Mary and Joseph are going to Jerusalem (v22-24)

- Mary is purified over forty days (Leviticus 12:1-5)

- Jesus belongs to God as the firstborn son (Exodus 13:2, 11-16)

- Jesus is to be dedicated to serving God (1 Samuel 1:24-28)

Mary and Joseph take time to honor God

25And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.

Simeon is also going to Jerusalem (v25-28)

- Simeon is righteous and devout

- Simeon is looking forward to Israel’s consolation

- The Holy spirit is upon Simeon

- Simeon has been promised that he will live to see the Messiah

Simeon is dedicated to following God’s purposes

28then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29“Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31Which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples:
32A light for revelation for the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
33And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

Simeon’s Blessing (v29-33)

- Statement of Praise: “You are letting your servant depart in peace” (v29)

- Jesus is confirmed as the Messiah: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (v30)

- A new vision of salvation: “You have prepared salvation for all people”

Now that Jesus is here…

We know true peace.

- “You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace…”

We know God is concerned about fulfilling His promises.

Christian faith is based on a promised that was fulfilled in the past, affecting the present, giving us hope towards the future.

We encounter our purpose, to point to the Messiah.

- As long as we live, God has a plan for our lives.

“Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.” - C.S. Lewis

Jesus the Philosopher: The Savior is Born
Luke 2:22-33, December 23 & 26, 2021

Prayer Requests:


Discussion Questions:

Read Luke 2:22-33

1. What was your favorite Christmas tradition growing up?


2. Between Luke 2:22-40, the phrase “the Law of the Lord” is used five times.

What does this suggest to you about Mary and Joseph’s parenting of Jesus?


3. Why was Simeon used to bless Mary, Joseph and Jesus?

What makes him significant in this story?


4. God is proven to be concerned about our world through Jesus being born. Why might someone believe God to be impersonal, and how might this passage counter that belief?