Simeon and Anna: Waiting Well
1. Discussion Questions
1. When you hear the word waiting, what emotions come to mind—frustration, hope, boredom, anticipation? Why?
Engaging the Text (Luke 2:25–38)
2. Luke highlights that Simeon and Anna were looking for something. What exactly were they longing for, and how did that shape their faith?
3. Why do you think so many people in Jerusalem missed Jesus while Simeon and Anna recognized Him immediately?
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in Simeon’s story, and what does that teach us about spiritual attentiveness?
Connecting to the Sermon
5. The sermon said, “Longing is not weakness—it is preparation.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
6. Can you think of a season in your life when disappointment or dissatisfaction actually deepened your faith?
7. How can constant distraction (phones, busyness, entertainment) dull our spiritual longing?
Application & Reflection
8. Where do you currently feel a longing that nothing in this world seems to satisfy?
9. How might Advent—or seasons of waiting in general—reshape the way we approach faith?
10. What would it look like for you to “wait well” this week?
Closing
11. Simeon said, “Now I can depart in peace.” What would it take for you to say something similar today?
2. Daily Devotions (Monday–Saturday)
Each devotion includes Scripture, reflection, and a brief prayer, designed for 5–7 minutes.
Monday — The Gift of Longing
Scripture: Psalm 42:1–2
Reflection:
Longing is often treated as a problem to fix. But in Scripture, longing is often a sign of spiritual life. Simeon and Anna were not embarrassed by their unmet hopes—they let those hopes drive them toward God. Sometimes dissatisfaction is not a failure of faith, but the beginning of deeper trust.
Prayer:
Lord, help me recognize my longings as invitations to seek You more deeply. Amen.
Tuesday — Waiting Without Numbing
Scripture: Luke 2:25
Reflection:
Simeon waited without distraction. He didn’t numb his waiting—he leaned into it. We are quick to escape discomfort, but God often meets us right there. Waiting well requires attentiveness, not avoidance.
Prayer:
God, teach me to wait with awareness instead of escape. Open my eyes to Your work. Amen.
Wednesday — Consolation for the Weary
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1–2
Reflection:
Jesus does not bring shallow encouragement. He brings deep consolation—for guilt, grief, shame, and exhaustion. The comfort God offers is rooted in forgiveness and restored relationship.
Prayer:
Jesus, speak comfort to the weary places in my soul. I receive Your grace today. Amen.
Thursday — Redemption Has Power
Scripture: Luke 1:68–71
Reflection:
Redemption is not just emotional relief—it is deliverance. Jesus comes with power to free us from what still holds us captive. The chains He breaks may be invisible, but they are real.
Prayer:
Lord, redeem me from the things that still bind me. Set me free by Your power. Amen.
Friday — Prepared to See Christ
Scripture: Hebrews 9:28
Reflection:
Scripture says Christ comes again for those who eagerly await Him. Longing keeps faith alert. When our hearts expect God to act, we are more likely to recognize Him when He does.
Prayer:
God, shape my heart into one that eagerly waits for You. Keep my faith awake. Amen.
Saturday — Now I Can Depart in Peace
Scripture: Luke 2:29–32
Reflection:
Peace did not come to Simeon because life was easy—it came because salvation had arrived. True peace flows from trusting Christ with both our past and our future.
Prayer:
Jesus, You are my peace. I place my past and my future in Your hands. Amen.