3-Day Bible Reading Plan: “The Fulfillment”
“Matthew was not disappointed with how Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. He even saw Jesus fulfill needs many didn’t anticipate would be met. He portrays Jesus as being more than anyone was hoping for. He doesn't just present Jesus as a new figure in the Bible storyline; he demonstrates how Jesus is the culmination of the Old Testament story, the answer to its hopes, and the resolution to its disappointments. He shakes the gift-wrapped promises of the Old Testament and outpours the glorious truth of Jesus Christ. - Pastor Paul Crandell, 12/22/24”
Day 1
Featured Verse: Luke 2:25-32 - “My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation”
Cross References:
Isaiah 25:9 - “Behold, This is Our God”
Why is it so hard to believe that God became man? How does the realization that Jesus Christ is God fuel your faith?
Genesis 49:18 - “I Wait For Your Salvation, O LORD”
Before the First Coming of Christ, those who believed in God’s salvation could only wait for it in faith. Today, what is the salvation of God that we wait for in faith?
Genesis 15:15 - “You Shall Go To Your Fathers in Peace”
Simeon had been promised he would not see death until he saw the Lord’s Christ. Why do you think God gave Simeon such a magnificent promise?
“Do you not think you see him, when he held the babe in his arms? Why, the old man did not then want His staff to lean on; down it went, and both his arms grasped the child. He may have trembled a little; but the mother of Jesus was not afraid to trust her child to him. How young he felt! As young as when ten years ago he walked with light foot through the streets of Jerusalem. Scarce in heaven did old Simeon feel more happy than he did at that moment when he clasped the babe in his arms! Do you not think you see him? Joy is flashing from his eyes; his lips speak sonnets, which burst out like the chorus of immortals, when he says, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.’” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 2
Featured Verse: Luke 2:34-35 - “This Child is Appointed For the Fall and Rising of Many in Israel…and a Sword Will Pierce Through Your Own Soul Also”
Cross References:
Isaiah 8:14 - “A Stone of Offense and a Rock of Stumbling”
If Christ is the greatest man to ever live, why is He so offensive to men?
1 Peter 2:8 - “They Stumble Because They Disobey the Word”
Men stumble upon Christ because they disobey the Word of God. Why do men hate God’s Word so much? How do they come to love God’s Word?
John 19:26 - “Woman, Behold Your Son!”
Simeon prophesied in the temple that a sword would one day pierce Mary’s heart. He spoke of Christ’s gruesome death by crucifixion. She was present at the foot of the cross, and in John’s Gospel, Jesus gives custody of Mary to John. Consider: When taken in light of Simeon’s prophetic words, the words of Christ in John 19:26 could have a double meaning for poor Mary as she beheld her beloved Son in His agony.
“Behold, he bows the heavens; he rides upon the wings of the wind; he scatters flames of fire; he speaks, and his dread artillery shakes the hills. Who would not adore the great and terrible Jehovah? But is it not much better to behold him here, allied to your nature, wrapped like other babes in swaddling clothes, tender, feeble, next of kin to your own self? Will you not worship God when he thus comes down to you, and becomes your brother, born for your salvation?” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 3
Featured Verse: Luke 2:36-38 - “She Began to Give Thanks to God and To Speak of Him to All Who Were Waiting For The Redemption of Jerusalem”
Cross References:
1 Timothy 5:5 - “She Who is Truly a Widow, Left All Alone, Has Set Her Hope on God and Continues In Supplications and Prayers Night and Day”
God promises all over Scripture to take special care of widows, but why do you think He gave great favor and privilege to Anna to behold the baby Jesus?
John 4:28-29 - “Come, See a Man Who Told Me All That I Ever Did”
Christ was not afraid, nor was He ashamed to have women proclaim Him as the fulfiller of prophecy, including widows and divorcées. How can this bring you hope in your own story? What does this tell you about the grace of God and the heart of God?
Luke 7:47 - “Her Sins, Which Are Many, Are Forgiven—for She Loved Much”
From Anna’s story, how do we know that she loved much? From the Samaritan woman’s story, how can we know she loved much? By their examples, what are some ways you might love Christ much?
“As of old, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elias the prophet, yet unto none of them was he sent, but unto the woman of Sarepta, a city of Sidon, so there were many among the Jews who were called wise men, but unto none of them did the star appear; but it shone on Gentile eyes, and led a chosen company from the ends of the earth to bow at Emmanuel’s feet.” - Charles Spurgeon