DECLARING JESUS' DESTINY—Luke 2:21-40
Luke showed his readers that Jesus’ destiny was openly revealed
Jesus’ destiny is openly declared.
How is Jesus’ destiny openly declared?
5 devices/events/loyalties/revelations/settings openly declaring Jesus’ destiny.
1—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
CIRCUMCISION/Separation(:21)
Explanation:(:21) Setting apart & Naming
The events & prophecies of :21-39, regarding the child Jesus, took place prior to the arrival of the magi(Mat. 2).
:21—“And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
Eight days following the birth of Mary’s first-born son(:7) & the shepherd’s visit(:8-20), & just prior to His circumcision, He was named ‘Jesus’. This was the Jewish custom as Abraham was instructed in Gen. 17:11-12, & prescribed for the nation in Lev. 12:3.
Gen. 17:9-12—“And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you & your descendants after you throughout their generations. This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me & you & your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; & you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, & it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me & you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.”
Lev. 12:2-3—““Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a woman has conceived, & borne a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her customary impurity she shall be unclean. ‘And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.”
“Jesus” was the name which the angel(Gabriel) had separately required of....
1)Mary(prior to Jesus’ conception in her womb—1:31)
...& also...
2)Joseph(per a dream, after her pregnancy—Mat. 1:18-21).
Mat. 1:21—““And she will bring forth a Son, & you[Joseph] shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.””
Lk. 1:31-33—““And behold, you[Mary] will conceive in your womb & bring forth a Son, & shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, & will be called the Son of the Highest; & the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, & of His kingdom there will be no end.””
His name is very significant in that it alludes to the fact that He will save His people from their sins(Mat. 1:21).
“Jesus”—Ihsouv—"Jehovah is salvation"
“Circumcision”—peritemnw—1) To cut around; 2) To circumcise—2a) Cut off one's prepuce (used of that well known rite by which not only the male children of the Israelites, on the eighth day after birth, but subsequently also "proselytes of righteousness" were consecrated to Jehovah & introduced into the number of his people), 2b) To get one's self circumcised, present one's self to be circumcised, receive circumcision, 2c) Since by the rite of circumcision a man was separated from the unclean world & dedicated to God, the word is transferred to denote the extinguishing of lusts & the removal of sins.
“Conception”—sullambanw—1) To seize, take: one as prisoner; 2) To conceive, of a woman, 2a) metaph. of lust whose impulses a man indulges, 3) to seize for one's self, 3a) In a hostile sense, to make (one a permanent) prisoner; 4) To take hold together with one, to assist, help, to succor.
Argumentation:
Isa. 53:4-6, 11—“Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, & afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”.....“He shall see the labor of His soul, & be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.”
Acts 4:12—“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.””
Illustration:
Taxonomic nomenclature/Identify specific traits & or abilities/An ocean creature—Oikopleura(‘house-breath)/Vaguely resembles a very small tadpole/When not feeding not very unique but to feed, it produces(blows up) an elaborate net system by which it captures & eats phytoplankton/CIRCUMCISION
Application:
?Your CIRCUMCISION reveal Jesus true destiny?
?You declaring Jesus’ destiny?
2—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
PRESENTATION(:22-24)
Explanation: (:22-24) Holiness in Poverty
:22—“Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord”
There was a certain specified time set aside in which Mary(“Their/Her”—& Joseph &/or Jesus) was to achieve purification. This purification & time allotment was as specified in the “law of Moses”. ?Did this purification occur within the eight day period mentioned in :21?...or following the specified purification of 33 days(Lev. 12:4)...
Lev. 12:1-4— “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'When a woman gives birth & bears a male child, then she shall be unclean for seven days, as in the days of her menstruation she shall be unclean. 'And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 'Then she shall remain in the blood of her purification for thirty-three days; she shall not touch any consecrated thing, nor enter the sanctuary, until the days of her purification are completed.””
After the 33 day purification period was completed, Joseph & Mary brought Jesus to Jerusalem for the purpose of publicly presenting Him to the Lord. This ‘presentation’ would have consisted of the priest’s bestowing a ceremonial/ritual blessing upon the child. This would have been done for all any male not redeemed by the 5 shekels.
“Purification”—kayarismov—1) A cleansing, purification, a ritual purgation or washing.
“Completed”—plhyw—1) to fill; 2) to be fulfilled, to be filled.
“Present”—paristhmi—1) To place beside or near; 2) To stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present.
:23—“(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”),”
This ‘presentation’ involved satisfying a command of the Lord that every male to first open the womb was considered holy to the LORD. ?What does it mean for a child to be presented as holy to the Lord?
