Luke 2:22-52
Summary:
In obedience to the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought their baby, Jesus, to the temple - to offer the required sacrifice. The Law and the temple were central to the Old Covenant. They provided access to God through obedience and sacrifices - mediated by priests. Day in and day out, God’s people entered His presence through the temple and offered sacrifices to cover their sins. On this day, Someone very different appears in the temple. A new Mediator. One who would fulfill the Law and open a new and living way into God’s presence. Simeon declares in 2:29-32 that Jesus is the Salvation prepared by God in the sight of all the peoples - Gentiles and Israel alike. For everyone striving under the insatiable requirements of the Law - for everyone excluded by sin from God’s presence… Salvation is here! Jesus has arrived, sinless, in order to carry all of our infractions - canceling them once and for all as our one, lasting Sacrifice.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you ever experience condemnation or guilty fear because of how you fall short of what God requires? What bearing does this passage have on you?
- Note the repeated usage of “Law” - especially at the beginning of the passage. The Law is the main character at the outset… but where is our focus by the end of the passage? Are we to remain “Law focused,” or is the person of Jesus the new centerpiece? Discuss this progression. Where do you tend to “drift back” to the Law in your way of relating to God, others?
- How is this passage “Good News” to your friends who are living apart from Jesus - who still live under the requirements of God’s perfect Law?
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