​Text:  Luke 2:21-39
 
     Please open your Bible to Luke chapter two, verse twenty-one. Our text today is found in verses twenty-one through thirty-nine. This passage details the presentation of the baby Jesus before the Lord in the temple.

     Before we read this passage, I must say as clearly as I can it is urgent you get right with God if you do not know him. Remember these words of our Lord Jesus who said: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved . . .” Again, Jesus warns us in the parable of the sower when he says, “Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”

     My friend, you must get serious about your salvation. Satan works against you. As quick as a pastor or a believer sows the word of God into your heart Satan comes right behind us to steal the word out of your heart lest you believe and be saved!

     Furthermore, if you are lost today, then you are in the snare of Satan. Listen to this instruction to pastors found in the book of 2 Timothy:

     “. . . be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

     The bad news is this: if you are lost, then one way or the other you are in the snare of the enemy. The good news is this: Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, has the power to set the captive free! Indeed, Jesus can say: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18).

     You may be lost, but you can be saved today! Jesus Christ will heal your broken heart. He will deliver you from the bondage of sin. He will open your eyes to the truth and though you be bruised by confusion, bruised by sin, and bruised by a hate filled world the Lord Jesus Christ will set you free when you surrender your life to him! 
 
     Now look with me at Luke chapter two verse twenty-one. The Word of God says:
 
21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
 
     As set forth in these words we see Mary and Joseph walking according to the dictates of the old covenant. Thus, after Mary was purified following the birth of Jesus per the law, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. And so, at that time they called him Jesus which is the name the Father gave to his son, and which was communicated to Mary when Gabriel appeared to her revealing she was chosen to give birth to the Son of God.

     While they were in the temple something dramatic happened which amazed both Joseph and Mary. Look again at verses 25 and 26:
 
     25And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
     26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
 
     Now stop and think about the importance of Simeon’s testimony. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. All spiritual minded Jews in Israel understood one day the Messiah would come. In fact, they longed for that day. As another confirmation that Jesus is the promised Messiah the Lord told him he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

     Now look again at verse 27: “And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” Amen!

     How do we know Jesus is the Son of God, God’s provision for our salvation? We know by the testimony of Mary who in the most unique sense knew Jesus was the Son of God. We know by the testimony of Joseph who came to understand Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost. We know by the testimony of humble shepherds who received the announcement of his birth from the portals of heaven as the angel revealed to them the good news that in Bethlehem a savior was born who is Christ the Lord. We know by the testimony of the wise men who came from the east with treasures in hand to bow the knee and worship the new-born king.

     And now we have the testimony of a devout, godly man whom the Holy Spirit chose to bear additional testimony to the identity of Jesus. I don’t know how many years Simeon lived with the anticipation of that day when he would hold the savior in his arms, perhaps there were a number of years in which he waited. One thing is for sure. He would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

     Finally, the day came and he knew it for the Word of God says he came by the Spirit into the temple and finding Mary and Joseph and the baby in the temple he immediately took the young baby in his arms and declared, “my eyes have seen thy salvation a light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel!

     Indeed, as the prophet said Jesus would be the Lord’s servant “to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel.” Furthermore, the Lord said through his prophet, “I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.” 

​     My friends, God has provided a savior for both Jew and gentile. He has provided salvation through his Son for all mankind, that is, unto the ends of the earth. Amen.

     Before we read this passage, I have a question or two for you. Have you ever met Caesar Augustus? . . . Of course not. How do you know he existed? . . . trustworthy historical sources, right? Here is some historical information that, of course, you must take by faith since you did not see any of these people:
 
The Caesars were a series of Roman emperors who ruled the Roman Empire from 27 BC to 476 AD. The term “Caesar” was originally a title given to the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, but it eventually became a hereditary title for the Roman emperors.
 
The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
 
The first Caesar was Julius Caesar, who was assassinated in 44 BC. He was succeeded by his adopted son Octavian, who became Augustus Caesar and founded the Principate, the system of government in which the emperor held supreme power but was also responsible for the welfare of the people.
 
Augustus was followed by his adopted son Tiberius, who ruled from 14 to 37 AD. Tiberius was succeeded by his grandnephew Caligula, who was known for his extravagance and tyranny. Caligula was assassinated in 41 AD, and he was succeeded by his uncle Claudius, who ruled from 41 to 54 AD.
 
Claudius was followed by his great-nephew Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 AD. Nero was known for his artistic and cultural achievements, but he was also notorious for his tyranny and extravagance. He was assassinated in 68 AD, and the Roman Empire was plunged into a period of civil war.
 
     In a moment Luke is going to establish the historical setting of the birth of Christ. Caesar Augustus unknowingly played an important role in that history as his decree all the world should be taxed compelled Joseph to take Mary to Bethlehem. Of necessity Jesus must be born in Bethlehem to fulfill Micah 5:2. Consequently, the providence of God moved the mind of the Caesar at just the right time to issue his edict.
     Now I have another question for you. Do you accept the history of the world as contained in Scripture from Genesis through the book of Revelation? If not, why do you accept history at all? Do you trust the history provided by secular sources and then turn around and deny the history of the world provided by God the Holy Spirit in his written Word? I trust you see my point.
     I trust Luke’s history as he had perfect knowledge from above as he states in chapter one, verse three. 

