2 Senior Saints

Prelude: What can we learn from senior saints who have lived just and devout lives? Purpose: Let’s honor elderly church members. Plan: Let’s look specifically at Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:22-40.

Elderly

Leviticus 19:32 says, “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.” Proverbs 16:31 says, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Job 12:12 says, “Wisdom is with aged men, And with length of days, understanding.” Isaiah 46:4 promises Israel, “Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.”
The Song of Simeon

Luke 2:25-35 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. 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, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Catholic Commentary

Simeon, a “just and devout” man greeted Jesus in the Temple. Joseph and Mary made an offering (Leviticus 12:6-8). A poor family like theirs offered a “pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” as a purification rite. Simeon had received a premonition from the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. The Spirit guided him to the Christ child. Taking him up in his arms, he uttered prophetic words which have become part of our liturgy. Simeon is connected with untrustworthy legends. Was he the son of Hillel and the father of Gamaliel mentioned in Acts 5:34? Were his sons Charinus and Leucius?

Orthodox Commentary

Historians record Pharaoh inviting Simeon (the God-Receiver) to join seventy scholars translating the Scriptures into Greek, “The Septuagint.” He thought to translate “virgin” as “woman” in Isaiah 7:14. An angel stopped him saying, “You shall not die until you behold Christ the Lord born of a pure and spotless Virgin.”

Simeon then lived in expectation of the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led him to the Temple. “The Greek Anthology” quotes Mary referring to her Son as “older than ancient Adam.” The holy righteous Simeon the God-Receiver died at a great age. His remains were transferred to Constantinople in the sixth century.

Anna

Luke 2:36-40 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Having never remarried, she spent decades as a widow worshiping God daily in the Temple. She was a prophetess of the tribe of Asher, with its homeland around Galilee. So, even though some Jews denied that a prophet could come from Galilee (John 7:52) Anna did, and so did Jonah, Nahum, Hosea, Elijah and Elisha. While some eventually tire of church services, Anna did not. She endured in her zeal. She didn’t just believe Messiah would come, but “looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”

Catholic Commentary

Anna is an aged prophetess of the tribe of Asher. Legend says she had tutored Mary in the Temple. This highlights her special holy use by God in the life of Christ’s mother. Anna had lost her husband after only seven years of marriage and had never remarried. Anna devoted many decades of her life to the service of God in the Temple. She seems to be a model of the expectations of a widow in I Timothy 5:5-9. Because she spent so much of her time in the Temple, her presence at the presentation of Jesus is natural. She gave thanks to God and spoke of Him to others.

Orthodox Commentary

Orthodox Christians celebrate the Great Feast of the Meeting of the Lord on February 2, remembering Simeon and Anna meeting the infant Christ. Perhaps having no children left tremendous sorrow in Anna’s heart. She turned her pain into prayer, making it an offering to God, pouring out her heart to the Lord (Psalm 51:17). Damaged by life we can feel hopeless. Pouring out her anguish to God she trusted that there was hope. We too can discover what Anna found (Psalm 25:14). Ancient prophets clung to God in fasting and prayer, and He told them His secrets as a friend. Anna shared the Word of the Lord with others.

Postlude: Let’s learn from senior saints in our midst, especially those who have lived righteous and devout lives.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Readings

Psalm 148 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!

Isaiah 61:10-62:3 He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness

Galatians 4:4-7 you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Luke 2:22-40 in Rhyme

Now when her purification
Was finished by calculation
They brought Him to Jerusalem
To the Lord for presentation
-
In the Lord’s law it is written
Males in the firstborn position
Shall be called holy to the Lord
Make a sacrifice in accord

With what’s in the law of the Lord
Two doves or two pigeons record
-
There was a man named Simeon
Just and devout, waiting upon
The Consolation of Isr’el
On him the Holy Spirit fell
-
And revealed that he would not be
Dead before the Christ he would see
Spirit-led into the temple
Saw Jesus not accidental
-
Whose parents brought for the custom
He took Him in his arms therefrom
And blessed God and said, You release
Dismissing Your servant in peace
-
According to Your word, my eyes
Have seen where Your salvation lies
Which You’ve prepared for all to see
A light for the nations to be
-
And the glory of Israel.
Joseph and His mother as well
Were amazed at what was spoken
Of Him, Then Simeon blessed them
-
And said to His mother Mary
For the rise and fall of many
In Israel, this Child is destined
To be a sign of contention
Yes, a sword will pierce your own soul
That many hearts are revealed whole
-
There was a prophetess Anna
Phanuel’s daughter from Asher
She was a very old person
Wed seven years since a virgin
-
A widow about eighty-four
Who prayed in the temple what’s more
Fasting and praying she served God
Both night and day she was abroad
-
And as she gave thanks to the Lord
Her conversation struck a chord
Discussed Him with those awaiting
Jerusalem’s liberating
-
Then they returned to Galilee
To their own Nazareth city
The Child grew up strong in wisdom
And the grace of God was on Him