Ex. 13:1-2, 11-16— “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man & beast; it is Mine.””.....““And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you & your fathers, & gives it to you, “that you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD’S. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; & if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man & the firstborn of beast.’ Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ “It shall be as a sign on your hand & as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.””
Num. 3:47-48—““you shall take five shekels for each one individually; you shall take them in the currency of the shekel of the sanctuary, the shekel of twenty gerahs. And you shall give the money, with which the excess number of them is redeemed, to Aaron & his sons.””
The means of Jesus’ presentation permitted/enabled Him the first installment of publicly recognizable holiness before men in preparation for His future public ministry.
Mat. 1:20—“But while he[Joseph] thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”
Lk. 1:35—“And the angel answered & said to her[Mary], “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, & the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Heb. 1:1-4—“God, who at various times & in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory & the express image of His person, & upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”
:24—“& to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.””
A particular sacrifice was required by Mosaic Law for Jesus’ presentation. This sacrifice was specified in the Law of the Lord particularly in relation to Mary’s need for cleansing due to the “flow of her blood” consequent with childbirth.
Lev. 12:6-8— “‘When the days of her purification are fulfilled, whether for a son or a daughter, she shall bring to the priest a lamb of the first year as a burnt offering, & a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ‘Then he shall offer it before the LORD, & make atonement for her. And she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who has borne a male or a female. ‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons--one as a burnt offering & the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, & she will be clean.’””
They offered a sacrifice in accordance with the Law which also signified their status/position in their society as poor. 1)One of the pair of turtle doves took the place of a one-year-old lamb(which could not be afforded) for the whole burnt offering. 2)The other turtledove was for a sin offering.
What do these sacrifices signify in the life of Joseph & Mary?—
1)The whole burnt offering was for the atonement of the person offering it. The offerers hands were laid upon the head of the sacrifice & sins confessed. The entire animal was consumed in the fire. This “symbolizes the complete consecration of the offerer & his gift” to God....“Both expiation & propitiation are involved.”—E. E. Carpenter in ISBE 1988.
2)The sin offering was for that committed unwittingly(as was Mary’s in giving birth). It seems to have been graded per one’s position—priest, congregation, ruler & common people. The fatty portions removed & burned on the altar. The meat was eaten by the priest & the remainder burned outside the camp. Procedurally it was required 1st before others. It symbolized the atonement & forgiveness for the offerer.—E. E. Carpenter; W. S. La Sor(Old Testament Survey)1982.
The sacrifice for cleansing required was due to her flow of blood(natural to childbirth). In God’s eyes man’s blood is precious & is to be regarded as such because it is the very means of sustaining the flesh.
Lev. 17:11-16—“‘For the life of the flesh is in the blood, & I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ “Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’ “Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts & catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood & cover it with dust; “for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.’ “And every person who eats what died naturally or what was torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes & bathe in water, & be unclean until evening. Then he shall be clean. “But if he does not wash them or bathe his body, then he shall bear his guilt.””
Argumentation:
Php. 2:1-8—“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection & mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, & coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself & became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
1Cor. 2:14-16—“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
Php. 4:13—“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, & I know how to abound. Everywhere & in all things I have learned both to be full & to be hungry, both to abound & to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Eph. 1:3-6—“Blessed be the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy & without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.”
1Pet. 1:15-16—“but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.””
Illustration:
Integrity in trying circumstances—Flashlights/Beach trip to Tybee Island, GA/Walk on beach at night/Humidity & salt spray caused regular flashlights to fail/Purchased water resistant ones/Maintained their mission thruout/Holiness in Poverty—PRESENTATION
Application:
?Your PRESENTATION reveal Jesus true destiny?
?You declaring Jesus’ destiny?
3—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
BLESSING(:25-35)
Explanation: (:25-35) Revelation/Prophecy
:25—“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, & this man was just & devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, & the Holy Spirit was upon him.”
After their/her(Mary & Joseph &/or Jesus or a combination) purification & concurrent/simultaneous to Joseph & Mary bringing Jesus for presentation to the Lord, a particular man was in Jerusalem who is pertinent to Jesus’ presentation.
The man’s name was Simeon.
Simeon was both “just/righteous” & “devout.”
Simeon was awaiting the consolation of Israel. Israel’s consolation was an anticipated Scriptural mandate with no particular date attached to it. that which all Israel sought was bound up in the child, Jesus.
Israel was destined to be called near to God thru the Messiah.
Simeon was anticipating the arrival of the Messiah as the consoler of Israel.
The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. Therefore Simeon had special spiritual insight from God as to the identity & meaning of the Messiah’s birth.
