He saw the gospel clearly, and he was a satisfied man. (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. The story of Simeon is a reminder that this Christmas season is essentially about the far-surpassing joy that a personal relationship with Christ brings. Simeon does not domesticate the gospel or the Messiah. 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). When Simeon saw Jesus he took Him in his arms and praised God. The Spirit gave Simeon divine revelationit was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lords Christ. The word translated revealed is actually a divine response. In the active tense the word means to transact business, to make an answer to those who seek advice. The use of the word in the passive bespeaks revelation made by God in response to the seeking of man. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call him Jesus. 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. redemption. Simeon made a prophetic and powerful predictive statement about Jesus and the purpose of His life. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple on the day Joseph, Mary and Jesus were there. He kept the law inwardly and outwardly, looked for the Messiah, and the very presence of God was in his life. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that. 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! ANNA. Copyright 2023 College Park Church. That hope motivated the righteous in Simeons day to hold on to the things of God despite the terrible events happening round about them. disciple. my name is david snyder. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration. 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. There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. What a gift that God had given him! This is the gospel - full of hope, rooted in God's faithfulness, spread to all people, and the most glorious news in all the world! Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. Dr. Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges and Biblical meetings in the U.S., England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. According to Matthew and Luke, however, Joseph was only legally his father. Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. we are in the 8th month. No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). Simeon asked God to allow him to "depart in peace, according to Your word" (verse 29). Global Relief Fund | Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria. Verse 26 tells us that God had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ. What a beautiful picture! It reminds me of this New Testament passage: 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Simeon understood the treasure of a godly life. The Law also allowed, in the cases of poverty, for two pigeons or turtledoves to be offered instead of a lamb. My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit has found joy in God, who is my Saviour, because he has looked graciously upon the lowliness of his handmaid. Luke 2:21-40 tells how Simeon went to the Temple in Jerusalem where he met the Holy Family. the angels (you will find the babe swaddled and laying in a manger.). That is also why she stood at the cross and did not kneel. Simeon believed in the imminence of the Messianic age. 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.". Why does Gary Soto's work seem autobiographical? He holds the Th.B (Westminster Seminary) and Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh). Simeon was a part of the group of brothers who sold Joseph into slavery and then lied to Jacob, saying that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal ( Genesis 37 ). God told Simeon that he would see Jesus who was the Son of God. He was a good man. And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. learn []. "For a sign that is opposed." This phrase either means that many will be humbled and spiritually raised up because of him (like the story of the publican in Luke 18:9ff), or it means that Jesus will be a stone over which some will fall and perish while others are spiritual "risen up" by God's power (see Luke 1:51-53). Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! The Spirit had prepared him to meet Jesus at the correct moment and had providentially brought them together. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace (2 Peter 3:10-14). Notice also that the Holy Spirit always leads to and glorifies the Lord Jesus - compare verse 27 with John 16:13-14. Hey, if the Holy Spirit tells Simeon he will not die till he sees the Messiah, and if hes been waiting his entire life perhaps, and hes faithful and in the temple and he comes and serves as that second witness ~ that may be Gods total will for his lifes ending, different from Annas, but just as powerful. They likely would have communicated to her the sign they had been given by Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. We shall never be perfect while we are in the flesh, but the Lord has made provision for us to be blameless (verse 25), which means that our lives should be such that they bring glory to His name and show forth His praise to those amongst whom we are living. We must make this observation, for in verse 29 there are three words which indicate this. Thus Simeon was driven under the impulse of the Spirit into the Temple, and when he was confronted with the Christ Child, it was necessary to receive him into his arms, not doubting because of the poverty, the humility, or the insignificance of this family. He could not be as he did not fulfill the requirements, i.e. As a crowning reward of his life, God showed him that he should not die until the Christ came. 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. See something we missed? 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). I was really trying to politely end the call. How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him? Luke wants to show that both of these people have been patiently waiting for the Messiah. They were given a sign a baby swaddled, laying in a manger. If (as some scholars claim) this band of shepherds were those caring for the temple flocks, they would recognize this treatment. For these people, whether in Jerusalem or in other cities of the Holy Land, the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the spiritual teachings of the prophets were adequate preparation for the coming of Christ. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 8:14). 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. "The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon." This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of God's people in all ages. 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). Do you see the gospel for the beauty that it is? However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. 