Christmas Sunday School Lessons 2018

It’s Christmas time again. It’s that time when we tell the story of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This year in our Sunday School classes, we will take a closer look at some of the familiar characters and their faith journey as it shapes the Nativity story. Through their stories, I believe we can see our stories; stories of faith and doubt, being chosen by God for a great task, and having our own plans changed before our very eyes to fulfill God’s plans. In these lessons we are reminded to be patient and to trust God with His promises and rejoice and not doubt when His promises come to pass. We also are reminded of God’s grace and mercy when He revealed Himself to us and we first beheld the Savior. And so, I invite you to study with us as we look at Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, Simeon and Anna. I pray you allow their stories to shape your walk of faith and trust in God this Christmas. And as always, “Have a very merry safe and blessed Christmas.”

Lessons:

1. Dec. 2 Zechariah: “Faith Doubt, and Answered Prayer” Luke 1:11-20

2. Dec. 9 Mary: “Chosen for a Great Task” Luke 1:26-28

3. Dec. 16 Joseph: “Altering Your Plans to Fulfil God’s Will”

Matthew 1:18-25

4. Dec 23 The Shepherds: “The First Invited Guest to See the Messiah” Luke 2: 8-18

5. Dec. 30 Simeon & Anna: “Answered Prayers after Waiting on God” Luke 2:25-38

December 2, 2018Luke 1: 11-20 (NIV)

Zechariah: “Faith, Doubt, and Answered Prayers”

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear.

13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.

14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,

15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.

16 He will bring back many of the people of

Israel to the Lord their God.

17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

19 The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.

20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”

Commentary:

Zechariah was an important character in the story of Christ’s Birth. When Luke writes down the account of Christ’s life on earth he begins with Zechariah. First here are some facts about Zechariah:

• Zechariah served as a priest. A priest is someone whose responsibilities include offering and taking care of the Temple of the Lord and blessing the Lord’s name.

• Zechariah is from the tribe of Levi, the same tribes that Moses, Aaron, Ezra and Asaph came from.

• Zechariah followed the Law of Moses. Luke tells us that both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were “blameless” they observed the Lord’s decree and demands.

• One of the few people to be directly addressed by an angel.

• Zechariah and Elizabeth had no children because Elizabeth was barren and they both were along in years.

In Luke 1: 6 it states that Zechariah and Elizabeth were serious about following ALL of God’s laws. Their obedience was from the heart, and that is why they are called upright in the sight of God. Today’s story begins when Zechariah was going about his work in the Temple because his division was on duty that week. The honor fell on Zechariah by lot to enter the inner sanctuary and burn incense before the Lord. Incense was burned in the temple twice daily. When the people saw the smoke from the burning incense, they prayed. The smoke drifting heavenward symbolized their prayers ascending to God’s throne. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel suddenly appeared, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. Zechariah was very frightened at the sight of the angel that spoke audible words to him. The angel comforted Zechariah by telling him not to be afraid and that he had a message from God. The angel told Zechariah that God has

heard and will answer his pray request for a son. Zechariah was probably very surprised to hear the news of Elizabeth having a son, he perhaps may have forgotten about this prayer because he prayed for a son many years ago. Zechariah was also told by the angel to name his son John and that they both will have great joy and gladness at his birth. This son would be one of the Lord’s great men and must never touch wine or hard liquor and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even before his birth. The angel went on to say that John would persuade many to turn to the Lord and he would precede the coming of the Messiah, preparing the people for his arrival. When Zechariah was told he would have a son, he doubted the angel’s words. Like Abraham, (Gen.15:8), Zechariah had a difficult time believing God would fulfil His promise because of his old age. For we know that with God all things are possible if we just believe. But, because of unbelief Zechariah would not be able to speak until after his promised son was born. In verse 19 the angel told Zechariah his name, I am Gabriel as if to say I can assure you that I stand in the very presence of God and He is the one who sent me with this good news.

