Jesus Was Dedicated : Luke 2
Kids Church
March 22, 2020
Volume 7 Jesus the Messiah. Unit 19 Session 4
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Kids Church
March 22, 2020
Volume 7 Jesus the Messiah. Unit 19 Session 4
God had chosen Mary and Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly parents. Mary and Joseph named their baby Jesus, obeying God in faith that salvation had indeed come into the world. (See Matt. 1:21.) When the time came for Jesus to be dedicated and Mary to be purified, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem.
According to the law given to Moses, after a woman gave birth, she was “unclean” and would observe a period of purification. Then she would bring an offering to the priest. (See Lev. 12:1-6.) Jesus was about five weeks old when Mary and Joseph dedicated Him to the Lord and offered the required sacrifice.
Simeon was also at the temple that day, not by mere coincidence but by the Holy Spirit’s leading. (Luke 2:27) Simeon spent His life serving the Lord and looked forward to the day when God would keep His promise to comfort Israel. (See Isa. 57:18.) God promised that Simeon would live long enough to see the Messiah. That day had finally come. Imagine his joy. At last, the Savior was here!
Simeon saw the baby Jesus, took Him in his arms, and praised God. Simeon expressed prophetic praise, trusting by faith that God would keep His promise through this child: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). Through Jesus, everyone would be able to see God’s plan. Jesus would be a light for all the nations. He would bring honor to Israel.
Anna, a prophetess, also praised too. At well over a hundred years old, Anna began to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to God’s bringing salvation to His people.
Throughout the Old Testament, God promised the arrival of a king who would redeem people. When Jesus arrived, Simeon and Anna knew He was the promised Messiah. Today, we have faith that Jesus is God’s Son. We can trust Jesus for our salvation, and like Simeon and Anna, we should share the good news.
Praise God for His attributes: holiness, greatness, grace, mercy, etc.
Thank God for His goodness, provision, etc.
Ask God for His Holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship God and learn the lesson He has for us today.
You may ask all the kids to take turn to pray as well.
Share praises from this past week of what you see God's been doing in your lives.
Confessing of our sins. Pray to God for His holiness and purity in our lives.
Share prayer requests with each other. Pray for each other.
Everyone open their Bibles to Luke 2. Ask kids to name the four Gospels. (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) Explain that when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus, they took Him to the temple in Jerusalem. [If you have a New Testament Israel Map try to locate Jerusalem.] Then choose a volunteer to read aloud Luke 2:30-32.
LEADER SAY • The Holy Spirit had led Simeon to the temple. Simeon saw Jesus and praised God because he recognized that God was going to use Jesus in His plan to bring salvation to the world. Anna also thanked God for the baby Jesus. Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus as the Messiah.
(Take your time to ask, ponder and answer the following questions)
Recall that Mary and Joseph wanted to obey God’s law by dedicating their Son. Sometimes parents today dedicate their children as a way to recognize that children belong to the Lord. If your church hosts dedication services for families, discuss the details: what dedication means and how everyone in the church commits to helping children know, love, and serve God.
(Option: Choose a kid to read 1 Kings 8:60-61.)
The life of a believer should be marked by the work of the Holy Spirit in that person’s life. The Holy Spirit grows us to become more like Christ. A believer recognizes Jesus as King and repents of sin. Differences are not always obvious, but unbelievers lack the Holy Spirit and are unrepentant.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Gal. 5:22-23.)
Encourage each other to discuss three types of peace—peace with God, peace that comes from God, and peace with others. We have a right relationship with God and look forward to a future with Him forever. Through the Spirit, God can give us peace in hard times.
(Option: Choose a volunteer to read Ps. 4:8.)
Note: We will present this song on 4/5/2020, Palm Sunday worship services, God willing if we return to church. Please help your kids learn the words and sing! To the glory of God..!!
Praise and thanksgiving to God that His Son was born to save and redeem us.
Protection from the COVID-19.
Productive at home this week.
For others who are sick.
Wisdom for government officials and President Trump and VP Pence.
Wisdom for church leaders.