Simeon and Anna - Luke 2: 23-39
STARTER QUESTION
Have you ever had to “let go” of something that has been very important to you? How did you feel about it/cope with it?
Facing retirement; moving to a new home; change in pattern of church worship; too old to keep doing what you have been doing for many years.
Our study this week moves us on from the Christmas story to an incident that took place just 40 days later. Mary & Joseph took Jesus to the Temple 40 days after his birth, in accordance with Jewish Law, especially regarding the redemption of the firstborn. Offering was to be a lamb, but, for the poor, a pair of turtle doves or two pigeons instead. This indicates the reality that Mary & Joseph were very poor and that the visit of the Magi/Wise Men had not yet happened. If they had been given gold, surely they would have used some of it to bring a lamb for the sacrifice?
And there they meet Simeon and Anna.
Do you think it is possible that Simeon was aware of any rumours about the coming of the Messiah?
Why might it have difficult for Simeon to let go?
What is the significance of Simeon’s thanksgiving (29-32, words of the “Nunc Dimittis”)?
Can you put yourself in Mary’s shoes at this time? Can you imagine her feelings?
What do you think this story has to teach us about our own vocation in life?
As we look back on the Christmas story, we have come across a wide range of people – who have you identified with most?
Zechariah and Elizabeth, surprised to have a child in their old age.
Mary, a young, unmarried girl surprised to be bearing a child by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph, accepting the child as his after a dream – knowing he (and Mary) would face ridicule and rejection.
Shepherds, going about their daily work, being told amazing news
An old man and an old woman, worshipping in the Temple, praying for the salvation of God’s people.
Why do you think such a range of people are involved?
PRAYER
Having accepted God’s offer of salvation, what does it mean for me as an individual and for the life of our group?
Pray for the life of our church at this time of change.
Invite people (if they wish) to say what their hope is for 2023 – and pray for any issues that emerge.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Do you think it is possible that Simeon was aware of any rumours about the coming of the Messiah?
The news of the birth of John the Baptist had been widely circulated. The shepherds – who looked after sheep for the temple sacrifices – may well have shared their story. However it was not the rumours that brought him to the temple at this time – it was the work of the Holy Spirit.Why might it have difficult for Simeon to let go?
He had invested many years in the Jewish way of life/worship and he had witnessed the ritual of the temple (and its sacrificial system). He had prayed for many years for a better world, and now he sees a young couple who seem to be the answer to his prayers. Time to step back, never easy.What is the significance of Simeon’s thanksgiving (29-32, words of the “Nunc Dimittis”)?
Simeon, like all Jews of his generation, had grown up with an exclusivist world-view. The world was divided into God’s people (Jews) and the Gentile nations of the world. Salvation was for the people of God, not for the nations of the world. And now this was totally shattered. Here, in this child, was a light for making God known to the whole world, Jew and Gentile. The good news of God’s salvation was now to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Here is the real ruler of the world, the Lord, the Saviour, the Messiah. But it will not look like people had expected.
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word.”
Simeon’s warning to Mary makes it clear that the universal offer of salvation will not be received by everyone. It is a universal offer but it brings a personal challenge. There will be those who speak against what God is offering, and many will be scandalized by a salvation which can only be achieved by way of the cross – the “sword” which will pierce Mary’s own soul.Can you put yourself in Mary’s shoes at this time? Can you imagine her feelings?
Mary must have become accustomed to the God of surprises: the Angel Gabriel telling her that she was to have a son who would be called the Son of God; the shepherds greeting the weary mother and her newborn child, having been told that a Saviour, Christ the Lord, had been born.
And now Simeon, taking the child in his arms, saying that his eyes had now seen the salvation God had prepared for all people – and that the same child was destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart.
And more – Anna praising God and speaking about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Can you even begin to imagine how Mary must have felt? Can you even begin to imagine being in Mary’s shoes?What do you think this story has to teach us about our own vocation in life?
Each one of us has a part to play in God’s great plan of salvation. For some it will be an obvious and active role, working in the public life, perhaps leading/preaching; perhaps sharing the love of God through meeting practical needs. For others it will be quiet and away from public view, perhaps faithfully praying for God to work through the life of our church. It may well be a combination of the two. In this story Mary & Joseph needed Simeon and Anna; and Simeon and Anna needed them.Why do you think such a range of people are involved in the birth of Jesus?
Are the Gospel writers wanting to make it clear that all are invited to be part of this story of God’s salvation? Young and old; rich and poor; influential or marginalized.
All are needed; all have a role in bringing the good news of salvation to the world – and that, for us, begins in the community in which we live.