Although Zechariah and Elizabeth were past childbearing, God gave them a child. It is easy to doubt or misunderstand what God wants to do in our lives. Even God’s people make mistakes of trusting their intellect or experience rather than God. When tempted to think that God’s promises is impossible, remember Zechariah’s story that God can do great things through anyone who is available to him. No matter how impossible God’s promises may seem, what he has said in his word will come true at the right time.

Questions:

1. Why was it so special for Zechariah to serve in the temple and burn incense in the Holy Place?

2. What was special about Gabriel?

3. How were Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth similar, but different from Mary?

4.How did Zechariah displease God?

Daily Readings: Week of Nov. 26-Dec.2

Monday, November 26, Genesis 17: 1-14Tuesday, November 27, Genesis 17: 15-27Wednesday, November 28 Genesis 18: 1-15Thursday, November 29, Genesis 21: 1-8Friday, November 30, Luke 1: 1-10Saturday, December 1, ReflectionsSunday, December 2, Luke 1: 11-20

Dec. 9, 2018

Luke 1:11-20Mary: “Chosen for a Great Task”

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to

thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Commentary: In last week’s lesson we focused on the Priest Zechariah who was chosen by God to carry out a portion of history that prepared the way for Jesus to come to earth. This week will we focus on Mary and how she was always chosen to give birth to the Savior of the world. Both of the stories are found in Luke 1. The stories are very similar but different. Here are some similarities:

• Both are visited by the angel Gabriel

• Both are promised the miraculous birth of a son

• Both are equally unfit to have a child: Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth is barren and have passed child bearing age and Mary is a virgin

• Both are wondering HOW the births are going to take place

Here are some differences: • Zechariah is a law abiding, married, a temple priest

• Mary is young, has no husband (yet) and she does not hold any titles or positions in the community

• Zechariah is struck dumb for his response to Gabriel

• Mary answers Gabriel graciously

Mary’s story starts in Luke 1:26-38. In this passage of scripture, we learn about Mary’s life, the fear she felt in her heart, the wonder in Mary’s mind, and the submission in Mary’s spirit.

The Facts of Mary’s Life (Luke 1:26-28) The angel Gabriel appears to Mary six months after Elizabeth’s pregnancy with John the Baptist. Mary lived in Nazareth, in the hilly area of the Sea of Galilee. Mary was a virgin and was engaged to be married to Joseph, a descendent of King David. She was probably a teenager between 13 and 15 years old. This was the normal age for the Jewish betrothal or formal engagement. Gabriel appeared to her and said, Congratulation, favored lady! The Lord has chosen you! (TLB) The angel Gabriel called her, “favored one” meaning one who is enriched with grace. God chose her to bear His son.

The Fear in Mary’s Heart (Luke 1:29-30) Mary was confused and disturbed and tried to figure out the meaning of Gabriel’s greeting. But the angel said to her; do not be afraid you have found favor with God. The word favor is the word for grace, and by the side of, in fellowship with. The idea of God’s kindness toward men is the idea here. God chose Mary for this task not because of her position or title but because she was His chosen vessel out of God’s grace just like He does with any other person to accomplish His eternal purpose. This was all in God’s plan.

The Wonder in Mary’s Mind (Luke 1:31-34) Gabriel explains to Mary that she will become pregnant and give birth to a son and she is to name him Jesus. He will be very great and called the Son of God. Mary wanted to know how can this be, since I am a virgin. What the angel announced was supernatural, a miracle. Mary knew that the news was amazing! She simply wanted to know how will this happen a response of wonder and faith and not doubt.

The Submission in Mary’s Spirit (Luke 1: 35-38) In verse 35 the angel explained to Mary how this impossible would happen the angel said “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of God shall over shadow you; and so the baby born to you will be utterly holy the Son of God. Gabriel also let Mary know that another miracle birth was about to take place for a relative who had been barren for years was about to give birth. Mary’s response to the Angel’s announcement and explanation was perfect “I am the Lord’s Servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Mary agrees despite the challenges she will face. After all is said and done, after we have explored all possibilities, we still must decide: am I a servant or a master? Is my allegiance to the Lord or to my own desires?

