Luke 2:25-33

 

After Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary took Him to a temple for something similar to a parent-child-dedication that was required by Jewish law, The priest there was Simeon.He recognized the baby Jesus as the Savior and hope the world had been awaiting.

 

Five Essential Truths About the Gift of Hope

  1. Hope is confident expectation … We often use “hope” in a similar way as “wish” and we don't really have confidence it will happen. But when “hope” is used Biblically, it is a much more confident expression. Instead of wishful thinking, it is an expectation. Like watching a game you know thr final score in. When you know the end result, a mistake by your team doesn't bother you nearly as much. Likewise, we know the cosmic outcome. We know Jesus wins. We can relax when small things inconvenience us. 
  2. Hope is based on promises … Too often we base our hope only on circumstances. Circumstances change. It's better to base our hope on something that doesn't change and is reliable. The promises of God meet those requirements. His promises don't change and He keeps His promises. He kept HIs promises from the Old Testament as we see over and over again throughout the Bible. We can trust Him to keep His promises to us too. Those promises include salvation if we trust in Him. 
  3. Hope gives strength in hard times … Sometimes bad things happen. Sometimes we face moments that bring sadness. Those can be hard times to get through, but we can have hope in those dark times because we have faith we'll see our loved ones again in Heaven. 
  4. Hope is for all nations … Jesus is for everyone. The hope He brings is for all of humankind. Christian missionaries are trying to reach more and more people every year, but there's still a long ways to go; there are still too many unreached and unengaged people groups. 
  5. Hope is contagious … Joseph and Mary were amazed by what Simeon proclaimed about baby Jesus. When people see true hope lived out, they wonder why we have such hope and are often encouraged by it. Christians should be the most hopeful people on Earth. However, too many of us don't live out that hope. Instead of moping, we should let hope exude from our lives and into others. 

 

For Further Study/Resources Used to Prepare This Message

  • Exalting Jesus in Luke (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)
  • ESV Expository Commentary
  • NIV Application Commentary
  • O Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
  • Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson
  • The Characters of Christmas by Dan Darling