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. Central to the beauty of what Simeon sees is the breadth of what all of this means: "that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples." Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. 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'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. Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit has found joy in God, who is my Saviour, because he has looked graciously upon the lowliness of his handmaid. disciple. Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth? I think one of the things Mary was pondering in her heart must have related to the Shepherds visit 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. 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 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. When Simeon saw Jesus he took Him in his arms and praised God. In fact, people may even laugh at your Christ-centered satisfaction. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. 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. 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. And she wont for several years. The Spirit rested upon Samson, and he did marvelous exploits. 2:25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. 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. 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. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. 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). 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. Seems to me like they didnt get it. They have much to speak into our context. my name is david snyder. 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). 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. Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. Uffizi/Scala/Art Resource, NY. 1) it is said in the New Testament that Philip had four daughters who prophesied and certainly could be considered prophetesses, with Anna not the only one: Acts 21:8-9 This will come through the ministry of Jesus and particularly through the cross and resurrection.. Raymond E. Brown and Karl P. Donfried, eds., Mary in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978), pp. This is the gospel - full of hope, rooted in God's faithfulness, spread to all people, and the most glorious news in all the world! And Marys Magnificent states her understanding of what is happening within her. The whole of the strange thing called life lies between the extremes in that picture. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your 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. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." Published November 29, 2021. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. Also read Numbers 8:17 and Numbers 18:14-1, The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus, An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, Angels praised God for the birth of Jesus, Jesus at 40 days old was taken to the Temple, Magi traveled from the East to find Jesus, King Herod the Great plans how to kill Jesus, Timeline for Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story, Background Information Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story. By now my food was getting cold so I said, "YeahI really wouldn't like $15,000 either." 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. What did Simeon do when he saw Jesus? 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. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. ANNA. 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. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. Where was he really bornBethlehem or Nazareth? 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. 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. Simeon was described as devout and just and was a part of the remnant of Gods people. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. Mary then announced to Elizabeth (and the world): Many, many years before Jesus came to earth as a baby, God had given Moses laws for His people to obey. Who was Anna? Your email address will not be published. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with 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:). What is the overall storyline of jesus existence according to johns gospel. 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. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. What are the Physical devices used to construct memories? He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. 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. No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). We often picture Jesus taking little children in his arms, and we sing, I would like to have been with him then , but this thought of another receiving Jesus into his arms is much less familiar to us. Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, his mother, This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. "Yeah, you know what I really don't need this job if you are going to make me do that." Let a man be confronted with Christ as a supernatural person, one born without a human father, brought into the world through the womb of a virgin, as the apparatus of redemption, and he will reveal his own hearts condition by his attitude toward this supernatural Christ. 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. This. Jesus name in Hebrew was Yeshua which translates to English as Joshua. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. In this way Luke both prepares for and signals one of his major themes in the Gospel of Luke and in Actsthe least, the last and the lost are becoming the most, the first and the found with Jesus coming. So you are saying that when the Shepards and the wise men came Mary had no idea Jesus was Messiah? He sees the Christ child with his own eyes and finds fulfillment. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the Infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days (inclusive) after his birth to complete Marys ritual purification after childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn son, in obedience to the Torah (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:1215, etc.). Being first to hear doesnt always mean being first to understand. Simeon declared the Child to be the glory of thy people Israel. That an Israelite should first mention Christ as the means of enlightening the heathen and then emphasize the glory of Israel was an unusual order in pre-Christian times and thinking. When that old man went out of the world he took nothing but a soul. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce this material in any format provided that you do not alter the content in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. What are the 4 major sources of law in Zimbabwe? He loved God. Simeon does not domesticate the gospel or the Messiah. we are in the 8th month. He had a personal encounter with Jesus, and foresaw Christ's future crucifixion. Wiki User. A remnant of Gods people are looking for another prophetic fulfillmentthe advent of the Messiah in glory, attended by his angels, to establish justice and peace on earth. In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Simeon is: Obedient; listening; little hyena. She is not shaking in her boots because inwardly Jesus is the Son of God. IVE JUST FINISH READING ANNA IS A PROPHETESS FOUND LUKE 2:36. 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! See answer (1) Best Answer. God is being gracious to Israel, but Simeon knows that God's grace is going to overflow the borders of this small nation. 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! The presentations by all, are excellent and non-controversial. Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Simeon. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. The Child was to be the shining light that would dawn in human hearts over the whole of the earth. What is that point? Verse 26 tells us that God had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. (The same Spirit told him to go to the Temple that day, too.) 3 Pilgrimage Paths from Galilee to Jerusalem, Dating the Oldest New Testament Christian Manuscripts, The Bethesda Pool, Site of One of Jesus Miracles. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. 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. Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. How did the 2nd February come to be called Candlemas ? He was waiting for eschatological . "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. He was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. 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. 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. Verses 22-24 tell us what is happening here. 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. God is going global! The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? God holds our every breath. Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. Simeon ( Greek: ) at the Temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25-35, met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the 40th day from Jesus' birth, i. e. the presentation of Jesus at the Temple . "But the plans of the LORD stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.". He saw the gospel clearly, and he was a satisfied man. See something we missed? The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. 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. To share this article with your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call him Jesus. Do you see the gospel for the beauty that it is? 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. According to Matthew and Luke, however, Joseph was only legally his father. 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 . 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 Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Messiah whom God had promised his people. Simeon at the Temple is a figure in the Gospel of Luke. We have an extra set here at our office. Simeon accepted the Baby Jesus as the Christ of God. 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. . I mean not just a chuckle, but a hearty laugh. He spoke an astounding prophecy about saving the world. 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). However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. 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. 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. 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).
Jackson Township Shed Permit,
Peter Avsenew Still Alive,
Fda Nctr Summer Student Research Participation Program 2021,
Homes For Sale In Eastern Tennessee With Acreage,
Articles H
how old was simeon when he saw jesus