As our sermon series The Gospel of Luke, Part I: The Arrival of the King progresses with the presentation of young Jesus at the temple, we witness the faith of Simeon and Anna and the faithfulness of God to send a Savior to Israel and all the nations. As foretold by Simeon, this Savior would undergo tremendous suffering. Nonetheless, it would be through Christ’s suffering that we would not only find salvation, but the sweetest of comforts amidst our own suffering and persecution as Christians.

Tyler’s Main Points

• Jesus is dedicated as the servant of God, who would prepare a perfect righteousness for His people.

• Jesus is revealed to be a Savior for all, who would bring salvation to all through suffering.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus was born under the Mosaic Law to fulfill the Law. He was circumcised according to the Law, dedicated as one to obey the Law, and educated by the Law.

• Through faith in Christ, we are judicially justified— judged by God to be righteous because Christ’s righteousness has been credited to our account.

• We are to live in the joy of freedom from a works-based salvation.

• As Simeon declared, Jesus is the glory of Israel because salvation had come through this Jewish Messiah and God had chosen to make Israel His vessel of mercy and messengers of salvation.

• As prophesied in Isaiah 8:14-15 and pronounced by Simeon, the Messiah would be a stone— a stumbling block for some and the precious cornerstone of others.

• As predicted by Simeon, Jesus would also be a sign, or target of His enemies’ scorn— climaxing at His crucifixion.

• Lastly, Simeon also foretold a sword of suffering would pierce Mary’s very soul— a prophecy ultimately fulfilled as she witnessed her son’s excruciating, innocent death on the cross.

• Jesus’ suffering extends to all those who are in Him. The Christian life is a paradox of the fullness of joy and the certainty of suffering.

• We have a Savior who has walked the road of persecution, has proven Himself worthy, and proven faithfulness in the face of persecution is completely worth it.

• Joyfully persevere in suffering by considering Him who suffered for you.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• Reread Luke, chapters 1-2. What stands out to you from Luke’s account, thus far, that expands your view of God?

• In what ways are you getting too comfortable or complacent as a Christian? How will you take a step of faith to impact someone in darkness this week?

Discuss with your community group:

• Are there any areas of your life where you are allowing grace to be a license to sin rather walking in repentance? Confess your sins, pray for one another, and encourage one another in these areas.

• What has persecution looked like in your life? How can you encourage one another today to be more bold in your witness and to look to Jesus as your perfect example amidst persecution?

Passages Referenced
Luke 2:21-38; Leviticus 12:3; Exodus 13; Galatians 4:4; Galatians 3:23-25; Galatians 5:1; John 1:4; Isaiah 8:14-15; Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 12:2; John 15:18-21; Matthew 5:10-12; Matthew 5:44; John 6:66-69; Hebrews 12:1-3.

Worship Set List

Lift Up Jesus, Psalm 34 (Taste and See), Better Word, Glorious Day, Ancient of Days