Enjoying the Company

Week 5: Enjoying the Company

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 and Luke 2:22-40

Fellowship – Snacks or a Meal. (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal)

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes). In pairs or groups of three, have participants share what was most memorable in 2020.

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes)

Read Isaiah 61:10-62:3 and Luke 2:22-40

• What does it tell us about Jesus that his parents brought him to Jerusalem for the ritual of purification and for what was customary under the law? [Jesus was raised in an observant Jewish home.]
• What does the Scripture mean that Simeon was looking for the “consolation” of Israel? [He was looking for the long-promised time when God would decisively act in Israel’s history so that justice and righteousness would become commonplace.]
• Why might have Simeon’s words in verse 32 have been surprising to some? [It includes the Gentiles. Simeon is prophesying that salvation is not just for the Jewish people, but the whole world.]
• How would you have felt about Simeon’s words if you were Joseph or Mary? How do you think Mary felt after Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her soul too?
• How is the story of Anna similar to the story of Simeon? [She too was looking forward to the redemption of Israel.]
• What do we learn about the ministry of Jesus from these stories? [Jesus’ ministry would be about the redemption of Israel and would radiate to the whole world.]

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). Ask for a volunteer to lead the group in prayer or read the following prayer in unison: