Parent and Family Background
The story of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus tells us that Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews. Usually when Jewish parents presented a firstborn son in the Temple, they would offer a new lamb. However, Jewish law allowed those who were poor to offer two turtledoves. Simeon and Anna were faithful Jews who had waited all their lives for the Messiah. At the Temple, they recognized Jesus as the Promised One.
Simeon and Anna
Luke 2:22-38
When Jesus was about a month old, Mary and Joseph brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. For it was written in the law of the Lord, “Every first-born male born shall be consecrated to the Lord. And a sacrifice of two turtle doves shall be offered.”
There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. He was in the Temple when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, God, you may let your servant die in peace.
My eyes have seen your savior,
a light for the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Mary and Joseph were amazed at what Simeon said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed Jesus’ parents, and said to Mary, “This child is God’s Promised One. He will save God’s people. Many will accept him and others will not.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna. She was an eighty-four year old widow. She never left the Temple. She prayed and fasted day and night. When she saw Jesus, she gave thanks to God. Then she told everyone that the Messiah had come.
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Grade 3, chapter 5
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Grade 4, chapter 5