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January 29 & February 1, 2026

Amazement Begins

Scripture - Luke 2:22-38 (NIV)

Objective - The impact Jesus makes begins with amazement of the heart.

Luke 2:22-24 (NIV)

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord

23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”),

24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Obedience

Mary and Joseph obeyed the MOSAIC Law, presenting Jesus to God because He was their oldest

Poor living conditions

They offered the poor man's offering, humility

Significance of the moment

• The holy act of presenting Jesus in the Temple
• Connecting Him to God’s presence

Luke 2:25-35 (NIV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Devout & Righteous

A man waiting for the Messiah

Spirit-Led

Guided by the Holy Spirit to the temple at the right time.

The promise kept

God promised Simeon he wouldn’t die until he saw God’s Messiah.

The fulfillment of God’s word brings rest

 “Now I can die in peace”

Jesus’ mission

• To the Gentiles and Israel 
• Jesus will cause people to fall and rise
• A sword will pierce Mary’s soul, foreshadowing of Jesus’ death

Luke 2:36-38 (NIV)

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

A life of prayer

An elderly, devout widow, a prophetess, never leaving the temple

Recognition & testimony

She recognized Jesus and began to speak to everyone

Confirmation

Her witness confirms Simeon’s message: Jesus is the one we have been waiting on

God Keeps his promises

He fulfills His word, even in the unexpected way

Jesus is the light and redemption

He offers freedom to all people

From the manger to the cross

This scene connects the nativity, to the cross, to the resurrection

Be alert and expectant 

There is a cost to following

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