An old man called Simeon lived in Jerusalem. The holy family had made its little pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, a distance of about five miles, to accomplish what was called the purification of Mary. 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. "For a sign that is opposed." She knew who he was! Like the disciples who will follow her, she is driven to bear witness to what she has seen. 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). Out of their poverty, Joseph and Mary presented a pair of turtledoves and the price of redemption. Summary of Jesus life He was born to Joseph and Mary sometime between 6 bce and shortly before the death of Herod the Great (Matthew 2; Luke 1:5) in 4 bce. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. Simeon saw Jesus there, and he picked Jesus up in his arms. 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. 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. In this beautiful scene, the aged Simeon takes the Baby Jesus up in his arms and expresses his delight and joy to God in a brief prayer. So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. Godly people are supremely satisfied and they celebrate a costly gospel. When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth? Mary and Joseph marvel at what Simeon says about him (v 33) and then he says something stunning to Mary: "This child is appointed" Simeon knew and Mary and Joseph were only beginning to fully understand that this little baby was part of massive plan determined even before the foundations of the earth (Eph 3:11, Heb 4:3, Rev 13:8). He will either accept him or reject him. Simeon, a right living and very devout man of faith, was frequently in the Temple meditating, and in a constant state of anticipation of the most significant foretold event in the Jewish faith the arrival of the Jewish Messiah. I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. disturbing images regarding jesus future. Then Simeon announced that the Child was for a sign which shall be spoken against that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. This also was a quotation from Isaiah (7:14). Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. If it starts, you get to keep the vehicle." According to Luke, Mary treasures the angels message, but does not fully understand it. 2 Nangyari, nang mga araw na iyon, na lumabas ang isang batas mula kay Augusto Cesar na nag-uutos na dapat magpatala ang buong sanlibutan. 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. Luke 2:25-35 how old was simeon when he saw jesus It's interesting to compare Mary's 40 days of . But also wanted to add two points: 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. Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus' mother. 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. Have you bent your knee and turned to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. The pairing of Simeon and Anna reflects Lukes penchant for male-female parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. In which christian text are the teachings of jesus recorded? And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. 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. And nobodys recognizing John the Baptists testimony to knowing who Jesus wasfrom the womb! It is sign that reveals the attitude of human hearts. Our digital archives are a work in progress. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. He saw one of the most important events in world history! Both are quicker than Mary to comprehend who Jesus is This statement seems rather presumptive to me. Many, many years before Jesus came to earth as a baby, God had given Moses laws for His people to obey. 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. The Bible does not tell us his age, but one thing is very clear he was a very, very old man.But he was the man who recognized Jesus was the savior even with his dim eyes. 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. Simeon was so happy! Barbara Simeon Expand search. Simeon knew that Jesus was special. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that. Under the impulse of the Spirit, he had come to the Temple and was performing his devotions when Jesus arrived. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? As a sword would pierce his heart, so figuratively a sword of suffering would pierce Marys heart. 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. 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). Doesnt it say that they thought he had gone mad? They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." They have much to speak into our context. There were many details concerning the incarnation about which he was not at all clear, but of the fact that the Lord would come he was positive. She became a widow after seven years of marriage to her husband. This was Simeons one opportunity to see the Lords Christ. Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. Seems to me like they didnt get it. 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. Simeon's testimony was great in that he said that he saw the salvation in Jesus and Jesus was the one whom the Father had prepared before the face of all the people and also that Jesus was the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. One issue does provide some hesitation for me though. Amen! 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. The song Mary did you know yes Mary did know that her son Gods son was capable of not only performing miracles but of saving any one who has faith in Him from eternal death and blessing them with eternal life. "Yeah, you know what I really don't need this job if you are going to make me do that." 2. Of course, no one knows how old Simeon was when God gave him this assurance. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him? This season of uncleanness was terminated by the offering of a sacrifice (a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering). She spread the 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. He has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top Biblical studies works by Christianity Today. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. Anna was the prophetess who saw Jesus when he was presented in the temple by his parents. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . Also see the reading below from verses 29-32 and verses 34-35. Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus 12:). Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. Simeon asked God to allow him to "depart in peace, according to Your word" (verse 29). 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. was a very old man, and was waiting to see the messiah and die. He shall be great, and men will know him for the Son of the most High; the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob eternally; his kingdom shall never have an end., 2. He was a good man and very religious. At that circumcision ceremony babies were given their name. In the Bible , Simeon was the old man who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Luke adds that she treasures the words the angel Gabriel speaks to her. The Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they enjoyed power. What are the Physical devices used to construct memories? When Jesus was 40 days old Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple in Jerusalem for another ceremony. 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. The reason we assume him to be old is that when he holds Jesus in his arms, he says to God, "Now you are letting your servant depart in peace." He may have been old, but not necessarily so. Simeon represented himself as a sentinel whom his master had placed in an elevated position and charged to look for the appearance of the Star. It was this little child who creates the means by which people separated by their sins can come back to their God. He could not be as he did not fulfill the requirements, i.e. He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. On the next day we who were Pauls companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. The Holy Spirit allowed Simeon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. 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. THE WEDDING AT CANA He had been baptized and already started gathering his disciples. He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? 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. Let me first give you my thesis, and then try to show you three ways that I see this in the text. Jesus name in Hebrew was Yeshua which translates to English as Joshua. The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. The house of Abijahs servicetime was the number 8, thus the second half of the 4th month of the jewish year which was about June. He has protected his servant Israel, keeping his merciful design in remembrance, according to the promise which he made to our forefathers, Abraham and his posterity for evermore.. 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. "Well," she said, "I have good news. 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. Now we turn briefly to Simeon's farewell to the world (2:29-35). The redemptive offerings, the Day of Atonement, the Passover, all spoke to them of the coming Christ. According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). 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? No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. The Law also allowed, in the cases of poverty, for two pigeons or turtledoves to be offered instead of a lamb. This lesson is about Simeon, an old man, who had a special hope fulfilled by God. 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. To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. Granted it is glorious and attractive, but it is not safe. 1. Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. He spoke an astounding prophecy about saving the world. He was satisfied with the gospel. Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. 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). Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. Two kinds of persons were involved; first there were those who would apprehend Christ as the Rock and find in him a spiritual sanctuary; second, those who would reject him and find him a stumbling stone and a rock of offense (cf. At least that seems to be what you imply. This button displays the currently selected search type. The author of Luke often used repetition to ensure certainty among his readers, so the story of Simeon was immediately followed by the story of Anna the prophetess. 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. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? 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). So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. 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. December 21, 2008 College Park Church, What Simeon Saw: Lessons From a Satisfied Old Man. "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." Perhaps she was part of some sort of order of widows (Luke tells us her husband died after only seven years of marriage) who had specific religious functions in the Temple. Simeon was described as devout and just and was a part of the remnant of Gods people. As Joseph and Mary marveled at the things spoken of their Child by Simeon, they were blessed by him, and heard Gods purpose for the Child. A suffering messiah was not yet on But the story of Simeon and Anna suggests Mary had much to learn before she could enter into the Kingdom, and into the spiritual family of faith, which they already belonged to, and which is to be the primary family of Jesus in the eschatological age.
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