Songs of the Incarnation: Christmas Songs You May Not Know Pt. 4 - The Nunc Dimittis

Nunc Dimittis
Luke 2:21-40
 

This is the fourth and final installment in our series on Songs of the Incarnation. We are looking at "Christmas" or more accurately Advent songs from the Gospel of Luke.

21 And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:21-24

There are many amazing ironies that weave their way through the story of Jesus’ birth. For example:

• A tiny infant’s frame contains the expanse of deity.
• Divinity’s lungs first breath is filled with barnyard dust.
• Shabby shepherds stand in for angelic hosts.
• The long-awaited Messiah is laid in a manger instead of a royal crib.

But to me one of the greatest ironies was that Jesus, as a Jew, placed Himself under the law which He had created.

Paul said in Galatians 4:4-5

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law,

Why did He place Himself under bondage to His own law?

5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Jesus redeemed us from the law’s judgment, not by getting rid of the law, but by meeting its demands. He Himself said (Matthew 5:17).

17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.

As we look at the story of His presentation we will see how, even in His infancy He fulfilled every aspect of the law. Thanks to the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph. In fact, the law is mentioned five times in this section of Luke. In addition to fulfilling the law, this section affirms that Jesus is indeed the one true Messiah – the Redeemer.

In verses 21-24 we see that Joseph and Mary bring the baby Jesus to the temple to fulfill three ceremonial rites that the law required of a couple that had just given birth to a son. The three ceremonies or rites are circumcision (v.21), the purification of the mother (v.22 & 24) and the redemption of the First Born (v.23).

 

That leads us to…

THE SONG OF SIMEON – THE NUNC DIMITTIS

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon

Aside from what we learn in these verses we know nothing about this man, Simeon. He was apparently not a priest and did not hold any special office. He was a layman. Because of his readiness and eagerness to die he is usually pictured as a very old man, although, the text makes no mention of his age. Tradition says he was 113 years old, but again that is simply tradition.

What do we know about him? Verses 25-35 reveal four things about him, his piety, promise, praise and prophecy.

I. Notice His Spiritual Piety – v.25

25b and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

There are four statements mentioned in verse 25 that reveal his piety.

First, it says he was “righteous” or just. This means that he behaved well toward others. Second, it says he was “devout” or reverent or cautious. He was careful about his walk with God.

Next, it says he was “looking for the consolation of Israel.” Simeon was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah. The phrase “consolation of Israel” refers to the messianic hope. At the time of Jesus’ birth, things were bad in Israel. They were no longer politically independent. Rather, they were controlled by Rome and the appointed king, the wicked Herod the Great. The nation was at a low-ebb spiritually there had been no prophetic voice for 400 years. The Scribes and Pharisees had turned the law into a legalistic yoke of bondage. The Sadducees had become more and more worldly minded. However, in the midst of this darkness, degradation and despair there were men and women who were hopeful, looking forward to and earnestly expecting the consolation of Israel.

And why not? A simple study of the many messianic prophecies in Isaiah revealed such blessings as comfort, peace and joy at his coming!

Cf. Isaiah 7:14, 9:1-7, 11:1-10, 40:1-11, 49:8-13, 51:1-16, 52:13-55:13, 60:1-3, 61, 66:13. 

There was much to look forward to.

The righteous and devout had an eye on the hope of God’s redemption. The word “consolation” refers to comfort and solace. Simeon longed for the deliverance of Israel and the comfort, peace and joy that was expected with the coming of the Messiah.

Finally, verse 25 says that Simeon had the Holy Spirit upon. Isn’t appropriate that the Spirit who is the Consoler was upon the one who was awaiting the consolation? Simeon was endowed with a very rare and special blessing. In the Old Testament the Spirit often came on people for temporary, special events, but a continuous presence was very rare. The phrase “was upon him” indicates an abiding presence.

II. Notice His Special Promise – v.26-27

26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.

The same Spirit that rested on Simeon revealed to him that the “Lord’s Christ” would come and he would see him before he died.

The means of his revelation are not specified here, it could have been something auditory, a vision, a dream, or a simple inward compulsion. We don’t know for sure, verse 27 tells us that on this special day Simeon was led by the Spirit into the Temple courts. Again we see God’s providential, perfect timing as Joseph and Mary come into the Temple area at the very same moment.

III. Notice His Song of Praise – v. 28-33

28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Upon seeing the couple with the child Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and let out a great song of praise.

“Blessed God” is the same wording used of Zechariah in the Benedictus (Luke 1:68). However, this song of praise is called the “Nunc Dimittis” based on the first two words of the Latin translation of verse 29 

“now dismiss” KJV…or “Now Lord, You are releasing” NASB.

