As was Jewish custom, on the 8th day after Jesus was born, according to the law of Moses, Mary + Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to consecrate him to the living GOD and offer a sacrifice to Him. While at the temple, the Power of the Holy Spirit revealed the truth about Jesus to Simeon. Simeon then spoke a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving to GOD. May GOD grant us also, through the power of the Holy Spirit, eyes to see the truth today about our Savior Jesus and what he wills for us to do in these divided and difficult times.

Luke 2.22-35

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why take Jesus to the temple on the 8th day? What is the significance?

+ What (or who) is the consolation of Israel?

+ What did the Holy Spirit reveal to Simeon about Jesus? Salvation?

+ Why do you think Mary + Joseph marveled at Simeon’s proclamations?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How might God be calling you to proclaim the salvation of Jesus this week leading up to Christmas Day?

+ Have you thanked GOD for his son Jesus lately?

+ Is there any sins you need to ask GOD salvation and deliverance from?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who are you praying for to discover the truth of Jesus Christ?

+ Who can you step out in faith to discuss the birth of Christ with this week?