     Now look with me at Luke 2, verse one. The Word of God says:
 
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
 
     Most of you are familiar with these words as we revisit them during each Christmas season. Today I simply want to turn your focus to the manger scene. The Word of God says in verse seven that Mary the mother of our Lord wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger.
     Do you think you can picture a new-born baby boy sleeping quietly under the watchful eyes of Mary and Joseph? Look a bit closer and let the wonder of his person grip your heart. This is the eternal Word, God himself, come in the person of Jesus the promised Messiah. 
     The apostle John states in 1 John 4:9, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”
     Numerous times in John’s gospel it is said that the Father sent his Son into the world. The point is this: the only begotten Son of God was sent from his eternal abode within the Trinity to accomplish his Father’s will.  The Son “came down from heaven.” Look into that manger and come to grips with the fact that God came and tabernacled amongst us in the person of his only begotten Son.
     Luther captured the mystery of the incarnation in his advent hymn, "All Praise to Thee, Eternal Lord" which reads:

Once did the skies before thee bow;
A virgin's arms contain thee now:
Angels who did in thee rejoice
Now listen for thine infant voice.

     Look again into the Bethlehem manger. The helpless child lying there wrapped in swaddling clothes was heaven’s child. Although he was God from all eternity past, he humbled himself.  He made himself of no reputation, took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:7). 
     But why—why did our Creator humble himself in this way?
     The Bible says in the book of Hebrews that “he was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death . . . that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9).
     This passage in Hebrews goes on to say, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil” (Heb. 2:14).
     This is the good news of the gospel for the whole world. The Son of God died unto sin once and in so doing he carried our guilt and shame for us. Now his precious blood provides a covering of all our sin and guilt in the sight of God. Now Satan no longer holds the power of death over mankind because God has once for all dealt with the enmity of sin. He did so at the cross where Jesus died providing a just and holy means by which God can wash us and forgive us of all sin.
     Look again at the manger scene. Heaven’s child was born in the shadow of the cross. In time he died for us and rose again from the dead for us. Today he has a pardon in his hand for you. Will you accept it?

     Before we read this passage together a short word of warning is on my heart. The Lord speaking to his prophet Ezekiel said: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me . . .Through the prophet Jeremiah the Lord said: “To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the LORD is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it . . . In the New Testament the Apostle Paul said: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”
     I warn you today. The hour is late. You are walking toward eternity. Are you saved? Are you confessing and following Christ? Will the season in which you can repent pass you with no change of heart? The prophet bemoaned the people of his day when he said, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
     What will you do my friend when all the seasons of life come to an end and you are not saved? What will you do if heaven calls today with the declaration, “this night thy soul is required of you.” What if you step from this life unsaved? How sobering is the thought that the lost soul upon the moment of death is thrust into outer darkness. I warn you today. Humble your heart before God and turn from rebellion. Believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! It is urgent you heed the call of Christ. It is urgent you yield to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
     Perhaps you think you have plenty of time to come to Christ, but that is a deception. Some of you may recall the lyrics of a well-known song back in the day titled, Plenty of Time. The lyrics say:
 
I got up on Sunday morning went to the church at ten
I listened to the words I'd heard time and time again
The preacher spoke of simple lives, it seems he spoke of mine
But I was young I have plenty of time
 
I walked on down life's pathway living as I wished to live
How to beat the other fellow how to get what life could give
Making money isn't sinful having fun is not a crime
So I'll just wait I've got plenty of time
 
Plenty of time to decide where I'm bound
To eternal darkness or to heaven's grounds
I'm just a young girl not yet in my prime
So I'll just wait I've got plenty of time
 
Before I knew what happened, life seems had passed away
And millions stood before God's throne for it was judgement day
Now eternal darkness beckons and the name, it calls is mine
But I thought that I had plenty of time
 
Eternity waits I've got plenty of time
To think of all the days that Christ could have been mine
Now my chance is over earth's days have left behind
You and I have plenty of time
Now I've got nothing but plenty of time
     Isn’t it time to be saved? Isn’t it time to give your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ?
 
     Now look with me at Luke 1:57 and follow along as I read through the end of the chapter:
 
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.
58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.
60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.
63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.
64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.
66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
67And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,
68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
69And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
70As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
71That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
73The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
74That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear,
75In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;
77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
79To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
80And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
 
     And so, Luke lays out for us the amazing details surrounding the birth of John, the forerunner of Messiah.
     You will recall from verse 56 that Mary lived with Elisabeth and Zachariah for three months. One can only wonder how many times Mary, Elisabeth, and Zachariah talked about the power of God at work in their lives. Of course, Zachariah only listened as he was speechless. His condition was a sign confirming the significance of the child Elisabeth carried.
     What excitement, what anticipation filled the hearts of these two godly women. One older, one younger, but both yielded vessels in the hands of the Lord. And as we shall see in a moment, Zachariah certainly understood the significance of what was happening to both Mary and his dear wife Elisabeth.
     Looking again at verse 57. The Scripture brings us to the day of John’s birth. Elisabeth brought forth her son and how everyone rejoiced! And so as the custom was on the eighth day the brought the child to be circumcised. On that occasion the child was to be named and all the family and close friends of Zacharias and Elisabeth thought the child’s name should be Zacharias, naming him after his father.
     However, Elisabeth insisted her son would be named John. Well, they seemed to be getting no where so at the last they turned to Zacharias for his opinion. Since he could not speak, he asked for something to write on. He wrote, “his name is John.”
     Immediately upon declaring the name of his son in writing Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit! His tongue was loosed, and he began to prophesy! He proclaimed,
 
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; (HE IS SPEAKING NOW OF THE BABY MARY WOULD DELIVER)
As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;
To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
The oath which he sware to our father Abraham,
   
     Take note that the Holy Spirit says Jesus is to be a Savior for Israel and that in Jesus the Lord God of Israel would keep his covenant made to Abraham. Remember this: Jesus is the Savior of the world, but he will always have a special relationship to Israel and at the last he will deliver Israel from all her enemies and from the hand of all that hate her!
     Indeed, what manner of child shall this be. He was a special child who fulfilled the most unique ministry in the history of the world. This child identified for Israel and the whole world who the true Messiah is.