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. 2:25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." 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). This answer is: Study guides. 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. Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. Mary startles when Gabriel and God the Father appear in her home and interrupt her prayers. Simeon Sees Jesus. Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). 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. Have you bent your knee and turned to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. 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. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. 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 ). He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. Luke's point for Theophilus is that this Christ-child is the one that God-fearing, law-keeping, and faith-filled people looked for. Simeon does not domesticate the gospel or the Messiah. Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! Your email address will not be published. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that of an angel. Put all of that together and what you have is a very costly gospel. Simeon recognised Jesus as the Christ as soon as he saw him, and blessed the young family. 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). Do you follow Christ even when it proves costly? The wisdom of Almighty God is unsearchable! At first glance, Simeon and Anna could be easily overlooked within the narrative. We are told this in verse 25, and it means that his life was honest and upright in the eyes of men. At the Temple scene, Mary definatly shows she knows this by how she address him after looking for him for three days. Messiah. 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. They have much to speak into our context. He expresses this so well in verse 32, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.". (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.) This man was righteous and devout. 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. 2:7, 8). In fact, he is so satisfied that having held the Christ-child he is now ready to die! Simeon believed in the imminence of the Messianic age. He will either accept him or reject him. 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. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? What distinguishes Simeon is not his position, but his godliness. 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. Anna then approaches the Holy Family. Which scripture acknowledges by saying Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. He was obident and honored them for another 18 yrs until the God given time had come and He revelled himself by changing the water into wine at the Cana wedding. When Jesus was 40 days old Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple in Jerusalem for another ceremony. Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. 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. 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. In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. I like to think it was the shepherds. COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. Rather in 2.51 [his mother treasured all these things ] he stresses her retention of what she has not yet understood and her continuing search to understand.2. Gabriel made it quite clear to Mary who is Jesus: And that was when we both started laughing. He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Messiah. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. In Lukes birth narrative, Mary is the first to be told that Jesus will be the messiah. What is that point? Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace (Luke 2:28, 29). Simeon's words assert that 1) Jesus would be the salvation of the world, 2) He would deliver truth not only to those in Israel but also to the Gentiles, and 3) Jesus would bring glory upon the people of Israel. He then took the six-weeks-old baby in his arms. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. In the biblical Joseph narrative, when Joseph, having settled in Egypt, asks his brothers to bring Benjamin to him, he takes Simeon hostage to ensure that they return. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. God bless you and your work. See answer (1) Best Answer. 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. I believe it's more likely he was already getting up there in years and he was beginning to worry. 1. We learn (vs 25) that he lived in Jerusalem. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ Child, and It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. Seven Signs Changing water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11 the first of the signs Healing the royal officials son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54. 11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! Simeon went into the church in Jerusalem. By now my food was getting cold so I said, "YeahI really wouldn't like $15,000 either." The Child was to be the shining light that would dawn in human hearts over the whole of the earth. Required fields are marked *. i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration. Anna was about 106 years old depending upon when she wed. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. As in Simeons day, the message needed is, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask Peter if he loved? Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus' mother. The Holy Spirit was in him. He took Jesus in his arms, held him close and began to bless the Lord. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus?Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. 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. "Oh," I said, "I really don't like Chevy Blazers". about the historical past and tradition of historical Egypt. 12:). She spread the Simeon got it and he saw it! The secret of a life that is pleasing in the sight of men and well-pleasing to God is the filling of the Holy Ghost - look up Ephesians 5:18. 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. He kept the law inwardly and outwardly, looked for the Messiah, and the very presence of God was in his life. May God give us the kind of spiritual eyesight to see it and lives to live it! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? He will bring the revelation to non-Jewish people in order to bring Jews and Gentiles to God. How did he meet the test of life? If you ever want to read something that fills in the blanks an,d plays out like a movie, read MYSTICAL CITY OF GOD by SISTER MARY of AGREEDA. This apparatus was prepared by God for the salvation of all people. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. That is what Simeon saw, and that is what all godly people should see - even to the point of death. Godly people are supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel" (Luke 2:32) . As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19). It is often assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the Bible never says that. There is no great incentive to holy living than to believe, to live and to labour in the conviction that the Lord Jesus is coming again look up 1 John 3:3. 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 2:28-32). Raymond E. Brown and Karl P. Donfried, eds., Mary in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978), pp. Another assumption that is often made is that Simeon was a priest. How many nieces and nephew luther vandross have? Never has there been a sign more spoken against than that of the Virgin Birth and its attestation to the deity of Jesus Christ, namely, that he is God with us, or Emmanuel. And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. 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.1 In this new era, the living voice of God will continue to speak about the messianic one. Uffizi/Scala/Art Resource, NY. 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. "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." Copy. Here Simeon looked across three decades to a picture of a Man hanging on a cross, dying for the sins of his people, and suffering the penalty of the Law, thus emptying death of its sting and the Law of its curse. Consolation meets us in our. 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 25 A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. That is enormously comforting, especially if this Christmas is one that is filled with hard providence for you. The Spirit rested upon Samson, and he did marvelous exploits. He saw one of the most important events in world history! When Joseph (far left) and Mary (left of center) bring baby Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, they are greeted by Simeon, who embraces the baby, and Anna, the New Testaments only prophetess, shown at right with a scroll, in this 1342 tempera painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. 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). You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. 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. my name is david snyder. A suffering messiah was not yet on As a crowning reward of his life, God showed him that he should not die until the Christ came. Simeon had the infant Jesus in his arms and, moved by the Holy Spirit, sang the Nunc Dimittis, Latin words for "now dismiss." We . Also, what she went through when almost stone, seems many want to believe Mary just forgot all that, As well as, all the towns people. Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. Jesus responds, Did you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? But, Luke reports, they did not understand what he said to them [but] his mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:4851). 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. I made the telemarketer laugh. outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. She knew who he was! how old was simeon when he saw jesus and lain in a manger as they were being inspected for blemishes that would disqualify them for sacrifice. Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. Joseph and Mary were in at the Temple in Jerusalem for the redemption of Jesus as the firstborn and the purification of His mother, Mary, as per the Law of Moses in the first five books of the Bible. Its amazing all the women named or not named. Before this baby was born an angel named Gabriel told Mary what to name Him. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. It is evident from scripture, by the fact that the people in His hometown and His siblings didnt know He was the Messia (after thirty yrs), that Mary, Joseph or Jesus ever revealed this. I think one of the things Mary was pondering in her heart must have related to the Shepherds visit "Really?" 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. The telemarketer called and asked me if I had received my car keys in the mail last week. Simeon's prayer captures the beauty of the gospel: He begins his praise to God with an expression of ultimate satisfaction in God and it is tied to the word peace: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace," (v 29). Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. Keeping with SOLO SCIPTURUAE, we have left out the first procession of CORPUS CHRISTI, which is MARY visiting ELIZABETH. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. The Bible does not mention his age at all , but it does say he Biblical Archaeology Society, [] Witherington IIIs full essay Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First Recognized Jesus as Messiah? is accessible online for free. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, his mother, This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. At that circumcision ceremony babies were given their name. Verse 26 makes this clear! The gospel is rooted in God's faithfulness. I said that I had not. When that Child came into the world, he brought nothing but a soul. 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! When Simeon saw Jesus he took Him in his arms and praised God. Luke uses the story of his life and meeting of the Christ-child to make a very important point for Theophilus, the Roman ruler for whom this book is written. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). 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. The thoughts of men's hearts will be revealed by what they do with Christ. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. The religious signs, moral signs, commercial signs, political signs, Jewish signsthese all proclaim the truth declared in James 5:8! 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? Let us begin each day, as Simeon must have begun each day, by saying, I wonder if my Lord will come today!. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. 31 which you prepared for all people to see Simeon knew that Jesus was special. Have something to add about this? Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. She is 84 years old, according to Luke, and she does not want to die: She wants to proselytize. He would not die until he saw for himself the coming Messiah. at the manger. Copyright 2023 College Park Church. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. You and I, who live in the light of the second coming of Christ, have the same glorious word of assurance. But also wanted to add two points: 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. Thus Simeon describes himself as free, released from the heavy burden of life. . In these Old Testament types and experiences, they saw Christ. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. Simeon was so happy! For some reason, Simeon, alone of all people, had been promised that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Anointed (Christ). birthing the sacrificial lambs for the nearby temple, as some scholars claim, then this sign would present some Its very well written; I love what youve got Did the Ancient Israelites Think Children Were People. Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. 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. The Eastern Orthodox Church considers Anna and Simeon the God-Receiver as the last prophets of Old Testament and observes their feast on February 3/February 16 as the synaxis (afterfeast) following the Presentation of Christ, which Orthodox tradition calls The Meeting of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. husband passed away seven years after her wedding. 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. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. Simeon waited and watched for the Babe of Bethlehem, and you and I are to wait and watch for the Lord who said, I will come back, and take you to be with me (John 14:3). 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. Dig into more than 9,000 articles in the Biblical Archaeology Societys vast library plus much morewith an All-Access pass. If it starts, you get to keep the vehicle." 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. 7. Share your feedback here. August 22,2014 2:02 am. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple on the day Joseph, Mary and Jesus were there. We have an extra set here at our office. Only after years of pondering the message in her heart does she become a true follower of Jesus. Museo Civico, Recanati, Italy/Scala/Art Resource, NY. "But the plans of the LORD stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.". Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. 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. In what has become known as the Nunc Dimittus, Simeon's poetic blessing to God a few verses later, Simeon recognizes the fulfillment of God's promised salvation as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" (vv 30-32; see Isa 9:1-2; 40:5; 42:6; 49:6; 52:10; etc). Alfred Plummer, in his classic commentary on Luke, suggested that the difference between Anna and Simeon provides a clue to Luke as a salvation historian, a chronicler of the mighty acts of God for his people through the ages. 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. What a beautiful picture! The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. The redemptive offerings, the Day of Atonement, the Passover, all spoke to them of the coming Christ. He was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He took the prophets at their word and was looking for the coming Messiah. Simeon does not know that years later Paul will write these words: "11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. God is being gracious to Israel, but Simeon knows that God's grace is going to overflow the borders of this small nation. See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. 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. Apparently sacrificial lambs were wrapped (swaddled) at birth Are there verses I have missed about her memory leave her?>, [] Witherington IIIs full letter Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First identified Jesus as Messiah? is permitted on-line during no cost. MY SHOPPING CART. That Lord Jesus Christ has come not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles is seen here in Luke Chapter 2:21-35 where description of one named Simeon is given. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. disciple. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the temple to dedicate Him forty days after his birth. We have a drawing for $15,000 cash!" was saying and revelling himself at this age God had her back on this one! Because that is what Simon said. God could have prolonged his life anyway without a word. Luke 2:21-40 tells how Simeon went to the Temple in Jerusalem where he met the Holy Family. Simeon is so satisfied in the beauty God's ability to keep His word. Mary at the Cana wedding sensed, maybe with the Holy Spirits nudging, that perhaps this was the time for Jesus to reveall him self in a big way. Simeon told Mary & Joseph that Jesus would be a helper for people. Simeon . You see, treasuring godliness and the worth of the gospel are tested when following Christ costs you something. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! As a sword would pierce his heart, so figuratively a sword of suffering would pierce Marys heart. "For the fall and rising of many." SCRIPTURE, proclaims elizabeth asking in wonder, how is it that the MOTHER of my LORD comes to me? i could go on and on. Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. He was satisfied with the gospel. 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). Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. Continue Learning about Religious Studies. Simeon lived in Jerusalem. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. 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 Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah whom God had promised his people. 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.". The whole of the strange thing called life lies between the extremes in that picture. 26 The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with him. 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. He waited for the consolation of Israel, the Messiah, the Lords Christ. Additionally he was not a direct descendant of David. Luke wants to show that both of these people have been patiently waiting for the Messiah. 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? Jesus, the adolecent, wasnt sining or lying here he was jumping the gun. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lords Christ. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ. We then count 3 and a half months from 1. Simeon finds them coming into the temple, takes the child in his arms, and offers a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving to God. It was through this child that sin could permanently be forgiven. Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus 12:). 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). What would prompt you to say, "Okay, now I'm ready to die!" It's interesting to compare Mary's 40 days of . Harold John Ockenga is president of Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Wenham, Massachusetts), positions he assumed after serving as pastor of Park Street Church in Boston for over thirty years.
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