Simeon and Anna Saw God Incarnate

Luke 2:25-38

Introducing Simeon

Luke 2:25-26

• Simeon was just and devout (good inside and out)

• He was waiting for the consolation of Israel

• The Holy Spirit promised he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Christ

Simeon Came into the Temple

Luke 2:27• He was directed by God (“So he came by the

Spirit into the temple.”)• As one who came expectantly, under God’s

direction, he got to see Jesus• Note: Joseph and Mary brought Jesus in

accord with the requirements of the law of Moses– When God spared the firstborn of Israel, they

became uniquely the Lord’s and had to be redeemed (Exodus 13:2, 11-15; Numbers 18:15-16)

Simeon’s Thanksgiving

Luke 2:28-29• Since God’s Spirit caused him to be

there, he must have known, as he took the child into his arms, that this was the Christ

• He thanked God• He was now ready for his life to end and

could die in peace

Seeing God’s Salvation

Luke 2:31-32• Simeon had gotten to witness salvation's

arrival.• It was prepared by God, in that, he had

revealed its coming through his prophets (Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:6-12)

• It was for Jew and Gentile (Psalm 98:1-3; Isaiah 40:5; 42:6; 49:6; 52:10; 62:1-2)

The Fall and Rising

Luke 2:33-34a• He would bring about the fall and rising of

many.– This could refer to Him being a stone of

stumbling for some (Isaiah 8:14)– For others it could be the chief cornerstone and

foundation stone (Isaiah 8:14; 28:16).– It could also refer to humbling self (Matthew

18:3-4)– Likewise, it might refer to the rising to the

kingdom of heaven (John 3:1-7)

Foretelling Jesus’ Future

Luke 2:34b-35

• He would be spoken against (Mark 6:1-3; Luke 4:16-30; Matthew 26:39-44)

• He would be pierced by a sword (Isaiah 53; John 19:31-35)

• Others' hearts would be revealed

Anna Saw Jesus

Luke 2:36-38

• Anna was a special woman– Prophetess– An 84 year old widow who had been married 7

years– Stayed in the temple serving God with fastings

and prayers

• She gave thanks to God and spoke of Jesus to all who looked forward to redemption in Jerusalem (compare Luke 24:46-47)