4. The Presentation in the Temple
Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord. At the temple Simeon and Anna came forward, gave thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were present. (Lk 2:22-38) ...
  1. Observing the law of Moses they take Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord.
  2. The firstborn male child of every family should be consecrated to the Lord.
  3. Mary offers her Son to the Father, then ransoms Him back at the price paid by the poor.
  4. Jesus is not subject to the law of Moses, yet to teach obediance, submits to it.
  5. Mary is not subject to the law of purification, yet in humility she submits to it.
  6. God had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he had seen the Messiah.
  7. Recognizing the Child, he prays: "You have kept your word. Now you can dismiss me."
  8. "This Child is destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel."
  9. And to Mary Simeon reveals: "And your own soul a sword shall pierce."
  10. After they fulfill all the Law requires they return to Nazareth.