Presentation Of Jesus Christ In The Temple

CONTENT

• PROPHECY OF SIMEON
• PROPHECY OF ANNA
• SIGNIFICANCE
• THE VISIT OF JESUS TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE [LK 2:41-51,MARK 6:1-5]

According to the Bible, Joseph and Mary carried Jesus to the temple for purification and dedication.  There were priests and anointed men of God in the temple during the period.

It was eight days after the Jesus birth, he was circumcised and his name was called Jesus, the name given by the Angel before he was conceived in the womb. Then, the time came for Joseph and Mary to perform the ceremony of purification as the law of Moses prescribed “Every male that opens the womb shall be called Holy to the Lord”.

The law also says that the parents of the first male child should bring the son to the temple and offer a sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Jesus’ parents presented him in the temple in order to fulfill this law.

EVALUATION

1. Why did Jesus’ parents take him to the temple?
2. How old was Jesus Christ when he was circumcised?

PROPHECY Of SIMEON ( Luke2 : 25-35)

A man   in Jerusalem called Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit to come to the temple at that particular time. He was the first to pray for Jesus, When Jesus’ parents brought him to the temple for the presentation ceremony, he was good and righteous. He was highly devoted to God. He was filled with the Holy Spirit.  He was expecting the Messiah to come.  The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. He carried the baby in his arms and declared thus: “Now Lord, you have kept your promise, and now let your servant go in peace. With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel”.

After this, he said to Mary “This child is chosen by God for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken” [LK 2:34] It means for the destruction and salvation of many people in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against and reveal their secret thoughts. And sorrow, like a sharp sword, will break your own heart”. Jesus’ parents were surprised at what Simeon said about the child.

EVALUATION

1. Give account of the prophecy of Simeon at the time of Jesus’ dedication.
   1. Why was Jesus for the rising and falling of many in Israel?

PROPHECY OF ANNA (Luke 2 : 36-40)

There was a very old prophetess named Anna. She was a widow; she lost her husband seven years after marriage, daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in age she was already eighty four (84) years old. She was worshipping God with prayer and fasting. She came to the temple at that moment. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. She told the people in the temple that Jesus was the provision, made for the redemption of Israel.

SIGNIFICANCE

1. The prophecy confirmed Jesus Christ as the expected messiah.
   1. The prophecy revealed Jesus Christ as the son of consolation.

EVALUATION

1. Give account of the role of Simon during the child dedication of Jesus Christ.
   1. State the significance of the prophesy of Simeon and Anna.
   1. What was the role of the Anna at the presentation of Jesus?

THE VISIT OF JESUS TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE [LK 2:41-51 MARK 6:1-5]

At the age of twelve (12), Jesus went with his parents to Jerusalem to attend the feast of Passover as was the custom every year. At the end of the feast, Jesus stayed behind at Jerusalem and discussed the scriptures with the elderly teachers in the temple.

The parents of Jesus were not aware that Jesus was not with them .After they realized this, they returned from their journey to Jerusalem. They had to return to Jerusalem to look for him, they found him in the temple, listening to the elders and also asking them questions, his parents as well as the audience were surprised at the level of his understanding. When his mother asked why he had behaved that way, he replied “Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house”

Also, the people of Nazareth, did not accept him as the saviour, they only knew him as the carpenter’s son, the son of Mary and the brother to James.

The action prompted Jesus to say that a prophet is not without honour except in his own country, among his kin and house.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. Explain briefly the encounter of Jesus with teachers and doctors of the law in the temple.
2. Describe the relationship of Jesus with his parents.
3. How is man a special creation of God?
4. What is dignity? Show how Adam and Eve were dignified by God.

READING ASSIGNMENT

• Ilesanmi Christian Religious Studies for JSS BK 2 by TUNDE ERUMORBA et all
• Christian Religious Knowledge for JSS RK 2 by I.O ADEYEMO
• Christian Religious Education for JSS BK 2 by ADEYINKA et all
• RSV Bible read Matt 2: 13-15; Luke 2: 41-51; Mark 6: 1-5

READING ASSIGNMENT

Read Fundamentals of Christian Religious Studies, Basic Eight by A.E. OSUBELE, pgs 14-15

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Joseph was asked to flee from Bethlehem to____. (a) Egypt (b) Judea (c) Jerusalem (d) Syria
2. After the death of Herod, they returned to _______ (a) Egypt (b) Jerusalem (c) Jericho (d) Nazareth
3. At what age did Jesus accompany his parents  to the temple in Jerusalem (a) 10 (b) 12 (c) 15(d) 17
4. Jesus was not accepted at _____ city (a) Nazareth (b) Bethany (c) Ai (d) Bethany
5. A prophet is not without _____ except in his own country. (a) place (b) honour (c) brother (d) pride

THEORY

1. Describe the reaction of Jesus to the people of Nazareth.
2. “Jesus is the greatest teacher”, explain.