Luke 2:21–40

Jesus’ Parents Obey Moses’ Teachings

²¹Eight days after his birth, the child was circumcised and named Jesus. This was the name the angel had given him before his mother became pregnant. 

²²After the days required by Moses’ Teachings to make a mother clean^ahad passed, Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem. They took Jesus to present him to the Lord. ²³They did exactly what was written in the Lord’s Teachings: “Every firstborn boy is to be set apart as holy to the Lord.” ²⁴They also offered a sacrifice as required by the Lord’s Teachings: “a pair of mourning doves or two young pigeons.” 

Simeon’s Prophecy

²⁵A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He lived an honorable and devout life. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel. The Holy Spirit was with Simeon ²⁶and had told him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah, whom the Lord would send. 

²⁷Moved by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple courtyard. Mary and Joseph were bringing the child Jesus into the courtyard at the same time. They brought him so that they could do for him what Moses’ Teachings required. ²⁸Then Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God by saying, 

²⁹“Now, Lord, you are allowing your servant to leave in peace 

as you promised. 

³⁰My eyes have seen your salvation, 

³¹which you have prepared for all people to see. 

³²He is a light that will reveal ⸤salvation⸥ to the nations 

and bring glory to your people Israel.” 

³³Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, “This child is the reason that many people in Israel will be condemned and many others will be saved. He will be a sign that will expose ³⁵the thoughts of those who reject him. And a sword will pierce your heart.” 

Anna’s Prophecy

³⁶Anna, a prophet, was also there. She was a descendant of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was now very old. Her husband had died seven years after they were married, ³⁷and she had been a widow for 84 years. Anna never left the temple courtyard but worshiped day and night by fasting and praying. ³⁸At that moment she came up to Mary and Joseph and began to thank God. She spoke about Jesus to all who were waiting for Jerusalem to be set free. 

³⁹After doing everything the Lord’s Teachings required, Joseph and Mary returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. ⁴⁰The child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor^bwas with him.