When Old Meets New: Embracing God's Inclusive Message

Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone, and Happy New Year! Today, we delve into Luke chapter 2, exploring the theme of "When Old Encounters New." We began by reflecting on what age we consider someone to be old, noting that perspectives vary across generations. This led us to discuss how society often writes off the elderly, the young, the poor, and women, but the Gospel of Luke challenges these stereotypes by showing that the good news of Jesus is for everyone.

Luke's narrative includes diverse characters who encounter the gospel in unique ways. The shepherds, considered outcasts, received the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Mary, a young girl from a nowhere town, accepted her divine role with humility. Zechariah, a priest, initially doubted the angel's message but later believed. Joseph, through a dream, chose to stay with Mary. Each story highlights that God's message reaches people in different ways, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to encountering God.

We then focused on Simeon and Anna, two elderly figures who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was led by the Holy Spirit to the temple, where he met the infant Jesus and proclaimed Him as the light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Anna, a prophetess, was always in the temple, worshiping, fasting, and praying. Her constant presence and faithfulness allowed her to witness Jesus and share the good news with others.

The key takeaway is that obedience to God is not limited by age, social status, or resources. Mary and Joseph, despite their youth and poverty, followed God's commands faithfully. Simeon and Anna, despite their old age, remained devout and were rewarded with the sight of the Messiah. This teaches us that we are never too young, too old, or too poor to obey God. We must be available, faithful, and willing to follow where God leads us.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Message is for Everyone: The Gospel of Luke shows that the good news of Jesus transcends all societal barriers. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, God's message is for you. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and grace. [06:16]

2. Unique Encounters with God: Each person in Luke's narrative encounters God in a unique way. The shepherds heard the angelic choir, Mary received a personal message from an angel, and Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit. This diversity in experiences teaches us that God reaches out to us in ways that are tailored to our individual circumstances and needs. [09:14]

3. Faithfulness in Obedience: Mary and Joseph's obedience to God's commands, despite their youth and poverty, is a testament to their faith. They followed the religious laws and named their child Jesus as instructed by the angel. This highlights the importance of being faithful and obedient to God's word, regardless of our circumstances. [12:43]

4. The Wisdom of the Elderly: Simeon and Anna exemplify the wisdom and faithfulness that can come with age. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and Anna's constant presence in the temple show that the elderly have valuable insights and experiences to share. Younger generations should seek out and listen to the wisdom of their elders. [27:57]

5. Availability to God: Anna's constant presence in the temple and her dedication to worship, fasting, and prayer made her available to witness the Messiah. This teaches us the importance of making ourselves available to God, being present where He can use us, and being ready to act when He calls. [32:03]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:41] - Defining Old Age
[01:23] - Generational Perspectives on Age
[02:27] - Society's View on the Elderly
[03:07] - Young vs. Old
[04:17] - Rich vs. Poor
[05:12] - Men vs. Women
[06:16] - The Gospel for Everyone
[07:15] - The Shepherds' Encounter
[08:21] - Mary's Encounter
[09:14] - Diverse Ways of Hearing the Gospel
[10:50] - Simeon and Anna's Faithfulness
[11:32] - Jesus' Circumcision and Naming
[12:43] - Mary and Joseph's Obedience
[14:03] - Purification Rites
[15:03] - Giving to God
[16:58] - Commitment to God
[17:44] - Simeon's Obedience
[18:23] - Simeon's Background
[19:14] - Simeon's Experience
[20:25] - Simeon's Revelation
[21:19] - Simeon's Obedience Despite Age
[22:56] - Simeon's Encounter with Jesus
[23:49] - Simeon's Proclamation
[24:39] - Light to the Gentiles
[25:49] - Glory to Israel
[26:53] - Simeon's Blessing to Mary
[27:57] - Wisdom of the Elderly
[28:50] - Intergenerational Relationships
[29:25] - Initiating Conversations
[30:12] - Jesus as a Divider
[30:47] - Anna's Faithfulness
[31:22] - Anna's Background
[32:03] - Anna's Dedication
[33:07] - Mary and Joseph's Faith
[33:56] - Raising Jesus
[35:10] - Obedience at Any Age
[36:19] - Reading God's Word
[37:29] - Story of the Boy and the Rock
[40:29] - Looking Like Jesus
[42:04] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:21-38
- Isaiah 49:6
- Malachi 3:1

