JESUS, A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES
Luke 2:21-39
Key Verse: 2:32

“...a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

1.What happened to Jesus on the eighth day? (Gen 17:12; Lk 1:31) When the time of purification had been completed, what two things did Joseph and Mary do? [Note: A time of purification was required by the law for 33 days after the birth of a boy. (Lev 12:4) Then a sacrifice of atonement was necessary. (Lev 12:7) Those who could not afford a lamb could offer a pair of doves or two young pigeons. (Lev 12:8) Firstborn males belonged to the Lord and had to be consecrated. (Ex 13:2,12)]

2.How many times do the words “the Law of Moses” or “the Law of the Lord” appear in verses 22-39? What does it mean that circumcision, purification, consecration, sacrifice were done to fulfill the law? Why was it necessary for Jesus to fulfill the law in this way? (Gal 4:4-5; Ro 5:18-19; Heb 2:17; Mt 5:17)

3.What kind of man was Simeon? (25; The consolation of Israel refers to the coming of the promised Messiah.) What promise did he receive from the Holy Spirit? (26) How many times is the Holy Spirit mentioned in verses 25-27? What does it mean that the Spirit led Simeon to Jesus? (See also Ac 8:29-31)

4.When Simeon took Jesus in his arms, what did he do? (28) What promise was fulfilled for him personally? (26, 29-30) What is the scope of salvation? (31) How is the nature of this salvation described? (32) What do “a light for revelation to the Gentiles,” (Ro 16:25,26; Isa 49:6) and “for glory to your people Israel” (Jn 1:14) mean? What is the state of all people and in what sense do they need Jesus, the light? (Mt 4:16; Lk 1:79; Jn 8:12; 12:36)

5.What did Simeon prophesy about the child Jesus (33-35a) and to Mary (35b)? What are the two responses to Jesus, the light, and the consequences of each response? (1 Pe 2:6-8) What specific event does “a sword will pierce your own soul” refer to? (Jn 19:25)

6.Who was Anna and how did she overcome her sorrowful situation? (36-37) How did she rejoice and thank God? (38)