Luke Part 1 Week 10

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 2:23-24 

²³ The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” ²⁴ So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 

Jesus’ parents dedicated Him according to the Old Testament law standards. The sacrifice they offered for Him was what poor people could offer. Jesus was not born into a wealthy home. This also reveals Jesus was born during the time of the Old Testament law system. He kept the law perfectly (see Matthew 5:17).  

REFLECT 

Think about Jesus being born into poverty rather than in a home of wealth. Even the shepherds to whom His birth was announced were considered the lower class.  

RESPOND 

With a friend think about 2 Corinthians 8:9. Consider how Jesus’ poverty accomplished making you spiritually rich.  

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 2:25-26 

²⁵ At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him ²⁶ and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 

Consider the promise God had made to Simeon—“he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” This was an unusual promise because most people do not know when they will die. Simeon was eagerly waiting for the Messiah and the Holy Spirit was on him.  

REFLECT 

Unlike Simeon, think how different it is not knowing when you will pass from this life to the next.  

RESPOND 

Urge people to consider how many others have gone to work in the morning being unaware they would not return home in the evening. There have been earthquakes, domestic disasters, as well as strokes and heart attacks. Visit with a friend about the need to be ready at any time to go to be with Jesus. Remind unbelievers of 2 Corinthians 6:2. Remind believers of 1 Corinthians 15:51-53. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 2:27-29 

²⁷ That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, ²⁸ Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.” 

The Holy Spirit directed Simeon to the temple on the day Mary and Joseph arrived to dedicate baby Jesus. Simeon saw that as a fulfillment of God’s promise to him that he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Simeon recognized the baby Jesus as the Lord’s Messiah.  

REFLECT 

Is there something that you want to see occur before you pass from this life? Is it something that would honor God? 

RESPOND 

Not only should believers want to go to heaven, but they should also want to take as many with them as possible. Think how terrible it would be for loved ones to spend eternity in hell separated from God. Join with a friend in praying for loved ones to accept Jesus as Savior.  

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 2:30-32 

³⁰ “I have seen your salvation, ³¹ which you have prepared for all people. 

³² He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” 

Simeon continued praising God. He realized that this baby in his arms would provide the salvation needed by all people. In his praise, Simeon referred to both Gentiles (nations) and the nation of Israel known as God’s people. 

REFLECT 

Even though salvation is personal, it has been provided for all who will believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in thinking about salvation being provided by Jesus for everyone who would believe in Him. See 2 Corinthians 5:14 and 1 John 2:2.  

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 2:33-35 

³³ Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. ³⁵ As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” 

Imagine what Jesus’ parents were thinking as Simeon pronounced prophecies over their baby. Think of a mother being told that someday a sword would pierce her soul because of her child. The most significant time for that to occur would have been when her son was on the cross dying for the sins of the world. 

REFLECT 

Imagine how difficult it would be to watch a child die, especially if it were your child. 

RESPOND 

Join a friend and empathize with Mary as she watched her son giving His life for the sins of the world. The record of Mary’s experience is recorded in John 19:25-27. The only gospel to mention this is the one written by the apostle John. Matthew, Mark and Luke did not mention it.