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. We often picture Jesus taking little children in his arms, and we sing, I would like to have been with him then , but this thought of another receiving Jesus into his arms is much less familiar to us. Mary then announced to Elizabeth (and the world): In the Bible , Simeon was the old man who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. I believe it's more likely he was already getting up there in years and he was beginning to worry. Can you be godly through seasons where God makes you wait? Mary and Joseph search for him frantically for three days. At that circumcision ceremony babies were given their name. 3 Ang lahat ay pumunta upang makapagpatala, bawat isa sa kaniyang sariling lungsod. Kauna unahang parabula na inilimbag sa bhutan. But the beauty is not limited here to Simeon's experience alone. What an act of faith that was! So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. Rather, he paints a very human and realistic picture of Mary and Joseph as good parents, anxious, concerned, striving to be obedient and understanding, but not yet comprehending. Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. Like the disciples who will follow her, she is driven to bear witness to what she has seen. 1. In addition, a gift of five shekels to the Temple was required as an acknowledgment of Gods claim over the firstborn male of the household; the child was thus redeemed from sacred duties to enter the secular life. He saw him as the beauty of God saying, "Promise Fulfilled." To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. Anna was the prophetess who saw Jesus when he was presented in the temple by his parents. The Global Methodist Church welcomes Scott Jones, who led Methodists in Texas and had advocated for the extreme center and staying at the table., Emily McFarlan Miller - Religion News Service. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the temple to dedicate Him forty days after his birth. 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. COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. And Marys Magnificent states her understanding of what is happening within her. As you celebrate this holiday, exchange gifts, enjoy days of rest, and time with family - I just want to remind you that this holiday is about the glory and the beauty of the gospel! How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him?Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus 12:). Before this baby was born an angel named Gabriel told Mary what to name Him. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. It's interesting to compare Mary's 40 days of . Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. He was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. When Simeon saw the Lords Christ, he took him up in his arms and blessed God, saying, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. This taking Jesus into his arms was an act of the will by Simeon. Further Zacharias announces who is son John shall be and who Marys Son shall be in his discourse before Jesus or John are even born. was a very old man, and was waiting to see the messiah and die. 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. Luke portrays the rise of a form of Judaism that would rely on the testimony of women as well as men, and that would empower them once again to fulfill roles like Miriam of old. This is because in addition to being a proselytizer, Anna is a prophetess (Luke 2:36). He expresses this so well in verse 32, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.". 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. 2. The nunc dimittis of Simeon emphasizes the end of a long vigil of waiting. The very order of Simeons prophecy foretold that Israel would believe in this Child. anyones radar, so I think Mary indeed had a lot to mull over as she put all the extraordinary information "Yeah, I know that we could buy that, but we'd rather give our money away." To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. He was in all probability an old man, though we are not told this, and no indication is given of his position in life, nor as to whether he was rich or poor. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. A suffering messiah was not yet on He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. 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. You and I, who live in the light of the second coming of Christ, have the same glorious word of assurance. Who was Anna? He sees baby Jesus, God incarnate, and sings, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your Word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which has been prepared for all people.". Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth? The Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they enjoyed power. Simeon went into the church in Jerusalem. Have you bent your knee and turned to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. 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. Romans 11:33-34 and Isaiah 40:28. Simeon's testimony was great in that he said that he saw the salvation in Jesus and Jesus was the one whom the Father had prepared before the face of all the people and also that Jesus was the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. 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. He was a good man and very religious. together regarding her first born. 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. The Holy Spirit allowed Simeon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Rather, Christmas calls to remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is only reason for living or (in Simeon's case) dying. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. 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. 2021 Calvary Chapel Augusta - WordPress Theme : by, Who was with jesus on the mount of transfiguration, Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost, What happened after jesus rose on the third day, What was jesus wrapped in when he was born, Why did jesus go to the desert for 40 days, What is church of jesus christ of latter day saints. Apparently sacrificial lambs were wrapped (swaddled) at birth Anna is the first in a line of prophetic disciples who will speak about Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel. God is testing us everyday and has given us the right to make our own choices. There were many details concerning the incarnation about which he was not at all clear, but of the fact that the Lord would come he was positive. He was a satisfied old man. . But Mary is also puzzled by the divine message; she is perplexed when the angel greets her and must ponder the meaning of his words (Luke 1:29; see also 2:19). If we do, we will rejoice as did Simeon on that occasion. Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. Simeon told Mary & Joseph that Jesus would be a helper for people. He held him and knew that one day this baby would call people to choose between God and themselves. 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. about the historical past and tradition of historical Egypt. To me, this is a powerful image and one that begs a very important question - "What did he see?" Youre on the money. Of course, in the end, Luke portrays Mary as successfully making the spiritual journey into the family of faith; in Acts 1:14, when the apostles gather in the upper room after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is with them. The passage in which Simeon blessed the baby Jesus and prophesied great things was an opportunity to prove to the readers of Luke's Gospel that Jesus was indeed the son of God. Because that is what Simon said. God holds our every breath. GOD THE FATHER, HOLY SPIRIT, JESUS AND MARY AT THE TEMPLE Simeon saw the all-surpassing worth of the Messiah. i was searching for private visions by people who have had additional explanations, suvh as the annunciation. Learn more about Anna in Robin Gallaher Branchs Bible History Daily article Anna in the Bible.. What impresses me about Simeon is the powerful mingling of righteousness, Spirit-empowerment, and faith to take God at His Word. 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). In this, Mary contrasts sharply with Simeon and Anna, two elderly individuals who happen to be in the Temple when Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus to Jerusalem for the first time. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. It was through this child that sin could permanently be forgiven. He was waiting for eschatological . When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. He will, in fact, be rejected. See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. Now, as Simeon lived just prior to the first advent and anticipated the first coming of the Lord Jesus, so you and I today live just prior to His second advent and should be anticipating His return. Like Simeon, let us believe the word of the Lord and rejoice in this as our ground of confidence. 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). Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. Also read Numbers 8:17 and Numbers 18:14-1, The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus, An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, Angels praised God for the birth of Jesus, Jesus at 40 days old was taken to the Temple, Magi traveled from the East to find Jesus, King Herod the Great plans how to kill Jesus, Timeline for Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story, Background Information Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story. Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. 2010-07-06 11:03:12. Anna then approaches the Holy Family. It was this little child who creates the means by which people separated by their sins can come back to their God. God is going global! 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 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). "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." Christ is the touchstone of human hearts. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. How many nieces and nephew luther vandross have? "Well," she said, "I have good news. And she wont for several years. i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! The pairing of Simeon and Anna reflects Lukes penchant for male-female parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. THE WEDDING AT CANA Mary startles when Gabriel and God the Father appear in her home and interrupt her prayers. Have something to add about this? It seems that Luke wants to make this scene very personal for Simeon and Anna. Twelve years after the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Holy Family returns to Jerusalem and Jesus returns to the Temple, this time by himself. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. For such a learned scholar he does not read throughly all of Luke. Put all of that together and what you have is a very costly gospel. There were three characteristics of Simeons Spirit-controlled life: The Spirit-controlled life is a life which is endued with the Spirit, taught of the Spirit and led by the Spirit. 26 The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. Jesus Brings Revelation to the Nations. Good Stuff Ben and I love preaching on Simeon and Anna over the years, thanks. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! Also see the reading below from verses 29-32 and verses 34-35. One issue does provide some hesitation for me though. The women are not only more receptive to the message, they are more willing to act upon it, with Elizabeth realizing that her cousin is carrying the messiah and praising God for this blessing and Anna spreading the good news. Simeon in the Bible (pronounced Sim-ee-uhn) was a devout and just man. Simeon takes the Child Jesus in his arms and blesses God in order to present it to the Lord. Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. It was God the Fathers and Holy Spirits job to prepare Jesus until he was ready to start His ministry. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" (Eph 2:11-14). All men will not accept Jesus. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. 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. Simon Peter was also Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. 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. 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. 32 a light that will reveal salvation to unbelievers and bring glory to your people Israel., 33 Jesus father and mother kept wondering at the things being said about him. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. 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. The small child that Simeon holds will be a light to the Gentiles. Nice job Susanna! Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7. The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her So you are saying that when the Shepards and the wise men came Mary had no idea Jesus was Messiah? He was satisfied with the gospel. What is the overall storyline of jesus existence according to johns gospel. Todos los derechos reservados,

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. Did the Ancient Israelites Think Children Were People. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. One day, his parents, Joseph and Mary, took him up to the Temple to present him to God. Let me first give you my thesis, and then try to show you three ways that I see this in the text. Furthermore, Joseph seems to be Marys equal regarding getting it. Lets not forget that God spoke to Joseph in dreams and he obeyed each time. He did not know just when He would come, but as his hair whitened and his limbs became enfeebled, these were signs to him that the Lords coming was very near. She was very old, around 84 years old when she saw Jesus in the temple.Refer also to Luke 2:36-38. Share your feedback here. This was Simeons one opportunity to see the Lords Christ. Our digital archives are a work in progress. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ Child, and 2 Ang pagpapatalang ito ay unang nangyari nang si Cirenio ay gobernador ng Siria. Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? 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. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. December 21, 2008 College Park Church, What Simeon Saw: Lessons From a Satisfied Old Man. 12:). 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. He saw one of the most important events in world history!