25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon ; and this man was righteous and devout , looking for the consolation of Israel ; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ . 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple ; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus , to carry out for Him the custom of the Law , 28 then he took Him into his arms , and blessed God , and said , 29 "Now Lord , You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace , According to Your word ; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation , 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples , 32 A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES , And the glory of Your people Israel ." 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother , "Behold , this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel , and for a sign to be opposed - 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul -to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed ." 36 And there was a prophetess , Anna the daughter of Phanuel , of the tribe of Asher . She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage , 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four e . She never left the temple , serving night and day with fastings and prayers . 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God , and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem .
39 When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord , they returned to Galilee , to their own city of Nazareth . 40 The Child continued to grow and become strong , increasing in wisdom ; and the grace of God was upon Him.
41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover . 42 And when He became twelve , they went up there according to the custom of the Feast ; 43 and as they were returning , after spending the full number of days , the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem . But His parents were unaware e of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan , and went a day's journey ; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances . 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then , after three days they found Him in the temple , sitting in the midst of the teachers , both listening to them and asking them questions . 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers . 48 When they saw Him, they were astonished ; and His mother said to Him, "Son , why have You treated us this way ? Behold , Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth , and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart . 52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature , and in favor with God and men .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 2:25-52
Commentary on Luke 2:25-35
(Read Luke 2:25-35)
The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marvelled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affections in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.
Commentary on Luke 2:36-40
(Read Luke 2:36-40)
There was much evil then in the church, yet God left not himself without witness. Anna always dwelt in, or at least attended at, the temple. She was always in a praying spirit; gave herself to prayer, and in all things she served God. Those to whom Christ is made known, have great reason to thank the Lord. She taught others concerning him. Let the example of the venerable saints, Simeon and Anna, give courage to those whose hoary heads are, like theirs, a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. The lips soon to be silent in the grave, should be showing forth the praises of the Redeemer. In all things it became Christ to be made like unto his brethren, therefore he passed through infancy and childhood as other children, yet without sin, and with manifest proofs of the Divine nature in him. By the Spirit of God all his faculties performed their offices in a manner not seen in any one else. Other children have foolishness bound in their hearts, which appears in what they say or do, but he was filled with wisdom, by the influence of the Holy Ghost; every thing he said and did, was wisely said and wisely done, above his years. Other children show the corruption of their nature; nothing but the grace of God was upon him.
Commentary on Luke 2:41-52
(Read Luke 2:41-52)
It is for the honour of Christ that children should attend on public worship. His parents did not return till they had stayed all the seven days of the feast. It is well to stay to the end of an ordinance, as becomes those who say, It is good to be here. Those that have lost their comforts in Christ, and the evidences of their having a part in him, must bethink themselves where, and when, and how they lost them, and must turn back again. Those that would recover their lost acquaintance with Christ, must go to the place in which he has put his name; there they may hope to meet him. They found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their schools; he was sitting there, hearkening to their instructions, proposing questions, and answering inquiries, with such wisdom, that those who heard were delighted with him. Young persons should seek the knowledge of Divine truth, attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their elders and teachers as may tend to increase their knowledge. Those who seek Christ in sorrow, shall find him with the greater joy. Know ye not that I ought to be in my Father's house; at my Father's work; I must be about my Father's business. Herein is an example; for it becomes the children of God, in conformity to Christ, to attend their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns give way to it. Though he was the Son of God, yet he was subject to his earthly parents; how then will the foolish and weak sons of men answer it, who are disobedient to their parents? However we may neglect men's sayings, because they are obscure, yet we must not think so of God's sayings. That which at first is dark, may afterwards become plain and easy. The greatest and wisest, those most eminent, may learn of this admirable and Divine Child, that it is the truest greatness of soul to know our own place and office; to deny ourselves amusements and pleasures not consistent with our state and calling.