PrayerLord help us to honor you by being your servant. Help us to serve with joy and not grudging or with a complaining attitude. Help us to be a servant of whom you can be proud. In Jesus name we pray.

Questions:1. What was the difference about Mary’s “How?”

(Luke 1:34) to the angel from Zechariah’s “How?” question (1:18)? Why was Mary rewarded and Zechariah disciplined?

2. Why was Mary frightened? Is her fear reflective of unbelief?

3. Why is it so hard for us to accept being a servant? Why do we have such trouble being submissive to God?

3. Have you had any experience where God taught you to be a willing servant?

Daily Readings Week of Dec.3-Dec9

Monday, December 3, Exodus 3: 1-15Tuesday, December 4, Exodus 4: 1-17Wednesday, December 5, Isaiah 6: 1-8Thursday, December 6, Jeremiah 1: 4-19Friday, December 7, Jeremiah 32: 16-41Saturday, December 8, ReflectionsSunday, December 9, Luke 1: 28-3

December 16, 2018Matthew 1: 18-25 (KJV)

Joseph: “Altering Your Plans to Fulfill God’s Will”

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shallsave his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him,

and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her

firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.

Commentary:

This familiar Christmas story is told so often that sometimes we lose all the speculation that should be there. Even though this baby who was conceived outside of marriage is the Son of God, there is the extraordinary faith of two ordinary people. God’s plan is to do extraordinary things in the lives of ordinary people. Our problems are that our expectations of what God wants to do to us and through us as believers are too small. Has God ever changed your life plans and brought a completely different vision than you had? Or, when has God not changed the plans you had? Somehow, we just don’t usually put trials and tribulations in our plans, but God’s plans for us always seem to involve them. Why? Because we live in a world of chaos and our trials and tribulations grow our faith, build character, and keeps us humble. They keep our eyes on God; and allows us to see the power of God at work sustaining us and giving us light in our darkness. We can persevere through the hard times and it gives us hope as we see the fruit of God’s work in our lives.

In today's lesson, this story is told from Joseph’s perspective. We will see how God’s unusual plan comes together in the everyday life of Joseph, a common, ordinary, normal man, just like most of us. He was a carpenter that rarely brought him riches. However, God chose this ordinary man to be the earthly father to Jesus.

As we begin, in verses 18-19, Matthew tells us in eight verses (18-25) that some key information will be told of how Jesus’ birth came about. It tells us that the birth of Jesus

was to be of Mary, a virgin who was engaged to a humble man, Joseph, who had never slept together. One ordinary day while talking to the Lord and seeking to follow him while waiting to get married and having a great future with his fiancée, tragedy of shattered dreams fell upon Joseph when he discovers that Mary is pregnant. This was definitely not in the plans Joseph had made. No doubt, Mary must have shared with him her side of the story as the phrase, “she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Again, Joseph wasn’t an ordinary man, he was a man who was trusting in God and changed by God’s grace. But now, Joseph was put in a dilemma. According to the Jewish law, Joseph would have been justified to put shame on Mary publicly and have her stoned for adultery. However, Joseph being a just and righteous man and walked in God’s ways, had no desire to shame her or carry out justice. Let us remember that people who have walked with God throughout history were never perfect or sinless but were people who recognized their weaknesses and failures and sort God for grace and mercy. As a man who was walking with God, Joseph knew his own weaknesses and failures and need for God’s grace and was able to relate to Mary the way God related to him. But Joseph was faced with a dilemma. As he meditates, Joseph determines that he does not want to embarrass Mary publicly; he does not want to see her stoned to death either. In the face of what appeared to be unfaithfulness to him on the part of Mary, he still wanted what was best for her and decided to call off the marriage quietly and move on. This was Joseph’s plan, but once again, God had other plans. Joseph’s plan wasn’t meant to be.

