03.04. Recognizing the Messiah- Simeon and Anna
Recognizing the Messiah- Simeon and Anna
Christmas Eve is always a special time of family, friends etc.. The celebration is ongoing and the holiday activities have begun in earnest. We have attempted to have a focused look at the entire Christmas story this year in the last few weeks. Today it may seem like we are rushing things along in the story because we move past the birth to a few days afterwards. There are two additional characters that we find surrounding the birth of Jesus and the authenticating of Him as Messiah that I feel complete the story of Christmas. The story concluded in the gospel of Luke with an old man named Simeon and a lady by the name of Anna. Godly people who were looking for the Messiah to come. Look at the story found in Luke 2:21-39 .
I- Keeping the Law:
Luke 2:21-39 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. These events take place eight days after the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph make the six mile trip to Jerusalem to the temple to keep the Law of Moses. They offer their sacrifice. It is while in this temple these two individuals recognize the Messiah.
II- Simeon:
Luke 2:25-35 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Notice with me a few important things that come out in the story of this Child that was born.
1- Simeon looked for and longed for His Coming: It says he was, "waiting for the consolation of Israel." Simeon was looking for and longing for the coming of the Messiah.
2- Waited on the Promise- God had made a special promise to Simeon. Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
A special promise was made to him concerning the coming. Imagine how exciting this was for him. I am sure that each baby that came into the temple was looked at to see if perhaps this was the one, maybe for years.
3- How did he know? It tells us and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Spirit revelation...Notice what it says, "...and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Luke 2:26-27 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
This is important. We sometimes get frustrated with people not open to the gospel. May I say that the Holy Spirit must make it real, we cannot.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
4- A light to lighten the Gentiles. Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, Simeon announces that the Messiah was to be also for the Gentiles. This is a remarkable revelation concerning this Christ child.
5- Suffering Savior... Luke 2:34-35 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
And said. The utterances of Elizabeth, Mary and Simeon are consecutive. Each begins where the other ends. Mary sings her own born Messiah; Zacharias celebrates the triumph of Israel, and Simeon announces the hopes of the Gentiles. But, besides this holding forth the Messiah as a Savior for Gentile as well as Jew, what is remarkable is, that he announces in Jesus a suffering Messiah as well as a glorious. The People’s New Testament (1891) by B.W. Johnson.
III- Anna:
Luke 2:36-39 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. Anna was also watching and waiting for the Messiah. This may be less dramatic than Simeon but I wish to point out that she also recognized the Messiah. She realized the purpose of the Christ child was for redemption.I have a simple question to ask. Have you recognized the Messiah in your life? Have you acknowledged that He is your redemption?