Stories of Jesus - Instant Recognition

​BIBLE Bits & Bites ​
Devotions for Families

Season 1: Stories of Jesus
Episode 3: “Instant Recognition”
Today’s Bible Bite: Luke 2:21-40
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Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leN-xNrkjbo (Crossroads Kids Club- Simeon & Anna)

“Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived." (Luke 2:21).

One of the first things that Mary and Joseph did after Jesus was born was to take Him to the Temple. God had a law that if a woman’s first baby was a boy, he was to be brought to God for a special dedication. While at the Temple, though only eight days old, He was recognized as God’s promised rescuer, the Messiah...not just once, but twice!

Simeon was a righteous man who lived in Jerusalem; he loved God and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah–God had even told him that he would get to see Him before Simeon died. On the day that Joseph and Mary went to the Temple, Simeon decided to go as well...and was he ever glad he did! He recognized that the baby Jesus was the Messiah and praised God for the privilege of being able to meet him. He prayed a special blessing on the whole family.

But he wasn’t the only one. There was also a prophet, Anna, who was in the Temple that day. Actually, she had been in the Temple day and night for years praying and worshiping God. She too instantly recognized who this special baby was and started telling everyone. But no one else seemed to get very excited about the fact that the Messiah was in the Temple. However, Simeon and Anna knew and that was enough. They praised God and thanked Him for Jesus, the Messiah!

Think about it...

• Why did Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple?
  
• Who was Simeon?
  
• How do you think he was able to recognize that this baby, Jesus, was the Messiah?
  
• Who was Anna?
  
• How did Simeon and Anna get so good at hearing God speak?
  
• God wants everyone to have a relationship with Him. Do you spend time talking with Him like Simeon and Anna?
  
• How do you know when God is speaking to you?

Prayer: Thank you, God, that I can speak to you like Simeon and Anna did...and hear from you, too! Thank you that we can trust your promises. Help me to recognize how you are working in my life, so that I can be quick to obey you, tell others about you and praise you for everything you are doing.

Fun Activity: How well do you listen?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S7nG6S1isM (‘telephone’ craft activity)