### Observation Questions
1. What were the different ways people in Luke's narrative encountered the message of Jesus? (ex [09:14])
2. How did Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah? (ex [09:52])
3. What were the legal and religious requirements that Mary and Joseph followed after Jesus' birth? (ex [12:43])
4. How did Simeon describe Jesus' role and mission when he held Him in his arms? (ex [23:49])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to reveal the birth of Jesus to such a diverse group of people, including shepherds, a young girl, and elderly individuals? (ex [09:14])
2. What does Simeon's proclamation about Jesus being a "light for the Gentiles" and "glory to Israel" signify about Jesus' mission? (ex [24:39])
3. How does Anna's constant presence in the temple and her dedication to worship, fasting, and prayer serve as an example for us today? (ex [32:03])
4. What can we learn from Mary and Joseph's obedience to God's commands despite their youth and poverty? (ex [12:43])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the different ways people in your life have encountered God. How can you be more open to recognizing and sharing these diverse experiences? (ex [09:14])
2. Simeon and Anna were both elderly but remained faithful and devout. How can you seek out and value the wisdom of older generations in your community? (ex [27:57])
3. Mary and Joseph followed God's commands despite their challenging circumstances. What are some areas in your life where you need to practice obedience to God, regardless of your situation? (ex [12:43])
4. Anna made herself constantly available to God through worship, fasting, and prayer. What steps can you take to make yourself more available to God in your daily life? (ex [32:03])
5. Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit to recognize Jesus. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life? (ex [21:19])
6. The sermon emphasized that God's message is for everyone, transcending societal barriers. How can you actively share the gospel with people from different backgrounds and walks of life? (ex [06:16])
7. Reflect on the story of the boy who saw the face in the rocks. How can you focus more on Jesus so that others see Him in you? What specific actions can you take this week to reflect Jesus in your interactions? (ex [40:29])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Message is for Everyone
Description: The Gospel of Luke emphasizes that the good news of Jesus transcends all societal barriers. Whether you are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, God's message is for you. This inclusivity is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's love and grace. The shepherds, considered outcasts, received the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Mary, a young girl from a nowhere town, accepted her divine role with humility. Zechariah, a priest, initially doubted the angel's message but later believed. Joseph, through a dream, chose to stay with Mary. Each story highlights that God's message reaches people in different ways, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to encountering God. [06:16]

Luke 2:10-11 (ESV): "And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who might feel excluded or marginalized. How can you share the inclusive love of Jesus with them today?

Day 2: Unique Encounters with God
Description: Each person in Luke's narrative encounters God in a unique way. The shepherds heard the angelic choir, Mary received a personal message from an angel, and Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit. This diversity in experiences teaches us that God reaches out to us in ways that are tailored to our individual circumstances and needs. The shepherds, considered outcasts, received the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth. Mary, a young girl from a nowhere town, accepted her divine role with humility. Zechariah, a priest, initially doubted the angel's message but later believed. Joseph, through a dream, chose to stay with Mary. Each story highlights that God's message reaches people in different ways, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to encountering God. [09:14]

1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God’s presence in an unexpected way. How can you remain open to the unique ways God might reach out to you today?

Day 3: Faithfulness in Obedience
Description: Mary and Joseph's obedience to God's commands, despite their youth and poverty, is a testament to their faith. They followed the religious laws and named their child Jesus as instructed by the angel. This highlights the importance of being faithful and obedient to God's word, regardless of our circumstances. Their story reminds us that obedience to God is not limited by age, social status, or resources. We must be available, faithful, and willing to follow where God leads us. [12:43]

Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV): "You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it challenging to obey God? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His commands?

Day 4: The Wisdom of the Elderly
Description: Simeon and Anna exemplify the wisdom and faithfulness that can come with age. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and Anna's constant presence in the temple show that the elderly have valuable insights and experiences to share. Younger generations should seek out and listen to the wisdom of their elders. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, was led by the Holy Spirit to the temple, where he met the infant Jesus and proclaimed Him as the light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Anna, a prophetess, was always in the temple, worshiping, fasting, and praying. Her constant presence and faithfulness allowed her to witness Jesus and share the good news with others. [27:57]

Job 12:12 (ESV): "Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days."

Reflection: Think of an elder in your life who has shown wisdom and faithfulness. How can you reach out to them today to seek their guidance or simply to express your appreciation?

Day 5: Availability to God
Description: Anna's constant presence in the temple and her dedication to worship, fasting, and prayer made her available to witness the Messiah. This teaches us the importance of making ourselves available to God, being present where He can use us, and being ready to act when He calls. Anna, a prophetess, was always in the temple, worshiping, fasting, and praying. Her constant presence and faithfulness allowed her to witness Jesus and share the good news with others. This teaches us that we are never too young, too old, or too poor to obey God. We must be available, faithful, and willing to follow where God leads us. [32:03]

Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'"

Reflection: How can you make yourself more available to God today? What specific actions can you take to ensure you are present and ready to respond to His call?

Quotes

1. "The problem with age and the problem with getting old is this. Our society tends to write old people off. We tend to say, oh, you push them out to the pasture, they're done, they're over with. And, you know, we don't need the old people anymore. We tend to say, okay, you're old, you're done. And in our culture, this is a general stereotype of our culture. We tend to say that to old people." [03:07] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The gospel, the good news goes across all barriers. It is for everyone. See, the angels. When the angels said this, the angels were out, and the shepherds were in the fields at night, and the angels were declaring good news of great joy. They were declaring that, and they were singing that choir, and they were proclaiming the good news that there has been a savior been born to you." [06:16] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You don't have to be this ideal person. You can be a poor shepherd. You can be a young gal. You can be an old lady, you can be an old man. You can be a group of people at work, and God has a message for you. God has a movement for you. You came here today and maybe you're watching online and you're going, why? What am I doing? And I'm telling you, God has a message for you today. And you don't have to fit the perfect box in order to be used or in order to hear God." [10:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Don't come to God empty handed. Don't come to God. Just say, okay, God, feed me, feed me, feed me. And never giving anything back. Not just your treasure, but what about your time? What about your talents that he's given you? Are you giving that back as well? Or are you using all of your treasures all of your time for your own good? And then God gets, maybe if you're watching online or you're sitting in the building, maybe you okay, I'm going to give him once a month. I'm good once a month. And that's what I'm going to give God." [16:58] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You're never too young to obey God. You are never too young to obey God. You might be watching online. You might be here in the church, but you're never too young to obey God. Don't put it off till tomorrow. Do it today. Be faithful to God's word today, obey God. The other thing is you're never too old to obey God. The scriptures are filled with treasures of old people who obeyed God and God used them in their senior years." [35:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Make yourself available to bless others constantly. Be available to bless, to encourage, to say words of scripture to other people. I'm going to tell you a story. The story goes like this. One day, there was a young boy. A young boy. He lived on the east coast. He lived right close to a pier. And this young little guy, he went out there, and he was out on the pier one day. And he looks to the left. Instead of looking out to the ships that are on the ocean. He looks to the. And he sees a face in the rocks." [37:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "What happens if you spend all your time looking at Jesus? You begin to look like Jesus. Just like that young boy spent all of his life looking at the rock, and he begins to look like that. So this year, make it your goal to be obedient and look continually into Jesus so that the young people who follow after you will say, do you see Jesus? And they'll say, yes, I think he looks like you." [40:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The gospel of Luke is fantastic at not doing any of that. It is fantastic. And for the last couple of weeks, we've been looking at the birth of Jesus, the story of Jesus. And so we've learned that Luke is writing to a man who is not in the category of any of those four. He's a wealthy mandeh. Luke is writing to Theophilus, and he's writing to a man who, you know, commentators tend to think that this is, Luke is a slave to this older man." [05:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The old woman was where she needed to be. Church. She was where she needed to be. Look at this story. This is a great story. There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penul, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. Not like. Not like Elizabeth's husband, Zachariah. Oh, well, she's advanced in age. No, just flat out bold. She was old, right. I've had some commentators say that she was over 100 years old. Wow. The earliest that she's going to be is 84." [31:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The old man speaks wisdom. He spoke wisdom. Young people, don't dismiss the wisdom of the old people. Don't say, well, you know, they're old. They don't know how to use a phone. They don't know how to use a computer. They don't know how to drive an electric car. They're old. They're still using internal combustion engines. All those old people, right? Don't dismiss them. They've got some wisdom. So I want to challenge you people who are younger, to find a person who is older and listen to them." [27:57] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?