In verses 20-23, Joseph gets ready for the night to sleep. Having plans to send Mary away quietly, he drifts off to sleep having no idea he was about to meet with an angel sent from God. Having made his own plans, God was about to show him another way to move forward. As we see today, our plans are not God’s plan. As Joseph slept, an angel appeared in Joseph’s dream. The dream seemed so real to

Joseph that he remembered word for word what was told to him. Have you ever experienced that? Most of the time when we dream, we cannot remember it when we wake up. What Joseph heard and experienced in this dream was enough to convince him that Mary's pregnancy was a work of the Holy Spirit and not the result of unfaithfulness on Mary's part, and to completely change the plans he had been so sure of the night before. Joseph knew he had met with an angel and heard a direct message from God. Joseph’s life was about to embark on a new chapter in his life. God placed another change in his plans as God assigns Joseph a task that many of us would refuse to act upon. We might as well face it, if we are going to be used by God, there will be some trials along the way. However, Joseph embraced and completed this task by faith. This tragedy could have marred his life, but instead it marked his life.

This change involved divine revelations as Joseph is now told that the child Mary carries is no ordinary baby. He finds out that Mary’s child is the Son of God. This change involved definite requirements as he is instructed not to divorce Mary and not to have her stoned. He is to take her as his wife and embrace her child as if He was his own Son. This change involved delightful realizations as Joseph learns the amazing truth that this baby is to be the fulfillment of the greatest promise God ever gave to man. You see, our God works out His will in our lives in ways that we cannot even begin to understand. His plans for us are not what we would have chosen for ourselves; however, His plans are always the best, even when they seem to hurt us deeply.

Let’s look at some trials that is mention in the Old Testament. Elijah had to hid himself by Cherith before he could stand in power of Carmel. David had to deal with lions and bears in private before he was ready to face Goliath in public. We may not like it when the Lord shatters our dreams, but when everything has been said and done, we will see that His plan was, and is, the best plan of all. Just imagine learning that God is going to change your ordinary

life to an extraordinary world? Then the angel tells Joseph that this child is to be named “Jesus”, “Emmanuel.” His name will mean “God with us.” Why? Because He will be the One who will save His people from sin. As we look at verses 24-25, the real test of maturity is not what a person faces in life nor what they are called on to do. The real evidence of a person’s character in what they do with what they are handed. It is one thing to be placed in a trial; but it is another thing altogether to respond to that trial in a proper manner. It is one thing to be called to carry out a task for the Lord; but it is another thing altogether to do it without question. We have looked at the “tragedy” that marred Joseph’s life. Now let us investigate the task that marked his life as well the test that measured his life.1) A Test of Unconditional Obedience: Many men would have walked away from the Lord and from Mary at that moment. But Joseph didn’t. When he awoke, he got up and carried out God’s order. He was not interested in what the people thought or what could have been said about them. Joseph’s thought was to simply carry out the will of the Lord for his life. Despite his questions, fears, and concerns, Joseph steps out on faith to obey God. Now, that’s a life changing testimony.2) A Test of Firm Commitment: Even when his plans changed, and he took Mary into his home, he refrained from physical contact with her. He obeyed God and saved her innocence until after Jesus was born. Here is a man willing to bear the shame and blame from the community and willing to place his own desires on hold. Once again, he wanted to obey the God. Again, a “life changing testimony.”

3) A Testimony of Unfailing Closure – Joseph took the next step of faith, when the child was born and he called him “Jesus”, just as he was told by the angel, Gabriel. Joseph carried out the commands of God for his life. He never hesitated even when he was called to believe the

impossible and to do the incredible. He did what God told him to do. Another life changing testimony!

As we move through life, we have already discovered that the Lord has a plan to use us for His glory. We have also learned that this plan may be very difficult for us to carry out. There may be some rough places along the way. There may be some significant bumps in our paths. But, genuine faith in God never seeks the easier road. Faith is willing to go where God leads it, regardless of the cost and regardless of the consequences. What will you do when your dreams become nightmares?In Conclusion: Did you know that God used Joseph in the life of Jesus in a powerful fashion? No doubt Joseph was very involved in the life and training of Jesus as a young man. God took an ordinary poor, humble carpenter and used him to carry out an important heavenly mission.

