Instructions - Station 5
At the Temple
You will need ...
A quiet space, 20 minutes, a small item such as a pebble, shell or nut, and your bible or a printout of the bible reading below.
· Ask the Holy Spirit to use this time helping you focus on the reading and anything that God wishes to relate to your own circumstances.
· Read Luke 2 : 21 – 40
· Consider Simeon and Anna and how they were waiting for the Saviour. Hold the pebble (or any small item) allow yourself to wonder at the mightiness of God’s plan and our role in it.
· Think of people you know who are searching or waiting for something in their lives that will add meaning. Pray for them.
· Think of Christians throughout the world who are persecuted because of their faith, Pray for them.
· Use the pebble (or any small item) as a reminder that you are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
Reading ...
Luke 2:21-40 (NIV)
Jesus Presented in the Temple
21On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"[a]), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."[b]
25Now 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 upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved 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, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss[c] your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.[d] She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming 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.
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Footnotes:
- Luke 2:23 Exodus 13:2,12
- Luke 2:24 Lev. 12:8
- Luke 2:29 Or promised, / now dismiss
- Luke 2:37 Or widow for eighty-four years