Mary's Faith

Prelude: What can we learn from a teenager? What can we learn from her faith? Purpose: Let’s learn about the simplicity of trust in God. Plan: Let’s look at Mary’s faith in Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26-28 Gabriel

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

This was Elizabeth’s 6th month of pregnancy with John. It is the only indication we have that John was 6 months older than Jesus. Mary and Elizabeth were related. Some translations of verse 36 say they were cousins, but the original Greek word simply means a relative. Highly favored one is sometimes translated “full of grace” and portrays Mary as a receiver of grace not the “Mother of Grace.”

Luke 1:29-30 Favor with God

But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Mary was a virgin engaged to Joseph. It was common custom, so it’s possible that Mary was probably a teenager. She was greatly troubled at the words of the angel. So he comforted her. How great an example of faith can a teenager be? To be an unwed mother during her engagement period would have been a great scandal. What would her parents think? What would her groom think? What would the neighborhood gossip be? Would her child forever be called illegitimate? How could this be favor with God? The reassuring words of the angel were puzzling.

[Philip King & Lawrence Stager. Life in Biblical Israel. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, 2001. 37.]

Luke 1:31-33 Endless Kingdom

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Imagine being a teenage girl engaged to be married in a year. An angel appears to you in your parents’ home and tells you that you will bear the Savior of the world while a virgin. You are young and inexperienced in life. You are unsure of yourself. You are in a quandary whether your betrothed will still want to marry you. You wonder if people in your village will reject you. You are unsure what your own parents will say, but you have that innocent faith of young people. What will Mary say?

Luke 1:34-38 Let it Be

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and 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. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Mary chose to have faith instead of unbelief or complaining as Israel did. When we complain we are looking to visible circumstances instead of our invisible God. Instead of letting God be in control, we want to take control instead of waiting on his mighty hand. Do we complain or simply accept God at His word like Mary did?

Postlude: Mary found favour with God and had the faith to say, Let it be to me according to your word. May we also say as Jesus did, not my will but yours.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Your Testimony

Prelude: Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Purpose: Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28. [Note: the beginning verses of this chapter are wisely reserved for Christmas Day.]

Witness of What?

John 1:6-7a “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,”

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12) and “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46)

Purpose of Witness

John 1:7b “... that all through him might believe.”

Why do we give witness to Christ? Is it for money, ego, guilt, saving a church building? Are our hearts really in Jesus? Are we just mean and self-righteous? John had the right motive: that all might believe. What is our motive for spreading the good news of Jesus Christ?

Who Do We Talk About?

John 1:8 “He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.”

Do we preach about ourselves, our denomination or Jesus? John testified about someone other than himself, the Light. Should we limit ourselves to a social gospel of good deeds and ignore saying anything? John teaches us that a complete Gospel includes the words of the good news, witnessing to Jesus.

The True Light

John 1:9-13 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

The true Light is not limited to Israel, but lights “every man coming into the world.” He is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5) He, it was who made the world. In Trinitarian words, Jesus is God the Son. Humanity did not recognize Him and His own people, the Jews did not welcome Him. But some did receive Him, and they are reborn as children of God.

The Word became Flesh

John 1:14-16 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ” And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

Jesus has the unique glory as of an only begotten son, sonship in a manner totally unlike that of any human being. Though born six months after John, Jesus “existed” before him, as a number of translations render it. The totality of God’s attributes are found in Jesus, whom we have received.

Law, Grace & Truth

John 1:17-18 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

“… you could not be justified by the law …” (Acts 13:39) How are we justified? “... by faith apart from the deeds of the law.” (Romans 3:28) Why the law? “... the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God …” (Ephesians 2:8-9) We all fail at law-keeping. “God… even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4-5)

How can we be free? “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Is there a way to the truth? “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Who are We?

John 1:19-20 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

While politicians and advertisers often brag about being God’s gift to the world, it is refreshing to hear from a humble man who points to another. While denominations may brag about being the one true church, how refreshing to hear a man humbly say that he is not the One!

