He was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14. Waiting for Jesus: Lessons from Simeon and Anna Most of parenthood is like this for me. 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. Amen! He also saw Mary standing by that cross, pierced in heart at the suffering of her child. I really didn't care about $15,000 at that moment. 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. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. That light was symbolized by the Star of Bethlehem, which shone in the dark night when the Prince of Life came into a world torn by avarice, hatred, and war. How old was Simeon when he introduced Jesus? Simeon, believed to be an old man, was waiting for the redemption of Israel, and the Holy Spirit told him that he would not die until he had see the redemption in the infant body of Christ, in the Anointed One of God. Let us begin each day, as Simeon must have begun each day, by saying, I wonder if my Lord will come today!. www.yourchurch.com. Did he marry? 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:). In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Simeon is: Obedient; listening; little hyena. Mary then announced to Elizabeth (and the world): 161162. must be consecrated to the Lord. Now he sees his long-desired Star. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. When at last they find him listening to and asking questions of the teachers in the Temple, Mary asks, Child, why have you treated us like this? 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lords Messiah. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. As a crowning reward of his life, God showed him that he should not die until the Christ came. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? The Law also allowed, in the cases of poverty, for two pigeons or turtledoves to be offered instead of a lamb. 2:7, 8). Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce this material in any format provided that you do not alter the content in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. she said. husband passed away seven years after her wedding. 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). The Prophecy of Simeon 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. Additionally he was not a direct descendant of David. In addition to his many interviews on radio networks across the country, Professor Witherington has been featured on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX Network. . But the prophetic insight into Gods intentions is a gift which keeps on giving and renewing the people of God. Jesus is the one that they have been longing and looking for. 8:14). Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. 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). If Mary were first to know, then surely Elizabeth was second, or if Mary did not realize, then Eizabeth was first to know. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ. "Oh," I said, "I really don't like Chevy Blazers". my name is david snyder. Simeon praised God. He loved God. Wiki User. Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. Let us know if corrections need to be made. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. She may have been able to undertake this role in the Temple because she was no longer in periodic states of ritual impurity caused by menstruation. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. 2010-07-06 11:03:12. The Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they enjoyed power. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. Nice job Susanna! Nicely done Ben. "Yeah, I know that we could buy that, but we'd rather give our money away." When that Child came into the world, he brought nothing but a soul. 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. Luke 2:26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see No doubt they related to the officiating priest some of the things that had happened in connection with the birth of the Child, and Simeon, an old man who was awaiting the advent of the Messiah, overheard them. 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. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? 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. The event occurred when Joseph and Mary brought the Child to the Temple to present him to the Lord, according to the law of Moses. 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. how old was simeon when he saw jesus 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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. Luke's point for Theophilus is that this Christ-child is the one that God-fearing, law-keeping, and faith-filled people looked for. It's interesting to compare Mary's 40 days of . Barbara Simeon on LinkedIn: #customerexperience #sounddecisionmaking # Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call him Jesus. 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. 2. The Significance of Simeon Transform Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus The presentations by all, are excellent and non-controversial. The Holy Spirit allowed Simeon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. He was waiting for the time when God would help Israel. 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. 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). Called to Gift - United Church of Christ 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. He knew Jesus was the Son of God. 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). website? What Simeon Saw: Lessons from a Satisified Old Man This man was righteous and devout. "For the fall and rising of many." If we do, we will rejoice as did Simeon on that occasion. The small child that Simeon holds will be a light to the Gentiles. The jewish month has only about 29 days .please google the theme here and you will find all detailed informations for what I wrote here. at the manger. 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! Not everyone can be a prophet, however. In referring to Alfred Plummers Commentary on Luke, (along with your proposal that Lukes women were more positive examples of discipleship) you write, Yes, a messiah has arrived, as Simeon recognizes, but, as the prophetess Anna suggests, a new era, with a new and living voice of prophecy, has at the same time dawned. That is quite a leap as Luke offers only a one-line summation of her input after he quotes Simeon at length. However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. He waited for the consolation of Israel, the Messiah, the Lords Christ. Notice, in Luke 2:25-35, some of the characteristics of this man who waited for the coming of Christ: He had no doubt about this, as we learn from verse 26. 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 PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. The Child was to be the shining light that would dawn in human hearts over the whole of the earth. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? . 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). 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. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. Simeon and the Child Jesus | Christianity Today How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? 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. Copyright College Park Church - Indianapolis, Indiana. Global Relief Fund | Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria. Nisan till the begnning of the service of the house of Abija, which gives us end June as the earliest possible conception date for John, when his father Zacharia went home after his templeservice and went to his wife. Exploring the History of Jesus Life, examine fundamental questions about Jesus of Nazareth. 