Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. Simeon must have understood that Israels conversion would be realized only after the enlightenment of the heathen and the calling out of the Church. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. I see this in Simeon's personal statement, "For my eyes have seen your salvation" (2:30), and from Luke's account of Anna's actions, "And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Israel" (2:38). He would not die until he had seen Jesus. If these shepherds were in charge of Teaching Women of the Bible. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. The first Christmas and the Christ child come at a particular point in time, but for many, like Mary and Joseph, the significance of the event is only understood incrementally and over the course of many years. Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. He saw this baby as the reason for his godliness. The telemarketer called and asked me if I had received my car keys in the mail last week. Copyright College Park Church - Indianapolis, Indiana. she said. He also saw Mary standing by that cross, pierced in heart at the suffering of her child. Here is the picture of a surrendered life - a life which recognises Jesus as the Lord, which takes the place of a bond-servant under His authority and which is completely submissive to His word. ANNA. Mary and Joseph marvel at what Simeon says about him (v 33) and then he says something stunning to Mary: "This child is appointed" Simeon knew and Mary and Joseph were only beginning to fully understand that this little baby was part of massive plan determined even before the foundations of the earth (Eph 3:11, Heb 4:3, Rev 13:8). Read Understanding []. Raymond E. Brown and Karl P. Donfried, eds., Mary in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978), pp. In this way Luke both prepares for and signals one of his major themes in the Gospel of Luke and in Actsthe least, the last and the lost are becoming the most, the first and the found with Jesus coming. The doctors of the Law may have been dead spiritually, but these remnant people, who saw the reality contained in the Law and the Prophets, were alive to what God was doing. It wasnt that Mary had forgotten that Jesus was also the Son of God that she didnt understand. May Almighty God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Christianity be our guiding lights, our safety nets and our inspiration for loving happiness with Almighty God! and lain in a manger as they were being inspected for blemishes that would disqualify them for sacrifice. learn []. He knew that although He had come to His own people they would reject Him, and the gospel would be preached to the Gentiles (John 1:11; Acts 28:28). 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons" (Luke 2:22-24). Mary at the Cana wedding sensed, maybe with the Holy Spirits nudging, that perhaps this was the time for Jesus to reveall him self in a big way. i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. Gabriel made it quite clear to Mary who is Jesus: The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on February 12, 2013. But the prophetic insight into Gods intentions is a gift which keeps on giving and renewing the people of God. No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them so it was the Festival Day (or mass) of the Candles. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! We are told this in verse 25, and it means that his life was honest and upright in the eyes of men. The song Mary did you know yes Mary did know that her son Gods son was capable of not only performing miracles but of saving any one who has faith in Him from eternal death and blessing them with eternal life. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). When that Child came into the world, he brought nothing but a soul. In Lorenzo Lottos unusual rendition of the Annunciation, dated to 1535, Marys cat is equally frightened by the divine apparition. By this time Simeon was a very old man. May we be as ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He comes the second time as Simeon was to welcome Him when He came the first time - look up Revelation 22:20! 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus . At the opening of Aeschyluss Agamemnon, a sentinel, set to watch for the appearing of fire that was to announce the taking of Troy, beholds at last the signal so impatiently expected, and he sings at once, both of the victory of Greece and of his own release. Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. When Jesus was 40 days old Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple in Jerusalem for another ceremony. husband passed away seven years after her wedding. In Lukes birth narrative, Mary is the first to be told that Jesus will be the messiah. As Paul put it in Ephesians 2:19 - no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens! The Eastern Orthodox Church considers Anna and Simeon the God-Receiver as the last prophets of Old Testament and observes their feast on February 3/February 16 as the synaxis (afterfeast) following the Presentation of Christ, which Orthodox tradition calls The Meeting of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The very order of Simeons prophecy foretold that Israel would believe in this Child. disciple. How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him? 19 Feb, 2021 Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah whom God had promised his people. And that is what we are going to examine today: what did Simeon see when he looked into the face of the Messiah. Notice how the text describes him. I said that I had not. Required fields are marked *. And that was when we both started laughing. