Text: Luke 2:22-40
Introduction
I’m going to make the assumption that if you are present on the first Sunday after Christmas just
so recently past, you will grant me a little patience for a slow developing homily. We, and I do
mean we, are going to start with a close look at the text. So if you would, take out the bulletin to
be able to use it to reference.
Layer 1 – “Law of the Lord”
If you’ve been in my bible studies, you’ve probably heard me at some time talk about how
ancient texts often have a different outline than what we read. Even Ethan gets taught about a
topic sentence first followed by some supporting sentences. And then the paragraph closes with
a conclusion to that thought developed or a restatement of the topic. We are very linear in that
way.
Ancient texts can often be constructed with what we would call a topic sentence in the middle of
a passage. And how you know this is by pairing up what is said in the text. Ancient texts are
made to be read and re-read and digested and pondered. To tease out the meaning. To not just be
told, but to arrive at understanding at the same time.
There are three layers to this present of a text. On the outer layer – the binding ribbon if your
will - is the reality and grounding of the law. Look in verse twenty-four, the first textual signal –
“to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord.” Mary and Joseph, and
because of their piety Jesus, did everything according to the law of the Lord. It was the ground
of their reality and spirituality. Look now, down at the end, at verse 39, “when they had
performed everything according to the Law of the Lord” – you get the repeat. The fancy term is
inclusio. The phrase “Law of the Lord” is the textual signal of the outer wrapping of the present.
The law is not something bad, but it is the starting point. As Paul would say in Galatians “the
law was our guardian until Christ came”. Catechism wise this is the first use – the law as curb.
Paul would likewise say in Romans that “the law came to increase the trespass” that “by the law
we become cognizant of our sin”. That is the second use of the law – the law as mirror.
In either case, our understanding of God himself starts with the law of the Lord. Whether it is
the natural use of the law reflected perfectly in Kipling’s poem “The god’s of the copybook
headings”. We might be able to suspend briefly what is variously called, the law, karma, reality
- but “the god’s of the copybook headings with terror and slaughter return.” They were there for
sacrifice. Or whether it is the religious use of the law reflected in a proper preparation for
repentance – an examination of ourselves under the 10 commandments – “I am a poor miserable
sinner”…”things done and things left undone”. Whether natural or religious, by the Law of the
Lord, we know we miss the mark. They were doing these things for their purification.
Layer 2 – “Waiting for the Consolation”
But from the very beginning, the Law was not the complete revelation of God. To Eve and the
Serpent following the first trespass of the law, God promised that “the serpent will bruise his
heel, the seed will crush his head.” Yes, the law requires is pound of flesh. We fail completely.
But God promised a seed, a child. The law would bruise his heel, but it would not win. That
child, that seed, would crush Satan forever.
And so look at verse twenty-five. We are past that binding ribbon of the law and into the
wrapping paper. “Simeon, this man righteous and devout, was waiting for the consolation of
Israel”. And then look at verse 38. “Anna…spoke of him to all who were waiting for the
redemption of Jerusalem.” These two ancient seers – Anna at least 84 years old, depending upon
how you read and translate she could be 104 years old…Simeon’s promise that he would not see
death before seeing the Christ – late in time these two ancient seers behold him come.
God keeps his promises. The seed, that child was now present. The consolation of Israel and the
redemption of Jerusalem has come. And who or what is this? Is it the son of a King? A mighty
general? A genius young buck, the Jewish Alexander or Augustus? No, it is an 8 day old baby,
born under suspicious circumstances, to a threadbare heir of David and his Galilean wife. And
Luke picks up an interesting point in calling this visit for their purification. Per Luke, Joseph
must have served as midwife. The post-delivery purification was theirs – together. Adam and
Eve both received the curse, and the promise. And what was offered was the turtledoves, the
consolation offering of the poor. Blessed are the poor in spirit.
God’s promises are kept. But they are kept in a surprising way. Not how we would expect at all.
This consolation of Israel is something different than the promise of land. This redemption of
Jerusalem is not just the old city.
Layer 3 – What is this consolation
So what exactly should we expect of this consolation of Israel and the redemption of Jerusalem?
That is the third layer – actually getting into the box the present is in. Simeon speaks twice,
separated by the core message. But let’s not rush to the central core just yet. We want to
understand by the time we are told.
The first part of that consolation is that Israel is not Israel. Or maybe more appropriately, Israel
is what she has always been. Not the physical heirs of Jacob, but spiritual heirs who would
wrestle with God and come away with the blessing.
According to his Word – given to Adam and Eve those first humans long before Abraham and
Moses and David – God has revealed his salvation. He has prepared it in the presence of all
peoples. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel.
We should hear just how strange this is. Whether it was Artemis of the Ephesians or Jupiter
Optimus Maximum of the Romans, or YHWH of Jerusalem – the ancient world was filled with
God’s who cared about their people. But YHWH, while revealing himself more fully to
Abraham and his physical heirs, never gave up his claim on all the peoples. Yes, they thought
they had him safely penned up in the holy of holies – Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna are within
sight of that pen. But, you can’t pen God. The Spirit moves where it wills. In the voice of
Simeon and Anna. In overshadowing Mary. And in delivering salvation in the presence of all
peoples.
But the strangeness of this consolation continues on the other side. Simeon speaks again, this
time to Mary. This salvation is not a strict triumphal march. “he is a sign of contradiction - or as
our translators say - a sign that is opposed”. “And a sword will pierce through your own soul, so
that thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The way that Simeon and Anna stand in for all the old testament folks waiting for the
consolation of Israel, Mary here stands in for the church. And these words are addressed to us.
This salvation is not of this world. This world will oppose it with all it has, because the church is
a sign to it. The church is the presence of God in this world. The message and proclamation of
the church – this crucified one has bought us peace, repent, for the Kingdom of God is here – is a
sword that divides. It reveals hearts. Do you believe the promise of this baby, or do you do what
is right in your own eyes. Is this the salvation of God already done, by grace received in faith, or
should we expect another…or no one?
And this is the sword that pierces even Mary, that sign of the Church. Some raised within her,
won’t believe. Some raised high in Israel, will fall. The victory of the church, is the victory of
the cross. God declares peace, but it is a peace to those that accept it. It’s total surrender from
both God and man. God against our sin, and man against God. It is peace for those with eyes to
see it in a helpless baby. Many won’t. The judgement is easy, because we judge ourselves. Do
we see and ponder the sign, or turn away.
Central Layer
And that is the present within, the core of this message. “His Father and his mother marveled at
what was said about him.”
That is the invitation of Christmas and the gospel. Marvel at what God has done. Ponder the
mystery of the infinite revealed in a manger. Struggle with the paradox of the issuer of the law
of the Lord, submitting to it. But believe…marvel. Believe that God keeps his promises in this
one. And that those promises are for you. This Savior and Christ is your savior and Christ. He
did it for you.
Depart in peace, because you have seen your salvation. The consolation of Israel, and the opener
of the Gates of the New Jerusalem. Open in the sight of all peoples. For all who would believe.
Amen.