THE WAITING PEOPLE

Luke 2:21-40

Key Verse: 2:30

* JESUS' CIRCUMCISION (21-24)

1. When and why did Jesus' parents have him circumcised? (Ge. 17:1-14) What was the meaning of circumcision? What is the spiritual meaning now? (Ro.2.29) Why did they name him Jesus? (1:31) What does his name mean?

2. When and why did Mary and Joseph bring the baby to the temple? What did they offer? What does this reveal about their family? (Lev. 12:8; Ex.13:12; 2Cor. 8:9)

3. What do these two ceremonies show about their faith? Why was it necessary to do these things for Jesus? (Heb.2:17) What can all parents learn from Mary and Joseph?

* SIMEON'S FAITH (25-35)

4. What kind of person was Simeon? What does it mean to be righteous? To be devout? What was Simeon's great hope and life long prayer topic? Where did such hope come from?

5. How did God help him meet Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus? What was the great privilege God gave him? What can we learn from Simeon? What hope can we have about God's work in our times?

6. Look at Simeon's song of praise in verses 29-32. Why does he have such a peace and contentment as he approaches his death? How had he been a faithful shepherd for his people?

7. What can we learn here about Jesus? In what respect is Jesus God's salvation? A light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel? (Isa.49:6)

8. What else did Simeon reveal about Jesus when he blessed Mary? (34,35) What does it mean that the child would cause the falling and rising of many in Israel? That a sword would pierce Mary's soul?

* ANNA'S PRAYER (3 6-40)

9. Who was Anna? What can we know about her human life and human hopes? About her spiritual life? What was her prayer topic? What does "the redemption of Jerusalem" mean?

10. How did she testify about Jesus? How could this hopeless old woman have such a great hope and be so full of joy and thanksgiving?