Annas purity serves as a beautiful picture that an effective witness flows from a holy life. 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. Lessons from the lives of simeon and anna bible helps, inc. Simeon prayed for gods blessings on each of the family in turn and addressed mary especially, saying. It turns out that theyre both destined to become major figures in israels history. And a sacrifice of two turtle doves shall be offered. These two old timers are always loitering around the precinct of the temple at jerusalem, and they are described in similar terms. Dec 30, 2019 central presbyterian church december 29, 2019 pastor john schmidt. What was luke s thought process in chapter 2 about age.
Mary, and zechariah, and some shepherds, simeon and anna, make highly poetic forecasts about the futures of these baby boys 1. Luke is giving us firsthand, eyewitness testimony to the identity of the child who has been born in bethlehem. And there was one anna, a prophetess a person of some note. 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. Again, this morning, in our time to look at the word of god, we turn to luke chapter 2. The same spirit that provided for the support of simeons hope, provided for his joy. The pairing of simeon and anna reflects luke s penchant for malefemale parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. Does he want us to perceive jesus coming as the culmination of the hopes of generations. Psalm of simeon and the announcement of anna luke 2. Luke portrays simeon as exemplary in the way he read and reflected upon the old testament. Simeon and anna, testimony for the last days faithlife sermons. 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 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.
Dec 30, 2012 simeon is a man under the influence of the holy spirit. Anna the prophetess is among the first few to bring honor to the kingly babe born in a stable. The annunciation, anna, and lukes egalitarianism cbe. Luke 2 commentary william barclays daily study bible. There is a wealth of knowledge in these two postcredit scenes that sets the stage for everything that will follow in lukes gospel. Is there evidence outside of the bible that proves he actually walked the earth. Enter simeon, whom luke describes as righteous and. Even the most hardened among us will find ourselves oozing forth some gooey emotions around these cuties. This wonderful scene represents the conclusion of lukes introduction to the gospel. It is likely that she also hoped to see this child before she died. 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.
Still looking at the child in simeons arms, both father and mother were caught up in wonder as they listened to these profound words. Anna, prophetess in lukes gospel women in the bible. Simeons reputation was that of being righteous and devout luke 2. 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. It moves to this weeks gospel lesson, the presentation of jesus in the temple.
Simeon and anna waited almost their whole lives to meet the promised rescuer. In the eastern orthodox tradition, simeon is commemorated with anna the prophetess on february 3 on the feast of the holy and righteous simeon. Luke 2 the birth of jesus in those days bible gateway. Here is a confession of his faith, that this child in his arms was the saviour, the salvation itself, the salvation of gods appointing. Its part of our new series heroes of the christmas story celebrated and lesserknown that shares the biblical story of christmas. Dec 29, 2010 simeon and anna are one of three couples in lukes infancy narrative lk 1. 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.
Simeon and anna are one of three couples in lukes infancy narrative lk 1. You have to be one ugly grinch not to just love little babies. Simeon is a man under the influence of the holy spirit. 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.
Annas and simeons prophecies share a note of hope and expectation, along with declarations that in this child gods promise is moving into realization. As luke writes of the birth of the savior, tensions in judea with the roman empire had intensified. Simeon at the temple is the just and devout man of jerusalem who, according to luke. Simeon gospel of luke project gutenberg selfpublishing. Luke 2 commentary simeon prophesies concerning jesus. In verses 2124 of luke 2, we read about three different rituals connected with the birth of jesus. When they met jesus, they rejoiced that god kept his promise.
The other prominent simeon in the bible was a man in jerusalem luke 2. Dec, 2017 simeon and anna waited almost their whole lives to meet the promised rescuer. As soon as they arrived, simeon immediately recognised the child as the promised messiah. Simeon the righteous is about the person mentioned in lukes gospel. The lesson was prepared for a small group of students ranging from age 511. Simeon and anna recognize jesus gced heartfelt bible. Jan 01, 2018 we miss all of this, all of this, if we stop with the angels singing, and shepherds praising. The pairing of simeon and anna reflects lukes penchant for. Actually, theyll be helping god fulfill israels hopes for redemption. 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. Luke 2 new international version niv the birth of jesus. The story of mary and joseph presenting jesus tells us that mary and joseph. What was lukes thought process in chapter 2 about age. Those of you who have studied luke with me, know that lukes gospel contains more outsider stories than any other gospel.
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 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. The following is an adaptation of the gospel project lesson of jesus being dedicated at the temple. 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. I have called the message, simeons farewell to the world, because his speech seems to be the central focus of this passage. Luke is giving us firsthand, eyewitness testimony to the identity of the child who has been born in. Simeon simeon the godreceiver at the temple is the just and devout man of jerusalem who, according to luke 2. Life of christlife of christ from the gospel offrom the. Did he want to link simeon and anna as the old timers, but didnt know simeon s age. Did he want to link simeon and anna as the old timers, but didnt know simeons age. Now there was one, anna, a prophetess, the daughter of phanuel, of the tribe of asher.
Gospel of luke summary these babies arent just cute. 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. Jul 19, 2015 that is obvious from these verses in luke chapter two. It shows the great joy that jesus would bring to those who love god. He had received a message from the holy spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the lords anointed one. 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. 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. 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. It gives us a greater appreciation for the way luke sets up his story in the first few chapters. Part of an email bible study on the gospel of luke, helping contemporary christians learn to be faithful disciples. Central presbyterian church december 29, 2019 pastor john schmidt. 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.
The most important couple is intentionally placed in the middle. Many christians are weak and ineffective because their lives are filled with ungodliness. At the end of this post there is a beautiful song by lisa tracy, called, simeon and anna. Zechariah and elizabeth are first, mary and joseph are second, and simeon and anna are third and last. 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. That is obvious from these verses in luke chapter two. This free sunday school lesson is based on the stories about simeon and anna from luke 2. 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.
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. These weak witnesses live with shame knowing their hypocrisy limits their credibility in speaking for the cause of christ, so these worldly believers remain. 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. 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. Anna and simeon are contrasted at the temple, but simeon moves into the temple courts while anna never leaves the temple. She was the daughter of penuel from the tribe of asher. Anna is mentioned in the bible as a prophetess and one of the people connected to jesus childhood.
He was waiting for the comforting of israel and the holy spirit was upon him. Sermons presentation of jesus simeon and annas response. Does he try to imply old age for simeon without saying it. They are credible witnesses to the christchild, so we listen to what they say and let ourselves be amazed. For it was written in the law of the lord, every firstborn male born shall be consecrated to the lord. Thats basically how the gospel of luke opens, with a whole lot of hubbub over two babiesjohn and jesuswho are cousins.
Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the. The prophet, anna, also recognizes the baby jesus as the one to redeem jerusalem. 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. This continues an emphasis on the role of the holy spirit that began in luke 1. Anna and simeon are not blood relations to mary or joseph, but they say. Her name, which she shares with hannah in the old testament, means favor or grace. The temple is a prominent motif that begins luke 1. Good news is meant to be shared, and anna shares it with everyone who was anticipating the messiah. The first chapter of lukes gospel features the appearance of the forerunner of the messiah, john the baptist. The unit i want to look at tonight, therefore, is 2.
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