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Epiphany Season · Year A

Presentation of the Lord

40 Days after Christmas (inclusive) · February 2, 2026

The Presentation at the Temple, Ambrogio Lorenzetti
The Presentation at the Temple, Ambrogio Lorenzetti, 1342Uffizi Gallery, Florence
A Sienese altarpiece of unusual architectural ambition, with the temple drawn in a deep vaulted perspective fifty years before Florence claimed to have invented it.It is the reading: Simeon, Anna, the two turtledoves, and an old man finally allowed to go.Ambrogio LorenzettiA Sienese painter, brother of Pietro, whose frescoes of good and bad government are the first great secular paintings in Europe.Uffizi Gallery, FlorenceBuilt as Medici offices, hence the name, and turned over to the family's art collection, which was left to the city on condition it never leave.Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:22-40Lk 2:22-40
EpistleHeb. 2:14-18Heb 2:14-18
Old TestamentMal. 3:1-4Mal 3:1-4
PsalterPs. 84Ps 84 orPs. 24:7-10Ps 24:7-10

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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Take it further: Luke 2:22-40

Commentary

Luke 2:22-40Lk 2:22-40 Working Preacher

Walks through the temple scene where Simeon and Anna recognize the infant Jesus as God's salvation and a light to the nations.

Luke 2:22-40Lk 2:22-40 Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed reading of how Luke pairs Simeon and Anna as male and female witnesses to the kingdom.

Luke 2 verse by verseLk 2 verse by verse Precept Austin

Verse-by-verse commentary with Greek word studies and cross references for the whole presentation narrative.

Classic commentaries on Luke 2Classic commentaries on Lk 2 BibleHub

Parallel classic commentaries (Ellicott, Pulpit, Barnes) verse by verse from Luke 2:22.

Luke 2:22-40Lk 2:22-40 Enduring Word · David Guzik

An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.

The Presentation of the Lord, Cycle B Loyola Press · Sunday Connection

A Catholic reflection on Luke 2:22-40, centering Simeon and Anna's recognition of Jesus as light for the nations.

The God of Time Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church

An Episcopal sermon dwelling on Simeon and Anna's long waiting as God keeping faith across time.

Background & Word Study

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Luke 2The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Lk 2 Psephizo · Ian Paul

Unpacks the historical and theological detail of Luke's purification and presentation account.

Overview: LukeOverview: Lk BibleProject

An animated overview of Luke's Gospel situating the infancy narratives within Luke's larger story.

The Church Fathers

Luke 2, patristic commentaryLk 2, patristic commentary Catena

A curated catena of patristic comment on Luke 2, on Simeon, Anna, and the presentation.

Sermons & Reflections

The Lost Years Journey with Jesus

An essay reflecting on Simeon's prophecy that a sword would one day pierce Mary's own soul.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

Curated fine-art images, hymn suggestions, and prayers keyed to the Presentation readings.

Study Hub

The Text This Week: Presentation Textweek

The classic hub linking commentaries, sermons, liturgies, and artwork for the Presentation (a few links may be dated).

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