Luke 2:21-39: Harold, Harold and Jesus

Presented to Swift Current Corps on October 26, 2014 and December 27, 2009 by Captain Michael Ramsay

To read the 2009 version click here: http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.ca/2009/12/luke-2-21-39-harold-harold-and-jesus.html

  

 Those of you who know Rebecca know that she loves reading. She always has. One day when she was in elementary school, she shared with us a short chapter book called something like ‘Harold and Harold’; it is a Canadian book. I believe that it is set on the east coast. There is a family. The father is a fisherman. They live by an area of the ocean that can be particularly treacherous for boats in a storm near a place called Ledgy Island. One day – as I understand the story– a young boy named Harold and his pet parrot, who is also named Harold, get up early. The boy Harold goes to play in the attic and the parrot Harold flies to the dangerous Ledgy Island. As the other members of the family wake up and get going for the day a family member calls out, “where’s Harold?” and the voice from the attic replies, “on Ledgy Island” – the parents start to panic. There is a storm brewing and Ledgy Island is a very dangerous place in the storm so they call out the search parties to look for him on and off the island; they call all their relatives; they call the RCMP; they call the coast guard; they call everyone they can think of to help find Harold the boy whom they fear must be lost in the storm. Now of course, it is Harold the bird who left for the island but he arrived there without incident: he is fine. The community is searching high and low for Harold the boy however, who never did leave the safety of his own home. At some point during the day, Harold the boy, who is playing in the attic hears all the noise as the searchers are gathering below and decides to come down and check it out – it sounds like a party – he walks into the midst of everyone and no one notices him. He sees people watching TV with his face on the TV; he sees the RCMP running around the living room. He sees people everywhere and he sees neighbours bringing over food and Harold figures this definitely must be a party. Harold then notices that everyone looking and sounding sad at this party. Nobody is having fun at this party. Some people are crying; nobody looks happy so he pipes up in the middle of this crowd of people who are looking for him and says, “Some party this is!” It is only then that they look up, take a break from what they are doing that see what is right in front of their eyes. It is only then that they notice Harold is actually standing in their midst – He was never really lost.

This is not unlike the world and 1^st century Israel and Judea with the Advent of Jesus. The Israelites / Judeans, the priests and the Pharisees were actively looking for their Messiah (Cf. Matthew 11:1-11 and Luke 23); they were actively looking for the Christ who would deliver them from the evils of oppression (Cf. Psalms of Solomon 17-18 and Genesis 49:10; Psalm 22; Isaiah 6:9-10; 7:14; 9:5-7; 40:2-5; 53:1-12; 61:1-3; Micah 5:2; Hosea 11:1; etc.).[1] Palestine had been militarily occupied by a number of different foreign powers for much, much, much longer than Israel and Judah were ever united as an independent Kingdom. Israel and especially Judea were constantly looking for the leader who would deliver the people from this occupation (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Amos, etc.; see also Leviticus 26:14-46).

A few years previous to this story, Judea under the Maccabees actually did successfully rebel against their previous occupiers (140-37 BCE) gaining temporary independence from the Selucid Greeks (cf. Ezra 6:3-4; 1 Esdras 6:24-25; Ant. 11.4.6; 99; Apion 1.22,198-99; cf. also 1 Maccabees 4.36-51 and Antiquities 12.317-18) only to lose it quickly enough this time to the Romans. And after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, some Judeans will then launch a serious revolt against these Roman occupiers who, being the world’s foremost superpower, put it down in the violent ways that superpowers frequently do (70 AD).

Even at the time when Jesus and his disciples were ministering in Palestine, people were actively looking for someone, anyone who would be their deliverer, their Messiah. There were failed revolts. People even asked John the Baptist if he was this deliverer, this Messiah (Mathew 11:1-11).[2]

Now I don’t know if you remember this about the Judeans of the time: There were four primary denominations or religious classifications among the Judeans. (Five, if you include the political Herodians; see Matthew 22:5-22; Mark 3:6; 8:15; 12:13-17). There were the Pharisees who were evangelistic and believed in the resurrection (see Philippians 3:4-6, re: Paul and John 3, re: Nicodemus);[3] there were the Sadducees who did not (see Luke 20:27-40; Acts 4:1-2, 5:17-18, 23:6-10); there were the Essenes; and there were the Zealots, AKA the Sicarii or the fourth philosophy (cf. Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 18.23ff. See also Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:8; Luke 6:15; John 18:14; Acts 1:3). This last group advocated a violent overthrow of Rome.[4] Members of this group - the Sicarii - would walk around crowded marketplaces in the occupied territory looking for their mark much like what happened in Ottawa this week or even more like suicide bombers in occupied near and middle eastern countries today. They would look for a soldier to kill; they would pull out a concealed dagger, kill their target and try to escape into the crowds.[5] Israel was occupied. Israel was looking for its deliverer.

