What does Luke 2:30 mean?
Here, a man filled with the Holy Spirit holds the infant Jesus, in the temple in Jerusalem. He is praising God for fulfilling promises to send the Messiah. Joseph and Mary have brought Jesus for purification rites. There, they meet Simeon, who was given divine assurance that he would live to see the arrival of the Promised One (Luke 2:22–29).Simeon refers to Jesus here as "[God's] salvation." This echoes prophetic remarks from Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6–7; 52:10). Christ's role on earth, in part, will be to accomplish the sacrifice needed to atone for all human sin (Philippians 2:8; Romans 5:6–8). This offer of redemption will be made available not only to Israel, but to all people of the world (Luke 2:31–32).
Luke 2:22–38 contains several interesting events. The infant Jesus is brought to the temple for purification and dedication, as commanded in Mosaic law. There, a devout man speaks through the Holy Spirit to celebrate the arrival of Messiah. Luke also mentions a prophetess named Anna, who likewise praises God for fulfilling His promises.
The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.