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.". 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. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. Thus, Simeon was speaking not of the Saviour but of the apparatus fitted to bring salvation. He was a satisfied old man. The scene that Luke wants to highlight is more than just historical fulfillment. 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. 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. She changed strategies, "Well, how about $15,000? A widow . He is a godly man who is satisfied with a gospel that is a beautiful and costly treasure. 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 Spirit rested upon Samson, and he did marvelous exploits. Simeon appears to be a normal Jewish man. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that of an angel. Who was the old Simeon who introduced Jesus in the temple? How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus? - Answers And that was when we both started laughing. 2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative, Study 4 JUDAS ISCARIOT: HIS TERRIBLE BETRAYAL, Verse 26 tells us it had been revealed to him. 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. 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. For some reason, Simeon, alone of all people, had been promised that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Anointed (Christ). He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. The darkness of nineteen centuries has not been able to overcome that light, nor can the darkness of evil forces today extinguish the light of hope, faith, and love kindled by the coming of Jesus Christ. So Simeon was known for his godly conduct toward others. What did Simeon do when he saw Jesus? How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? - Answers Pastor Mark Schlamann Sermon on St. Luke 2:22-40 How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him. how old was simeon when he saw jesus - frontlineprods.com 4.2. Anna And Simeon See Jesus | Bible Fun For Kids What a gift that God had given him! i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. about the historical past and tradition of historical Egypt. 25 A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Simeon Sees Jesus. Do you follow Christ even when it proves costly? Mary was the first to have the good news announced to her, but Anna is the first woman to understand fully and proclaim the good news. 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. redemption. August 22,2014 2:02 am. A remnant of Gods people are looking for another prophetic fulfillmentthe advent of the Messiah in glory, attended by his angels, to establish justice and peace on earth. He has mercy upon those who fear him, from generation to generation; he has done valiantly with the strength of his arm, driving the proud astray in the conceit of their hearts; he has put down the mighty from their seat, and exalted the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed. i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. 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. Wouldn't it be awesome if that was our view of life when it comes to the gospel? Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. GOD THE FATHER, HOLY SPIRIT, JESUS AND MARY AT THE TEMPLE Jesus real name , Yeshua, evolved over millennia in a case of transliteration. Notice how the text describes him. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple on the day Joseph, Mary and Jesus were there. Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First Recognized Jesus as Messiah? When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current . The flame of hope must have been fanned by the report spread abroad by the shepherds of the events at Bethlehem just forty days before. 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). Verses 22-24 tell us what is happening here. In fact, people may even laugh at your Christ-centered satisfaction. Consolation meets us in our. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). He held him and knew that one day this baby would call people to choose between God and themselves. He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Another assumption that is often made is that Simeon was a priest. 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. Can you be godly through seasons where God makes you wait? Who was Anna? Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. Let a man be confronted with Christ as a supernatural person, one born without a human father, brought into the world through the womb of a virgin, as the apparatus of redemption, and he will reveal his own hearts condition by his attitude toward this supernatural Christ. Study 2 SIMEON: WAITING FOR THE LORD - Words of Life Ministries Of course, no one knows how old Simeon was when God gave him this assurance. Who are we to really imply something different for the amazing Simeon and his song??!!! I love the balance that Simeon has - the kind balanced spiritual eyesight that we all need. This will come through the ministry of Jesus and particularly through the cross and resurrection.. Read Understanding []. A suffering messiah was not yet on 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. (We know that the eighth day after birth is the first of the following 33 days because the account also says that after the birth of a daughter a mother waits twice as long, specifically 14 + 66 = 80 days.) The religious signs, moral signs, commercial signs, political signs, Jewish signsthese all proclaim the truth declared in James 5:8! He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. What a beautiful picture! 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. and lain in a manger as they were being inspected for blemishes that would disqualify them for sacrifice. Who Was Simeon at the Temple According to the Bible? 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. Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. An old man called Simeon lived in Jerusalem. Simeon got it and he saw it! That is enormously comforting, especially if this Christmas is one that is filled with hard providence for you. Reading this narrative, we sense that it was perfectly proper for this old man to take the Baby Jesus in his arms because of what he was and who he was. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. There is a remarkable identity in the Greek between this phrase and Peters confession, Thou art the Christ of God. Simeon identified this baby with the pre-existent Lord of Glory, with the Christ of prophecy, the Incarnate God, the Saviour who was to work out the deliverance of the nations. Luke 2:36-38 tells us that Anna, a prophetess, from the tribe of Asher, was an 84 year old widow, when she saw Jesus at the temple. Have something to add about this? 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, his mother, This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 1. It has provided much food for thought. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. Why does Gary Soto's work seem autobiographical? See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. Luke 2:21-40 tells how Simeon went to the Temple in Jerusalem where he met the Holy Family. 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! He was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He took the prophets at their word and was looking for the coming Messiah. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. The Faith That Waits: Simeon's Story | Make it a Garden In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: