Verse 22 Part of their ceremony and presenting their firstborn son to the Lord is to bring a burnt offering to give thanks for God’s mercy and a sin offering to acknowledge the shame of their sin.

Verse 23 This law dates way back in time. God gave this law to Moses for all Jews back in Exodus 13:2, 12.

Verse 24 The sacrifice that is required here is recorded in Leviticus 12:6-8. Typically a burnt offering would be a lamb and a sin offering would be turtle doves or pigeons. Mary was poor and couldn’t afford the lamb for the burnt offering so she brought two doves to cover both.

Verse 25 Simeon was famous for his devout religion and communion with God. He was fair with all people and known for this.

Verse 26 Simeon was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the long-awaited and anticipated Messiah. He knew that it would be soon because of what the book of Daniel four tells as the timing of when this Messiah would appear. Remember Daniel talked about the fourth kingdom… And the people were now under the fourth Roman monarchy.

Verse 27 This is so interesting because just at the time when Mary and Joseph are registering their firstborn son, Simeon came into the temple under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Look at that timing. God shows up when we are walking in obedience. He directs people in our path and confirms His word in our lives. God is as good as His Word!

Verse 30 Our eyes are not satisfied with seeing until they have seen Jesus. This is our comfort in life and in death. Those of us who have experienced Jesus can look into the face of death with courage and without terror. We have peace in our spirit and can depart from this world with peace and in peace – peace with God, peace in our conscience, peace with others, peace with death. But we must not depart until God’s appointed time because we are his servant and we must not quit his service until we have accomplished His purpose with our time. Never has anyone who put their hope in God‘s Word end up ashamed for it.

Verse 31 Notice this salvation is prepared for ALL people.

Verse 32 This salvation will be a light to those (Gentiles) who sit in the darkness. They still have the knowledge of Jesus and God. This is a reference to Isa. 49:6, “I will give thee for a light to the Gentiles; for Christ came to be the light of the world, not a candle in the Jewish candlestick, but the Son of righteousness.” It was an honor to the Jews that this Messiah would come from one of their tribes.

Verse 34 Some who are buried in their sin will rise when they reject that life and follow Jesus.  Others will reject Him, be offended by Him, and be provoked or aggravated by Jesus and they will fall. You’re going to read about how some people were looking for ways to get Jesus arrested because He was taking attention from kings and other religious people. People didn’t want to believe their long-awaited King who would ‘save’ them all from oppression was this guy in sandals walking around healing people and praying.

Verse 35 The first part of this verse is saying that Mary is going to suffer. We know that her heart broke as she watched Him be abused and scowled at. And Mary deeply grieved when she had to watch her Son die on the cross. So though Mary was very blessed and honored to be his mother, she would also be deeply grieved.

The other part of this verse means that true colors in people will be exposed or on display now that Jesus came as He is. People will show who they really are. How we respond to a situation that doesn’t go our way says a lot about our character and who we place our trust in. If we’re tempted to blow up or break down, then we’re showing the world that we put our trust in our situation going our way. Or we put our trust in ourselves to make it better. If we accept the situation because we know Jesus is on the throne and will work this out for our good, we are able to maintain confidence and peace in our hearts. This verse is going to display itself in all the reactions now that people have toward Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are always on time. Your timing is perfect in all things. You know how to put people in place to accomplish your purposes. Thank you that those purposes are good and always working out for your glory. Your Word always proves itself true, God. You confirm Your Word in our lives. Your Word manifesting itself, showing itself, in our lives is our desire. Thank you, Jesus, that I can look death in the face with courage because I have you. I have peace with You, peace with others, and peace with death. In this life, I don’t have to live offended or angry because I know you are “working all things out for the good of those who love you.” (Romans 8:28) I don’t have to put the burden of trust on myself. I trust You, Jesus. You are my peace and my comfort. In Jesus’ name, Amen.