Join us for Cn Tim Clayton's sermon:
The Presentation:
This Child is Laid Down in the Temple
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Within ourselves and within our society, we desire to find a way to live in a more beautiful way, in the way of Jesus. In Jewish law, 40 days after birth, a first born son was to be taken to the temple to be presented before the priests and dedicated to the Lord.
There are two clues that give us insight into this special moment and day as Simeon is drawn by the Spirit of God to come to the Temple to witness Jesus being presented.
As Simeon speaks to Mary he says, "This child is laid down for the falling and the rising of many in Israel...and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
In an astonishing moment, Simeon sees that the Firstborn of All Creation is going to be laid down for the falling and the rising of many...
Join us as Tim breaks down this powerful story in the early life of Jesus and his parents.
From our scripture today in Luke:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is laid down for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
We pray that you would know the goodness of God, revealed to us in Christ Jesus.
Sunday Mornings
Join us Sunday Mornings at 10 am on Boston's North Shore in Hamilton, MA. We meet in the Kaiser Chapel on the beautiful and scenic campus of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary 21 Billy Graham Way, South Hamilton, MA 01982.
Follow the purple signs for Trinity North Shore along the main road for parking and to the Kaiser Chapel.
Or online on our Services Page.
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May the peace of God be with you today.