“Just/Righteous”—dikaiov—1) Righteous, observing divine laws. Strong—Equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively):-- Just, meet, right(-eous).
“Devout”—eulabhv—1) Taking hold well—1a) Carefully & surely, 1b) Cautiously; 2) Reverencing God, pious, religious. It means careful in handling divine things. It characterizes the anxious & scrupulous worshipper, careful not to change anything that should be observed in worship, & fearful of offending. It means devout, & may be applied to an adherent of any religion, being especially appropriate to describe the best of the Jewish worshippers. Strong—Taking well (carefully), i.e. Circumspect (religiously, pious):-- Devout. Used 3X.
“Waiting for”(See :38—“Looked for”)—prosdecomai—1) To receive to one's self, to admit, to give access to one's self; 2) To expect: the fulfillment of promises. Strong—To admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or [figuratively] endurance); by implication, To await (with confidence or patience):-- Accept, allow, look (wait) for, take.
“Consolation”—paraklesiv—1) A calling near, summons, (esp. for help); 2) Importation, supplication, entreaty; 3) Exhortation, admonition, encouragement; 4) Consolation, comfort, solace; that which affords comfort or refreshment; 4a) Thus of the Messianic salvation (so the Rabbis call the Messiah the consoler, the comforter); 5) Persuasive discourse, stirring address—5a) Instructive, admonitory, conciliatory, powerful hortatory discourse. Strong—imploration, hortation, solace:-- comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty.
:26—“And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”
The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die without seeing the Messiah. The Messiah was the Lord’s Messiah. Not to be confused with another. “Christ” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew ‘Messiah,’ both meaning ‘Anointed’(of God). The extent of such ‘anointing’ is determined by the context.
“Revealed”—crhmatizw—1) To transact business, esp. to manage public affairs—1a) To advise or consult with one about public affairs, 1b) To make answer to those who ask for advice, present enquiries or requests, etc.—1b1) Of judges, magistrates, rulers, kings; 2) To give a response to those consulting an oracle, to give a divine command or admonition, to teach from heaven—2a) To be divinely commanded, admonished, instructed, 2b) To be the mouthpiece of divine revelations, to promulgate the commands of God; 3) To assume or take to one's self a name from one's public business, Strong—To utter an oracle i.e. Divinely intimate; by implication To constitute a firm for business, i.e. (generally) bear as a title:-- Be called, be admonished (warned) of God, reveal, speak. Used 9X.
“See & Seen”2X(See :30)—eidw—1) To see; 2) To know. to see with the mind's eye, signifies a clear & purely mental perception.
“Christ”—Cristov—= ‘Anointed.’
:27—“So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,”
Simeon entered the temple by direction of &/or filled with the Holy Spirit. This was a Divine encounter.
When Joseph & Mary brought Jesus for presentation, Simeon took Jesus in his arms. It seems that Simeon interrupted the intentions of Joseph & Mary. The Holy Spirit of God interrupts our best intentions as well, with the greater intention of God.
Fulfilling the custom of the law—as described in verses :22-24— was the intention of both Joseph & Mary.
“Came”—ercomai—1) To come—1a) Of persons—1a1) To come from one place to another, & used both of persons arriving & of those returning, 1a2) To appear, make one's appearance, come before the public; 2) metaph.—2a) To come into being, arise, come forth, show itself, find place or influence—2b) Be established, become known, to come (fall) into or unto; 3) To go, to follow one. Denotes motion or progress generally, & of any sort, hence to "come" & arrive at, as well as "to go."
“Temple”—ieron—1) A sacred place, temple. The temple of Jerusalem consisted of the whole of the sacred enclosure, embracing the entire aggregate of buildings, balconies, porticos, courts (that is that of the men of Israel, that of the women, & that of the priests), belonging to the temple; the latter designates the sacred edifice properly so called, consisting of two parts, the "sanctuary" or "Holy Place" (which no one except the priests was allowed to enter), & the "Holy of Holies" or "the most holy place" (which was entered only on the great day of atonement by the high priest alone). Also there were the courts where Jesus or the apostles taught or encountered adversaries, & the like, "in the temple"; also the courts of the temple, of the Gentiles, out of which Jesus drove the buyers & sellers & the money changers, court of the women. Strong—A sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas naov denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the Temple (at Jerusalem or elsewhere):-- Temple.
“Custom”—eyizw—V.—1) To accustomed, usage, custom. Used 1X. From —eyov—N.—1) Custom; 2) Usage prescribed by law, institute, prescription, rite. Used 12X.
