Christmas Season · The Holy Family of Jesus: Mary and Joseph · Year B
Luke 2:22-40 or Luke 2:22, 39-40
Jesus Presented in the Temple
January 1, 2027
Overview & Insights
“My eyes have seen your salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” (Luke 2:30-32)
This scene completes the account of Jesus’s infancy. His circumcision and naming echo those of John in 1:59–63, but, as with the account of his birth, the subsequent incidents are unique, and they lift the reader’s expectations and theological understanding to a higher level. This scene provides the setting for the third of Luke’s canticles in chapters 1–2, Simeon’s song of praise, the Nunc Dimittis. This song, with its explicit recognition that Jesus is to be the Savior of the world, not just of the Jews, brings into the open a theme that so far has been only hinted at.
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Commentary
Commentary on Luke 2:22-40 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the presentation in the temple and the witness of Simeon and Anna.
Luke 2:22-40 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Jesus born a Jew among Jews and revealed as light for the nations.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Luke Chapter 2 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse exposition of the purification, Simeon's Nunc Dimittis, and Anna's thanksgiving.
Luke 2:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the presentation according to the Law of Moses.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Year B, Dr. Pitre Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic exegesis of the Holy Family feast readings and the presentation in the temple.
Bishop Barron on the Nativity in Luke's Gospel Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Robert Barron reads Luke's infancy narrative for the Catholic imagination of the Holy Family.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Loyola Press Sunday Connection background, reflection questions, and family prayer for the feast.
Background & Word Study
Luke 2:22 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing for purification (katharismos) and to present (parastesai) him to the Lord.
BibleProject: Gospel of Luke Overview (Luke 1-9) BibleProject
Animated literary overview placing the infancy narrative within Luke's design for the first half.
Enter the Bible: Luke Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Luke's gospel, its Jerusalem temple frame, and its themes.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the Presentation in the Temple?
Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to be presented to the Lord, where old Simeon takes him up and sings the Nunc Dimittis, and the prophet Anna gives thanks.
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