Presentation at the Temple by Giovanni Bellini

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Luke 2:22-40

Luke 2 22

When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord

Luke 2 23

(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”),

Luke 2 24

and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Luke 2 25

Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

Luke 2 26

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Luke 2 27

He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,

Luke 2 28

then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Luke 2 29

“Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;

Luke 2 30

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

Luke 2 31

which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;

Luke 2 32

a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2 33

Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,

Luke 2 34

and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.

Luke 2 35

Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Luke 2 36

There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

Luke 2 37

and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn’t depart from the temple, worshiping with fastings and petitions night and day.

Luke 2 38

Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2 39

When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

Luke 2 40

The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.