Birth of Christ Through Their Eyes- Simeon and Anna

Luke 2: 25-38 (CEB) A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said, 

29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, 
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation. 
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. 
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.” 

33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.” 

36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

It is important to note that when Jospeh and Mary took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated it was not with pomp and ceremony.  They came with other parents who needed to dedicate their newborn children. The temple was a busy place and was probably filled with other worshippers as well as Priests and Levites busily carrying out their duties.   

Simeon - 

Luke tells us that Simeon was a righteous and devout man, who was eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel.  God had promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.   

“Luke introduces Simeon with a word that is normally translated as “waiting” (prosdechomenos). But it could also be rendered as “ready to receive to oneself.” The term expresses an eagerness to welcome. That emphasis transforms the concept of waiting from excruciating endurance to active anticipation. Simeon counted the days until God revealed what he had promised to him personally.i 

Additionally, Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon.  It is important to note here that when God revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Messiah, he not only believed but began actively watching for Him.  So, on the day of Jesus’ dedication, when God prompted him to go to the Temple, Simeon went without hesitation.  He had made it a practice to obey God’s voice.   

How many of us might have missed this divine appointment because we over think or rationalize away the voice and leading of God, rather than moving ahead in obedience and trusting God with the outcome?   

Upon arriving in the temple, Simeon saw Jesus and took him in his arms.  Being full of the Spirit Simeon began to speak: “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word, because my eyes have seen your salvation. You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples. It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glory for your people Israel.” 

When he had finished speaking, he blessed Mary and Joseph, then turning to Mary he said, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.” 

I want us to look at three things here.  First, nothing changed in Simeon’s life in the natural.  He was still an old man, living long past the average age of the men of his day.  Yet, in his first prophetic declaration/praise, we see that he is now at peace, having seen the Messiah for himself as he had been promised.  He is now ready for his journey on this earth to end.   

Secondly, he identifies Jesus as bringing salvation to the Jews and the Gentiles.  This is similar to the message the angels gave the shepherds, “The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.  Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) (Italics mine) 

Additionally, he specifically directs his second prophetic declaration to Mary.  He tells her things that no one else had knowledge of.   Simeon was actively hearing from the Spirit, who speaks only what He hears the Father speak, and then he relayed that message to Mary and Joseph.  

Anna - 

“Similarly, Anna had planted herself in God’s presence for decades, turning the grief of a young widow into a lifelong prayer. Waiting on the Lord became her daily practice.” ii 

We know from Luke 2 that Anna was also devout, spending her time in the temple, praying and fasting, night and day.  Like Simeon, Anna was actively seeking God.   She was paying attention and actively listening to God with expectation.   

We know from Luke’s account that Anna was an 84-year-old widow and had been living in the temple since the death of her husband, to whom she had only been married 7 years.  She was called a prophet, meaning she heard from God and shared what she received with others. 

  

Like Simeon, Anna knew the Messiah when she saw him.  Being quickened by the Spirit she began “to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b) 

“We don't hear the words of her prophecy, but it seems, like Simeon's, to consist of (1) inspired thanksgiving and (2) speaking about the child to other believing people who are present.”iii 

Friends, today I want us to ask ourselves, “Am I watching with anticipation for the coming of the Messiah?”  “Do I actively listen for the voice of the Spirit?”  “When I hear His voice, am I, like Simeon, quick to obey?”   

In this season, while we reflect on the wonderful gift of salvation that we received through believing in Christ, let us practice active seeking, listen, and obedience.  May we not allow the cares of the world, the lies of the enemy, or fear of failure to hold us back from believing, receiving, and sharing all He has for us!   

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!    WE HAVE SEEN THE MESSIAH!!!!! 

Works Cited

i https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/december-web-only/advent-waiting-for-jesus-lessons-from-simeon-anna.html 

ii https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/december-web-only/advent-waiting-for-jesus-lessons-from-simeon-anna.html 

iii http://www.jesuswalk.com/luke/apx1g-simeon-anna.htm