Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for weekly updates!
Key passage
John 3:16 - For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
Jesus Was Dedicated (Luke 2)
The story of Jesus’ dedication in the temple further reveals Him to be the expected Messiah—the chosen One promised to bring salvation to all who repent and believe. Here we discover that Simeon and Anna were patiently waiting for God’s Messiah to enter the world, and through their words, we learn that Jesus is worthy of worship and that He would usher in salvation and redemption for both the Israelites and the Gentiles.
We can also see a correlation between Simeon’s words and those of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, who said:
- “And the glory of the Lord will appear, and all humanity together will see it.” (Isaiah 40:5)
- “I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations.” (42:6)
- “All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” (52:10)
These Old Testament prophecies, written long before Christ was born, were receiving their first sparks of fulfilment through His arrival.
Simeon and Anna were well-acquainted with the Scriptures and believed in God’s promise of the coming Messiah. Verse 27 tells us that the Spirit led Simeon into the temple to see Jesus face to face. In verse 38, Anna praised God in the temple, declaring Him to be the promised Redeemer for Jerusalem. Simeon and Anna intimately knew the God of their salvation and believed by faith that Jesus really was their long-awaited Messiah.
As you lead your kids this week, help them understand how Jesus is worthy of our worship. Lead them to look to God’s Word to see that Jesus really is the Son of God who made the way to save people from their sins.
Ask the Lord to guide you as you proclaim His power to save, just as Simeon and Anna did centuries ago. May you be found faithful and expectantly waiting for the Messiah’s return, beholding His glory and declaring His good news to all who will hear.
Family Discussion Questions:
- Why did Mary and Joseph bring birds to the temple?
- [Parent prompt] Read Leviticus 12:8 with your kids. God’s law required a sin offering to be made whenever the first male born to a family was dedicated in the temple. Jesus came to be the sin offering that would atone for sins once and for all. (2 Corinthians 5:21.)
- Who are the Gentiles that Simeon spoke about?
- [Parent prompt] Gentiles are all people who are not from the nation of Israel. God has made salvation available not just to the Israelites, but to all of us through His Son, Jesus! (Galatians 3:28.)
- What did Simeon mean when he said that some people would reject Jesus?
- [Parent prompt] Jesus came for all people, not everyone acknowledged Him as Lord. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Those who reject Jesus, reject God the Father. (1 John 2:23.)
Christ Connection
- Babies & Toddlers: We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins, and we can tell others the good news about Him.
- Younger Preschool: God kept His promise to send a Savior! We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins and tell others the good news about Jesus.
- Older Preschool: Simeon and Anna saw that God had kept His promise to send a Savior. We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins and, like Simeon and Anna, we should tell others the good news.
- Kids: Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus as the Messiah who God promised to save people from their sins. By trusting in Jesus, we can be saved from our sins and, like Simeon and Anna, praise God for His salvation.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for weekly family worship resources. (Content by Lifeway Christian Resources, link here, Used with permission.”)
Resource Info
