See something we missed? 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. 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). Why does Gary Soto's work seem autobiographical? Elizabeth proclaims How is it that the mother of our Lord should come to me? My bet is even if Mary, as you infer, had no idea who Jesus was, then Elizabeth was the first to notify her of the significance of Jesus. 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. Who is Katy mixon body double eastbound and down season 1 finale? 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. Combine a one-year tablet and print subscription to BAR with membership in the BAS Library to start your journey into the ancient past today! He holds the Th.B (Westminster Seminary) and Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh). 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). Copyright 2023 College Park Church. 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. 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). 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). 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. I like to think it was the shepherds. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.". 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). Have something to add about this? Shes pondering all right, shes pondering just how hard shes gonna tan his little hide when she gets him home. Let me first give you my thesis, and then try to show you three ways that I see this in the text. This answer is: Study guides. He had a personal encounter with Jesus, and foresaw Christ's future crucifixion. 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. 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. At the opening of Aeschyluss Agamemnon, a sentinel, set to watch for the appearing of fire that was to announce the taking of Troy, beholds at last the signal so impatiently expected, and he sings at once, both of the victory of Greece and of his own release. 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. At that circumcision ceremony babies were given their name. Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. "Really?" I think one of the things Mary was pondering in her heart must have related to the Shepherds visit He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. It was through this child that sin could permanently be forgiven. A similar hope is beating in many hearts today, even while the darkness deepens in political, educational, moral, and spiritual things. Their patient waiting is now being fulfilled as Simeon and Anna both converge in temple area and meet the Messiah face to face. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." She became a widow after seven years of marriage to her husband. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. "For the fall and rising of many." 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. August 22,2014 2:02 am. 3 Ang lahat ay pumunta upang makapagpatala, bawat isa sa kaniyang sariling lungsod. ANNA. 30 The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. OK, so I have a slightly different interpretation when it comes to Joseph and Mary finding Jesus after hes been missing for three days. 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. outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. The earth-shaking miracles and wonders are . Simeon is so satisfied in the beauty God's ability to keep His word. There are many speculations as to who this Simeon was although there is no record of his genealogy. 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. Consolation meets us in our. we can know when Jesus was born. He saw him as the beauty of God saying, "Promise Fulfilled." "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." "Yeah, I know that you are going to kill me, but I won't recant on my belief in Christ.". Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! That is enormously comforting, especially if this Christmas is one that is filled with hard providence for you. 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. Adding to what David said, Two important points, to say the least: 1. This will come through the ministry of Jesus and particularly through the cross and resurrection.. Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. What impresses me about Simeon is the powerful mingling of righteousness, Spirit-empowerment, and faith to take God at His Word. You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. Luke wants to show that both of these people have been patiently waiting for the Messiah. 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.". In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. Behold, from this day forward all generations will count me blessed; because he who is mighty, he whose name is holy, has wrought for me his wonders. The Spirit had prepared him to meet Jesus at the correct moment and had providentially brought them together. "The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon." This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of God's people in all ages. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that of an angel. Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). to say. She was very old, around 84 years old when she saw Jesus in the temple.Refer also to Luke 2:36-38. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. We have an extra set here at our office. 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? 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 went to the temple and held the Christ Child, and Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? He waited for the consolation of Israel, the Messiah, the Lords Christ. The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. 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. The nunc dimittis of Simeon emphasizes the end of a long vigil of waiting. 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. Thus Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. 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. bringing peace to earth and rebuilding the temple. The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her Simeon takes the Child Jesus in his arms and blesses God in order to present it to the Lord. He would not die until he saw for himself the coming 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. She is 84 years old, according to Luke, and she does not want to die: She wants to proselytize. I mean not just a chuckle, but a hearty laugh. Do you see the gospel for the beauty that it is? I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. It's interesting to compare Mary's 40 days of . Simeon was so happy! 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.
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