Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“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.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, December 27, 2020
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Luke’s gospel reminds us that Jesus was first a Jew, and also the fulfillment of God’s promises.
It can be easy to forget that before Jesus was the Christ of Christianity, Jesus was Jewish. His parents followed the rites and rituals of Judaism, bringing him to the temple to be circumcised on his eighth day after birth, and offering sacrifices in the temple on his behalf.
The primary way God spoke to God’s people was through visions, dreams, and the guiding of the Spirit. Anna and Simeon were both righteous and devout Jews who were watching for the signs that God’s promises were to be fulfilled. Both were given signs, and both recognized Jesus as the one God promised to send—the one who would redeem Israel. Of course, neither had any idea just how grand God’s redemption through Jesus would be. They believed Jesus could save them from oppression by Roman rule. They could not have even imagined Jesus would save them from sin and death!
Consider the characteristics of Luke’s gospel as you interpret the stories through Luke’s lens. Luke was likely a well-educated author writing for a multi-cultural and inclusive audience. He regularly paired stories of men with stories of women (as here with Simeon and Anna). He often pointed readers back to the Jewish scriptures to make the point that Jesus was sent to fulfill the promises of the scriptures. He also refused to let people off the hook when it came to matters of justice and peace. (For a good, quick read on Luke’s gospel, check out Matthew Skinner’s Preaching Luke in 2019.)
Luke’s story of Anna and Simeon checks all the boxes, introducing us to the Jewish life of Jesus and his wide appeal to both genders and multiple cultures (2:32). This might be a great opportunity to introduce your congregation (perhaps again) to Luke’s gospel and the challenge of working toward justice and waiting patiently as the fulfillment of God’s promises happen “now and not yet.”
God, send your promises to me this week. Guide me. Amen.
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