Now while Israel is looking so intently for this deliverer, known as Messiah; this deliver, the Messiah actually arrives in the midst of all this activity – and much like Harold’s searchers – many people don’t even realise he is there (cf. Isaiah 1:3).[6] They are too busy focussing on the problems of their day and chasing their own version of Harold the parrot to notice and herald the King who is arriving in their midst.

In our own world today this happens a lot. There is no excuse for not recognizing our saviour, however. Paul says in Romans 1:20-22:

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

    For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

 When Paul was speaking (or writing) these words he was speaking to a people who did not necessarily know about Christ in the same way that our culture does today.[7] And Paul says that even they are without excuse; so how much more are we without excuse when we do not see Christ standing in the midst of the chaos going on in our world? There are wars. There are rumours of wars. There are more wars than ever before in our world with all the death and destruction that come with them. If I recall correctly, in the decade of the 1990s after the Berlin Wall fell there were more wars than in the entire 20^th century prior. The scriptures tell us that there will be wars and there will be rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7). In the Scriptures, in the Pentateuch, in Genesis it records how even the Canaanites who brought destruction upon themselves through their wickedness were graciously saved for an extra 400 years (during which time they presumably had the opportunity to repent) before they finally received the due penalty for their wickedness. God extended them 400 years of patience and grace before destroying them because they had not reached the full extent of their wickedness (Genesis 15:16).[8]

The English speaking empire which is now controlled firmly by Washington really started to come into its own 400 years ago and we don’t have to look too far to see how we seem to be ignoring Christ in our midst; foolishly turning to pride, wealth, and violence instead as ways to seek our own salvation. How much more patience will God have with us? When will we finally have reached the full extent of our wickedness (Cf. Genesis 15:16)? When will He return from the attic to our living room here and tell us to stop it? Societally, when will we stop chasing parrots of Christ and just notice that he is right here in our attic waiting for just the right time to return to the living rooms of our lives? Individually have you and I, have we stopped and looked and noticed that Jesus is standing in our midst  - or are we just bemoaning the state of the world like the searchers in the story of ‘Harold and Harold’ weeping at the tragedies on the TV.

This is what the world was like when Simeon and Anna stopped, looked up and noticed that the Messiah had arrived (Luke 2:25-38). This is interesting because Jesus didn’t exactly sneak into the world. There were angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 1:18-25) and stars and Magi (Matthew 2:1-13) but possibly even before the Magi we have this scene in our text today, Mary and Joseph bring their son to be presented at the Temple (Luke 2:22).

Now the temple is in Jerusalem and we remember that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7; Matthew 2:5,6). Jerusalem was roughly 8 km west of Bethlehem. It wasn’t that far. Nazareth – where they lived - on the other hand was up to 140 km and up to a week’s walk away.[9] Mary and Joseph stay in the Bethlehem/Jerusalem area for the forty days until they are purified as per Jewish custom; (Leviticus 12:1-5; cf. re circumcision Genesis 17:12)[10]; they then go down to present Jesus to the temple, to dedicate Jesus and pay their fees (see Numbers 18:15, 1 Samuel 1:24-28; see also Exodus 13:2,11-16).[11] It is interesting too that there is a discount rate for those who can’t afford the full purification price (Leviticus 12:6-8)[12] – Mary and Joseph pay the discounted rate.[13] They must have just been one couple of many in the outer courtyard of the temple that day with their child when by the power of the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna both notice that the Messiah who is standing in their midst.[14] Luke 2:25-33:

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,

      you now dismiss your servant in peace.

 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

    which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

 a light for revelation to the Gentiles

      and for glory to your people Israel."

 The child's father and mother marvelled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

Simeon, who is righteous and devout, is waiting for the Saviour of his people and the Holy Spirit reveals to him that he has arrived (Luke 2:26). God brings Simeon into the outer courts of temple[15] and reveals to him Jesus among all the other people, young and old who are there that day (Luke 2:27). And the Holy Spirit reveals to Simeon as well that this saviour who is before him will be for the glory of Israel but he will in no way be limited to that (Luke 2:31-32; see Isaiah 42:12, 49:13, 57:18, 60:1-3, 61:2, Zechariah 8:20-23).[16] He will be a light unto the Gentiles (Luke 2:32; Acts: 13:47; Isaiah 49:6; cf. Matthew 4:16; Luke 17:24; John 1:4-9, 3:19-21, 5:35, 8:12, 9:5, 11:9-10, 12:36, 12:46; Acts 26:23; Romans 2:18; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Ephesians 4-5; Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:5; 1 Timothy 6:16…). Jesus is saviour of the whole world (Luke 2:30-32). In the midst of the busyness of the Temple, in the courtyard, in all that is going on Simeon listens to God, the Holy Spirit and notices the Messiah of his salvation who is right in front of him.

Anna too, Luke 1:36-38:

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna spends day and night at the Temple worshipping God (Luke 1:37). She sees Simeon with the child and recognizes what the Lord is doing. She sees in her midst the Christ child and immediately she thanks God and she shares the good news of our salvation with everyone she sees (looking for the redemption of Israel; Luke 1:38).