Just a Voice

John 1:21-23 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,” ’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

People love egotistical titles. John simply called himself a voice making straight the way of the Lord. We often stand as a lone voice in the wilderness of a sinful world needing Jesus. No other conviction but a call from God could overcome the loneliness on this mission.

Who is Preferred?

John 1:24-28 Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.” These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John was sent by God but opposed by religious leaders. We religious leaders can fall into the trap of promoting our agendas, our denominations instead of the One who is preferred before us. Apart from God’s grace, we are not worthy of the divine task to which we have been called.

“… if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

“… every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:11)

“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.” (1 John 4:2-3)

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15)

Postlude: If our talk is not about Christ, what is it? Most people talk about themselves, their denomination, and vain worldly pursuits, but rarely about Jesus. We are not THE light in the sense that John talked about. Are we like John and openly confess the Savior of the world?

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Boice, James Montgomery. The Gospel of John. BakerBooks. 1975.

Michaels, J. Ramsey. The Gospel of John. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans. 2010.

Readings

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound”

Psalm 126 Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

John 1:6-28 in Rhyme

There was a man from God name John
He came a witness to pass on
Sent to bear witness of that Light
Which to all in the world shines bright
-
The world which He made, He was in
But it did not recognize Him
Among His own was no welcome
But as many as received Him
-
To all who in His name believed
He gave to them authority
To become children of God
Who were born, not of human blood
-
Nor born of the will of the flesh
Nor man’s will, but of God afresh
The Word became flesh, lived with us
And we saw He was glorious
-
Glory as of the only Son
Full of grace, the truthful One
John bore witness of Him saying,
This was He whom I’m conveying
-
He who comes has priority
For He existed before me
From His abundance we’ve received
And have grace upon grace indeed
-
The law was given through Moses
But grace and truth Jesus shows us
No one has seen God any time
The one and only Son sublime
-
In the bosom of the Father
Has declared Him, had the honor
Now the Jews asked him, Who are you?
He said, I am not the Christ (That’s true)
-
They asked then, Are you Elijah?
And he said, I am not. (So, nah)
Are you the Prophet? He said, No
Tell us who you are, then we’ll go
-
He said: I’m a voice in the wild
Saying, Make the Lord’s way straight-styled
And so they asked him, Why baptize?
Someone’s here you don’t recognize
-
He’s coming, preferred before me
To loose His shoes I’m not worthy
In Bethabara John’s work was
A baptist witness was his cause

Communion at Home

 Please take a moment to be sure that you have a morsel of bread and a small cup of wine or grape juice handy. If you need to, now would be the time to pause the video and prepare these elements. If possible, find a quiet place and begin the video.

Let’s hear the Great Commandments, and examine our hearts. (Mark 12 NLT)

“The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind and all your strength.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Amen. Lord, have mercy.

“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Amen. Lord, have mercy upon us and write these in our hearts.

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, and no secrets are hidden. Cleanse our hearts by your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and our neighbour, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NLT)

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” (1 John 2:1-2 NLT)

Father in heaven, we have sinned in thought, word, deed and neglect. We repent of all our sins. For Jesus’ sake, who died for us, forgive us all our sins. Help us to overcome. Amen.

What do we believe?

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; The third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From there he shall come to judge the quick [living] and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe in the holy catholic [universal] church; the communion of saints; The forgiveness of sins; The resurrection of the body; And the life everlasting. Amen.

Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace. So, let us confess our sin before God and one another.

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart, nor our neighbours. In rebellion, we have failed to obey you. Forgive us, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, proving God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Thank you, heavenly Father! We failed you but, your love remained. You delivered us from our own stupidity, speaking to us through the prophets and apostles. So, with your people on earth and all heaven we praise you and sing this unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

During his Last Supper, Jesus took bread, and GAVE THANKS. So we also call it the Eucharist (the Great Thanksgiving). He said, this IS my body. So we call it a sacrament or mystery. He said, DO this. So we call it an ordinance. He said in REMEMBRANCE. So we call it a memorial.

“In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’ ” (1 Corinthians 11:25)

In remembrance of him, we also offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice, in communion with Christ's offering, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us, and on our prepared gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.

Through your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.

And now, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

As we eat the bread, let’s remember, it is the body of Christ, given for us. Amen. [Pause]

As we drink from the cup, let’s remember, it is the blood of the Lamb, given for us. Amen. [Pause]

Eternal God, thank you for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Go forth in peace. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.