“Law”—nomov—1) Anything established, anything received by usage, a custom, a law, a command. The common word meaning law. It may mean law in general. In the N.T., however, it usually means the law of God, & most frequently the Mosaic law.
“Blessed/Praised”(See :34)—eulogew—1) To praise, celebrate with praises; 2) To invoke blessings; 3) To consecrate a thing with solemn prayers—3a) To ask God's blessing on a thing, 3b) pray God to bless it to one's use, 3c) Pronounce a consecratory blessing on; 4) of God—4a) To cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on, 4b) favored of God, blessed. Strong—To speak well of, i.e. (religiously) To bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper):
3—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
BLESSING(:25-35)Revelation/Prophecy
a. Blessed “GOD”(:28-33)
:28—“he took Him up in his arms & blessed God & said:”
Subsequent to taking Jesus in his arms, Simeon “blessed God.” The way in which Simeon effectively “blessed God” follows in verses 29-32(:33). He blessed God by declaring that which the Holy Spirit compelled him to say. Simeon became the mouthpiece of God to identify & call attention to His Christ.
:29—““Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;”
Simeon said, in poetic form, that the Lord could now let Simeon die in peace since God’s word had, at that moment, been fulfilled. Simeon looked upon himself as a bond-servant of God. God’s word to Simeon had come to him personally thru His Holy Spirit. This too, is God’s very word, & though it is unwritten it is nonetheless binding.
“Letting...depart/Dismiss”—apoluw—1) To set free; 2) To let go, dismiss, (to detain no longer), 2a) A petitioner to whom liberty to depart is given by a decisive answer, 2b) To bid depart, send away; 3) To let go free, release—3a) A captive i.e. to loose his bonds & bid him depart, to give him liberty to depart, 3b) To acquit one accused of a crime & set him at liberty, 3c) Indulgently to grant a prisoner leave to depart, 3d) To release a debtor, i.e. not to press one's claim against him, to remit his debt; 4) used of divorce, To dismiss from the house, to repudiate. The wife of a Greek or Roman may divorce her husband.; 5) To send one's self away, to depart. RWP—The verb apoluw was common for the manumission of slaves.
“Peace”—eirhnh—Strong—probably from a primary verb eirw (to join);Peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, Prosperity:-- One, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
:30—“For my eyes have seen Your salvation”
Simeon related that upon seeing Jesus he had thus “seen” God’s promised salvation/consolation. He is commenting on the unique magnificence of this moment in which he is allowed to participate.
Lk. 2:11—““For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Mk. 13:13—““And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
Jn. 3:16-18—““For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
Jn. 10:9—““I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, & will go in & out & find pasture.”
Acts 16:30 -31 “And he[Philippian jailer] brought them[Paul & Silas] out & said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, & you will be saved, you & your household.””
1Cor. 15:1-4—“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received & in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, & that He was buried, & that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”
Rom. 10:9-13—“that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus & believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, & with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew & Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.””
1Cor. 7:10—“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Eph. 2:4-10—“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), & raised us up together, & made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, & that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
1Thes. 5:9-10—“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us...”
1Pet. 1:3-9—“Blessed be the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible & undefiled & that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, & glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible & full of glory, receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.”
1Pet. 2:24-25—“who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd & Overseer of your souls.”
“Seen”(See :26)—eidw—1) To see; 2) To know. To see with the mind's eye, signifies a clear & purely mental perception.
“Salvation”—swthrion—1) Saving, bringing salvation; 2) He who embodies this salvation, or through whom God is about to achieve it; 3) the hope of (future) salvation
:31—“Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,”
God had “prepared” His salvation in the very midst of all peoples so that no one could rightly say they were unaware.
Israel was recognized by the world as having a connection & commonwealth with God, which others did not have. The nation was also a physical land cross-roads between Roman interests to the north & those to the southwest in Africa(Egypt, etc.) as well as the south(Sinai) & southeast(Arabia). Jerusalem was thus a cross-roads of many peoples, who would then return to their lands with word of the salvation God had wrought.
God’s providence is indeed astounding.
“Prepared”—etoimazw—1) To make ready, provide, prepare.
“Face”—proswpon—Strong—The front (as being towards view), i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:-- (outward) Appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence.
:32—“A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.””
The salvation of God is intended as the means of enlightenment regarding the “revelation” of God for “the Gentiles.” This is minimally in fulfillment of Isa. 9:1ff & 60:1-3. The Gentiles are in darkness(uncalled) in comparison to Israel.
Likewise, this salvation of God is simultaneously intended as “the glory” of God’s own people who are recognized as “Israel.” Without this “glory” Israel is not distinguished from any other nation or people.
