25 And lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name 'is' Simeon, and this man is righteous and devout, looking for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him, 26 and it hath been divinely told him by the Holy Spirit—not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came in the Spirit to the temple, and in the parents bringing in the child Jesus, for their doing according to the custom of the law regarding him, 28 then he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and he said, 29 'Now Thou dost send away Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word, in peace, 30 because mine eyes did see Thy salvation, 31 which Thou didst prepare before the face of all the peoples, 32 a light to the uncovering of nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel.' 33 And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, 'Lo, this 'one' is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against— 35 (and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through)—that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.' 36 And there was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, she was much advanced in days, having lived with an husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and she 'is' a widow of about eighty-four years, who did depart not from the temple, with fasts and supplications serving, night and day, 38 and she, at that hour, having come in, was confessing, likewise, to the Lord, and was speaking concerning him, to all those looking for redemption in Jerusalem.
39 And when they finished all things, according to the Law of the Lord, they turned back to Galilee, to their city Nazareth; 40 and the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41 And his parents were going yearly to Jerusalem, at the feast of the passover, 42 and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know, 44 and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances, 45 and not having found him, they turned back to Jerusalem seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them, 47 and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, 'Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.' 49 And he said unto them, 'Why 'is it' that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?' 50 and they did not understand the saying that he spake to them, 51 and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart, 52 and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour 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.