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. She was very old, around 84 years old when she saw Jesus in the temple.Refer also to Luke 2:36-38. birthing the sacrificial lambs for the nearby temple, as some scholars claim, then this sign would present some This apparatus was prepared by God for the salvation of all people. It was this little child who would life a sinless life, declare words of life, and then absorb the wrath of God so that the creator God and his people could be reunited. In which christian text are the teachings of jesus recorded? Joseph and Mary were in at the Temple in Jerusalem for the redemption of Jesus as the firstborn and the purification of His mother, Mary, as per the Law of Moses in the first five books of the Bible. "Really?" When Joseph (far left) and Mary (left of center) bring baby Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, they are greeted by Simeon, who embraces the baby, and Anna, the New Testaments only prophetess, shown at right with a scroll, in this 1342 tempera painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. 31 which you prepared for all people to see COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. At the Temple scene, Mary definatly shows she knows this by how she address him after looking for him for three days. The picture presents the contrast of age and of youth, of one nearing the end of the journey of life and one at the beginning. You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. Simeon's prayer captures the beauty of the gospel: He begins his praise to God with an expression of ultimate satisfaction in God and it is tied to the word peace: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace," (v 29). Simeon understood the treasure of a godly life. If we do, we will rejoice as did Simeon on that occasion. There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. So Simeon was known for his godly conduct toward others. Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. Jesus responds, Did you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? But, Luke reports, they did not understand what he said to them [but] his mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:4851). He took Jesus in his arms, held him close and began to bless the Lord. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? I am surprised no one else caught this prior to publication. Jesus Brings Revelation to the Nations. 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. He was satisfied with the gospel. He loved God. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. Most of parenthood is like this for me. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . In fact, she is the only woman in the New Testament explicitly described as a prophetess. She then stands in the line of figures like the judge, military leader and prophetess Deborah and the Jerusalem prophetess Huldah, who, in the days of King Josiah, was asked to verify that an ancient scroll (a form of Deuteronomy) discovered during Temple renovations was indeed the word of God (2 Kings 22). wish to examine some-more about his analysis? Simeon accepted the Baby Jesus as the Christ of God. The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. God told Simeon that he would see Jesus who was the Son of God. Luke uses the story of Simeon (2:25-35) and Anna (2:36-38) to demonstrate that the Christ-child is the one for whom Israel had waited and longed for. Notice also that the Holy Spirit always leads to and glorifies the Lord Jesus - compare verse 27 with John 16:13-14. One's response to Christ reveals the true condition of the heart. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. 3 Pilgrimage Paths from Galilee to Jerusalem, Dating the Oldest New Testament Christian Manuscripts, The Bethesda Pool, Site of One of Jesus Miracles. 1. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. Learn more about Anna in Robin Gallaher Branchs Bible History Daily article Anna in the Bible.. Simeon declared, Mine eyes have seen thy salvation. The Child is here equated with Gods salvation. Even modern day shepherds I made the telemarketer laugh. That hope motivated the righteous in Simeons day to hold on to the things of God despite the terrible events happening round about them. anyones radar, so I think Mary indeed had a lot to mull over as she put all the extraordinary information 2010-07-06 11:03:12. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Simeon made a prophetic and powerful predictive statement about Jesus and the purpose of His life. A little Child who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a virgin was to be the means of the deliverance of Gods people. Copy. Even better, Mary understood that she had indeed been greatly blessed, and that all generations would call [her] Blessed. Anna wasnt there to tell Mary something she didnt already know. This season of uncleanness was terminated by the offering of a sacrifice (a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering). See answer (1) Best Answer. He saw the Savior before He died. That Lord Jesus Christ has come not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles is seen here in Luke Chapter 2:21-35 where description of one named Simeon is given. Anna begins to preach: She came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Both are quicker than Mary to comprehend who Jesus is. The older he grew the surer Simeon became that the birth of the Saviour was near. we can know when Jesus was born. Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. Perhaps she was part of some sort of order of widows (Luke tells us her husband died after only seven years of marriage) who had specific religious functions in the Temple. 