Luke 2:24-38

²⁴God had commanded in his laws that if the first child of a couple was a boy, his parents should offer as a sacrifice to God two turtledoves or two young pigeons. So Joseph and Mary gave the priest two birds so he could offer them.

²⁵At that time there was an old man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. He habitually did what was pleasing to God and he obeyed God's laws. The Holy Spirit was directing him as he was waiting for God MTY to encourage the Israeli people by sending the Messiah.

²⁶It was previously revealed by the Holy Spirit {The Holy Spirit previously revealed} to him that he would see God's promised Messiah before he died.

²⁷When Joseph and Mary brought their baby Jesus to the Temple in order to perform the rituals that God had commanded in his laws, the Spirit led Simeon to enter the Temple courtyard, and revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah.

²⁸So he took Jesus up in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹Lord, you promised me that I would see the one MTY who would enable you to save people of all people-groups from the guilt of their sins. He will be MET like a light that will reveal your truth to non-Jews, and he will cause people to think highly of your people, the Israeli people. Since I SYN have now seen this one that you promised to send, now let me die peacefully.

³³His parents marveled about what Simeon said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary,

³⁴“Note what I say: God has determined that because of this child, many Israeli people will turn away from God, and many others will turn to God MET. Although he will be like a sign MET to warn people, many people will oppose him.

³⁵As a result, the evil thoughts of many people will be made evident {he will reveal the evil thoughts of many people}. Furthermore, the cruel things that they will do to him MET will be like a sword that will pierce your ◄soul/inner being►.”

³⁶There was also in the Temple courtyard a very old woman named Anna. She was a prophetess. Her father Phanuel was a member of the tribe of Asher. After she had been married seven years, her husband died.

³⁷After that, she lived until she was eighty-four years old, and she was still a widow. She stayed in the Temple area all the time, night and day, worshipping God. She often ◄abstained from food/fasted► as she prayed.

³⁸While Joseph and Mary and the baby were still in the Temple, Anna came to them. She thanked God for the baby. Then she spoke about Jesus to many people who were expecting God to send the Messiah MTY to set the people of MTY Jerusalem free from their enemies.