Topical Encyclopedia The term "Presentation" in a biblical context primarily refers to the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, an event described in the Gospel of Luke. This event holds significant theological and liturgical importance within Christianity, particularly in the context of Jesus' early life and the fulfillment of Jewish law.Biblical Account The Presentation of Jesus is detailed in Luke 2:22-24 : "And when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, Joseph and Mary brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: 'Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord'), and to offer the sacrifice specified in the Law of the Lord: 'A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.'" This passage highlights the adherence of Mary and Joseph to the Mosaic Law, specifically referencing Exodus 13:2 and Leviticus 12:8. The act of presenting Jesus at the Temple underscores His identity as the firstborn Son and His consecration to God, fulfilling the requirements of the Law. Theological Significance The Presentation of Jesus is rich in theological meaning. It signifies Jesus' first public appearance and His dedication to God, prefiguring His ultimate sacrifice. The event also emphasizes the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, as Jesus, the Messiah, is presented in accordance with Jewish tradition. The presence of Simeon and Anna during the Presentation further enriches its significance. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon declared in Luke 2:29-32 : "Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel." Anna, a prophetess, also recognized Jesus as the Redeemer and spoke about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38). Their testimonies affirm Jesus' messianic role and His mission to bring salvation to both Jews and Gentiles. Liturgical Observance The Presentation of Jesus is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar as the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd. This feast marks the end of the Christmas cycle and is observed with the blessing of candles, symbolizing Christ as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles." Symbolism and Typology The Presentation is often seen as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus' redemptive work. The offering of turtledoves or pigeons, a provision for those who could not afford a lamb, highlights Jesus' humble beginnings and His identification with the poor and marginalized. This act of presentation prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where He would offer Himself as the Lamb of God for the salvation of humanity. In summary, the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is a pivotal event that encapsulates themes of obedience, fulfillment of the Law, and the revelation of Jesus as the Messiah. It serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, affirming the continuity of God's salvific plan through Jesus Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of presenting, or the state of being presented; a setting forth; an offering; bestowal.2. (n.) exhibition; representation; display; appearance; semblance; show. 3. (n.) That which is presented or given; a present; a gift, as, the picture was a presentation. 4. (n.) The act of offering a clergyman to the bishop or ordinary for institution in a benefice; the right of presenting a clergyman. 5. (n.) The particular position of the child during labor relatively to the passage though which it is to be brought forth; -- specifically designated by the part which first appears at the mouth of the uterus; as, a breech presentation. Greek 4376. prosphora -- an offering ... offering up. From prosphero; presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice -- offering (up). see GREEK prosphero. (prosphora) -- 4 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4376.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4916. mishlowach -- outstretching... Or mishloach {mish-lo'-akh}; also mishlach {mish-lawkh'}; from shalach; a sending out, ie (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also ... /hebrew/4916.htm - 5k 819. ashmah -- wrongdoing, guiltiness Library The Presentation of the Church by Christ to Himself. The Presentation of this Doctrine is Especially Necessary, if it ... The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple On the Presentation of the Blessed virgin, or on the Octave of Her ... The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40 The Presentation of Christ, or Purification of St. Mary Presentation in the Temple. Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant ... The Presentation in the Temple. In his Temple Now Behold Him Hail to the Lord who Comes Thesaurus Presentation (3 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) That which is presented or given; a present; a gift, as, the picture was a presentation. ... Multi-Version Concordance Presentation (3 Occurrences). ... /p/presentation.htm - 8k Presence (527 Occurrences) Presentable (2 Occurrences) King (25505 Occurrences) Monthly (11 Occurrences) Teaching (372 Occurrences) Teacher (103 Occurrences) Teach (172 Occurrences) Predestination Providence (3 Occurrences) Resources Gospel presentations - what is a Gospel presentation? What are different ways to present the Gospel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a mime? Does the Bible say anything about miming? | GotQuestions.org What happened at Mars Hill in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Presentation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Presentation (3 Occurrences)Matthew 12:4 Mark 2:26 Luke 6:4 Subtopics Related Terms Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |