Simeon and anna in the gospel of luke

Simeon andor the tribe that bears his name is also mentioned in the historical records of 1 and 2 chronicles and in the book of ezekiel. The rest of luke chapter two describes two important incidents in the early life of our lord, which both took place in the temple at jerusalem, separated by twelve years. When they met jesus, they rejoiced that god kept his promise. Zechariah and elizabeth are first, mary and joseph are second, and simeon and anna are third and last. These weak witnesses live with shame knowing their hypocrisy limits their credibility in speaking for the cause of christ, so these worldly believers remain. Jan 01, 2018 we miss all of this, all of this, if we stop with the angels singing, and shepherds praising.

Jan 02, 2020 simeon andor the tribe that bears his name is also mentioned in the historical records of 1 and 2 chronicles and in the book of ezekiel. Simeon and anna waited almost their whole lives to meet the promised rescuer. The pairing of simeon and anna reflects lukes penchant for. It turns out that theyre both destined to become major figures in israels history. Many christians are weak and ineffective because their lives are filled with ungodliness. As luke writes of the birth of the savior, tensions in judea with the roman empire had intensified. Simeons reputation was that of being righteous and devout luke 2. And there was one anna, a prophetess a person of some note. The context chapter 2 starts with the story of the birth of jesus vv. Simeon and anna, testimony for the last days faithlife. The unit i want to look at tonight, therefore, is 2. What was luke s thought process in chapter 2 about age. Annas and simeons prophecies share a note of hope and expectation, along with declarations that in this child gods promise is moving into realization. Her name, which she shares with hannah in the old testament, means favor or grace.

That is obvious from these verses in luke chapter two. Annas purity serves as a beautiful picture that an effective witness flows from a holy life. When the day came to purify the child and mother according to the law of moses, joseph and mary brought jesus up to jerusalem so that he could be. We would do well to ponder this passage, for if we were to follow the example of simeon and anna our goals would change, our lifestyles would simplify, and our midlife crises would vaporize. Jul 19, 2015 that is obvious from these verses in luke chapter two. The prophet, anna, also recognizes the baby jesus as the one to redeem jerusalem. Simeon is a man under the influence of the holy spirit. Lessons from the lives of simeon and anna bible helps, inc. Simeon and anna, testimony for the last days faithlife sermons. It is likely that she also hoped to see this child before she died.

Does he try to imply old age for simeon without saying it. Simeon and anna are one of three couples in lukes infancy narrative lk 1. These two old timers are always loitering around the precinct of the temple at jerusalem, and they are described in similar terms. What was lukes thought process in chapter 2 about age. We started with elizabeth and zechariah waiting and hoping, and after going through the annunciation and the birth of jesus, with angels and shepherds, we now conclude the introduction with this story of simeon and anna and fulfilled hope.

Jan 02, 2020 she gave thanks to god and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of jerusalem luke 2. Mary, and zechariah, and some shepherds, simeon and anna, make highly poetic forecasts about the futures of these baby boys 1. The pairing of simeon and anna reflects luke s penchant for malefemale parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. It moves to this weeks gospel lesson, the presentation of jesus in the temple.

He is described as one who the holy spirit rests upon, it is the holy spirit who gave the promise of revelation to him, and it is the holy spirit who brings simeon to the temple at the right time. Dec 30, 2012 simeon is a man under the influence of the holy spirit. Dec 29, 2010 simeon and anna are one of three couples in lukes infancy narrative lk 1. The lessons for the last days simeons prophecy and annas testimony as i read through this account i want you to pick up on the character qualities of simeon, anna and the priest, they were looking for the 1st coming of jesus, we are looking for the 2nd coming ask yourself the question what is god. The following is an adaptation of the gospel project lesson of jesus being dedicated at the temple. Simeon simeon the godreceiver at the temple is the just and devout man of jerusalem who, according to luke 2. For it was written in the law of the lord, every firstborn male born shall be consecrated to the lord. The annunciation, anna, and lukes egalitarianism cbe. His birth, the child jesus was taken by his parents to the temple in the holy city of jerusalem, as described in the gospel according to saint luke. Sermons presentation of jesus simeon and annas response. If we count our christmas eve meditations as an exposition of luke 2.

She was the daughter of penuel from the tribe of asher. Psalm of simeon and the announcement of anna luke 2. Enter simeon, whom luke describes as righteous and. Actually, theyll be helping god fulfill israels hopes for redemption. As soon as they arrived, simeon immediately recognised the child as the promised messiah. Anna the prophetess is among the first few to bring honor to the kingly babe born in a stable. Anna and simeon are contrasted at the temple, but simeon moves into the temple courts while anna never leaves the temple. Simeon at the temple is the just and devout man of jerusalem who, according to luke. Simeon s reputation was that of being righteous and devout luke 2. Dec, 2017 simeon and anna waited almost their whole lives to meet the promised rescuer.

He was waiting for the comforting of israel and the holy spirit was upon him. This wonderful scene represents the conclusion of lukes introduction to the gospel. Before anything else, luke wants us to look at jesus and worship him, not simeon and anna they are just there to help us along the way. They are credible witnesses to the christchild, so we listen to what they say and let ourselves be amazed. In todays gospel, we hear about simeon whose primary hope before he died was to see the child who was to be the lords messiah. Luke is giving us firsthand, eyewitness testimony to the identity of the child who has been born in bethlehem. Luke 2 the birth of jesus in those days bible gateway. Did he want to link simeon and anna as the old timers, but didnt know simeons age. The temple is a prominent motif that begins luke 1. Luke portrays simeon as exemplary in the way he read and reflected upon the old testament. Likewise, all was not well as luke wrote about anna and simeon. Again, this morning, in our time to look at the word of god, we turn to luke chapter 2.