“Light”—fwv—Strong—from an obsolete faw (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays); Luminousness (in the widest application, nat. or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative):-- Fire, light.
“Revelation”—apokaluqiv—1) Laying bear, making naked; 2) A disclosure of truth, instruction—2a) Concerning things before unknown, 2b) Used of events by which things or states or persons hitherto withdrawn from view are made visible to all; 3) Manifestation, appearance. Strong—Disclosure:-- appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
“Glory”—doxa—Strong—Glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):-- Dignity, glory(-ious), honor, praise, worship.
“Gentiles”—eynov—In the plural it ordinarily denotes all mankind aside from the Jews & in contrast with them, the Gentiles. Strong—A race (as of the same habit), i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan):-- Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
The word eynov originally meant just a crowd or company, then a race or nation, then the nations other than Israel (the people, o laov) or the people of God.
“People”—laov—1) A people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock & language; 2) Of a great part of the population gathered together anywhere. Strong—A people (in general; thus differing from dhmov, which denotes one's own populace):-- People.
:33—“And Joseph & His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.”
Joseph & Mary were amazed at the things spoken of their child, Jesus.
“The late MSS. wrongly read "& Joseph"[Byz. & TR] instead of “his father.” “He by no means intends to deny the Virgin Birth of Jesus so plainly stated in 1:34-38. He merely employs here the language of ordinary custom.”—RWP
Either 1)They obviously did not comprehend the full significance of Gabriel’s statements to either of them(Lk. 1:30-37; Mat. 1:20-25). Though they both knew obedience, they did not comprehend & conceive of the full significance/ramifications of the result of their obedience.
Or 2)They were unaware that God would reveal such knowledge to others. It is one thing to know it for oneself, but to hear such insight from those completely outside our intimate knowledge base is somewhat unnerving. It adds another layer to our understanding of God’s working & humbles us in both His presence & in the presence of God’s people. “It is a mark of unusual insight for others to see so much that is obvious to the parent. Simeon's prophecy had gone beyond the angel's outline & it was surprising that he should know anything about the child's destiny.—RWP
“Marveled/ Were Amazed”—yaumazw—1) To wonder, wonder at, marvel; 2) To be wondered at, to be had in admiration. Strong—from yauma; by implication, To admire:-- Admire, have in admiration, marvel, wonder.
b. Blessed “THEM”(:34-35)
:34—“Then Simeon blessed them, & said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall & rising of many in Israel, & for a sign which will be spoken against”
Now Simeon extends another blessing, this time upon the chosen couple themselves—or the couple & child, or Mary & child.
Simeon related directly to Mary that her son was “appointed”/predetermined for both “the fall & rise of many”(but not all) “in Israel.”
Jesus would be the determining factor of true success for all of God’s chosen people.
Rom. 6:4— Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom. 6:9— knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.
Eph. 2:6— & raised us up together, & made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Jesus would be “for a sign”—though of God’s visitation—which even so, was destined “to be opposed.” Some, who desire darkness rather than light, oppose even that which God makes obvious regarding Himself & His work.(Rom. 1:21, 25, 28, 32).
Rom. 1:21, 25, 28, 32—“because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, & their foolish hearts were darkened.”.....“who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, & worshiped & served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”.....“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;”.....“who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
“Blessed/Praised”(See :28)—eulogew—1) To praise, celebrate with praises; 2) To invoke blessings; 3) To consecrate a thing with solemn prayers—3a) To ask God's blessing on a thing, 3b) pray God to bless it to one's use, 3c) Pronounce a consecratory blessing on; 4) of God—4a) To cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on, 4b) favored of God, blessed. Strong—To speak well of, i.e. (religiously) To bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper):-- Bless, praise.
“Destined/Set/Appointed”—keimai—Strong—To lie outstretched (literally or figuratively):-- Be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie.
“Fall”—ptwsiv—Strong—A crash, i.e. Downfall (literally or figuratively):-- Fall. Used 2X.
“Rising”—anastasiv—A standing up again, i.e. (literally) A resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication [its author]), or (figuratively) A (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):-- Raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again. Strong—A standing up again, i.e. (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication [its author]), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth):-- raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.
“Sign”—shmeion—1) A sign, mark, token. Strong—An indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:-- Miracle, sign, token, wonder.
“Spoken against/Opposed”—antilegw—1) To speak against, gainsay, contradict; 2) To oppose one's self to one, decline to obey him, declare one's self against him, refuse to have anything to do with him. Strong—To dispute, refuse:-- Answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay(-er), speak against.
:35—““(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.””
