how old was simeon when he saw jesus

Adding to what David said, Two important points, to say the least: 1. The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . We know far more of Jesus through the New Testament revelation than Simeon ever could have known from the Old Testament prophecy, but do we embrace him in the arms of faith as the Lords Christ as Simeon did? Can you be godly through seasons where God makes you wait? If you ever want to read something that fills in the blanks an,d plays out like a movie, read MYSTICAL CITY OF GOD by SISTER MARY of AGREEDA. Simeon saw the all-surpassing worth of the Messiah. The holy family had made its little pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, a distance of about five miles, to accomplish what was called the purification of Mary. 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! He will, in fact, be rejected. If they acknowledge Christ, then they must be humble and bend the knee to God as their creator. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . Wiki User. When Jesus was 40 days old Mary and Joseph traveled to the temple in Jerusalem for another ceremony. Ipinanganak si Jesus. The event occurred when Joseph and Mary brought the Child to the Temple to present him to the Lord, according to the law of Moses. For some reason, Simeon, alone of all people, had been promised that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Anointed (Christ). He did not know just when He would come, but as his hair whitened and his limbs became enfeebled, these were signs to him that the Lords coming was very near. Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms. 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. Notice, in Luke 2:25-35, some of the characteristics of this man who waited for the coming of Christ: He had no doubt about this, as we learn from verse 26. birthing the sacrificial lambs for the nearby temple, as some scholars claim, then this sign would present some I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. Simeon praised God. There were three characteristics of Simeons Spirit-controlled life: The Spirit-controlled life is a life which is endued with the Spirit, taught of the Spirit and led by the Spirit. Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. He was a good man and very religious. He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. There was a lady named Anna that lived in Jerusalem also. Godly people are supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. 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. Todos los derechos reservados,

We use our own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and show you advertising
. Mary and Joseph search for him frantically for three days. I see this in Simeon's personal statement, "For my eyes have seen your salvation" (2:30), and from Luke's account of Anna's actions, "And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Israel" (2:38). So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. Notice also that the Holy Spirit always leads to and glorifies the Lord Jesus - compare verse 27 with John 16:13-14. Mary startles when Gabriel and God the Father appear in her home and interrupt her prayers. In the Bible , Simeon was the old man who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon spoke to Mary, Jesus' mother. I really didn't care about $15,000 at that moment. An old man called Simeon lived in Jerusalem. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. Most of parenthood is like this for me. When Joseph (far left) and Mary (left of center) bring baby Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, they are greeted by Simeon, who embraces the baby, and Anna, the New Testaments only prophetess, shown at right with a scroll, in this 1342 tempera painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Who was Anna? Simeon was a part of the group of brothers who sold Joseph into slavery and then lied to Jacob, saying that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal ( Genesis 37 ). Jesus Brings Revelation to the Nations. Many, many years before Jesus came to earth as a baby, God had given Moses laws for His people to obey. God bless you and your work. 7. The word Lord means Over-lord; the word servant means bond-servant; and the phrase, as you have promised indicates complete submission to the promises of the Lord. Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. A similar hope is beating in many hearts today, even while the darkness deepens in political, educational, moral, and spiritual things. I mean not just a chuckle, but a hearty laugh. She may have been able to undertake this role in the Temple because she was no longer in periodic states of ritual impurity caused by menstruation. Simeon represented himself as a sentinel whom his master had placed in an elevated position and charged to look for the appearance of the Star. He expresses this so well in verse 32, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.". 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 these Old Testament types and experiences, they saw Christ. 2:7, 8). The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Messiah. Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. He was a satisfied old man. Simeon recognised Jesus as the Christ as soon as he saw him, and blessed the young family. Now, as Simeon lived just prior to the first advent and anticipated the first coming of the Lord Jesus, so you and I today live just prior to His second advent and should be anticipating His return. The doctors of the Law may have been dead spiritually, but these remnant people, who saw the reality contained in the Law and the Prophets, were alive to what God was doing. Simeon Sees Jesus. Their patient waiting is now being fulfilled as Simeon and Anna both converge in temple area and meet the Messiah face to face. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that of an angel. Anna was the prophetess who saw Jesus when he was presented in the temple by his parents. Verse 28 gives us a beautiful picture. Raymond E. Brown and Karl P. Donfried, eds., Mary in the New Testament (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978), pp. i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. What an act of faith that was! Therefore, if you could see Simeon in the temple courtyard holding the baby Jesus with his eyes lifted to the vast sky of Jerusalem you would see a satisfied old man! 