The best thing we can ever learn to do is to simply trust God to bring the best into our life’s day by day. Even when our dreams are shattered and our hopes are dashed to pieces on the jagged rocks of reality, we need to trust the truth that our Father is still in control and He will take care of His children! Despite what you may think at times, God does know what is best for us!

QUESTIONS:

1. Explain why Jesus’ birth would be unusual according to this prophecy and the context of Matthew 1. What should we learn about Jesus’ character?

2.Why did the Lord make sure Matthew included the words “before they came together” in this verse?

3.What scripture in the OT was fulfilled by the virgin birth of Christ?

4.What challenges did Joseph face when he heard Mary was pregnant? What challenges did he face after being obedient to God’s command and keeping Mary?

Daily Readings: Week of Dec. 17-Dec. 23

Monday, December 17, Isaiah 60: 1-3Tuesday, December 18, Isaiah 61: 1-11Wednesday, December 19, Luke 1: 39-56Thursday, December 20, Luke 1: 57-80Friday, December 21, Luke 2: 1-7Saturday, December 22, ReflectionsSunday, December 23, Luke 2: 8-18

December 23, 2018Luke 2: 8-18 NIV

The Shepherds: “The First Invited Guests to See the Messiah”

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that

will cause great joy for all the people.

11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the

angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,

18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Commentary:

In today’s lesson we are witnessing the Lord Jesus being presented to His Father according to the law of Moses and the Jewish custom. See Leviticus 12:3-8 for childbirth and purification laws. A new born baby boy must be circumcised on the 8th day after birth. If the mother gives birth to a male, she must wait 33 days before she can touch anything that is holy. After the time of her purification is finished (33 days) the new mother must bring a special sacrifice to the Meeting Tent. According to her social/financial status she would present the following offering: (a) wealthy class- 1 year-old lamb and a- dove or young pigeon, and (c) poor class- 2 doves or 2 pigeons.In verses 21-24 of Luke 2, Mary and Joseph are preparing to bring baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifice according to the law of the Lord. At the same time the Holy Spirit came upon Simeon to go to the Temple to see the Messiah. Simeon came to the temple by powerful

direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Simeon was a just and devout man who upheld the Jewish law. He was a holy man and was divinely inspired that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah.

Simeon takes baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God by saying 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

According to the Rock of Ages Study Bible (2014) salvation is of the Jews and the good news was presented to them first; yet the gospel reaches out to the Gentiles as well. In verse 34, Simeon declared that some people would stumble and fall because of their failure to believe in Christ; but others would be raised through His salvation (2014).

As in last week’s lesson, a sign will also be given to Israel. Jesus is the sign to all mankind today – some receive Jesus while others reject His great sacrifice of love. As Jesus is the Light, He will reveal the sin that is in the hearts of those who reject Him. Simeon also warns Mary of the hatred, rejection, and murder of her Son.

In verses 36-38 we take account of Anna’s witness to the Christ child. Anna, whose name in Hebrew represents “grace” or “favor,” was also present in the Temple that day. She was a prophetess who had been a widow for 84 years, but she continued to serve God with fasting and prayers night and day. When she witnessed the child she gave thanks unto the Lord, and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Many people are looking to be “saved” or “redeemed” from their circumstances this season. Some try to find salvation in material gain or momentary fixes and worldly pleasures. However, true salvation and deliverance can only come

through Jesus. Some have experienced the loss of income, loved ones, health, time, etc. However, Jesus has redeemed us and is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:15). If you are seeking to be redeemed or restored this season, just look to Jesus. For the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus is our Savior, our Deliverer, and our King. Receive Him and His redemptive work as you embark upon the end of 2018 and commence with a new year and season full of God’s grace and promises for you.

