Daily Bible Reading—December 2024, God’s Guiding Word: JoyНамуна

Introduction

Luke 2:22–52: Today’s reading picks up the storyline from verse 21 in Luke’s Gospel. After Mary and Joseph perform the ceremony of purification (see Leviticus 12:4), 33 days later they bring Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord. At the Temple, they encounter Simeon and Anna, two elderly and devout people who testify to God’s faithfulness in speaking about Jesus. After completing everything required by the Law, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth with Jesus. At age 12, Jesus travels with his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. On the return home, Mary and Joseph are unaware that Jesus has remained in Jerusalem, debating with the Jewish teachers in the Temple.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 2:52

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.

Reflect

Leviticus 12 outlines the purification ritual for women after childbirth which Mary and Joseph follow according to the Law of Moses. Mary and Joseph’s sacrifice of two doves or pigeons (verse 24) indicates their status as poor. In what ways do we offer sacrifices today? How are Simeon and Anna described? For what were they waiting (verses 25–26, 38)? What is Simeon’s song celebrating (verses 29–32, also called the Nunc Dimittis)? What does Simeon say to Mary (verses 34–35)? Upon hearing his words, what might Mary have thought? While attending the Passover festival, why did Jesus stay behind in Jerusalem (verse 43)? What did the teachers think of him (verse 47)? Why were his parents astonished when they found him (verse 48)? How did Jesus respond to his parents’ concern (verse 49)?

Pray

Lord God, you keep your promises, and your promised Messiah has come to bring us your salvation. He is the light who reveals your will for us. Teach me to be obedient to your will and help me to keep on growing in wisdom and knowledge of you. Glory to you, O Lord! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Revelation 21:1–27: John has a vision of a new heaven and a new earth.