Today, we are called to be like Simeon and like Anna. God has revealed to us through His Holy Spirit, Christ our Lord. All we need to do is look up and see that Christ is here standing in our midst and then as we see him we must, just like Anna, go forth and proclaim his salvation to all who will hear us. It is my prayer today that we will all look up, like the party around Harold, like Simeon, and like Anna. It is my prayer that today we will all look up and recognize that our Salvation is at hand. Jesus truly is standing in our midst.

Let us pray.

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[1] Cf. Ralph P. Martin, ‘Messiah’  in Holman Bible Dictionary, Editor, Trent C. Butler, (Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville, Tenn., 1991), pp. 592-597.
[2] Cf. Captain Michael Ramsay, ‘Are You The One To Come Or Should We Expect Someone Else? (Matthew 11:1-11)’ presented to Nipawin and Tisdale Corps on December 16, 2007. Available on-line at http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2007/12/are-you-one-to-come-or-should-we-expect.html and 'Luke 23: Who do you say He is?' Presented to the Community Good Friday Service in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Available on-line at http://sheepspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/04/luke-23-who-do-you-say-he-is.html
[3] Paul, Timothy and Nicodemus were all Pharisees. For a good argument about Timothy as a Pharisee see Fred B. Craddock, Luke (Interpretation: a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: John Knox Press: Louisville, Ken., 1990), 37.
[4] Cf. The Radical Reformation, ‘Four Types of Judaism at the Time of Jesus’. Available on-line at: http://www.theradicalreformation.com/media/audio/worldview%20class/lecture%2010%20--%20five%20types%20of%20judaism%20at%20the%20time%20of%20Jesus.pdf
[5] Cf. Clayton Harrop, ‘Jewish Parties in the New Testament’ in Holman Bible Dictionary, Editor, Trent C. Butler, (Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville, Tenn., 1991), pp. 791-794.
[6] Cf. R. Alan Culpepper, Luke (NIB 8: Nashville, Tenn.: Abingdon, 1995), 63.
[7] Cf. James D.G. Dunn, Romans 1-8 (WBC 38A: Word Books: Dallas, Texas, 1988), xiv.
[8] Cf. Captain Michael Ramsay, ‘When God is Bound: a look at Genesis 15:7-21’ in the Journal of Aggressive Christianity’, Issue 52. (December 2007-January 2008), pp. 5-9.
[9] Cf. Walter L. Leifeld, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Pradis CD-ROM:Luke/Exposition of Luke/II. Birth and Childhood Narratives (1:5-2:52)/C. Jesus' Early Years (2:21-52)/1. Presentation of Jesus in the temple (2:21-40), Book Version: 4.0.2
[10] Cf. R.C.H. Lenski, Interpretation of St. Luke’s Gospel (Augsburg Publishing house: Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1946), 141.
[11] Cf. R. Alan Culpepper, Luke (NIB 8: Nashville, Tenn.: Abingdon, 1995), 63: the purification rite did not need to be performed at the temple. Cf. Fred B. Craddock, 38. Luke combines the two separate regulations: the purification of the mother and dedication of the firstborn son. There is no mention here of Mary and Joseph redeeming their son but cf. Nehemiah 10:35-36. This is reminiscent of Samuel (cf. 1 Sam 1:24-28, 2:20-22). Cf. R.C.H. Lenski, pp. 142-143 re: the dedication rite and its roots in the Exodus
[12] Cf. William Hendricksen, Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke (NTC: Baker Academic: Grand Rapids Michigan, 2007), 164 and Hendricksen, Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew (NTC: Baker Academic: Grand Rapids Michigan, 2007),301 Footnote 290.
[13] Walter L. Leifeld, The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Pradis CD-ROM:Luke/Exposition of Luke/II. Birth and Childhood Narratives (1:5-2:52)/C. Jesus' Early Years (2:21-52)/1. Presentation of Jesus in the temple (2:21-40), Book Version: 4.0.2: Luke, conflating the performance of these OT obligations into this single narrative, shows how Jesus was reared in conformity with them. His parents obeyed the Lord (1:31) in naming him. The offering of birds instead of a lamb shows that he was born into a poor family. Perhaps this helped him identify with the poor of the land (cf. 6:20).
[14] Cf. R.C.H. Lenski, 147.
[15] Cf. Fred B. Craddock, 39, where he argues that this scene must have taken place in the outer courts because women were not allowed in the inner courts.
[16] Cf. Walter L. Leifeld, The Expositor's Bible Commentary Pradis CD-ROM:Luke/Notes to Luke/Luke 2 Notes/Luke Note 2:25, Book Version: 4.0.2. Note on 25: The "consolation [paravklhsi", paraklesis] of Israel" refers to the time when, according to Isa 40:12, God would end Israel's time of alienation and suffering through the advent of the Messiah