Christmas · First Sunday after Christmas · Year B
Luke 2:22-40
Jesus Presented in the Temple
December 27, 2026
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 exegesis reading the Presentation as Jesus born a Jew among Jews within the covenant, the RCL page for this exact passage.
Luke 2:22-40 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Simeon, Anna, and the sword that will pierce Mary's soul.
Luke 2 Commentary: The Childhood of Jesus Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's evangelical verse-by-verse walk through the temple presentation and the witnesses Simeon and Anna.
Luke 2:22 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries (Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, Meyer) aggregated verse by verse for the purification and presentation.
Meeting Simeon and Anna in the Temple (Luke 2:21-38) JesusWalk · Ralph Wilson
Ralph Wilson's study of the two temple witnesses, useful for character and devotional preparation.
The Presentation of the Lord Sunday Connection Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection and household activities on the presentation Gospel for all ages.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Luke Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on Luke's authorship, audience, and infancy narrative structure.
Luke 1-9 Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the first half of Luke that frames the temple scenes of chapter 2.
Luke 2:22 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for the purification and presentation vocabulary.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
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.
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