In fact Mary’s “own soul” would be “pierced” as with “a sword,” in that her very soul would be bared not only to herself but that she would become aware of the misdirected & purely evil “thoughts” regarding her son &/or His mission. The result would be that 1)The many thoughts presented to her would become clear, 2)The heartfelt thoughts of many people would be revealed. Such “thoughts” would be polarized toward either love or hatred.
“...One day Mary will stand by the Cross of Christ with this Thracian javelin clean through her soul.....a passing cloud perhaps passed over Mary's heart already puzzled with rapture & ecstasy.”—RWP
This revelation “expresses God's purpose in the mission of the Messiah.” Mary’s child Himself will be the “test” of “men's thoughts (dialogismoi) & purposes.”—RWP
Heb. 4:12-13—“For the word of God is living & powerful, & sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul & spirit, & of joints & marrow, & is a discerner of the thoughts & intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked & open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
“Sword”—romfaia—1) A large sword; 2) Properly a long Thracian javelin, also a kind of long sword worn on the shoulder. Strong—A sabre, i.e. A long & broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively):-- Sword.
—This would have been a two-edged sword—D. L. Bock
“Pierce”—diercomai—1) To go through, pass through; 2) To go different places. Strong—To traverse (literally):-- Come, depart, go (about, abroad, everywhere, over, through, throughout), pass (by, over, through, throughout), pierce through, travel, walk through.
“Soul”—quch—1) Breath—1a) The breath of life—1a1) The vital force which animates the body & shows itself in breathing—1a1a) Of animals, 1a1b) Of men, 1b) Life, 1c) That in which there is life—1c1) A living being, a living soul; 2) The soul—2a) The seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.), 2b) The (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end & secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life, 2c) The soul as an essence which differs from the body (distinguished from other parts of the body). Strong—Breath, i.e. (by implication) Spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only.
“Thoughts”—dialogismov—1) The thinking of a man deliberating with himself—1a) A thought, inward reasoning, 1b) Purpose, design; 2) A deliberating, questioning about what is true. Strong—Discussion, i.e. (internal) Consideration (by implication, Purpose), or (external) Debate:-- Dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought.
“Hearts”—kardia—Strong—The heart, i.e. (figuratively) The thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) The middle:-- (+ broken-)heart(-ed). 1) The heart—1a) That organ in the animal body which is the centre of the circulation of the blood, & hence was regarded as the seat of physical life, 1b) Denotes the centre of all physical & spiritual life, 2a) the vigor & sense of physical life, 2b) The centre & seat of spiritual life—2b1) The soul or mind, as it is the fountain & seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors, 2b2) Of the understanding, the faculty & seat of the intelligence, 2b3) Of the will & character, 2b4) Of the soul so far as it is affected & stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions, 1c) of the middle or central or inmost part of anything, even though inanimate.
“Revealed”—apokaluptw—1) To uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up—1a) disclose, make bare; 2) To make known, make manifest, disclose what before was unknown. Strong—To take off the cover, i.e. disclose:-- reveal.
Argumentation:
Php. 2:12—“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear & trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will & to do for His good pleasure.
That you may be a blessing to God Himself by being a blessing to others!
1Cor. 14:14-19—“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, & I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, & I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
Sharing your Blessing with others is vastly greater than keeping it to yourself!
Likewise, Keeping God’s blessing confined pales in comparison to sharing it with others!
Illustration:
Mayor of Granite Quarry, NC—Howard Brown & Roy Lingle worked to put up money to get ‘the dentist’ installed in GQ/Everyone’s approach to my Daddy was appreciation for his dental service/They blessed him & his ministry, in turn, blessed them & many others/BLESSING
Application:
?Your BLESSING reveal Jesus true destiny?
a. ?How do you BLESS GOD?
b. ?How do you bless OTHERS?
?You declaring Jesus’ destiny?
4—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
EVANGELISM/Sharing(:36-38)
Explanation: (:36-38)
:36—“Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, & had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;”
Along with Simeon there was also present a “prophetess” who was named “Anna.” She was the daughter of Phanuel. Phanuel was of the tribe of Asher. Why is Anna’s lineage important?
Perhaps some of the readers would recognize her, given her unusual age & circumstances. She is indeed a noteworthy person as verse :37 relates.
Anna was “of a great age”—84(per :37).
Anna had been married for only seven years when her husband died. She thus remained a widow & never remarried.
Anna’s state commanded the respect of her peers.
—Thus Christian women everywhere are called to examine their own lives in relations to Christ.
“Anna”—Anna—Of Hebrew origin—hnx khan-naw'(Hannah)—= “Grace.”
