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DISCOVERY OF THE FACTS
1. The Circumcision of Jesus, v. 21
Why was Jesus circumcised? (Gal. 4:4, 5). On what day was He circumcised? Why on the eighth day? (Lev. 12:3; Luke 1:59; Gen. 17:12). By what name was He called? Why? Who gave Him this name? (Luke 1:31). What is its significance? (Matt. 1:21).
2. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, vv. 22–39
How many days after His circumcision was Jesus presented in the temple? (Lev. 12:2, 3, 4, 6). What were they obeying in every detail? Why? Why did Mary offer a pair of turtle doves, and not a lamb? (Lev. 12:8). What two notable persons did they meet in the temple? What are the four things told us about Simeon in v. 25? What does “just” mean? (See R. V.). “Devout”? “Waiting (looking) for the consolation of Israel”? Was there much outward sign of the “consolation of Israel”? What had Simeon to rest upon? Was that enough? In these dark days, what have we to rest upon? Were there any others looking for the “consolation of Israel”? What ought to be the attitude of the believer to-day? (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:12, R. V.). What is meant by “the Holy Spirit was upon him”? (Num. 11:25, 26, 29; Acts 4:8; Luke 1:41, 67). In what points ought the believer to be like Simeon? (Titus 2:11–13; Eph. 5:18). Were the times in which Simeon lived such as were calculated to produce men who were “righteous,” “devout,” “looking for the consolation of Israel,” and “the Holy Ghost upon them”? What is the lesson in this for us? In what sort of times have some of God’s most faithful and believing children appeared? (Elijah, Simeon, Moses, Luther, Knox).
What glimpse into the future had already been given to Simeon? Who can expect such revelations of the purposes of God? (Ps. 25:14). How was this revelation made to Simeon? How many times in verses 25–27 is the Holy Spirit mentioned in connection with Simeon? What proof have we that he was a son of God? (Ro. 8:14). What two things had it been shown Simeon that he was to see? Which was he to see first? Was his seeing the Christ any preparation for his seeing death? Into what place do we see Simeon going in v. 27? How did he come to go there? What does the expression “came by the Spirit” mean? (Luke 4:1; Acts 8:29; 10:19; 2:12; 16:6, 7). Can we today expect to be thus led by the Spirit? Into what place did the Spirit lead Simeon? Is the Spirit likely to lead a man to “the house of God”? Were the services of that house of God conducted in a very exemplary manner? Whom did he meet by coming into the house of God? Whom can we always meet in the house of God even if the singing is poor and the preaching is dry? (Matt. 18:20). Will that pay us for going?
How did the child Jesus come to be in the house of God? Is there any duty to parents suggested in this? How old was Jesus at the time? (Lev. 12:1–6). What did Simeon do with the child Jesus? What was all the eye of sense could see in the child Jesus? What did the eye of faith see in Him? What had faith to rest upon? Was that enough?
Whom does Simeon first bless? Afterwards whom does he bless? What does it mean to “bless God”? What does it mean to “bless them”? (Gen. 14:19). What great contrast is there in the tone of these two prophetic songs of blessing? Why is the first jubilant? Why is the second sad? What did Simeon say would be the character of his departure? Why would his departure be peaceful? If our departure would be peaceful, what must we first see? What did Simeon say this all happened according to? What did Simeon say his eyes had seen? Who was it he had literally seen? What else did Simeon call the babe Jesus besides “God’s salvation”? Where did Simeon learn all these titles for Jesus? (Is. 49:6, “Salvation” and “Light”; 42:6, “Light”; Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5, “Glory”). In the Old Testament, who is it that is called “the Glory of Israel”? (Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5). Who is it that is so called here? What is the inference? Had the fact that Simeon was a Bible student anything to do with his “looking for the consolation of Israel,” “being filled with the Spirit,” etc.? (Compare Mary). Had Simeon understood prophecy until it was fulfilled? Had Mary and Joseph understood all this? Were they good people? What is the lesson? Which was the better Simeon, or Mary and Joseph? (Heb. 7:1, 7). Which did Simeon particularly address? Why? How did he know that? What did Simeon tell Mary about the Child? Where did he learn that? (Is. 8:14, 15; 53:3). What is meant by His being “set for the fall, etc.”? Which one of two results always comes to the one who is brought into contact with Jesus? Why is the “fall” put before the “rising up”? How would one naturally think Jesus would be received? How was He received? How will those who best represent Jesus be received? (John 15:20, 25). What was told Mary of what awaited her? How must that have sounded to her in that day of happy motherhood and bright anticipation? When was it fulfilled? What was the purpose of all this? What is the final test of the real thoughts and dispositions and character of a man? (John 3:18–21).
CLASSIFICATION OF TEACHINGS
1. Jesus Christ
Born under the law, 21, 22, 23 (Gal. 4:4, 5); of poor parents, 24 (Lev. 12:8); truly human, 21–24; truly divine, 32 (Is. 60:19; Zech. 2:5); the Christ of God, 26; the salvation of God, 30; the Saviour, 21; anointed by God, 26; witnessed to by the Spirit, 26, 29–32; spoken against by man, 34; the light of the Gentiles, 32; the consolation of Israel, 25; the glory of Israel, 32; the salvation of the world, 30, 31; the foundation stone for the believer, the stumbling stone for the disbeliever, the touch stone for all, 34, 35.
2. Simeon
An example for the believer: righteous, devout, 25; a lover of the Bible, 32; showed an obedient acquaintance with the law of God, 27; showed a reverent regard for the presence of God, 28; taught by the Spirit of God, 26; led by the Spirit, 27; spoke in the power of the Spirit, 25, 29–32.
3. The Spirit
He leads, 27; reveals, 26; inspires, 25; witnesses for Christ, 36, 29–32.
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