Grasping the Value of Christ
In the Gospel according to Luke, one of the biggest themes that keeps popping up is the idea of joy. We've seen it with John the Baptist even before he was born, in the presence of in utero Jesus Christ. There was incredible joy at the very presence of Jesus. We've seen consistent joy in Elizabeth and Mary, and in the shepherds. This intense joy surrounds Jesus Christ, and he hasn't even done anything yet. There was ecstatic joy over even just the idea of Jesus Christ before he accomplished the Gospel.
Much of what we're looking at in Luke is Luke writing to Theophilus, probably a Roman official, a Gentile, to give an account of Jesus' birth. But it's also instructive, helping Theophilus understand his place in the body of Christ as a Gentile among Jewish believers. The presence of joy reassures that he's on the right track, perhaps as a new believer.
This relates to the joy of Jesus' presence in a person's life, even before the full idea of atonement. These people hadn't seen what Jesus would do, yet the idea of their sins being forgiven, of Jesus on the scene, was good news. This excitement confirms the Gospel for Theophilus—and for us today.
The idea drawn out is absolute ecstatic joy over Jesus in relation to what he would accomplish and who he is. This enables recognition that we're on the right track, understanding the significance of Christ in our lives and what he has accomplished.
If we ask what ideas from Luke help us understand the significance and realness of Jesus, joy—specifically joy over Christ—is key. Christ is exceedingly excellent to us. The purpose tonight is for us to grasp the value of Christ by the examples given, seeing him as exceedingly excellent in our lives. This might expose problems: if we don't see Christ as exceedingly excellent, something else is.
The Value of Christ for His Parents
The context starts with a sort of baby dedication for Jesus, in accordance with the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph are devout Jews observing three customs: Mary's purification after birth, presenting the firstborn male as holy to the Lord, and offering sacrifices.
After birth, a woman was ritually unclean, so Mary needed purification after about a month. The firstborn was to be dedicated, and sacrifices offered—turtle doves or young pigeons because they couldn't afford a lamb, showing their modest means.
Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.
Verse 22 says "their purification," likely referring to Mary and Joseph. Purification in the Old Testament also means dedication to the Lord—like a parents' dedication to raise the child in the faith.
What's significant? They're bringing their high priest and sacrifice into the temple—the Lamb of God. They don't need a lamb because they have Jesus. All this is for their ultimate purification, as their son would cleanse them of sin. The law of Moses points to Jesus; it shows our need for him.
They brought Jesus for their own purification. There's ambiguity: custom of the law, but also because of what he would accomplish.
The Value of Christ for a Prophet
There was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, with the Holy Spirit upon him. It was revealed he would not see death before seeing the Lord's Christ.
Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Simeon had waited his whole life for this, promised by God. Imagine decades passing, wondering if God's word was true. Yet he didn't waver. He sees infant Jesus—no miracles, no teaching—and is ready to die in peace. His life marched toward this glimpse of Jesus.
His entire goal was seeing Jesus and then departing. He blesses God, affirming God's word. His eyes saw salvation—a light to Gentiles, glory to Israel.
Simeon gives prophecy to Mary: this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, a sign opposed, a sword piercing her soul, revealing thoughts of many hearts.
Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.
Jesus is for salvation and judgment, exposing sin—like the word of God piercing the soul. Mary needed her Savior; there's no immaculate conception.
Simeon's life: incessant desire to see Jesus and salvation. Salvation centered in Jesus was life's climax, moving him to worship.
The Value of Christ for a Prophetess
There was Anna, a prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, advanced in years. She lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, then a widow until 84. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Anna, from the northern tribe of Asher—proof the tribes weren't wiped out. At 84 in the first century, super old. Her life revolutionized by Jesus: incessant worship, fasting, prayer. She stops only to give thanks and preach to those waiting for redemption.
Like the early church, devoted day by day. Lifelong anticipation erupts in joy at Jesus' presence. Even unborn John had more joy than we might, with full revelation.
She's a widow, yet not gripped by grief or age. Her devotion to waiting for the Messiah motivated her. Righteousness here is worship of God; devotion is its consistency, with ecstatic joy centered on Jesus.
Any religiosity without Christ lacks joy—that's why many youth walk away. The fix is centering on the joy of Jesus, not elsewhere.
These people barely knew Jesus, yet had immense joy. Imagine growing in knowledge of him. It's not obligation, but daily opportunity to be overwhelmed by Christ's joy—the privilege and power of it.
Danger: life-changing focus on Jesus makes other things pale in comparison. A life summarized by joy in Jesus and incessant devotion is blissful. Let's start doing it.
