ANNA AND SIMEON: Luke 2:25-38

DAY 23: ANNA AND SIMEON                   

LINK: Luke 2:25-38                     

Symbol: Man & Woman

Anna and Simeon were looking for the Christ with great expectation! 

What does Simeon tell us about Jesus’ mission on earth? 

Does the coming of Christ, both the first time and for the second time in the future, fill us with joy like it did Simeon? 

Simeon and Anna thanked God for the Christ child (Luke 2:38). May we also be filled with joy and thanksgiving for the Christ child.

Song: "Joy to the World"

BBC BACKGROUND from Luke 2

Hans Holbein the Elder [Public domain],
 via Wikimedia Commons

Mary and Joseph Bring Jesus to the Temple: Luke 2:21-40

Did you notice that the word "law" is mentioned five times in this section? Jesus did not come to destroy the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-18). Mary and Joseph followed the Law through the following ceremonies:

1) Circumcision and naming on the eighth day (Leviticus 12:3, see the Genesis 17 post to learn more about circumcision).

2) Redemption of the firstborn - 33 days after circumcision, they were to present their firstborn male to God (Exodus 13:2,11-16; Numbers 18:15,16). The ceremony included buying back or "redeeming" from God through an offering. 

2) Purification of mother - When the baby was 40 days old (80 for daughters), Mary was to make a burnt and sin offering to the priest of the temple since birth caused a woman to be ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 12). After sacrifice, the priest would declare her clean. Joseph and Mary's offering of a dove instead of a lamb for the sin offering indicates that they were poor (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

Simeon anticipated the "consolation of Israel" which means the Messiah, who would bring consolation (comfort) to God's people. Most of what he said is straightforward. The child was to be light and glory, but what does "cause the falling and rising of many in Israel" mean? The ones who followed Him would rise, but the ones who did not follow Him would fall. 

Anna, the godly, fasting, and praying prophetess continued where Simeon left off praising God and telling all who were looking for redemption that the Messiah had come to redeem them! 

GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN/OVER THE HILLS AND EVERYWHERE/GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN/THAT JESUS CHRIST IS BORN! (Sorry, I digress!)

This section ends with Jesus going back to Nazareth (65 miles north of Jerusalem) to grow up becoming strong and increasing in wisdom with God's grace upon Him!

APPLICATION

Worship! Joy to the World!

PRAYER

Lord, make us anticipators and look to You coming again! Amen.