Questions:

1. Read Leviticus 12:1-8. What were the purification laws for women who gave birth according to the Law of Moses?

2. How can you compare Simeon’s answered prayer to your own experience of God answering prayer?

3. Reflection: in what ways have you been “redeemed” in 2018? How will this impact your faith walk in 2019?

ReferenceRock of Ages Study Bible (2014). Luke. (5th ed.), KJV Study Edition. Cleveland, TN: Rock of Ages.

Daily Readings: Week of Dec. 24. Dec. 30

Monday, December 24, Psalm 85: 1-13Tuesday, December 25, Luke 2: 15-24

Wednesday, December 26, 1 Peter 2: 4-10Thursday, December 27, Genesis 46: 1-7; 28-34Friday, December 28, Numbers 27: 12-23Saturday, December 29, ReflectionsSunday, December 30, Luke 2: 25-38

December 30, 2018Luke 2: 25-38 NIV

Simeon & Anna “Answered Prayers after Waiting on God”

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 on

him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he

would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

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 may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of 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 prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, 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.

Commentary:

In today’s lesson we are witnessing the Lord Jesus being presented to His Father according to the law of Moses and the Jewish custom. See Leviticus 12:3-8 for childbirth and purification laws. A new born baby boy must be circumcised on the 8th day after birth. If the mother gives birth to a male, she must wait 33 days before she can touch anything that is holy. After the time of her purification is finished (33 days) the new mother must bring a special sacrifice to the Meeting Tent. According to her social/financial status she would present the following offering: (a) wealthy class- 1 year-old lamb and a- dove or young pigeon, and (c) poor class- 2 doves or 2 pigeons.In verses 21-24 of Luke 2, Mary and Joseph are preparing to bring baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifice according to the law of the Lord. At the same time the Holy Spirit came upon Simeon to go to the Temple to see the Messiah. Simeon came to the temple by powerful direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Simeon was a just and devout man who upheld the Jewish law. He was a holy man and was divinely inspired that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah.

Simeon takes baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God by saying 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

According to the Rock of Ages Study Bible (2014) salvation is of the Jews and the good news was presented to them first; yet the gospel reaches out to the Gentiles as well. In verse 34, Simeon declared that some people would stumble

and fall because of their failure to believe in Christ; but others would be raised through His salvation (2014).As in last week’s lesson, a sign will also be given to Israel. Jesus is the sign to all mankind today – some receive Jesus while others reject His great sacrifice of love. As Jesus is the Light, He will reveal the sin that is in the hearts of those who reject Him. Simeon also warns Mary of the hatred, rejection, and murder of her Son.

In verses 36-38 we take account of Anna’s witness to the Christ child. Anna, whose name in Hebrew represents “grace” or “favor,” was also present in the Temple that day. She was a prophetess who had been a widow for 84 years, but she continued to serve God with fasting and prayers night and day. When she witnessed the child she gave thanks unto the Lord, and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Many people are looking to be “saved” or “redeemed” from their circumstances this season. Some try to find salvation in material gain or momentary fixes and worldly pleasures. However, true salvation and deliverance can only come through Jesus. Some have experienced the loss of income, loved ones, health, time, etc. However, Jesus has redeemed us and is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:15). If you are seeking to be redeemed or restored this season, just look to Jesus. For the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus is our Savior, our Deliverer, and our King. Receive Him and His redemptive work as you embark upon the end of 2018 and commence with a new year and season full of God’s grace and promises for you.

ReferenceRock of Ages Study Bible (2014). Luke. (5th ed.), KJV Study Edition. Cleveland, TN: Rock of Ages.

Questions:

1. Read Leviticus 12:1-8. What were the purification laws for women who gave birth according to the Law of Moses?

2. How can you compare Simeon’s answered prayer to your own experience of God answering prayer?

3. Reflection: in what ways have you been “redeemed” in 2018? How will this impact your faith walk in 2019?

Notes:

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