22 And when the days of their purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present to the Lord, 23 as it hath been written in the Law of the Lord,—'Every male opening a womb shall be called holy to the Lord,' 24 and to give a sacrifice, according to that said in the Law of the Lord, 'A pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons.'
25 And lo, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name 'is' Simeon, and this man is righteous and devout, looking for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him, 26 and it hath been divinely told him by the Holy Spirit—not to see death before he may see the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came in the Spirit to the temple, and in the parents bringing in the child Jesus, for their doing according to the custom of the law regarding him, 28 then he took him in his arms, and blessed God, and he said, 29 'Now Thou dost send away Thy servant, Lord, according to Thy word, in peace, 30 because mine eyes did see Thy salvation, 31 which Thou didst prepare before the face of all the peoples, 32 a light to the uncovering of nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel.' 33 And Joseph and his mother were wondering at the things spoken concerning him, 34 and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, 'Lo, this 'one' is set for the falling and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign spoken against— 35 (and also thine own soul shall a sword pass through)—that the reasonings of many hearts may be revealed.'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 2:22-35
Commentary on Luke 2:21-24
(Read Luke 2:21-24)
Our Lord Jesus was not born in sin, and did not need that mortification of a corrupt nature, or that renewal unto holiness, which were signified by circumcision. This ordinance was, in his case, a pledge of his future perfect obedience to the whole law, in the midst of sufferings and temptations, even unto death for us. At the end of forty days, Mary went up to the temple to offer the appointed sacrifices for her purification. Joseph also presented the holy child Jesus, because, as a first-born son, he was to be presented to the Lord, and redeemed according to the law. Let us present our children to the Lord who gave them to us, beseeching him to redeem them from sin and death, and make them holy to himself.
Commentary on Luke 2:25-35
(Read Luke 2:25-35)
The same Spirit that provided for the support of Simeon's hope, provided for his joy. Those who would see Christ must go to his temple. Here is a confession of his faith, that this Child in his arms was the Saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of God's appointing. He bids farewell to this world. How poor does this world look to one that has Christ in his arms, and salvation in his view! See here, how comfortable is the death of a good man; he departs in peace with God, peace with his own conscience, in peace with death. Those that have welcomed Christ, may welcome death. Joseph and Mary marvelled at the things which were spoken of this Child. Simeon shows them likewise, what reason they had to rejoice with trembling. And Jesus, his doctrine, and people, are still spoken against; his truth and holiness are still denied and blasphemed; his preached word is still the touchstone of men's characters. The secret good affections in the minds of some, will be revealed by their embracing Christ; the secret corruptions of others will be revealed by their enmity to Christ. Men will be judged by the thoughts of their hearts concerning Christ. He shall be a suffering Jesus; his mother shall suffer with him, because of the nearness of her relation and affection.