Christmas Season · The Holy Family of Jesus: Mary and Joseph · Year C
Luke 2:41-52
Jesus Presented in the Temple
January 1, 2028

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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Luke 2:41-52 Working Preacher
A close narrative reading of the boy Jesus in the Temple from Luther Seminary.
Luke 2:41-52 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching-focused notes on Jesus growing in wisdom within ordinary family life.
Luke 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical walkthrough of the chapter, including the Temple episode.
Luke 2:41 Commentaries BibleHub
A side by side library of classic commentaries on the passage.
Luke 2 (Gill's Exposition) StudyLight
Gill's full verse by verse notes on the chapter.
Luke 2 (Barnes' Notes) StudyLight
Barnes' concise nineteenth century notes on the chapter.
Luke 2 Commentary Precept Austin
A devotional, cross-reference heavy commentary aimed at personal Bible study.
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Cycle C Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
A Catholic Sunday-wide reflection connecting the readings to family life.
The Holy Family Homily Notes Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron's Catholic voice on the feast, reached from the Word on Fire homepage.
Background & Word Study
Luke 2:41 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the key verbs in the Temple scene.
Luke (Chapters 1-9) Overview BibleProject
A video walkthrough of Luke's literary design through the opening chapters.
Gospel of Luke Course Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's introductory background on Luke's Gospel as a whole.
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.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Luke 2:41-52
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.