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 in order to dedicate the Firstborn to God. But unlike the other firstborn sons, who were only symbolically "offered as a sacrifice" to God and redeemed from Him with sacrificial animals (for example, a pair of doves; compare Leviticus 12), Jesus Himself is called "redemption," a term connected with sacrifice.
In the Temple, Jesus becomes sacrifice, sign, salvation, and the fulfillment of the prophecies, bringing together in Himself all biblical symbols and realities. For the evangelist Luke, this very moment becomes a sacrifice in which Christ accomplishes the redemption of the people and of the "Gentiles."
By taking part in this service, Simeon fulfilled his purpose in this world and can now depart, showing the readers of the Gospel that their goal in this life is also to become participants in the redemption and salvation of the world.