Encountering Jesus: The Waiting Prophet
This is the first sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Waiting Prophet’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 2:21-28
Sermons – St Bart's Anglican Church · The Rev'd Michael Calder
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Show Notes
Sermon & Small Group Resources
This is the first sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Waiting Prophet’. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Luke 2:21-28
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Next Steps this Week
BIBLE READING: Luke 2:22-38
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 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord” ), 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.”
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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
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, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 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.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
CONNECT: Who are THREE people on your frontlines whom you long to become followers of Jesus? What would practically help you cultivate a habit of praying for them daily?
WARM-UP
Have you ever had a life-changing encounter with someone?
Can you remember the first time you heard about Jesus or the first time you gave your life to him? How did you react? Try to see if you can craft this into a short paragraph to be able to use when you’re telling people about Jesus!
Read Luke 2:21-32
What were all the rituals that Jesus went under? Why did he go through all of these? What does this tell us about the nationality and background of Jesus?
What was Simeon waiting for? Why was Israel in need of consolation?
Why was Simeon so content and satisfied in seeing this baby? What did Simeon see in him?
Is the salvation that Jesus offers limited to only Israelites or only those in church? Why/why not?
How is Jesus the light for all the nations? What does light do?
What other things in this world may we try to find satisfaction or salvation in? How can we ensure we look to Jesus for these things?
Luke 2:33-38
In what ways do we see Simeon’s prophesy in V34-35 fulfilled in Jesus’ lifetime and even to this day? Why do you think Jesus causes this much division?
How does Jesus reveal the thoughts of our hearts? Where or to whom can we run when we know we haven’t lived as he has called us to live?
What are we told about Anna? How did she react to seeing Jesus?
What could help you grow in your awe and wonder at who Jesus is and what he has done?
APPLY: As we think about encountering Jesus, what opportunities do your friends have this year to encounter Jesus through your words, invitation, or your actions?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the salvation and satisfaction that is found in Jesus. Thank you for the faithful patience of Simeon and Anna, and help us to find our joy and fulfilment in knowing and being known by Jesus. Give us opportunities this year to tell others about our encounter and relationship with you. Amen.
GOING DEEPER
On Your Frontline This Week: In February, where do you see Jesus’ priorities on your calendar?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
SERIES Resources:
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Book: The Infographic Bible by Karen Sawrey (the visualisations of the way in which people interacted with Jesus are particularly helpful): https://bit.ly/341gAdI
Book: Luke for Everyone by Tom Wright: https://bit.ly/3Iexkgh
Grow as Families
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook