1. Why did Mary and Joseph go through the purification rites when Jesus was without sin?

2. The offerings they bring make it clear that Jesus was born into a poor family. In what ways can poverty be a blessing?

3. What does Simeon’s prayer song teach us about waiting on God to act?

4. In what ways does Jesus cause “the fall and rise of many in Israel”?

5. How is he “a sign that will be opposed”?

6. How does Jesus “reveal the thoughts of many hearts”?

7.Having seen Jesus, Anna runs and tells people about Jesus. How does “seeing Jesus” spur people on to evangelism?

8. She lost her husband early in life and lived as a presumably poor widow the rest of her life, and yet she dedicated herself to serving God. What does this teach us about staving off bitterness because of a difficult life?