Luke 2:25-38 Simeon and Anna are offer us a peak into the daily life of the devout in the temple. Simeon is not identified as a priest or a Levite, but he came into the temple with the Holy Spirit upon him and uttered another wonderful blessing - which seems to be almost his own eulogy. In verses 31-32, Simeon points to Jesus as the savior of the gentiles. Then Simeon goes on with a bizarre blessing: “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35) This is true prophecy - not a reference to the Old Testament. And it would be fulfilled. Who would rise and fall? The gospel is replete with the narrative of those who encountered Christ and how that interaction affected their lives. No doubt Mary's soul was pierced when she saw her Son die on the cross. When Jesus talked to people, the thoughts and intents of their hearts came out ... whether it was a true devotion to God on the part of seemingly unreligious people, or the devotion to worldly stuff on the part of outwardly devout people.  In the end, they came to Pentecost and believed in Him, or they didn't. Probably Simeon did not understand the full implications of these words but He was nonetheless operating under the power of the Holy Spirit.

            There doesn't seem to be any Old Testament provision for women to serve in the Temple, but there was Anna. Her role in this is not to give a prophetic word, but she spoke of Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. The Jews had been waiting for redemption for centuries. She told them the redeemer had arrived. Again, this does not appear to be gossip, but to be rejoicing over the work of God being visible and present.

            I have to wonder, what did all of these people think for the thirty years that Jesus grew up in apparent obscurity? They had heard from Anna that Messiah had been born. And then nothing, so far as we know, for thirty years. Did they decide it was a false alarm? Did they die in disappointment? Did they tell their children to watch for Him?

Luke 2:39-40 Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth and raised Jesus. Luke does not mention the diversion to Egypt, (Matthew 2:14-21), only the final destination of Nazareth. As Jesus grew, we are told He became strong, grew in wisdom, and that the grace of God was on Him. Could any parent wish, and pray, for this for their child? With the hope and expectation that it would happen? Was Jesus uniquely gifted in this respect because He was God in flesh, or was he simply showing the full potential of humanity uncorrupted by sin?