Luke 2 new international version niv the birth of jesus. There is a wealth of knowledge in these two postcredit scenes that sets the stage for everything that will follow in lukes gospel. Luke is giving us firsthand, eyewitness testimony to the identity of the child who has been born in. The story of jesus birth is framed by two such storiesthat of elizabeth and zechariah in luke 1 and anna and simeon in luke 2. There is an event recorded in the second chapter of the gospel of luke that happened soon after jesus was born that many overlook and most never talk about. Just as promised, simeon was moved by the holy spirit to go to the temple on the day joseph and mary brought jesus in for the ceremonial offerings. Though the holy spirit, simeon can see the deep anguish that mary will feel as her son is rejected by the nations leaders and ultimately crucified. There is no tradition whatsoever in either jewish or christian belief that you or anyone else has cited, or of which i am aware, that.

Dec 30, 2019 central presbyterian church december 29, 2019 pastor john schmidt. Gospel of luke summary these babies arent just cute. Much like simeon and anna, we inhabit a world desperate for redemption and thirsty for life. The lesson was prepared for a small group of students ranging from age 511. Its part of our new series heroes of the christmas story celebrated and lesserknown that shares the biblical story of christmas. Simeon prayed for gods blessings on each of the family in turn and addressed mary especially, saying. Simeon greek, simeon the godreceiver at the temple is the just and devout man of jerusalem who, according to luke 2. Dec 21, 2008 luke uses the story of his life and meeting of the christchild to make a very important point for theophilus, the roman ruler for whom this book is written. Anna came in just after simeon proclaimed jesus to be the longawaited 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.

Does he want us to perceive jesus coming as the culmination of the hopes of generations. The story of mary and joseph presenting jesus tells us that mary and joseph. The first chapter of lukes gospel features the appearance of the forerunner of the messiah, john the baptist. He had received a message from the holy spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the lords anointed one. Still looking at the child in simeons arms, both father and mother were caught up in wonder as they listened to these profound words. Here is a confession of his faith, that this child in his arms was the saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of gods appointing. Good news is meant to be shared, and anna shares it with everyone who was anticipating the messiah.

Even the most hardened among us will find ourselves oozing forth some gooey emotions around these cuties. The same spirit that provided for the support of simeons hope, provided for his joy. There, simeon and anna recognize him as the promised messiah. Simeon the righteous is about the person mentioned in lukes gospel. Luke 2 commentary simeon prophesies concerning jesus.

The other prominent simeon in the bible was a man in jerusalem luke 2. Life of christlife of christ from the gospel offrom the. Anna is mentioned in the bible as a prophetess and one of the people connected to jesus childhood. Part of an email bible study on the gospel of luke, helping contemporary christians learn to be faithful disciples. Did he want to link simeon and anna as the old timers, but didnt know simeon s age. Simeon gospel of luke project gutenberg selfpublishing. This free sunday school lesson is based on the stories about simeon and anna from luke 2. Luke uses the story of his life and meeting of the christchild to make a very important point for theophilus, the roman ruler for whom this book is written. Luke 2 commentary william barclays daily study bible. Mission arlingtonmission metroplex curriculumlife of christgospel of luke created for use with young, unchurched learners adaptable for all ages including adults life of christlife of christ from the gospel offrom the gospel of luke luke lesson 1 lesson 1 simeon and anna simeon and anna see jesussee jesus. The pairing of simeon and anna reflects lukes penchant for malefemale parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. Now there was one, anna, a prophetess, the daughter of phanuel, of the tribe of asher. At the end of this post there is a beautiful song by lisa tracy, called, simeon and anna.

In verses 2124 of luke 2, we read about three different rituals connected with the birth of jesus. The students discover that as simeon and anna believed god would keep his promise to send a savior, they can believe god keeps all his promises. This continues an emphasis on the role of the holy spirit that began in luke 1. I have called the message, simeons farewell to the world, because his speech seems to be the central focus of this passage. Anna and simeon are not blood relations to mary or joseph, but they say. Anna, prophetess in lukes gospel women in the bible. Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the. In the eastern orthodox tradition, simeon is commemorated with anna the prophetess on february 3 on the feast of the holy and righteous simeon. Thats basically how the gospel of luke opens, with a whole lot of hubbub over two babiesjohn and jesuswho are cousins. Central presbyterian church december 29, 2019 pastor john schmidt.

Simeon and anna recognize jesus gced heartfelt bible. And a sacrifice of two turtle doves shall be offered. It shows the great joy that jesus would bring to those who love god. Those of you who have studied luke with me, know that lukes gospel contains more outsider stories than any other gospel. It gives us a greater appreciation for the way luke sets up his story in the first few chapters. The most important couple is intentionally placed in the middle. Scholars dont know an exact date of when gospel of luke was written, but generally claim that it was in the last third of the first century. Is there evidence outside of the bible that proves he actually walked the earth. You have to be one ugly grinch not to just love little babies. Verses 2140 focus on simeon and anna, who recognize the infant jesus as israels promised messiah, and who publicly praise god for this and proclaim this good news to those. According to that gospel, she was an elderly woman of the tribe of asher who prophesied about jesus at the temple of jerusalem.