Today we continue our study of the story immediately after the birth of Christ by studying a women who is only mentioned in three verses of Scripture. Anna was a Godly woman who becomes the third witness to the birth of the Messiah. Here again we see the “divine appointments” set by God and why they matter to us today.

Last week we learned about the man called Simeon. Today we study his amazing words of prophecy. These words help us understand the purpose and ministry of Jesus’ life, even though they were spoken when He was only a baby. They also help us to understand the purpose and plan that God has for our lives.

Today we continue our study of the Christmas story by looking at Mary and Joseph’s visit to the Temple and their interaction with an old man named Simeon.   This guy is the picture of wisdom and he reminds us of the joy of trusting God and waiting for His time.

Today we begin a Christmas series about the “forgotten people” of the story — Simeon and Anna.   These two people teach us how to wait and worship!

In today’s passage though, we look at the story of obedience of Mary and Joseph which leads us to the stories of Simeon and Anna.

Today we conclude our series on the Kingdom by identifying the King.  In fact, this King, who was announced so at His birth, has been hesitant throughout His ministry to allow anyone to proclaim Him the king.  He has said, "tell no one," or "my time has not yet come."  But in today's text He boldly proclaims Himself to be the King.

Kings are not elected.  Kings are born and appointed.  Jesus’ story in this passage stretches our thinking about our first allegiance.  Do we yet recognize Jesus as the coming king?  We will learn that our lives are expected to be lived in anticipation of His return.

Having learned of the blind man’s faith, we now consider a purposeful interaction between Jesus & Zaccheaus.

Zaccheaus sought to see Jesus.  Jesus was able to see him in a way no one else did. When others wanted to distance them-selves from Zaccheaus, Jesus was sought to save him.

So, who are you most like?

Today we continue our Kingdom Thinking and see a blind man that is a picture of salvation. This story is a wonderful contrast to the last two Biblical accounts that we have studied and continues to give us a fuller picture of our Lord's salvation.

Today we continue our series on Kingdom Thinking by listening to a teaching of Jesus that was shared only with His disciples.  In this, we see that the plan for taking the Kingdom and ruling it, had always been in place and was no surprise to God.  We also see the lack of understanding by the disciples — and by many today.

Today we conclude our Stories and Parables series by looking at one of the most amazing parables.  With only a few sentences, Jesus explains for the ages what it takes to be “right with God.”  As we take Holy Communion today, this story will help us put it in proper perspective.