SUPPLEMENTAL SCRIPTURES
- Numbers 23:19-20
- Psalm 119:89-90
- James 1:17
Jesus made a permanent impression on everyone He came into contact with. Even Herod and the others who rejected Him were never the same again. Today, all who will receive Him, as Simeon and Anna did, will obtain the benefit of the promises recorded in the Word of God. Jesus is our salvation and through Him we have a new outlook on life and a beautiful hope for the future.
QUESTIONS
- What are two moral attributes mentioned in Luke 2:25, which adorned Simeon’s life?
- Who revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the “Lord’s Christ”? What role does that Person have in our lives today?
- Why did Simeon bless God and know, with confidence, that he could now “depart in peace”?
- What was the significance of Mary’s giving her firstborn Son the name Jesus? See verse 21.
- What attitude is manifested in the lives of each of those who recognized the fulfillment of promise and were privileged to see the Baby Jesus?
The Shepherds — Luke 2:15-17, 20
The Wise Men — Matthew 2:9-11
Simeon — Luke 2:27-28
Anna — Luke 2:38 - Look back over the past four lessons. Briefly summarize what promises were given, and state how these were fulfilled in the text of today’s lesson.
- What parallel can we draw between the days in which we are now living and the promises of God, and the prophecies of His Word which were fulfilled by Jesus’ first advent?
- Noting the key verse, what connection can be found in holding fast the profession of our faith without wavering, and God being faithful to His promise?
THEME THOUGHTS
Old Testament history paints a colorful picture of God’s dealing with man, but the New Testament brings us to the climax of God’s redemptive work—the Messiah, Jesus Christ.“Who is Jesus?” is the thought-provoking question which establishes our theme for this quarter. Looking into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we trace the story of Jesus’ time on earth, including His birth and some of the major events of His life.We find, as we delve into this story, that the incidents and occurrences recorded in a biographical sketch of Jesus hold many important lessons relevant to our lives today. Some of the highlights of Jesus’ ministry and His personal example to us are brought out in such lessons as His calling of the twelve disciples, His example in resisting temptation, and His formula for happiness as found in the Beatitudes. The quarter concludes with one of Jesus’ parables which emphasizes the importance of being firmly grounded so that we might be able to grow as Christians. The purpose of this quarter is to learn about Jesus Christ, not just as a personage of Biblical history, but as a living Savior who wants to be directly and personally involved in our lives.