkness, but the light of our Savior has come into our darkness. And so we have here today Mary and Joseph and this baby Jesus coming to the temple to Jerusalem. Born in Bethlehem, of course, this child has been brought to Jerusalem, to the temple, for these important rites." [00:14:47]

"Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God." [00:07:26]

"And in fact, we see in this how God works out all these details according to his vast plan. In the Garden of Eden, it was revealed that the one to crush Satan's head would be the seed of the woman." [00:16:47]

"And in the release from captivity in Egypt, we see that it is from the firstborn of Israel that the child of the promise. Just as the death of the firstborn in Egypt brought the release of the Israelites from their slavery, so also by the death of this coming firstborn, God would bring about the release of the whole world, us included, from the slavery and captivity to the powers of Satan." [00:17:01]

"In fact, even the location of God's presence was shifting somewhat from the temple to Jesus himself. Where was God to be found? Where would people go if they wanted to connect with God, to honor Yahweh? They came to his temple. They came to the temple in Jerusalem. But now God's glory was with Jesus. In a way, Jesus had become the new temple." [00:18:00]

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, the angel said as Jesus was born. Peace is now accomplished and found in this Jesus Christ. Glory to God. Glory to God in Jesus. And that was recognized by Simeon here in the temple. The time had come. The days were fulfilled. Indeed, the time had come. It was then the promises of God were being fulfilled in Jesus." [00:18:27]

"Now Simeon, Simeon had been waiting for the consolation of Israel. He had been waiting for the hope and comfort of God's promises to be fulfilled. And in fact, God's Holy Spirit had shown him, had given him a special revelation that he would see in his, with his own eyes before he died, he would see the Lord's Christ." [00:19:13]

"And Simeon, Simeon saw with his own eyes the fulfillment of that. We are very familiar with these words. We sing them usually after communion when it is most appropriate because there we too have seen with our own eyes and come into contact with our Savior and Christ in his body and blood given to us. Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the Savior for all peoples." [00:20:43]

"Jesus came to the temple to be presented, to be there for us, so that we too might be presented by Jesus before Christ. Our God, pure and clean and righteous and holy in God's sight. It is because of this Jesus that we also are able to gather together in spirit, if not in body, and we wait, wait for the ultimate redemption of God's people." [00:21:30]

"Salvation was accomplished and finished in Jesus at the cross, but it will be finally and completely finished when Jesus comes again. In the meantime, we wait, just like Simeon." [00:22:01]

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Transcript
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