“Prophestess”—profhtiv—1) A prophetess; 2) A woman to whom future events or things hidden from others are at times revealed, either by inspiration or by dreams & visions; 3) A female who declares or interprets oracles. The feminine is used only here positively but negatively of “that woman Jezebel” in Rev. 2:20.
“Phanuel—Fanouhl— Of Hebrew origin—lawnp pen-oo-ale'—Phanuel = “the face of God.”
“Of great age/Advanced in years”—probainw—1) To go forwards, go on. Strong—To walk forward, i.e. Advance (literally, or in years):-- + Be of a great age, go farther (on), be well stricken. Used 5X.
—A redundant Hebraic idiom literally translated—“of advanced age in her many days.”
“Virginity/Marriage”—paryenia—Virginity.
:37—“& this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings & prayers night & day.”
Anna never left the temple. She constantly served night & day, never missing the temple’s opening. She served “with fastings & prayers.” Of what her service consisted we are not told, but she chose a lifetime of service to God over remarriage(highly sought by her society). This is a statement of Anna’s commitment to her God. Evidently she is at the temple daily where she fasts & offer prayers(for the personal needs of others?).
Anna’s entire life is consumed with God. A person all should emulate.
“Served”—latreuw—1) To serve for hire; 2) To serve, minister to, either to the gods or men & used alike of slaves & freemen—2a) In the NT, to render religious service or homage, to worship, 2b) To perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for his worship—2b1) Of priests, to officiate, to discharge the sacred office. Strong—from latriv (a hired menial); To minister (to God), i.e. Render, religious homage:-- Serve, do the service, worship(-per).
“Fastings”—nhsteia—Abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary & religious); Specifically, the fast of the Day of Atonement:-- Fast(-ing.).
“Prayers”—dehsiv—1) Need, indigence, want, privation, penury; 2) A seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God or to man. Is petitionary & gives prominence to the expression of personal need. Strong—A petition:-- Prayer, request, supplication.
:38—“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, & spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
At the very moment of Simeon’s blessings & prophecy(or possibly Jesus’ presentation), Anna “gave thanks” to her “Lord.”. She thanked God due to His redemption which He would bring about in/thru/by Jesus. It is assumed here that she found cause for her open praise thru the word of God thru Simeon.
She continually was speaking of Jesus to all those who were anticipating the Lord’s redemption. The redemption of particular concern was that of Jerusalem, which had ramifications/implications for the entire world! This infers that some were aware & that others were clueless as to the consummation of God’s plan concerning Jerusalem(& beyond). Jerusalem & her effects were to be redeemed from their sinful estate as well as her political strife.
Jerusalem(& all of Israel) were occupied & governed by Roman political prowess at this time.
“Coming in”—efisthmi—Strong—To stand upon, i.e. Be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal):-- Assault, come (in, to, unto, upon), be at hand (instant), present, stand (before, by, over). “The word often has the notion of coming suddenly or bursting in....But here it probably means coming up & standing by & so hearing Simeon's wonderful words so that her words form a kind of footnote to his.”—RWP
“Instant”—wra—Strong—An "hour" (literally or figuratively):-- Day, hour, instant, season, X short, [even-]tide, (high) time.
“Gave thanks”—anyomologeomai—1) To reply by professing or by confessing; 2) To agree mutually (in turn), to make a compact; 3) To acknowledge in the presence of—3a) To give thanks. Strong— confess in turn, i.e. Tespond in praise:-- Give thanks.
“Spoke”—lalew—Strong—To talk, i.e. Utter words:-- Preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.
“Looked for”(See :25—“Waiting for)—prosdecomai—1) To receive to one's self, to admit, to give access to one's self; 2) To expect: the fulfillment of promises. Strong—To admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or [figuratively] endurance); by implication, To await (with confidence or patience):-- Accept, allow, look (wait) for, take.
“Redemption”—lutrwsiv—1) A ransoming, redemption; 2) Deliverance, esp. from the penalty of sin. Strong—A ransoming (figuratively):-- + Redeemed, redemption. Used 3X.
Argumentation:
Lk. 1:50—Mary stated—And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation.”
2Cor. 5:18-21—“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, & has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, & has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Php. 2:12-15—“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear & trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will & to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining & disputing, that you may become blameless & harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked & perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,”
Lk. 14:23—““Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways & hedges, & compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”
Mat. 28:18-20—“And Jesus came & spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven & on earth. Go therefore & make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; & lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Illustration:
My recipe for pork chops/I don’t mind telling others that that recipe is the best!/EVANGELISM/Sharing
Application:
?Your SHARING reveal Jesus true destiny?
?You declaring Jesus’ destiny?
