Introduction
After the days of purification, Jesus was brought into the temple. He was received by a prophet and a prophetess. The Bible records little about these two people. However, it reveals that they awaited the Christ and lived righteous lives.I. Simeon (Luke 2:25-27)
A. Righteous and devout.
B. Looking for the consolation of Israel.
C. “The Holy Spirit was upon him.”
D. Revealed that he would not die until he saw the Christ.
E. Appropriate principles.
- It was possible for Jews to be righteous, even under the Old Covenant.
- God kept His promise to the prophet Simeon (vss. 29-30), and to the nation of Israel (vs. 32).
II. Simeon’s Prayer (Luke 2:28-35)
A. Simeon’s attitude.
- Humility.
- Faith, contentment and courage.
B. Simeon’s statements.
- The Christ was “salvation.”
- The Christ came to the Gentiles.
- The Christ was the “glory of Thy people, Israel.”
- Appointed for the rise and fall of many in Israel, a sign to be opposed.
- “A sword will pierce through thy own soul also.”
C. Appropriate principles.
- God told the Jews that the Christ would bless the nations (the Gentiles), but the Jews did not fully understand this until later (cf. Acts 2:39; 10:14, 28).
- Righteous people must have faith that God will keep His promises.
- Righteous people must be prepared for death.
III. Anna (Luke 2:36-38)
A. A prophetess.
B. “Advanced in years” — 84 years old
C. Lived with a husband only seven years after her marriage.
D. Lived as a widow for many years.
E. Like others, looked for the redemption of Israel.
F. Worshiped “night and day.”
G. Appropriate principles.
- The elderly can receive God’s highest compliments.
- It is possible to serve God well, even after the death of a spouse.
Conclusion
Luke presented two pious figures who testify to the significance of Jesus. Once again Luke assures us of the credentials of Jesus as Messiah, taking care to show that each witness was an authentic representative of Judaism.
Questions:
- What is the meaning of “waiting for the consolation of Israel?”
- What does Luke 2:29-30 imply about Simeon’s character?
- Christ came from the Jews, but came to both Jews and Gentiles. Should the Jews have known this? Were they told? If so, where?
- What did Peter say about the promise to the Gentiles (Acts 2:39)? What did Isaiah say (49:6-9; 57:19)?
- What does Luke 2:34 mean (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24)?
- How did Jesus’ parents react to these prophecies? Why did they react that way? Had they heard that Jesus was the Christ?
- Discuss what the phrase, “served God with fastings and prayers night and day,” translated into as far as Anna’s character was concerned.
- What are some ways that elderly people serve God?
