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. What impresses me about Simeon is the powerful mingling of righteousness, Spirit-empowerment, and faith to take God at His Word. Granted it is glorious and attractive, but it is not safe. All that we have is the fact that Simeon was sufficiently old; he was just and devout. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . Copyright College Park Church - Indianapolis, Indiana. This button displays the currently selected search type. Simeon addressed Mary with the words, This child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel. This was an application of the prophecy of Isaiah that the Christ was to be a rock of offense, causing the fall of many in Israel (Isa. He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. Simeon saw Jesus there, and he picked Jesus up in his arms. Luke uses the story of Simeon (2:25-35) and Anna (2:36-38) to demonstrate that the Christ-child is the one for whom Israel had waited and longed for. Seems to me like they didnt get it. Simeon gets very personal here with Mary telling her that she will suffer greatly by the suffering of her son. I really didn't care about $15,000 at that moment. SCRIPTURE, proclaims elizabeth asking in wonder, how is it that the MOTHER of my LORD comes to me? i could go on and on. The Holy Ghost is the author of all scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and the great message of the scriptures concerning the future is that Jesus is coming again - look up John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 John 3:1-3). The first Christmas and the Christ child come at a particular point in time, but for many, like Mary and Joseph, the significance of the event is only understood incrementally and over the course of many years. May God give us the kind of spiritual eyesight to see it and lives to live it! GOD THE FATHER, HOLY SPIRIT, JESUS AND MARY AT THE TEMPLE God bless you and your work. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. But the prophetic insight into Gods intentions is a gift which keeps on giving and renewing the people of God. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of . (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.) Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. 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. Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the temple to dedicate Him forty days after his birth. "Really?" As in Simeons day, the message needed is, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.. Wikimedia CommonsThe Greek transliteration of Jesus real name , Isous, and the late Biblical Hebrew version Yeshua. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. 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). 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. Anna begins to preach: She came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Both are quicker than Mary to comprehend who Jesus is. If it starts, you get to keep the vehicle." It wasnt that Mary had forgotten that Jesus was also the Son of God that she didnt understand. The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. See answer (1) Best Answer. 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. Jesus Brings Revelation to the Nations. While considering Dr. Witheringtons question, I would like to ask, How about Elizabeth, wife of Zachariah, whose response to Marys arrival plainly states that the Spirit revealed to her the identity of the unborn Messiah? Luke 1:41-43 reads, When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Barbara Simeon Expand search. Our digital archives are a work in progress. 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ. Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. Amen! So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. 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. 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. Share your feedback here. 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. Oh to have the world know this about the followers of Christ. 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 was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. was a very old man, and was waiting to see the messiah and die. So Simeon was known for his godly conduct toward others. news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for 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). What an act of faith that was! Put all of that together and what you have is a very costly gospel. No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). As a crowning reward of his life, God showed him that he should not die until the Christ came. Why does Gary Soto's work seem autobiographical? OK, so I have a slightly different interpretation when it comes to Joseph and Mary finding Jesus after hes been missing for three days. 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). 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. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: by Mark Vroegop. He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have Thus Simeon describes himself as free, released from the heavy burden of life. There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. was saying and revelling himself at this age God had her back on this one! Simeon takes the Child Jesus in his arms and blesses God in order to present it to the Lord. All men will not accept Jesus. You and I, who live in the light of the second coming of Christ, have the same glorious word of assurance. Jesus was never the Messiah ! 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! When he heard the account given by Mary and Joseph to the priest, he interrupted the process of dedication by taking the Child in his arms and making a great spiritual prophecy under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This phrase either means that many will be humbled and spiritually raised up because of him (like the story of the publican in Luke 18:9ff), or it means that Jesus will be a stone over which some will fall and perish while others are spiritual "risen up" by God's power (see Luke 1:51-53). The peace that Simeon is talking about is linked to two phrases - "according to your word" and "for my eyes have seen your salvation." Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. She became a widow after seven years of marriage to her husband. Simeon Sees Jesus. What a beautiful picture! 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. 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:). disciple. One's response to Christ reveals the true condition of the heart. 6 months later, thus about December Jesus was conceived in Mary, and born 9 months later which gives us September for the birth of Jesus which is the time of the feast of Sukkoth which is now fullfilled in the coming of the Word of God to dwell among us in a human body: Greek skenos means tent and figuratively the human body . Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ Child, and Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Teaching Women of the Bible. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. Central to Simeon's spiritual eyesight was a deeply rooted godliness. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. Copy. As Paul put it in Ephesians 2:19 - no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens! THE WEDDING AT CANA Simeon had long searched the Scriptures and prayed and waited for the coming of the Messiah in fulfillment of prophecy. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Messiah. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. This is clear. To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. Anna is the first in a line of prophetic disciples who will speak about Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel. She spread the Jesus, the adolecent, wasnt sining or lying here he was jumping the gun. 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. Simeon was described as devout and just and was a part of the remnant of Gods people. i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. 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. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. 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. It was Mary and Josephs job to bring up Jesus the Son of Man, as Jesus often referred to himself, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord to be a responsible adult in the Jewish culture. At least that seems to be what you imply. Mary, Simeon or Anna by Ben Witherington III originally appeared in Bible Review, Winter 2005. Simeon in the Bible (pronounced Sim-ee-uhn) was a devout and just man. Their patient waiting is now being fulfilled as Simeon and Anna both converge in temple area and meet the Messiah face to face. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? Verse 25 tells us this, and it means that while he was honest and upright in the sight of men, he was holy (as the word really means) in the sight of God. For the Holy Spirit to rest upon a man is the highest experience God has for him. This answer is: Study guides. 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. 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. 2. at the manger. How did the 2nd February come to be called Candlemas ? 7. Your email address will not be published. To me, this is a powerful image and one that begs a very important question - "What did he see?" A tour to the pyramids of Giza will reveal some fascinating facts Scoffers might pour ridicule upon him for his belief, but they could not rob him of his hope, for the grounds of his confidence were sure. bringing peace to earth and rebuilding the temple. What did Simeon do when he saw Jesus? What is that point? Rather, Christmas calls to remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season, He is only reason for living or (in Simeon's case) dying. So what? He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. 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! 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. How old was Simeon when he introduced Jesus? 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. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. But also wanted to add two points: 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. If these shepherds were in charge of Simeon declared, Mine eyes have seen thy salvation. The Child is here equated with Gods salvation. Simeon's righteous faith qualified him to see something incredibly special. 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). Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. together regarding her first born. Who was Anna? Simeon lived in Jerusalem. And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. 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. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current . 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). Thus Simeon was driven under the impulse of the Spirit into the Temple, and when he was confronted with the Christ Child, it was necessary to receive him into his arms, not doubting because of the poverty, the humility, or the insignificance of this family. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. The Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they enjoyed power. 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). That hope motivated the righteous in Simeons day to hold on to the things of God despite the terrible events happening round about them. 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. This lesson is about Simeon, an old man, who had a special hope fulfilled by God. 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. 3 Ang lahat ay pumunta upang makapagpatala, bawat isa sa kaniyang sariling lungsod. 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). Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. 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. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. about the historical past and tradition of historical Egypt. He saw that the fall of Israel would be the riches of the Gentiles and that Israels restoration will be comparable to a resurrection from the dead for the whole of humanity. The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her
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