Simeon Blesses Jesus

Simeon Blesses Jesus So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word. (Luke 2:27-29) Simeon was led by God to come to the Temple at that moment. AND he recognised Jesus as The Messiah. I have seen what I have been waiting for, now I can die.

What God says will happen - will happen.

What God says will happen - will happen. And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (Luke 2:25-26) The Consolation of Israel was a name the Jews gave to The Messiah. Simeon was anointed for a purpose, you are anointed for a purpose. When God reveals something to you - it will come to pass. Simeon cannot die until Jesus, the Messiah is revealed.

After Jesus was born, what happened next in His life?

After Jesus was born, what happened next in His life?

Luke 2:21-22 tells us:

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

Circumcision was traditionally on the eighth day.

A Rabbi from Bethlehem would have carried it out.

The mother of a son was considered unclean for 40 days so she couldn’t go anywhere.

She could not even come to the Temple until the 41st day.

Bethlehem to Jerusalem is 5.5 miles, quite a distance to walk.

They were keen to do everything according to the Law.

So 41 days after his birth Jesus is in Jerusalem.

What happened there was amazing.

Jesus Is Born.

Jesus Is Born.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)

The most publicised birth ever - Jesus Christ our Saviour.

For thousands of years He was expected, now He is born.

This is what we have just celebrated, Jesus Birthday.

Remember too that Jesus had to be born in a stable because there was no room because of the Census.

Not because they were poor.

The Presence of The Anointed One

The Presence of The Anointed One.

In Luke 1:35-41 The Angel tells Mary that Holy Spirit will cause her to conceive. And that her cousin Elizabeth is six months pregnant, who was once called barren.

Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist.

Shortly afterwards, Mary goes to visit Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, she is filled with the Holy Spirit and John in her womb leaps.

Mary visited Elizabeth before John was born, so Mary was less than three months pregnant.

At thirteen weeks gestation, the baby in Elizabeth's womb recognised the presence of His Saviour in Mary's womb.

Some say that a baby is not a person until it is born - untrue.

The Baby’s Name.

The Baby’s Name. Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31) We are not surprised that the angel had to say - don't be afraid. Mary found favour by her character and her obedience. Now we know the baby's name - Jesus. Jesus means - Jehovah is Salvation, a word describing His divinity. So celebrate that Name today.

Place of Birth.

Place of Birth. But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting. (Micah 5:2) Now we know where this baby will be born, in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means - House of Bread. Remember Jesus said He was The Bread of Life. Again we are told that He will be a ruler in Israel for Father God. Again we are told that this Child is eternal, from everlasting.

Born to be King

Born to be King.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

This is to be a very special child Who will change the world.

His rule and His peace are eternal for those who will receive it.

He will also be called Mighty God, and His throne is forever.

He is The Everlasting Father - Jesus said “I and The Father are One”.

He is the Prince of Peace - “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men”.

Born of a Virgin

Born of a Virgin.

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

The virgin birth is established by this word that confirms Genesis 3:15.

This is a sign that God Himself is involved.

Immanuel means - God with us.

Does this mean that this child will be God?

A Baby Is Coming.

A Baby Is Coming. When parents are expecting a baby, they are excited, tell everyone. When the date is due, they have many things ready for their child. When the baby is born, everyone celebrates. Each baby brings love into the family. Sometimes we notice before the Mum makes the announcement. But no parents get more than nine months notice of the birth. With Jesus it was different. In Genesis 3:14-15 God is speaking to Satan about his future. For the enmity to be with “Her Seed” means that there is no man involved. God prophesies a Virgin Birth, sometime, somewhere.

I Am The Living Water

9. I Am The Living Water (Water) John 4:13-15 Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." 10. I am the Bread of Life (Food) John 6:32-35 Then Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." Then they said to Him, "Lord, give us this bread always." And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. Joh 6:41 The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, "I am the bread which came down from heaven." John 6:48-51 "I am the bread of life. "Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. "This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." The Israelites had just escaped from slavery and suffering in Egypt. They weren't focusing on their freedom. Instead, they were complaining about being hungry. Apparently, they could trust God enough to walk through a Sea and to provide water from a rock, but were not convinced God would continue to provide for them. Jesus is our provider.

I am the Truth

6. I am the Truth (Location)

We can tell lies, we can tell truths Jesus is Truth

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 8:32

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Keeping in mind that Jesus is Truth, and Truth is Jesus,

(We can know Jesus, and Jesus can set us free. He offers us the truth about life and death, the truth about Satan, the truth about ourselves, the truth about all we need to know. That truth can free us from our sin and free us to live the lives God intended for us to live!)

Don’t start talking the language of the Devil. Lies.

7. I am the Life  (Location)

Jesus distinguishes between life and death.

We celebrate people lives in many ways, at Weddings, Birthdays and Baptisms

Memorable birthday.  50th.

