Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ, Feb. 2, 2003
Mal. 3:1-4; Psalm 84 or 84:1-6; Heb. 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Hebrews 2:14 says, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil.” While today’s passages do not deal explicitly with the incarnation of the Lord, they do seem to focus on his humanity, and on his identification as “one of us.” Yet, even as the Lord’s humanity is revealed in the normal events around the birth of a male Jewish child, so also do we gain insight into his messianic identity, as Simeon and Anna join the angels in announcing his arrival.
Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. That would consist of the salvation, peace, and forgiveness Israel would receive in the messianic era. The phrase “the Lord’s Christ” (2:26) is equivalent to the Old Testament expression “the Lord’s Anointed” and carries the sense of Yahweh’s chosen agent of redemption. In Luke 2:32, we learn that salvation will be extended to the Gentiles. Not only will they see salvation, but they also will participate in it. Light is given to the Gentiles and glory for the people of Israel. Israel’s glorious salvation will serve as an attracting light that draws Gentiles.
Anna’s prophetic office is in the tradition of Miram, Deborah and Huldah. She was wholly devoted to worship. The “redemption of Jerusalem” (2:38) is linked with the “consolation of Israel” (2:25) and both refer to the promised messianic salvation.
Simeon’s words involve warning as well. The universal offer of salvation, found in Jesus, does not mean that it will be received by all irrespective of their response of faith. Salvation is offered to all; but it has to be considered by each. There will be those who will speak against this sign of God’s love and there will be some who will be scandalized by a salvation that can only be achieved by death on a cross.
Look It Up
How can the wonderful and universal offer of salvation be at the same time “for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” Look up Isaiah 8:14-15 and 28:16 in conjunction with Luke’s statement.
Think About It
The phrase “the scandal of particularity” concerns the unique offer of salvation in Jesus Christ. What factors affect our willingness to hold out Jesus Christ as God’s “only begotten Son” who has come to bring forgiveness and salvation to the world?
Next Sunday
Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, Feb. 9, 2003
2 Kings 4: (8-17) 18-21 (22-31) 32-37; Psalm 142; 1 Cor. 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
