Lesson 4 · April 24, 1909
Visit of the Shepherds—The Dedication
Lesson Scripture: .
Lesson Helps: chapters 4 and 5; to 19.
Time: B.C. 4.
Places: Bethlehem, Jerusalem.
Persons: The shepherds; Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus; Simeon, Anna.
Questions
#### Visit of the Shepherds.
- 1.Who were in the same country when Jesus was born? .
- 2.Who came to them? How did his appearance affect them? .
- 3.What assuring message did the angel bring? .
- 4.Why was it good tidings? . Note 1.
- 5.What sign was given by which they might recognize the promised Saviour? .
- 6.What did the shepherds then behold? .
- 7.What song did the angels sing? .
- 8.What did the shepherds say and do? .
- 9.How were the people and Mary affected? .
Notes
#### The Dedication.
- 10.What name was bestowed upon the child? .
- 11.What ceremony followed this? How was the poverty of the parents of Jesus revealed? . See .
- 12.Who was in the temple at this time? What is said concerning his character. Verse 25.
- 13.For whom was he looking? Verse 26.
- 14.What led him into the temple when Mary and the child were present? What did he do? Verses 27, 28.
- 15.What prophecy did he utter? Verses 29-32.
- 16.What further occurred? Verses 33-35.
- 17.Who else dwelt in the temple? What was her character? Verses 36, 37. Note 2.
- 18.What did she do and say? Verse 38. Note 3.
Notes
1. The message of the angel was a consummation of the long-deferred hope of the ages. Seers and prophets had predicted it. With longing eyes and aching hearts God's people from dungeon and exile and captivity had looked for that hour. The Redeemer of the lost race was born into the world. Truly this was good tidings; why should not hearts be glad?
2. Anna.—"An aged widow, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had married early, but after seven years her husband died, and during her long widowhood she daily attended the morning and evening services of the temple. Anna was eighty-four years old when the infant Jesus was brought to the temple by His mother, and entering as Simeon pronounced his thanksgiving, she also broke forth in praise."—"Popular and Critical Bible Encyclopedia."
3. All of God's children could have known of the coming of Jesus as well as Simeon and Anna. The prophecies concerning His coming might have been understood by all, but sin and unbelief had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. It will be the same at the second advent of the Saviour. A few will be waiting for Him like Simeon of old, but the wicked will pass on and be punished. "Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand." .
Bible texts in this lesson
Luke 2:8-39 · Luke 2:8 · Luke 2:9 · Luke 2:10 · Luke 2:11 · Luke 2:12 · Luke 2:13 · Luke 2:14 · Luke 2:15-17 · Luke 2:18-20 · Luke 2:21 · Luke 2:22-24 · Leviticus 12:6 · Leviticus 12:8 · Daniel 12:10
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