ON THE MOVE - Jesus, Rescuer in Jerusalem

SCRIPTURES
Isaiah 59:20-21 | “The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,” says the Lord. “And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!

Luke 2:36-40 | Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years. Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.


DISUCSSION

1. Why does the Redeemer, or Promised Savior, come to Jerusalem, according to Isaiah?
2. Why is Anna excited when Jesus arrives at the Temple?
3. How did Jesus “buy back” those who turned from their sin?
4. 1 Peter 1:18-20 says you were paid for with the precious blood of Christ. How can remembering this change the way we celebrate Christmas?
5. 1 Corinthians 6:20 explains that because God purchased us, we should glorify Him. We owe God everything because He saved us. Anna was living only for God and never left the Temple.

• Do you live for God like you “owe Him everything?”
• If not, what do you need to change?