5—A device declaring Jesus’ destiny is...
HOME/Growth(:39-40)
Explanation: (:39-40) Jesus’ humanity/Home life Conducive to normalcy
:39—“So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.”
Upon “performing” everything (Jesus’ presentation as holy to the Lord—:22-23— & the offer of sacrifices for Mary’s cleansing—:24) in accordance with the Law, the three returned to Galilee.
?Did they remain in Bethlehem/Jerusalem immediately following the birth?—Considering the demands of the Law one would think that Mary must have remained in Bethlehem.
Nazareth was in practicality considered “Their own city.” Previously(Lk. 2:3) Joseph’s “own city” governmentally, politically & for tax purposes at least was Bethlehem.” However they did leave from Nazareth in Galilee to travel to Bethlehem(Lk. 2:4). We are promised that “He shall be called a Nazarene.” And this is the city to which they return from their stint in Egypt(Mat. 2:13-23).
“Performed”—telew—1) To bring to a close, to finish, to end—1a) Passed, finished; 2) To perform, execute, complete, fulfill, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)—2a) with special reference to the subject matter, To carry out the contents of a command, 2b) with reference also to the form, To do just as commanded, & generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfill; 3) To pay. Strong—To end, ie. Complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt):-- Accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.
“All things”—apav—1) Quite, all, the whole, all together, all. Strong—Absolutely all or (singular) every one:-- All (things), every (one), whole.
“Returned”—upostrefw—1) To turn back—1a) To turn about; 2) To return.
“Their own city”—eiv polin eautwn or —eiv thn polin eautwn
:40—“And the Child grew & became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; & the grace of God was upon Him.”
The child Jesus continued to grow presumably in the usual aspects of growth as both physical, mental . He also became “strong.” He acquired strength of spirit as well if we consider the TR & Byz. He likewise grew in wisdom so that He was filled with it. The “grace of God” was “upon Him” as well. Thus all could observe God’s goodness in His life so that none could rightly disavow it.
A Home life conducive to normalcy encourages our children to honor & serve the biblical trinitarian God. They can then, like Jesus, be filled with wisdom & God’s grace upon their lives will be evident.
“Grew”—auxanw—Strong—To grow ("wax"), i.e. Enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):-- Grow (up), (give the) increase.
“Strong”—krataiow—1) To strengthen, make strong; 2) To be made strong, to increase in strength, to grow strong. Strong—To empower, i.e. (passively) Increase in vigor:-- Be strengthened, be (wax) strong.
“In spirit”(Byz. & TR only)—pneuma—Strong—A current of air, i.e. Breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, A spirit, i.e. (human) The rational soul, (by implication) Vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) An angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:-- Ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.
“Filled”—plhrow—1) To make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full; 2) To render full, i.e. to complete. Strong—To make replete, i.e. (literally) To cram (a net), Level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) To furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:-- Accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfill, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
“Wisdom”—sofia—1) Wisdom, broad & full of intelligence; used of the knowledge of very diverse matters. Denotes a "mental excellence of the highest sense", to details.
“Grace”—cariv—Strong—Graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete;literal, figurative or spiritual; especially The divine influence upon the heart, & its reflection in the life; including gratitude):-- Acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
Argumentation:
Eph. 6:1-4—“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father & mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you & you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training & admonition of the Lord.”
Prov. 22:6—“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
A parent’s job is to recognize the bent of each of their children so they can be guided to fulfill God’s purpose in them.
Jn. 1:37-42—“The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).”
Illustration:
We are all, to some degree, a product of our homes.
People raised in dysfunctional homes have a vastly more difficult time relating to the world properly in general & thus as parents themselves/HOME
Michael Vick NFL quarterback for Eagles & Falcons/Operated Bad Newz Kennels, an illegal dog fighting ring in VA/Pit Bulls abused & tortured & killed(hanging, drowning) if they didn’t perform/Had to be put down by authorities because they were raised to fight/Couldn’t function in ‘polite society’/HOME
Proper Christian home/Headed by a mother & father intent on honoring God in Christ/HOME
Application:
?Your HOME reveal Jesus true destiny?
?You declaring Jesus’ destiny?
CONCLUSION:
Action:
5 devices declaring Jesus’ destiny are...
CIRCUMCISION(:21) Setting apart & Naming
PRESENTATION(:22-24)
BLESSING(:25-35) Revelation/Prophecy
a. GOD(:28-33)
b. THEM(:34-35)
EVANGELISM/Sharing(:36-38)
HOME(:39-40) Growth
Presented 08/07/2011pm to:
Needmore Baptist Church
1620 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Woodleaf, NC 27054
