Epiphany Season · Year C
Presentation of the Lord
February 2, 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 2:22-40 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the poor family's offering and Simeon's expectation finally fulfilled.
Luke 2 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse by verse exposition of the presentation, Simeon's song, and Anna's testimony.
Luke 2:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentary on the days of purification and the presentation in the temple.
Luke 2 - Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Barnes' Notes verse by verse on the rite of purification and Simeon's canticle.
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic exegesis of the presentation and purification, read every year on this fixed feast.
The Presentation of the Lord Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Loyola Press background and reflection questions on Simeon and Anna's welcome of the Messiah.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (ABC) Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of Candlemas connecting the temple rite of purification to Simeon's Nunc Dimittis.
Background & Word Study
Luke 2:22 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word by word with parsing for purification, presented, and consecrated.
Luke 1-9 Overview BibleProject
Animated literary overview of Luke's infancy narrative and its temple scenes.
Enter the Bible: Luke Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Luke's temple-centered opening chapters.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
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 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
- 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.