NOTES for Luk 2:21-38

In addition to the other biblical parallels, today the evangelist tells how Jesus, like the ancient prophet Samuel, was brought to the Temple to dedicate the Firstborn to God. But unlike the other firstborn, who were only symbolically "offered in sacrifice" to God and redeemed from Him by sacrificial animals, for example a pair of doves, compare Leviticus 12, Jesus Himself is called "redemption," a term referring to sacrifice. In the Temple Jesus becomes sacrifice, sign, salvation, and fulfillment of the prophecies, containing within Himself all biblical symbols and realities. For the Evangelist Luke, this very moment becomes the sacrifice in which Christ accomplishes the redemption of the people and of the "Gentiles." Having become a participant in this ministry, Simeon fulfilled his purpose in this world and can now depart, showing the readers of the Gospel that their purpose in this life is also to become participants in the redemption and salvation of the world.