Luke 2:21–38 (NIV)
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. 22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage
Read the Passage
Who is in the passage?
What action verbs do you see?
What other words stick out in your mind
Questions
Why mention Simeon and Anna’s character in this story. How did it influence how God worked in their life? What does that mean for us?
The Holy Spirit has been mentioned a lot in the beginning of Luke. What role does the Holy Spirit play?
What does Simeon words in vs 35 mean for us? For Mary?
Notes
Mary was to be purified after her delivery. And Jesus circumcised (See Lev 12:1- 8) Both are requirements under Jewish Law.
vs 22 To present Him to the Lord - I wonder what they thought might happen? They did what others would also do with their children
Vs 24 Note: because Mary used the doves or pigeons it means they were not well off or they would have used a lamb.
Simeon and Anna represent the faithful ones of the old covenant who understand something else is needed for Israel and the world. All their life looking, fasting and praying for the Christ. Their devotion is honored by seeing him. Can I live with that same devotion?
vs 25 righteous and devout- common theme of who God has used in the birth of Jesus. Think Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary
vs 25-27 Note the work of the Holy Spirit. Luke emphasis on Holy Spirit has been strong throughout the story (1:15, 35, 41, 67) This time He is a revealer and Mover. Imagine Joseph and Mary surprise to have this man and Anna just come up and say what they say. It is another affirmation that God is with them. That they are doing the right thing
Simeon first starts thanking God for his blessing of seeing the Christ. He is content God shown Him what he had so fervently praying for. The prayer has not been selfish- he wanted Israel redeemed and the gentiles also. See Gen 12:2-3. It has always been God’s plan
vs 31 God prepared- Again God is doing the work
vs 33 Cause of Rising and falling- Jesus becomes the means of judgment. (vs 35) Everything based of how we respond to him.
Sign spoken against- usually signs bring people to an agreed on point of view furthering belief (think sign of shepherds and the manger) but Jesus is a sign that causes people to deny Him not accept him. The sign is people will not respond to him in fact they hate him (john 1: 11-12, prophesied in Isa 53:3) This is nothing new Isaiah had the problem of people not listening also (Isa 6:9-10)
The sword- a foreshadowing for Mary of what she will face. seeing her son killed on the cross
vs 36-38 married 7 years now a widow for 84 yrs. She probably around 105yrs old. Never left temple - probably means she was there at sunrise and stayed til sunset. What devotion!!! Fasting and praying for God to bring the Christ- Now he is here. It must be indescribable what she felt!
For us the Christ has come so we don't have to pray for that. So what Do we pray for? What should we focus on? Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matt 6:10 Do I pray for this like Simeon and Anna?
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