Anna

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 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.”

~Luke 2:22-24

What does their careful observance of the Law of Moses tell you about Joseph and Mary?

• that they were God-fearing people

What about your life reveals your Christian committment?

• Everyday, I take some time to read from a devotional which takes about a couple of minutes and then I read a chapter from whatever certain book I am reading from the bible.  On a weekly basis, I go to church every sunday morning and go to church choir rehearsals.  On about a monthly (or so) basis, I help volunteer with fundraisers or events being held at my church

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.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.  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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

  “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
  which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

~Luke 2:25-32

What did Simeon's words reveal about himself?  What did they reveal about Jesus' life and ministry?

• that he was a very devout man and was ready to meet God in heaven
• the he was going to save us from all our sins

The promise Simeon held onto was that he would see the Christ before he died.  If you knew death were near, what would you like to see God accomplish before you died?

• to have me be accepted in a job somewhere

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

~Luke 2:33-35

What do you think Simeon meant when he told Mary that "a sword will pierce your...soul"?

• that she will become brokenhearted at his death

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, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

~Luke 2:36-37

Describe what you think Anna's lifestyle was like.

• she probably had a pretty simple lifestyle where she dedicated her love to the Lord

What about Anna's lifestyle wish were true of your own?  What can you do to make that happen in your life?

• I would say that I probably wish I did more fasting by eating some lighter meals

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.

~Luke 2:38

What do you think Anna said about Jesus?  How do you think the crowd that listened responded?

• that he is the light of the world and will bring us salvation
• they responded with amazement

If an Anna were to have spoken (prophesied) about you when you were six weeks old, what would she have said?

• she will be a great and loving person to all and will make a difference in this world