The Nunc Dimittis is the last of the four Christmas songs in the infancy narratives found in Luke 1-2.

There is the song of Mary – the Magnificat – Luke 1:46-56

There is the song of Zechariah – the Benedictus – Luke 1:68-79

There is the song of the Angels – Luke 2:13-14

There is the Song of Simeon – the Nunc Dimittis here in this passage.

The word “now” here, is not simply a transition word, but it is an adverb of time. In other words, “Now, since I have seen the Messiah I am ready to die and be released in peace.” This was the time for which he had been waiting.

There are three aspects to this song I want you to see.

First, it is a worship song – v.28-29

28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 

29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,

According to Your word;

 

When the Holy Spirit made it clear to Simeon that this was THE child – THE Messiah – Simeon blessed God. He praised Him for keeping His word – His promises…i.e. “according to Your word.”

 

Notice also the terms that Simeon uses. “Lord” here is the Greek word “despota” from which we get our English word “despot.” It is a strong word that emphasis that God is sovereign Lord. In contrast, Simeon refers to himself as a “bond-servant” literally, bond-slave. Simeon is humbly acknowledging his servant/master relationship with God. In the midst of this strong language Simeon is speaking a word of adoration.

 

Second, it is a salvation song – v.30

 

30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation

 

Here Simeon is speaking a word of acknowledgement. When Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms he saw salvation…deliverance for His people and the world. To see Jesus is to see God’s salvation – they are inseparable. This verse is likely an allusion to Isaiah 40:5 which says that “all flesh shall see God’s salvation.”

 

Third, it is a missionary song – v.31-32

 

31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

 

The phrase “all peoples” reminds us of what the angels said in Luke 2:10. The words of Simeon would be considered unusual – we have a devout Jew – standing in the midst of the temple court – speaking of how God has prepared His salvation for all people!

32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Light is a metaphor for salvation. For the gentiles salvation is a light that reveals true knowledge of God. 

This is especially appropriate because of the deep darkness for which the gentiles found themselves (cf. Luke 1:78-79). Isaiah the prophet wrote:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth

And deep darkness the peoples;

But the Lord will rise upon you

And His glory will appear upon you.

3 “Nations will come to your light,

And kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3

Later in His ministry, Jesus said that He was the “Light of the world”…Jesus was indeed a light of revelation to the gentiles.

Not only was this baby going to be the light of revelation to the gentiles, but he was also going to be the glory of Israel. It is with Israel that we associate the Shekinah glory. God had blessed Israel above all nations. He bestowed on it unprecedented honor by choosing it to for the purpose of spreading the redemption of mankind and by bringing the Messiah into the world.

Think of the irony of the moment, Simeon was led by the Spirit to praise the Father while cradling the Son! As Simeon held up this tiny baby Jesus he was flashing a beacon of salvation, not only for Israel, but for the whole world.

33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

Put yourself in Joseph and Mary’s position for a moment. A stranger has greeted them in the temple courtyard and recognized their child as the Messiah. Not only that, but he announced that their child would bring salvation to the gentiles as well as the Jews. You would be amazed…and they were too!

Not only was Simeon a man of spiritual piety, a special promise and a song of praise, but he was also a man with a specific prophecy.

IV. Notice His Specific Prophecy – v. 34-35

After blessing Mary and Joseph, Simeon says three things specifically to Mary. He says that her child will be stone, a sign and a sword.

He tells Mary her child will be a stone – v.34a

34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel

Simeon’s words are an allusion to Isaiah 8:14-15 and Isaiah 28:16.

 

14 “Then He shall become a sanctuary;

But to both the houses of Israel, a stone to strike and a rock to stumble over,

And a snare and a trap for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

15 “Many will stumble over them,

Then they will fall and be broken;

They will even be snared and caught.” Isaiah 8:14-15

 

16 Therefore thus says the Lord God,

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone,

A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed.

He who believes in it will not be disturbed. Isaiah 28:16

 

These passages would later be used in the New Testament to explain the rejection of Jesus – the despised cornerstone (cf. Luke 20:17; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Jesus as the rejected Messiah will cause many in Israel to spurn him (or fall) and yet some will accept him (or rise). A person’s attitude toward Jesus would be absolutely decisive in his or her eternal destiny.

He tells Mary her child would be a sign – v. 34b-35b

“and for a sign to be opposed…”

As a sign this child will point to the action of God. This means that He will point away from Himself to the Father, whose image He would reflect and whose works He would perform. In claiming this relationship to the Father He would be opposed (cf. Luke 4; John 6 & 8). He was a sign from God that would be rejected by Israel.