7. Fear God, love God and honor God for the multitude of things he has done in our behalf, the love He has given us and the graciousness He has shown us through His Son and the Holy Spirit! And at the outset of a long chain of such prophetic insights stand Simeon and Anna, one satisfied that prophecy has been fulfilled and the other pointing to the future, a future as bright as the promises of God. Mary then announced to Elizabeth (and the world): Scoffers might pour ridicule upon him for his belief, but they could not rob him of his hope, for the grounds of his confidence were sure. The angel had said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased." Now Simeon, a man of great faith in God's consolation, sees Jesus and is ready to die in peace. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.". Simeon at the Temple is a figure in the Gospel of Luke. What is the overall storyline of jesus existence according to johns gospel. 4 Si Jose ay umahon din mula sa Galilea, mula sa lungsod ng Nazaret . In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: Surely youll recall how the unborn John the Baptist leaped in his mothers womb at the presence of Mary and the unborn baby Jesus? Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. The Book of Luke records just two narratives about Jesus childhood: His dedication (Luke 2:21- 40) and His time at the temple when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). The secret of a life that is pleasing in the sight of men and well-pleasing to God is the filling of the Holy Ghost - look up Ephesians 5:18. According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the Infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days (inclusive) after his birth to complete Marys ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn son, in obedience to the Torah (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:1215, etc.). When that old man went out of the world he took nothing but a soul. There was a lady named Anna that lived in Jerusalem also. Thus Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. The late New Testament scholar Raymond Brown wrote: Lukes idea is that complete acceptance of the word of God, complete understanding of who Jesus is, and complete discipleship is not yet possible. The thoughts of men's hearts will be revealed by what they do with Christ. news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. A suffering messiah was not yet on 8:14). So what? By this time Simeon was a very old man. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have God holds our every breath. Anna was about 106 years old depending upon when she wed. What impresses me about Simeon is the powerful mingling of righteousness, Spirit-empowerment, and faith to take God at His Word. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." IVE JUST FINISH READING ANNA IS A PROPHETESS FOUND LUKE 2:36. Wiki User. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. But also wanted to add two points: An old man called Simeon lived in Jerusalem. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. All men will not accept Jesus. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Simeon is ready to die - he is at peace - because he has seen the future hope of Israel and the world. Only after years of pondering the message in her heart does she become a true follower of Jesus. Museo Civico, Recanati, Italy/Scala/Art Resource, NY. We have an extra set here at our office. Behold, from this day forward all generations will count me blessed; because he who is mighty, he whose name is holy, has wrought for me his wonders. Lukes Christmas story is full of surprising reversals of fortunes and roles, in which outsiders become more intimate associates than family members, and in which women play a more active role then men. When the parents brought the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Law, 28 Simeon took the infant in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace according to your promise, Mary also tells the Archangel Gabriel she agrees to having the Son of God. Granted it is glorious and attractive, but it is not safe. The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. Jesus is the one that they have been longing and looking for. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. In this beautiful scene, the aged Simeon takes the Baby Jesus up in his arms and expresses his delight and joy to God in a brief prayer. Who was Anna? Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and praises God: Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:2832). . Gods command to us is that we should be holy (Leviticus 20:7), and His provision is the gift of the Holy Ghost who reproduces within us the holiness of the Lord Jesus Himself. Wikimedia CommonsThe Greek transliteration of Jesus real name , Isous, and the late Biblical Hebrew version Yeshua. Jesus was never the Messiah ! So you are saying that when the Shepards and the wise men came Mary had no idea Jesus was Messiah? Two kinds of persons were involved; first there were those who would apprehend Christ as the Rock and find in him a spiritual sanctuary; second, those who would reject him and find him a stumbling stone and a rock of offense (cf. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. 161162. God is testing us everyday and has given us the right to make our own choices. He was waiting for the time when God would help Israel. Now he sees his long-desired Star. To have the kind of eyesight that Simeon had we need to see three things: 1) The treasure of a godly life, 2) The beauty of the gospel, and 3) The cost of following Christ. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. He held him and knew that one day this baby would call people to choose between God and themselves. Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. What is that point? How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him. Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Simeon declared the Child to be the glory of thy people Israel. That an Israelite should first mention Christ as the means of enlightening the heathen and then emphasize the glory of Israel was an unusual order in pre-Christian times and thinking. Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. He is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies. The glorious hope of the Saviours first advent powerfully influenced Simeons life, and the blessed hope of the Lords return should be a powerful incentive to us for holy living and sacrificial service - look up Titus 2:11-13. We then count 3 and a half months from 1. This is because in addition to being a proselytizer, Anna is a prophetess (Luke 2:36). They have much to speak into our context. On the next day we who were Pauls companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. 3 Ang lahat ay pumunta upang makapagpatala, bawat isa sa kaniyang sariling lungsod. It is . Your statement says she is the only woman in New Testament explicitly described as a prophetess. Jesus at the age of twelve accompanies Mary and Joseph, and a large group of their relatives and friends to Jerusalem on pilgrimage, according to the custom that is, Passover. Simeon appears to be a normal Jewish man. Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus' mother. He will either accept him or reject him. God could have prolonged his life anyway without a word. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask Peter if he loved? Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. Verse 25 tells us this, and it means that while he was honest and upright in the sight of men, he was holy (as the word really means) in the sight of God. This is a stand that is very difficult for me to follow how one gets there, since Mary was told by Gabriel, John (to be the Baptist) at 6 mos responded, Elizabeth told her, again all the torment when she rtnd from Elizabeths, the shepards and the wise men the woman would have had to of had amnesia not to know. The reason we assume him to be old is that when he holds Jesus in his arms, he says to God, "Now you are letting your servant depart in peace." He may have been old, but not necessarily so. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. "For the fall and rising of many." Which scripture acknowledges by saying Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. He was obident and honored them for another 18 yrs until the God given time had come and He revelled himself by changing the water into wine at the Cana wedding. The violations of the Law of God, the iniquity, immorality, and injustice of their day, only deepened their desire for the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah. See something we missed? The scene that Luke wants to highlight is more than just historical fulfillment. Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms. Combine a one-year tablet and print subscription to BAR with membership in the BAS Library to start your journey into the ancient past today! The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that. Here Simeon looked across three decades to a picture of a Man hanging on a cross, dying for the sins of his people, and suffering the penalty of the Law, thus emptying death of its sting and the Law of its curse. I believe that Luke records this account to show Theophilus and all of us that Simeon saw the gospel - an attractive, broad, costly, and satisfying gospel. Of course, no one knows how old Simeon was when God gave him this assurance. 2 Nangyari, nang mga araw na iyon, na lumabas ang isang batas mula kay Augusto Cesar na nag-uutos na dapat magpatala ang buong sanlibutan. What did Simeon do when he saw Jesus? The Prophecy of Simeon 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. . i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with him. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. He was a satisfied old man. Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. Simeon asked God to allow him to "depart in peace, according to Your word" (verse 29). They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. Simeon went into the church in Jerusalem. Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. Jesus, the adolecent, wasnt sining or lying here he was jumping the gun. He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. As Joseph and Mary marveled at the things spoken of their Child by Simeon, they were blessed by him, and heard Gods purpose for the Child. Summary of Jesus life He was born to Joseph and Mary sometime between 6 bce and shortly before the death of Herod the Great (Matthew 2; Luke 1:5) in 4 bce. Its very well written; I love what youve got She, too, recognizes Jesus as messiah, but she has a very different reaction: At that moment, she came and began to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:38). Let me first give you my thesis, and then try to show you three ways that I see this in the text. We have a drawing for $15,000 cash!" His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration. to say. The holy family had made its little pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, a distance of about five miles, to accomplish what was called the purification of Mary. Share your feedback here. In Davids time the yearly service of the highpriest priests was divided in 24 houses, each makng the service in the temple in Jerusalem for half a month. What distinguishes Simeon is not his position, but his godliness. And she wont for several years. Shes pondering all right, shes pondering just how hard shes gonna tan his little hide when she gets him home. The redemptive offerings, the Day of Atonement, the Passover, all spoke to them of the coming Christ. Did the Ancient Israelites Think Children Were People. The nunc dimittis of Simeon emphasizes the end of a long vigil of waiting.