how old was simeon when he saw jesus

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! Copy. The darkness of nineteen centuries has not been able to overcome that light, nor can the darkness of evil forces today extinguish the light of hope, faith, and love kindled by the coming of Jesus Christ. December 21, 2008 College Park Church, What Simeon Saw: Lessons From a Satisfied Old Man. "But the plans of the LORD stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.". 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. God holds our every breath. He will, in fact, be rejected. What a beautiful picture! The secret of a life that is pleasing in the sight of men and well-pleasing to God is the filling of the Holy Ghost - look up Ephesians 5:18. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. In Lorenzo Lottos unusual rendition of the Annunciation, dated to 1535, Marys cat is equally frightened by the divine apparition. Simeon recognised Jesus as the Christ as soon as he saw him, and blessed the young family. Also, what she went through when almost stone, seems many want to believe Mary just forgot all that, As well as, all the towns people. The wisdom of Almighty God is unsearchable! All men will not accept Jesus. In fact, he is so satisfied that having held the Christ-child he is now ready to die! What is that point? Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel" (Luke 2:32) Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. bringing peace to earth and rebuilding the temple. He was waiting for eschatological . Amen! Published November 29, 2021. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. Out of their poverty, Joseph and Mary presented a pair of turtledoves and the price of redemption. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. The gospel is rooted in God's faithfulness. The small child that Simeon holds will be a light to the Gentiles. Messiah. 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. Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. I like to think it was the shepherds. This answer is: Study guides. A suffering messiah was not yet on Where was he really bornBethlehem or Nazareth? Adding to what David said, Two important points, to say the least: 1. Story: Tell the story of Jesus being presented at the temple based on Luke 2:21-40. a. Jesus' Circumcision: Mary and Joseph took God's Son when He was 8 days old and had Him circumcised. She became a widow after seven years of marriage to her husband. Simeon is so satisfied in the beauty God's ability to keep His word. And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. 2010-07-06 11:03:12. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of . Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: 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. 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Granted it is glorious and attractive, but it is not safe. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. The Holy Ghost is the author of all scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and the great message of the scriptures concerning the future is that Jesus is coming again - look up John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 John 3:1-3). He was doing just that - listening day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment for the sound of the footsteps of the Son of God whose coming was drawing near. i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! Simeon must have understood that Israels conversion would be realized only after the enlightenment of the heathen and the calling out of the Church. Yes, a messiah has arrived, as Simeon recognizes, but, as the prophetess Anna suggests, a new era, with a new and living voice of prophecy, has at the same time dawned.1 In this new era, the living voice of God will continue to speak about the messianic one. 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. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. Their patient waiting is now being fulfilled as Simeon and Anna both converge in temple area and meet the Messiah face to face. How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him? But the beauty is not limited here to Simeon's experience alone. www.yourchurch.com. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. He saw this baby as the reason for his godliness. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Dig into more than 9,000 articles in the Biblical Archaeology Societys vast library plus much morewith an All-Access pass. The flame of hope must have been fanned by the report spread abroad by the shepherds of the events at Bethlehem just forty days before. 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 I am surprised no one else caught this prior to publication. Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. "Really?" And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call him Jesus. 19 Feb, 2021 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. God gave her a job to do and she is doing it. However, there is one very important thing which we are told about him, and that is that day by day, as he lived and worked, he was waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25); that is, he was waiting for and living in the expectation of the coming of the Messiah. You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. Nisan till the begnning of the service of the house of Abija, which gives us end June as the earliest possible conception date for John, when his father Zacharia went home after his templeservice and went to his wife. 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace (2 Peter 3:10-14). (We know that the eighth day after birth is the first of the following 33 days because the account also says that after the birth of a daughter a mother waits twice as long, specifically 14 + 66 = 80 days.) Anna begins to preach: She came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Both are quicker than Mary to comprehend who Jesus is. When at last they find him listening to and asking questions of the teachers in the Temple, Mary asks, Child, why have you treated us like this? The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . Now he sees his long-desired Star. Godly people are supremely satisfied and they celebrate a costly gospel. Jesus real name , Yeshua, evolved over millennia in a case of transliteration. Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth? Rather, it was the summit of his life-long experience with God. In the Bible , Simeon was the old man who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. 30 The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with him. 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! Harold John Ockenga is president of Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Wenham, Massachusetts), positions he assumed after serving as pastor of Park Street Church in Boston for over thirty years. Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. Mary and Jesus. Two kinds of persons were involved; first there were those who would apprehend Christ as the Rock and find in him a spiritual sanctuary; second, those who would reject him and find him a stumbling stone and a rock of offense (cf. . When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. Mary and Joseph marvel at what Simeon says about him (v 33) and then he says something stunning to Mary: "This child is appointed" Simeon knew and Mary and Joseph were only beginning to fully understand that this little baby was part of massive plan determined even before the foundations of the earth (Eph 3:11, Heb 4:3, Rev 13:8). MY SHOPPING CART. Simeon appears to be a normal Jewish man. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. The Global Methodist Church welcomes Scott Jones, who led Methodists in Texas and had advocated for the extreme center and staying at the table., Emily McFarlan Miller - Religion News Service. What did Simeon do when he saw Jesus? He sees the Christ child with his own eyes and finds fulfillment. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. As you celebrate this holiday, exchange gifts, enjoy days of rest, and time with family - I just want to remind you that this holiday is about the glory and the beauty of the gospel! ANNA. THE WEDDING AT CANA Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. It is . Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, Simon Peter was also 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. 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. He kept the law inwardly and outwardly, looked for the Messiah, and the very presence of God was in his life. Simeon had the infant Jesus in his arms and, moved by the Holy Spirit, sang the Nunc Dimittis, Latin words for "now dismiss." We . Simeon had been 40, then 50, then 60 years old. 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. And that is what we are going to examine today: what did Simeon see when he looked into the face of the Messiah. Simeon got it and he saw it! Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus 12:). Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. Keeping with SOLO SCIPTURUAE, we have left out the first procession of CORPUS CHRISTI, which is MARY visiting ELIZABETH. Anna is the first in a line of prophetic disciples who will speak about Jesus to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel. August 22,2014 2:02 am. 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. Seems to me like they didnt get it. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . He was a good man and very religious. (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. Simeon made a prophetic and powerful predictive statement about Jesus and the purpose of His life. Verse 25 tells us this, and it means that while he was honest and upright in the sight of men, he was holy (as the word really means) in the sight of God. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. We shall never be perfect while we are in the flesh, but the Lord has made provision for us to be blameless (verse 25), which means that our lives should be such that they bring glory to His name and show forth His praise to those amongst whom we are living. To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. we are in the 8th month. 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). Here Simeon looked across three decades to a picture of a Man hanging on a cross, dying for the sins of his people, and suffering the penalty of the Law, thus emptying death of its sting and the Law of its curse. Christ is the touchstone of human hearts. Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! Mary also tells the Archangel Gabriel she agrees to having the Son of God. disciple. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. So you are saying that when the Shepards and the wise men came Mary had no idea Jesus was Messiah? Teaching Women of the Bible. Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. Luke's point for Theophilus is that this Christ-child is the one that God-fearing, law-keeping, and faith-filled people looked for. The Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, and they enjoyed power. 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). Subscribers receive full access to the archives. Copyright 2023 College Park Church. Who were the models in Van Halen's finish what you started video? How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw 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:). Simeon went into the church in Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus being dedicated to the Lord at the Temple and Mary and Joseph offering their sacrifice for purification, both Simeon and Anna recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah and sang his praises to all around them. According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). Do you see the gospel for the beauty that it is? We learn (vs 25) that he lived in Jerusalem. Simeon believed in the imminence of the Messianic age. 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). Like Simeon, let us believe the word of the Lord and rejoice in this as our ground of confidence. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Simeon. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:25-35 ESV). Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. I believe it's more likely he was already getting up there in years and he was beginning to worry. This season of uncleanness was terminated by the offering of a sacrifice (a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering). The angel had said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased." Now Simeon, a man of great faith in God's consolation, sees Jesus and is ready to die in peace. Jesus Brings Revelation to the Nations. Simeon saw the all-surpassing worth of the Messiah. redemption. Simeon knew that Jesus was special. Here is the picture of a surrendered life - a life which recognises Jesus as the Lord, which takes the place of a bond-servant under His authority and which is completely submissive to His word. I love the balance that Simeon has - the kind balanced spiritual eyesight that we all need. 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. Notice how the text describes him. He is a godly man who is satisfied with a gospel that is a beautiful and costly treasure. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? 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. The violations of the Law of God, the iniquity, immorality, and injustice of their day, only deepened their desire for the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah. God bless you and your work. Our digital archives are a work in progress. Mary was the first to have the good news announced to her, but Anna is the first woman to understand fully and proclaim the good news. "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." The pairing of Simeon and Anna reflects Lukes penchant for male-female parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary and Joseph search for him frantically for three days. She knew who he was! Simeon suggested to Mary, A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also. He did not leave the parents upon the mount of elevation but included a drop of bitterness through the prophecy that this helpless Baby was to be the suffering and dying Messiah. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. The Prophecy of Simeon 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. about the historical past and tradition of historical Egypt. There is a remarkable identity in the Greek between this phrase and Peters confession, Thou art the Christ of God. Simeon identified this baby with the pre-existent Lord of Glory, with the Christ of prophecy, the Incarnate God, the Saviour who was to work out the deliverance of the nations. We have a drawing for $15,000 cash!" They have much to speak into our context. This button displays the currently selected search type. must be consecrated to the Lord. 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! 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). Simeon was so happy! What would prompt you to say, "Okay, now I'm ready to die!" How old was Simeon when he introduced Jesus? Simeon gets very personal here with Mary telling her that she will suffer greatly by the suffering of her son. Godly people are supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. Wiki User 2011-01-25 . He saw the gospel clearly, and he was a satisfied man. Which she knows fullwell, she had pondered this in her heart. Now we turn briefly to Simeon's farewell to the world (2:29-35). Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. And nobodys recognizing John the Baptists testimony to knowing who Jesus wasfrom the womb! Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). He then took the six-weeks-old baby in his arms. The story of Jesus birth is framed by two such storiesthat of Elizabeth and Zechariah in Luke 1 and Anna and Simeon in Luke 2. 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. He had a personal encounter with Jesus, and foresaw Christ's future crucifixion. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. Who was Anna? For the Holy Spirit to rest upon a man is the highest experience God has for him. Read Understanding []. Put all of that together and what you have is a very costly gospel. According to Luke, Mary treasures the angels message, but does not fully understand it. 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 picture presents the contrast of age and of youth, of one nearing the end of the journey of life and one at the beginning. When Simeon saw Him for whom his soul had been longing, he took Him in his arms. Shes pondering all right, shes pondering just how hard shes gonna tan his little hide when she gets him home. You see, treasuring godliness and the worth of the gospel are tested when following Christ costs you something. we can know when Jesus was born. Oh to have people know that there is something different about us because of how satisfied we are in Christ. 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. Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. Plus, even before Mary was with the Apostles during Christs ressurecction, she also (quite a few years before) told Jesus friends (Apostles) to do what he tells them at the wedding in Cana! Your email address will not be published. The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on February 12, 2013. The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. Barbara Simeon Expand search. But the prophetic insight into Gods intentions is a gift which keeps on giving and renewing the people of God. 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. Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14. He will bring the revelation to non-Jewish people in order to bring Jews and Gentiles to God. If these shepherds were in charge of 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.". 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. He took Jesus in his arms, held him close and began to bless the Lord. The late New Testament scholar Raymond Brown wrote: Lukes idea is that complete acceptance of the word of God, complete understanding of who Jesus is, and complete discipleship is not yet possible. Simeon in the Bible (pronounced Sim-ee-uhn) was a devout and just man. In this, Mary contrasts sharply with Simeon and Anna, two elderly individuals who happen to be in the Temple when Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus to Jerusalem for the first time. 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. His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration.

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