2:36-38
Another prophet is now involved. Note that this prophet is a woman. Women can be prophets of God. She had also had a hard life in many ways. She had been married for only a few years and had then been widowed. Now she was eighty four. Rather than marrying again she had devoted herself to God. Now this does not mean that a widow must remain single (see 1 Timothy 5), but there is great value in choosing to deny oneself and instead devote oneself to serving the Lord. This devotion involved fasting, worshipping and praying. This time, rather frustratingly, we are not told what she said about Jesus. Her words were directed not just to Mary and Joseph, but to others in the temple who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Since her words are not mentioned one can guess that the content was much the same as had been said in the previous songs and prophecies.
2:39,40
There is yet further emphasis on Mary and Joseph having fulfilled the Law. Why does Luke place such an emphasis on this? It is because most of the early opposition to the gospel came from the Jewish leaders, Luke wants to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, not a rebellion against it, and to counter accusations made against the gospel and the church by Jewish leaders.
They returned to Nazareth and Jesus grew up in the way that all children grow up. Naturally, He did this in obedience to God, and the favour of God was upon Him. In Jesus we see what humanity is meant to be like, and can be like if live in faith and obedience to God.
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