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. Not everyone can be a prophet, however. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. August 22,2014 2:02 am. This is clear. "Oh," I said, "I really don't like Chevy Blazers". Amen! This apparatus was prepared by God for the salvation of all people. Verses 22-24 tell us what is happening here. 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). 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. This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. The Law also allowed, in the cases of poverty, for two pigeons or turtledoves to be offered instead of a lamb. "For a sign that is opposed." Your email address will not be published. Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. we are in the 8th month. MY SHOPPING CART. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. Let us know if corrections need to be made. 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. May Almighty God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Christianity be our guiding lights, our safety nets and our inspiration for loving happiness with Almighty God! God could have prolonged his life anyway without a word. He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have 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. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ. redemption. SCRIPTURE, proclaims elizabeth asking in wonder, how is it that the MOTHER of my LORD comes to me? i could go on and on. 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. . He is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies. And nobodys recognizing John the Baptists testimony to knowing who Jesus wasfrom the womb! "Yeah, I know that you are going to kill me, but I won't recant on my belief in Christ.". The peace that Simeon is talking about is linked to two phrases - "according to your word" and "for my eyes have seen your salvation." The religious signs, moral signs, commercial signs, political signs, Jewish signsthese all proclaim the truth declared in James 5:8! 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. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. See something we missed? Copyright 2023 College Park Church. Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. She is 84 years old, according to Luke, and she does not want to die: She wants to proselytize. . She knew who he was! The earth-shaking miracles and wonders are . 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. That Lord Jesus Christ has come not only for Jews but also for the Gentiles is seen here in Luke Chapter 2:21-35 where description of one named Simeon is given. The Bible does not mention his age at all , but it does say he Zacharias the father of John the baptist was from the house of Abija, we read in Luke 1.5. In referring to Alfred Plummers Commentary on Luke, (along with your proposal that Lukes women were more positive examples of discipleship) you write, 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. That is quite a leap as Luke offers only a one-line summation of her input after he quotes Simeon at length. Simeon had long searched the Scriptures and prayed and waited for the coming of the Messiah in fulfillment of prophecy. Continue Learning about Religious Studies. Notice how the text describes him. The Holy Spirit allowed Simeon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It was attacked by Porphyry and Celsus and other ancients, and many unbelievers center their attacks upon it today. We have a drawing for $15,000 cash!" Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. Jesus responds, Did you not know that I must be in my Fathers house? But, Luke reports, they did not understand what he said to them [but] his mother treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:4851). Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. He also saw Mary standing by that cross, pierced in heart at the suffering of her child. . It reminds me of this New Testament passage: 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. But the beauty is not limited here to Simeon's experience alone. Fear God, love God and honor God for the multitude of things he has done in our behalf, the love He has given us and the graciousness He has shown us through His Son and the Holy Spirit! Doesnt it say that they thought he had gone mad? It is often assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the Bible never says that. By this time Simeon was a very old man. What did old Simeon say when he saw Jesus? Jesus is the one that they have been longing and looking for. 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 . And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. I believe that Luke records this account to show Theophilus and all of us that Simeon saw the gospel - an attractive, broad, costly, and satisfying gospel. Did he marry? Simeon's testimony was great in that he said that he saw the salvation in Jesus and Jesus was the one whom the Father had prepared before the face of all the people and also that Jesus was the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. So Simeon was known for his godly conduct toward others. 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. Christ is the touchstone of human hearts. 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). 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. That hope motivated the righteous in Simeons day to hold on to the things of God despite the terrible events happening round about them. You see, treasuring godliness and the worth of the gospel are tested when following Christ costs you something. 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 . husband passed away seven years after her wedding. 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). It was through this child that sin could permanently be forgiven. And she wont for several years. Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Simeon. A widow . Wouldn't it be awesome if that was our view of life when it comes to the gospel? While considering Dr. Witheringtons question, I would like to ask, How about Elizabeth, wife of Zachariah, whose response to Marys arrival plainly states that the Spirit revealed to her the identity of the unborn Messiah? Luke 1:41-43 reads, When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Your email address will not be published. Simeon knows that God's target is not just Israel but all people. Simeon at the Temple is a figure in the Gospel of Luke. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. (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.) What would prompt you to say, "Okay, now I'm ready to die!" Where was he really bornBethlehem or Nazareth? 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. The Spirit had prepared him to meet Jesus at the correct moment and had providentially brought them together. Simeon gets very personal here with Mary telling her that she will suffer greatly by the suffering of her son. Then Simeon announced that the Child was for a sign which shall be spoken against that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. This also was a quotation from Isaiah (7:14). It is sign that reveals the attitude of human hearts. 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 must have understood that Israels conversion would be realized only after the enlightenment of the heathen and the calling out of the Church. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. You seem to have forgotten about Elizabeths greeting to Mary many months before Mary met Anna at the temple. We must make this observation, for in verse 29 there are three words which indicate this. In John 21, Jesus is asking Peter if he really loves Him. Like Simeon, let us believe the word of the Lord and rejoice in this as our ground of confidence. That Child, by the combining in him of a divine nature and a human nature through a virgin birth, was the prepared apparatus to work out salvation for the world. 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. I like to think it was the shepherds. 19 Feb, 2021 What are the 4 major sources of law in Zimbabwe? We have an extra set here at our office. 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. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of . i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. Jesus name in Hebrew was Yeshua which translates to English as Joshua. Good Stuff Ben and I love preaching on Simeon and Anna over the years, thanks. Behold, from this day forward all generations will count me blessed; because he who is mighty, he whose name is holy, has wrought for me his wonders. One day, his parents, Joseph and Mary, took him up to the Temple to present him to God. 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. Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. 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. He had been baptized and already started gathering his disciples. He could not be as he did not fulfill the requirements, i.e. In the birth narratives about Jesus, we meet Simeon and Anna, who were also "waiting for consolation" (Luke 2:25). If these shepherds were in charge of There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. 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! 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. In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: They have much to speak into our context. 8:14). However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. This was Simeons one opportunity to see the Lords Christ. Simeon's righteous faith qualified him to see something incredibly special. Luke says of Anna: And there was Anna she was of great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow fourscore and four years, You give Anna the age of 84however considering girls were approximately 15 when wed, she lived with her husband 7 years and had been a widow 84 years. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. One issue does provide some hesitation for me though. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your 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). This man was righteous and devout. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 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. 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 You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. 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. my name is david snyder. He knew that although He had come to His own people they would reject Him, and the gospel would be preached to the Gentiles (John 1:11; Acts 28:28). I love the balance that Simeon has - the kind balanced spiritual eyesight that we all need. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? We learn (vs 25) that he lived in Jerusalem. All you need to do is come down to our service center to learn about our products, pick up your keys, and you will have chance to start a 2006 Chevy Blazer. "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." thus the feast of Sukkoth is a symbol for God dwellling among us in Jesus . The nunc dimittis of Simeon emphasizes the end of a long vigil of waiting. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. There are many speculations as to who this Simeon was although there is no record of his genealogy. He sees the Christ child with his own eyes and finds fulfillment. The first Christmas and the Christ child come at a particular point in time, but for many, like Mary and Joseph, the significance of the event is only understood incrementally and over the course of many years. Twelve years after the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the Holy Family returns to Jerusalem and Jesus returns to the Temple, this time by himself. 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). The women are not only more receptive to the message, they are more willing to act upon it, with Elizabeth realizing that her cousin is carrying the messiah and praising God for this blessing and Anna spreading the good news. Global Relief Fund | Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria. THE WEDDING AT CANA 2 Ang pagpapatalang ito ay unang nangyari nang si Cirenio ay gobernador ng Siria. 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. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? He saw this baby as the reason for his godliness. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. Copyright College Park Church - Indianapolis, Indiana. When that old man went out of the world he took nothing but a soul. GOD THE FATHER, HOLY SPIRIT, JESUS AND MARY AT THE TEMPLE The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. Out of their poverty, Joseph and Mary presented a pair of turtledoves and the price of redemption.