The Significance of Blessing: Peace
Luke 2:22-38
Bless– to praise, glorify, speak well of, to invoke divine care
Blessing – the act or words of the one that blesses
Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary, Joseph and Jesus go to the Temple for the rite of purification. There they encounter Simeon and Anna and we learn important things about blessing.
Blessing Is Received and Given through Faith
Simeon’s characteristics of faith
Righteous, devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel
Open to the Holy Spirit
Anna’s characteristics of faith
Prophetess, worshiped with fasting day and night
Blessing Is God Oriented
Simeon blessed God for God’s redeeming work
Leads to peace (shalom)
According to God’s word
About salvation for all peoples through Christ
Light for revelation to the Gentiles
Glory to God’s people Israel
Anna gave thanks to God for redemption
Blessing Moves Outward to Others
Simeon then blesses Joseph and Mary
Anna then spoke to all who were waiting for redemption