Some people are the life soul of the Party.  Without Jesus what life would we have.

Having his life is why we are here. We have a job to do and we need his life to do it.

8. I am the Vine (Location)

John 15:5

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

We must produce fruit. We will bear much fruit if we remain in the vine.

The Vine is Jesus we are the branches and Father God is the Gardner.

 Let's talk a little bit about "remaining in Jesus.". Some versions say, "Abide in," some say, "Live in," some say, "Dwell in…" Any ideas now that you've heard those words? (Spend time with; be together with; recognize Him as our constant Companion; follow Him; lean into Him when trouble comes; do what He encourages you to do.)

I am the Way.

5. I am the Way. (Location)

John 14:6-9

 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him."

Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."

Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

Driving to Church this morning you could have taken many ways

According to this verse, what is Jesus talking about? What is He the Way to? Also according to this verse, what is another way someone could take? What's the difference between saying, "I am the way…" or "I am a way?" (The way implies there isn't any other. A way implies there might be other options available.) Earlier we talked about a way to drive to your house or a way to scramble an egg. Can you think of something where there might only be one way to do something? (Math problems: 2+2 is always 4.)

There is only one way to answer the question how do you get to heaven.

I am the Light of the World

I am the Light of the World (Location) John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me I’ll not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Jesus has dramatically called people to come to him for God's living water (7:37-38) and the bread of life.now he again ver 12 refers to himself in a most startling way, saying, I am the light of the world (v. 12). This claim, like the claim to give living water, also corresponds to events at this feast. A lamp-lighting ceremony took place in the temple every evening of the feast, during which large lamps were set up in the Court of Women. The lamps' light, it was said, filled every courtyard in the city. In the light of these lamps there was great singing and dancing all evening in celebration of God's salvation, especially his deliverance at the exodus as he lead his people with his presence in a pillar of fire by night. In the sight of these great lamps in the Court of Women. perhaps even in the evening while they blazed, Jesus proclaims himself to be the light of the world. What about us Matt 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. We must not hide that light under a bushel or in a church building. We must let it shine. How will people see that light? Through our good works. We will never walk in darkness if we follow him. House Light is artificial light – Jesus is true Light. Remember, walking in the light isn't always a painless process. How would you feel if someone turned on a super bright flashlight in your room at 3 a.m. and shined it in your eyes while you were trying to sleep? I'm guessing you'd be a little uncomfortable, wouldn't you? Sometimes that's how our lives might feel while we turn from darkness and walk in the light. Remember, the Lord promises that walking in this way will lead to life! So, it's definitely worth it!

I am the Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd 2. I am the Good Shepherd (Protection) Jesus as the Good Shepherd , Protects, saves, and Guides What do you learn about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep? (They know one another.) What do you learn about how much the shepherd cares for the sheep? (He lays down his life for the sheep.) For what reasons might a shepherd have to lay down his life for his sheep? (To protect against wild animals; descending steep cliffs to rescue them, etc.) How does Jesus literally do this for each one of us? (He died for us on the cross!) Read Psalm 23 to see how much he protects us. 3. I am The Resurrection and Life. (Protection) John 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. Jesus didn't just say He was the resurrection and the life; He backed it up with action! What did He do? (Raised Lazarus from the dead.) What was the peoples' response? Read verses 45-46. (Many of the Jews who were visiting that day put their faith in Him; some told the Pharisees about it. The Pharisees called a meeting with the whole Sanhedrin and decided Jesus should be killed.) How can we be the Resurrection and the Life? BY leading People to Jesus,

We need to realize our full potential.

We need to realize our full potential. I want to encourage you this today to know who you are in Jesus. 1 John 4:17-19 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us. Jesus I am 10 times in the book of John. So if he is so are you. 1. I am the Door or Gate (Protection) John 10:7-16 Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. "All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. "But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. "The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. "As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. Sheep would be herded into enclosures made of piled up stones set in a circular pattern. The shepherd wouldn't close the gate at the end of the day; he actually would be the gate and sleep across the opening of the sheep pen, guarding his sheep. What happens to the sheep that enter the pen through Jesus? (They will be saved.) "They will come in and go out and find pasture" means? (He will continue to guard and protect them, and they will be able to find what they need: food, shelter, etc. as long as they enter through Him.) 5. Look again at verse 10. We know the thief is Satan. What is his desire for the sheep? (He wants to steal, kill and destroy them.) In contrast, what is Jesus' desire for them? (He came to give them real life, full life, satisfying life.)

Led back to The Fold.

Led back to The Fold. The Holy Spirit leads us back into the fold. You see, a flock of sheep is about ownership. A fold is about a physical, geographical place where the sheep are. Your fold is the church where you belong. Being back in the fold is where you can hear His voice. Have you strayed from the fold? Even slightly? Listen out for the Holy Spirit guiding you back to safety. Look out for signs pointing you to Jesus. Follow other sheep who are following the Shepherd. So you can stay in your own fold.

