Luke Chapter 2

Have you ever thought about those that did believe that Jesus was truly the Messiah? We often talk about those who missed the truth, even the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. Luke tells us about several people who not only had a belief that Jesus was the Messiah, but that they knew He was the promised one.

We know Mary and Joseph knew who He was and is. Luke also tells us about some shepherds who had the privilege of being the first visitors to go and visit the newly born king. Stop and think about that for a moment. God chose shepherds to be the first visitors to see the baby.

He also tells us about a man named Simeon who knew that he was fixing his eyes on his Messiah. He knew because He had a deep relationship with God and God told Him that this child was the one. Simeon would now be able to pass from this life into the next having seen the face of Jesus just as the Holy Spirit told him he would.

The same was true of a prophetess named Anna. She had been fasting and praying for a long time and when she saw Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus – she gave thanks for the arrival of the one they had been waiting for.

Let's Reflect

1. What event did God use to get Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem when Mary was far along in her pregnancy?

2. Where did Mary lay her newly born baby after giving birth in a stable?

3. There was one angel that delivered the announcement of Christ’s birth to some shepherds watching their flocks of sheep. The angel first told the shepherds not to be afraid. Then he told them exactly where they could find the baby. Where?

4. The angel was joined by other heavenly beings. How many? And what did they do?

5. Mary pondered all these things in her heart! Can you imagine being told an amazing story like that by some shepherds you had never met? Do you think she was thinking about the fact that God had just revealed the greatest miracle to lowly shepherds? Or was she thinking about the fact that God had revealed that her baby was the long-awaited Messiah? Talk about a faith booster!

6. Why did they name the baby - Jesus?

7. How old was Jesus when He entered the temple for the first time?

8. Joseph and Mary followed the law and went to the temple to offer a sacrifice after the birth of their son. A man named Simeon was there in the temple, what had God promised this man?

9. What amazing words did Simeon speak in offering a blessing over the baby Jesus?

10. What words did the prophetess Anna speak about the baby Jesus?

11. After Anna had seen the Messiah, what did she begin to do?

12. Joseph and Mary took Jesus home to Nazareth, but they came back every year to Jerusalem. Why?

13. Can you imagine the fear that came over Joseph and Mary when they could not find Jesus. Approximately how many days had he been lost?

14. Most every parent has had the unfortunate experience of losing a child for a short time. It is the worst feeling in the world. Mary was upset by the fact that Jesus had allowed them to experience that painful fear. What was Jesus’ response? And as you think on that, think about this – she would again experience this whole scenario of losing Him for God’s purpose.