Advent Week Four: Peace
Luke 2:22-40
Jesus is Presented in the Temple
22 Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23 The law of the lord says, “if a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.“ 24 So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—”either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
The Prophecy of Simeon
25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God saying,
29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace,
as you have promised.
30 I have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared for all people.
32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations,
and he is the glory of your people Israel!”
33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many hearts will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.“
The Prophecy of Anna
36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. 37 Then she loved as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. 38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.
39 When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.
40 There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.
Read other versions of Luke 2.
Group Discussion Questions
Take some time to read the passage. If possible use several translations.
What stood out to you from Sunday’s sermon?
What do you believe the spirit was trying to reveal to you personally?
How would our culture suggest finding peace? How does scripture show how to find it differently?
What are the times in your life when you feel the most disturbance of peace? What do the scriptures tell you about those moments?
How can you intentionally pursue peace over this Christmas season?
How can others be praying for your peace over this Advent season?