Love’s love in You

Love’s love in You.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:5)

Not only does The Spirit help us know what we have been given.

He also pours God's love into our hearts.

God is love.

So He is pouring Love's love into us. 

It just cannot get any purer than that.

The Holy Spirit wants you to know that you are loved.

That's why we need to know that if we stray, God will send the Holy Spirit to guide us back to the right path.

Back where we know His love again. Back where we are sure.

Sealed by The Holy Spirit.

Sealed by The Holy Spirit. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. (Ephesians 1:13) I truly believe in - once saved, always saved; and this is why. When you heard the Gospel and believed, you were sealed. Like in time past when a person would put their seal on a letter to prove ownership. The seal on you says - this person belongs to Almighty God. This person is one of God's sheep. Hands off - this one is Mine.

The Holy Spirit our Helper.

The Holy Spirit our Helper. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26) He is a real helper to us, He teaches us. He reminds us of the words of Jesus. The Holy Spirit always points us to Jesus. It is The Holy Spirit that shows me what to preach on Sunday. That's because He loves you and wants to teach you something. So by the end of the message, you will know more about your God.

Your own Spirit Guide.

Your own Spirit Guide. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit will speak to you and guide you into the truth. He won't force you, He just guides and you choose to follow. He only says things that He hears Father and Jesus speak. Then He tells us what is up ahead. Isn't He wonderful? For those of you not sure about using this term. The occult spirit guide is a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit. Therefore not genuine, false, unreal, invented, a lie.

The 100 Sheep

In the Parable of the 100 sheep, Jesus looks for the one. (Luke 51:4-6)

When he brings the lost one back He says: 

"I have found MY sheep".

Are you one of God's sheep? Is He your shepherd?

Whenever you stray, either nearby or far away.

He drops everything, to bring you back. You are the one.

Do you have any idea just how special you are to Father God.

You cannot do anything that will stop Him from wanting you.

You cannot go anywhere that He will not go to reach you.

You are loved, and to prove it to you.

He sends the Holy Spirit to guide you back to the right place.

Spend Time Alone With Jesus.

Spend Time Alone With Jesus. Then you will get to the point where others are asking you what Jesus means when He says something. You will be helping others to get into the place you are. It takes time, it takes intimacy with Jesus. Getting Close to Jesus means: Get away from the multitude. Spend time with people who hang around Jesus. Learn from them. Now take time to be alone with Jesus. Then you can truly say - Jesus loves me. You have to get alone with Jesus. Just you, your Bible, and prayer.

The First Step To Get Close To Him.

The First Step To Get Close To Him. You see, you just have to get away from the multitude. Or it may be that one who drags you down. Then you have to spend time with others who hang around Jesus. Share your concerns with them, learn from them. Then you can learn to know His trust. Now take time to be alone with Jesus and lean on Him.

Get Really Close To Jesus.

Get Really Close To Jesus. When Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." The disciples looked at one another, perplexed. John 13:21-22 How did the disciples handle the fact that the statement had them perplexed? Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Simon Peter therefore motioned to him to ask who it was of whom He spoke. Then, leaning back on Jesus' breast, he said to Him, Lord, who is it? John 13:23-25 Peter, James and John were the three that were close to Jesus. But when they really needed an answer, they asked the closest to ask Jesus. He refers to himself as The One Whom Jesus Loved. Jesus loved all His disciples, but John had a revelation. John could say, I KNOW that Jesus loves me. Jesus loving you is not based on how well you behave. It is based only on His sacrifice at The Cross.

Sometimes Jesus Needs Us To Be Quiet.

Sometimes Jesus Needs Us To Be Quiet. Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead. Matthew 17:9 Most revelations Jesus wants you to tell everyone immediately. But He trusted them with this revelation, to keep to themselves. Can Jesus trust you with a revelation to keep to yourself? Or will you go and tell everyone. If you always tell everything, you cannot be used by Jesus to act as a confirmation. Like when being told by God to change your job. Then when you tell your wife, she says, God told me that two months ago. If she had told you at the time, she could not bring the confirming word.

Jesus trusts the Three.

Jesus trusts the Three. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:1-2 These three men were often close to Jesus, He trusted them. He chose them to be with Him and see Him glorified. Do you have someone you can be with and just talk Jesus.

Jesus Teaches the Twelve.

Jesus Teaches the Twelve. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples. Mark 4:33-34 Jesus has told them the parable, then He expounded it to the larger group. Now Jesus explains in depth to His disciples once they are alone. You have to get among like spirited people who believe like you do. Fellowship with people who believe to a greater depth than you do. People who can answer your questions.