05: The Unfolding Revelation of God’s Savior (Luke 2:22 – 52)

Simeon and Anna were the first, by the Holy Spirit, to recognize God’s Savior and to praise the Lord. As Jesus grew up, His own understanding of who He was became increasingly clear. All those praises and prophetic words must have served as God’s confirmation and encouragement for Mary.

👉 Read Luke 2:22 - 52

Q1. When they brought baby Jesus to the temple, Simeon and Anna recognized Him as the Lord’s Savior. How do you think they were able to recognize Him?

The Holy Spirit enabled Simeon to see it, because he had been waiting for the Lord’s salvation. The Bible notes that he was righteous and devout, and on that very day the Spirit led him into the temple. His heart longed for the restoration of God’s people. In the same way, when you long for the deliverance of God’s children with the compassion of God, you will be among the first to recognize His work of revival.

Anna never left the temple but worshiped with fasting and prayer day and night. Because she lived in the temple in continual devotion, she was able to recognize the Savior when He appeared.

Q2. Why did Simeon say that he could die in peace?

He was a man who had been looking forward to Israel’s restoration (v. 25), and now he had seen God’s salvation prepared for all people through the baby Jesus.

Zechariah’s song proclaims the redemption of God’s covenant people through forgiveness, while Simeon’s song adds that this salvation will be proclaimed to the Gentiles as well.

Is your last desire also the revival of His people and His church?

Q3. Jesus’ words and ministry will reveal the thoughts of many hearts—whether they are humble or proud, whether they accept God’s salvation or rely on their own righteousness. By exposing the heart, some will be lifted up and some brought low. How will Jesus do this ministry of revealing what is hidden in the heart? (vv. 34–35)

Through His suffering.

Anyone who is humble and seeking forgiveness will come to the cross. But those who boast in themselves will not come to Jesus, for to them the cross is a sign of shame.

Thus Jesus becomes both a stumbling stone and a cornerstone at the same time. Jesus said, “Blessed is the one who is not offended because of Me.” Paul wrote, “Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles; but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

In chapter 1, the birth of John brings joy to his parents and to the people. But in chapter 2, the birth of Jesus foreshadows the hardships He—and later His mother and His disciples—will suffer: a baby laid in a manger, and the sorrow prophesied for Mary.

Q4. What did Anna do when she saw Jesus?

She came to Jesus’ parents, gave thanks to God, and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Q5. When Jesus was twelve years old and went to Jerusalem for the Passover, His parents accidentally left Him behind. After realizing He was missing, they returned and found Him in the temple. What did Jesus say to His parents?

“Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

At this age, Jesus was beginning to understand His Messianic identity and mission.

• “Mary kept all these things in her heart.” (vv. 19, 51)

Mary carefully watched how the Lord’s salvation through Jesus was unfolding.

• “According to the law” (vv. 22, 23, 24, 27, 39)

Luke emphasizes that Jesus was born under the law and that His family faithfully followed it.

• Contrast:

God’s favor upon Jesus (vv. 40, 52)

vs.

“A sign that will be rejected.” (v. 34)

From a human viewpoint, the cross was shame; but from God’s viewpoint, it was glory (John 17:1).