Although Simeon and Anna (as described in Luke 2) are often overlooked in the nativity narrative, they play significant roles in declaring and establishing Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God.
Remembering Simeon
Simeon was just and devout (Luke 2:25). His name means “hearing” (Gen 29:33), and from what we are told, we know that he heard and responded to the words God had spoken to him about the nation of Israel.
Luke 2:25-27 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
Luke 2:28 he [Simeon] took Him [baby Jesus] up in his arms and blessed God…..
We are told:
1) Simon was waiting — waiting for the Consolation of Israel (vs. 25). This phrase refers to the promised Messiah, a term commonly used among the Jews, likely derived from Isaiah 12:1 and 49:13. The Greek word used is “paraklesis,” which is related to “parakletos.” This word is translated as “Comforter” in John 14:16, where Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit.
2) The Holy Spirit was upon him. (vs, 25) Under the Old Covenant, the Holy Spirit came upon people, empowering them to serve and speak for God. His presence was primarily with prophets, priests, and kings who represented God’s will and ways to the people. In this instance, the Spirit was upon Simeon, and we will see how he prophesied in the Temple that day.
3). It had been revealed to Simeon by the Spirit that he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. (vs. 26). We can believe that the Spirit testified to him that this baby was indeed the Christ child.
4) The Spirit moved Simeon to go to the Temple on the day Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus there (vs. 27). This further indicates that it was the Spirit who “informed” Simeon that this was the one for whom he had been waiting.
5) Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God (vs 28). Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God (vs. 28). In faith, Simeon held the Consolation of Israel—the hope of all mankind, the promised Messiah—and he thanked God. This moment demonstrates a surrendered trust. Simeon believed he would one day see the promised Messiah, but he likely expected the Messiah to be a grown man rather than a helpless infant. Nonetheless, Simeon trusted the Spirit’s leading and revealing, knowing that this baby fulfilled God’s promise to His people.
And Simeon declared…
Luke 2:29-30 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation.
By proclaiming who this child was, Simeon expressed his confidence in God, declaring that He was the salvation of the Lord. Simeon also announced his faith in the mission of this child:
Luke 2:31-32 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
In speaking these words, Simeon confirmed the Abrahamic Covenant and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling it. He declared that the promised Messiah would be a light to the nations, given through Israel, and would bring glory to them.
Genesis 12:2-3 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing….And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
And Simeon Prophesied…
Luke 2:33-35 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Jesus was, and is, “destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel” (Luke 2:34). Many rejected Jesus, representing the “fall,” while many accepted and worshiped Him, symbolizing the “rising.”
Jesus has always been a stumbling stone for many. He came with a sword that divides the believing from the unbelieving (Matthew 10:34-36).
Jesus is described as “a sign which will be spoken against” (Luke 2:34) “that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). A miracle is something to behold, but a sign conveys a message. Jesus declared that He was the sign given to Israel:
Matthew 12:39-41 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. he men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.”
Prophesy Fulfilled
The sign was fulfilled by Jesus when He spent “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” He was a greater prophet than Jonah, and his work on the cross and resurrection from death reveals people’s hearts and divides them. The most important question everyone must answer is: Who is Jesus? Do we believe and trust in His finished work and saving grace, or reject and deny His divinity and atoning death?
We must also consider the poignant words of Simeon, who spoke directly to Mary, stating, “Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also.” This refers to the sword the centurion used to pierce Jesus’ side on the cross, and Mary undoubtedly felt that agony in her own soul as she witnessed her son, God’s Son, being crucified.
Simeon’s Moment
Let’s not overlook the testimonies about Jesus spoken by both Simeon and Anna. While we often associate John the Baptist with announcing Jesus’ identity and works, he proclaimed Him “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” However, about 30 years earlier, Simeon and Anna testified about the Promised One who was now dwelling among humanity.
Following Jesus, Simeon and Anna are my favorite figures in the Christmas narrative. Their stories resonate deeply with me, and I have a picture of Simeon holding baby Jesus hanging above my fireplace. I can only imagine the joy when he held Jesus, the Consolation of Israel, and the hope of the world, in his arms.
Take a few moments to reflect on the joy and peace Simeon felt.
Luke 2:29-30 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation.”
- Remember Simeon’s moment throughout the year, and cherish the joy of your salvation every moment of every day.
- Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms—he held the Lord’s salvation. We don’t hold Jesus—He holds us! In Christ, the Lord’s salvation holds us
- Have confidence in Jesus’ saving grace and remember that you face a daily choice. You can choose to have the peace of God in all circumstances because you have peace with God forevermore. (Read: What is the Difference Between Peace WITH God and Peace OF God?)
Read also: Who’s Often Forgotten in the Birth of Jesus Story?
Why is Anna Significant in the Nativity Narrative?
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