how old was simeon when he saw jesus how old was simeon when he saw jesus

At the Temple scene, Mary definatly shows she knows this by how she address him after looking for him for three days. Luke may also have seen Anna as the second witness in or around the Temple needed to validate Jesus significance. at the manger. 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. 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. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. Simeon at the Temple is a figure in the Gospel of Luke. 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. Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. Mary also tells the Archangel Gabriel she agrees to having the Son of God. 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. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. Of course, in the end, Luke portrays Mary as successfully making the spiritual journey into the family of faith; in Acts 1:14, when the apostles gather in the upper room after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is with them. Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. to say. They have much to speak into our context. 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. What an act of faith that was! Amen! When Scripture uses blameless or just to describe a man like Zacharias or Simeon, the word means more than just conformity to the Law, to all the commandments and ordinances; it implies the spiritual perception of the purpose of God in the Law and the Prophets. Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. I enjoyed your article and found only one flaw which to some lends itself to your research or thoroughness of it. Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. 2 Ang pagpapatalang ito ay unang nangyari nang si Cirenio ay gobernador ng Siria. That is what Simeon saw, and that is what all godly people should see - even to the point of death. Peace is not linked to an absence of conflict or pain, but to the assurance that God keeps His word. He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. ANNA. Simeon asked God to allow him to "depart in peace, according to Your word" (verse 29). 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. Simeon made a prophetic and powerful predictive statement about Jesus and the purpose of His life. www.yourchurch.com. 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. And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. He took Jesus in his arms, held him close and began to bless the Lord. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. 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. "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." Mary, Simeon or Anna by Ben Witherington III originally appeared in Bible Review, Winter 2005. 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. Godly people are supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. (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.) Simeon understood the treasure of a godly life. (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. disciple. Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. 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. Simeon took the baby Jesus into his arms. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. Many, many years before Jesus came to earth as a baby, God had given Moses laws for His people to obey. Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with him. He was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. 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. He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. 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. Elizabeth proclaims How is it that the mother of our Lord should come to me? My bet is even if Mary, as you infer, had no idea who Jesus was, then Elizabeth was the first to notify her of the significance of Jesus. The earth-shaking miracles and wonders are . Thus Simeon describes himself as free, released from the heavy burden of life. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. Director Jon Erwin discusses his inspiration for the film and how history might be repeating itself today. COPYRIGHT 2023 BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY SOCIETY 5614 Connecticut Ave NW #343, Washington DC 20015-2604. 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. The text states that Simeon was eventually subdued by Manasseh, and imprisoned. Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. Simeon accepted the Baby Jesus as the Christ of God. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? What is that point? GOD THE FATHER, HOLY SPIRIT, JESUS AND MARY AT THE TEMPLE Jesus real name , Yeshua, evolved over millennia in a case of transliteration. He was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He took the prophets at their word and was looking for the coming Messiah. He holds the Th.B (Westminster Seminary) and Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh). This button displays the currently selected search type. He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. 3 Pilgrimage Paths from Galilee to Jerusalem, Dating the Oldest New Testament Christian Manuscripts, The Bethesda Pool, Site of One of Jesus Miracles. 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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! Simeon, believed to be an old man, was waiting for the redemption of Israel, and the Holy Spirit told him that he would not die until he had see the redemption in the infant body of Christ, in the Anointed One of God. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. Simeon does not know that years later Paul will write these words: "11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Notice how the text describes him. It shows that Simeon had received a gracious dealing from God in response to his own searching for divine guidance. Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. But Mary is also puzzled by the divine message; she is perplexed when the angel greets her and must ponder the meaning of his words (Luke 1:29; see also 2:19). In the birth narratives about Jesus, we meet Simeon and Anna, who were also "waiting for consolation" (Luke 2:25). 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! However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. The telemarketer called and asked me if I had received my car keys in the mail last week. They were devout in their worship and righteous in their dealings with their fellow men. Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. One of the themes of Jesus in the Synoptic tradition seems to be the emphasis that ones own family can become a stumbling block to their walk of faith. 31 which you prepared for all people to see 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. 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. MY SHOPPING CART. The Spirit gave Simeon divine revelationit was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lords Christ. The word translated revealed is actually a divine response. In the active tense the word means to transact business, to make an answer to those who seek advice. The use of the word in the passive bespeaks revelation made by God in response to the seeking of man. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current . Barbara Simeon Expand search. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her For such a learned scholar he does not read throughly all of Luke. Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). Feeding the 5000 in John 6:5-14. To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. The redemptive offerings, the Day of Atonement, the Passover, all spoke to them of the coming Christ. The whole of the strange thing called life lies between the extremes in that picture. 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. Another assumption that is often made is that Simeon was a priest. Copyright 2023 College Park Church. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! To me, this is a powerful image and one that begs a very important question - "What did he see?" In these Old Testament types and experiences, they saw Christ. Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. He is not identified as a priest, or ruler. Being first to hear doesnt always mean being first to understand. Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First Recognized Jesus as Messiah? 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. 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. So what? Doesnt it say that they thought he had gone mad? Its amazing all the women named or not named. 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! That is also why she stood at the cross and did not kneel. In the Bible , Simeon was the old man who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He then took the six-weeks-old baby in his arms. she said. Notice also that the Holy Spirit always leads to and glorifies the Lord Jesus - compare verse 27 with John 16:13-14. The Bible does not tell us his age, but one thing is very clear he was a very, very old man.But he was the man who recognized Jesus was the savior even with his dim eyes. Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. 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." 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. Simon Peter was also 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. Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. We have an extra set here at our office. Simeon finds them coming into the temple, takes the child in his arms, and offers a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving to God. Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. Anna then approaches the Holy Family. Youre on the money. Deuteronomy 19:15 stresses the importance of having two witnesses to validate an event. 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. Under the impulse of the Spirit, he had come to the Temple and was performing his devotions when Jesus arrived. When he heard the account given by Mary and Joseph to the priest, he interrupted the process of dedication by taking the Child in his arms and making a great spiritual prophecy under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. referred to as Simeon, in which case he was both an apostle and And she wont for several years. Luke's point for Theophilus is that this Christ-child is the one that God-fearing, law-keeping, and faith-filled people looked for. Jesus is the one that they have been longing and looking for. Godly people are supremely satisfied and they celebrate a costly gospel. In addition to his many interviews on radio networks across the country, Professor Witherington has been featured on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX Network. Because that is what Simon said. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. Luke uses the story of Simeon (2:25-35) and Anna (2:36-38) to demonstrate that the Christ-child is the one for whom Israel had waited and longed for. The wisdom of Almighty God is unsearchable! According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. God is being gracious to Israel, but Simeon knows that God's grace is going to overflow the borders of this small nation. Simeon knew that Jesus was special. Copy. 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! "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. The scene that Luke wants to highlight is more than just historical fulfillment. . August 22,2014 2:02 am. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. Thus Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. must be consecrated to the Lord. 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. He spoke an astounding prophecy about saving the world. A suffering messiah was not yet on 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. It is often assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the Bible never says that. news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for 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. I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. 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. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. The Bible does not mention his age at all , but it does say he 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. Healing the paralytic at Bethesda in John 5:1-15. Verse 26 makes this clear! Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! Have something to add about this? 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? Perhaps she was part of some sort of order of widows (Luke tells us her husband died after only seven years of marriage) who had specific religious functions in the Temple. Simeon knows that God's target is not just Israel but all people. Simeon in the Bible (pronounced Sim-ee-uhn) was a devout and just man. Your statement says she is the only woman in New Testament explicitly described as a prophetess. Their hearts were right with God. Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7. birthing the sacrificial lambs for the nearby temple, as some scholars claim, then this sign would present some 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). Like the disciples who will follow her, she is driven to bear witness to what she has seen. 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 loved God. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? "Really?" He was a satisfied old man. 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:). How did the 2nd February come to be called Candlemas ? 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 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. Hey, if the Holy Spirit tells Simeon he will not die till he sees the Messiah, and if hes been waiting his entire life perhaps, and hes faithful and in the temple and he comes and serves as that second witness ~ that may be Gods total will for his lifes ending, different from Annas, but just as powerful. 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! Also see the reading below from verses 29-32 and verses 34-35. Our digital archives are a work in progress. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . 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. Is there evidence outside of the Bible that proves he actually walked the earth? 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). Luke 2:21-40 tells how Simeon went to the Temple in Jerusalem where he met the Holy Family. You seem to have forgotten about Elizabeths greeting to Mary many months before Mary met Anna at the temple. 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, 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. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lords Christ.