The first part of verse 35 is a parenthesis that will we come back to, however, the last part of the verse says, “to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” In other words, by means of their attitude toward the sign, the Stone (Jesus) would be constantly revealing their innermost thoughts and deliberations of their hearts. These thoughts would reveal whether they are for Him or against Him.

You see, neutrality with Jesus is impossible. What think you of Christ is still the most important question for anyone to answer. Jesus is God’s litmus test for where you are spiritually and eternally.

He tells Mary her child will be a sword – v.35a

35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul

The sword here was for Mary alone. It spoke of the suffering and sorrow she would bear as the mother of the Messiah. We know from John’s Gospel that she was there at the foot of the cross, watching as her son, whom she once held in her arms as a tiny baby was being brutally put to death (John 19:25-27). One can only imagine the pain and sorrow she must have experienced. She was indeed “pierced” by the death of her son.

About this moment Chuck Swindoll wrote:

“This prophecy must have sent shivers through Mary, who with motherly instinct, surely yearned to gather up her little One and shelter Him from whatever evils might come. ‘A sign to be opposed’ – what could this mean? She had only seen the sun rising on Jesus’ future, but now a terrible cloud loomed ahead. Some would receive Him and enter God’s favor, yet many would reject Him and fall. And along with that rejection would come opposition and conflict. Through the strife, heartache like a frightful sword would plunge into her soul. From our vantage point, we see her most agonizing moment with stark clarity. One day, she will stand below a blood-stained cross, watching in horror as life spills out of her precious Son.”

For now however, these things were just shadows cast against the joy of the moment. As Simeon returned the child to back to her, holding this little One in her arms brought a smile to Mary’s face…just then, an elderly woman beaming with delight approached the young family.

36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

This elderly woman was named Anna which is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew Hannah, which means “grace.” Like Simeon, what we know about her is mentioned only here in this passage. She was from the tribe of Asher, the daughter Phanuel (which means “Face of God”). She was advanced in years (literally – very old). She had been married once for seven years, but after her husband died, she remained a widow. All of her spare time was spent at the Temple where she served God by fasting and praying. Like Simeon, she was devout!

Verse 38 begins “at that very moment.” The question arises, at what moment? At the very moment Simeon is pronouncing his song, the Nunc Dimittis and his prophetic oracle, this woman Anna joined in with Simeon and picked up as soon as he finished. “She came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

“Redemption of Jerusalem” is a synonym for the “consolation of Israel” referenced by Luke earlier. This devout woman blessed Joseph and Mary by her words.

So what does this song of the incarnation say to us today?

First, it tells us we should approach the Messiah with adoration.

Simeon took the babe into his arms, and blessed God. He blessed God for being faithful to His word. He blessed God for the rest and peace that was his because of the promises of God. The carols that we sing this Christmas season are opportunities to bless God for His work of redemption (think about the lyrics). 

The lights we see on the trees are reminders that THE Light of the World has come to shine His love in the midst of darkness. The gifts that we exchange should point us to praise Him for THE gift of God that He sent into the world.

Second, it tells us that we should approach the Messiah by acknowledging what He has brought to us. 

Salvation – deliverance. Simeon said: “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” My friends, salvation is here, now. It is available to you now. At this very moment.

Paul wrote to Titus:

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men…Titus 2:11

The phrase “has appeared” is the Greek word (epiphaino). It means to become visible, to become clearly known, to shine upon – We get our English word epiphany from it. An epiphany is a revelatory manifestation of a divine being. What appeared or rather who appeared? JESUS CHRIST!

John 1:1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14-16

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 John bore witness of Him, and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

At the first coming the world at that time was sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, but the grace of God suddenly dawned, Jesus Christ was born. God’s manifestation of His grace began with the incarnation. The grace of God was revealed and personified in Jesus Christ.

Third, it tells us that we should approach the Messiah by announcing to all people what has happened.

One of the reasons I have been sharing these posts is that I don’t want anyone to miss what this Christmas season is really all about. It is not ultimately about the gifts, the trees, the decorations, the shopping or even Santa Claus. It is about the incarnation, God’s son becoming flesh and dwelling among us. It is about the offer of redemption for His people, Jew and gentile alike.

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns

Let men their songs employ

While fields and floods

Rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat the sound in joy

No more let sin and sorrow grow

Nor thorns infest the ground

He comes to make

His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found

Far as the curse is found

Far as, far as the curse is found

He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of his love

And wonders of his love

And wonders and wonders of his love

 

I pray that we all learn this one last lesson from Simeon. And that lesson is this. You cannot stand at a distance with the Messiah. Simeon reached out and took Him in his arms. We cannot experience salvation or the love of Christ at arms-length. Neutrality with Jesus is impossible. So is indifference. This Christmas don’t keep Jesus at arms-length. This Christmas season, don’t miss the reason that He came.