Luke 2:21-39
Key Verse 2:25 “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.”
1. What are three rituals that the Law required in this passage? (21-24; cf. Genesis 17:1-4; Leviticus 12:1-6; Exodus 13:12-13) Why is it significant that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law? (cf. Galatians 4:4-5)
2. What does the offering of Joseph and Mary reveal about their family? (24; Leviticus 12:8; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9)
3. Who was Simeon and what kind of faith and hope did he have? (25-28) What does it mean that he was waiting for the consolation of Israel?
4. What does Simeon mean by “My eyes have seen your salvation”? (30) What does it mean that Jesus is a light to the Gentiles (32; cf. Isaiah 49:6) and glory to Israel?
5. What does it mean that Jesus will cause the falling and rising of many? (34-35; cf. Luke 20:17-18) What specific event does “a sword will pierce your own soul” refer to? (cf. John 19:25)
6. Who was Anna and how did she overcome her sorrowful situation? What can we learn from Simeon and Anna as we wait for Jesus’ second coming?