Dr. Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges and Biblical meetings in the U.S., England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. There are critical moments in life when everything depends upon immediate submission to the impulse of the Spirit. As in Simeons day, the message needed is, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.. He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. Apparently sacrificial lambs were wrapped (swaddled) at birth 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. 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. Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. He was waiting for the one who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. He sees the Christ child with his own eyes and finds fulfillment. What an act of faith that was! A similar hope is beating in many hearts today, even while the darkness deepens in political, educational, moral, and spiritual things. Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. As a crowning reward of his life, God showed him that he should not die until the Christ came. It is often assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the Bible never says that. Jesus at the age of twelve accompanies Mary and Joseph, and a large group of their relatives and friends to Jerusalem on pilgrimage, according to the custom that is, Passover. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. 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. One issue does provide some hesitation for me though. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? Unlike Simeon, Anna is not just visiting the Temple for the day; she is there all the time. Who are we to really imply something different for the amazing Simeon and his song??!!! Before this baby was born an angel named Gabriel told Mary what to name Him. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call him Jesus. According to Luke, Anna never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day (Luke 2:37). What did old Simeon say when he saw Jesus? They were given a sign a baby swaddled, laying in a manger. If (as some scholars claim) this band of shepherds were those caring for the temple flocks, they would recognize this treatment. He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. 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. Your email address will not be published. disciple. i was searching for private visions by people who have had additional explanations, suvh as the annunciation. Praised God and spoke of Jesus' future. Simeon saw the all-surpassing worth of the Messiah. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. Looking at Jesus inspired him in two ways: the feeling of . Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. my name is david snyder. In Davids time the yearly service of the highpriest priests was divided in 24 houses, each makng the service in the temple in Jerusalem for half a month. In the biblical Joseph narrative, when Joseph, having settled in Egypt, asks his brothers to bring Benjamin to him, he takes Simeon hostage to ensure that they return. Let us know if corrections need to be made. 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. Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. Simeon knows that God's target is not just Israel but all people. I really didn't care about $15,000 at that moment. Now he sees his long-desired Star. 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. Do you follow Christ even when it proves costly? 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? 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! It seems that Luke wants to make this scene very personal for Simeon and Anna. 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. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. Their hearts were right with God. The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. They have much to speak into our context. This practice carried over into English: in the King James Version, the name Simeon Niger is spelt Simeon . 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.". 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. He saw one of the most important events in world history! 2 Nangyari, nang mga araw na iyon, na lumabas ang isang batas mula kay Augusto Cesar na nag-uutos na dapat magpatala ang buong sanlibutan. 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? 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. 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. The jewish month has only about 29 days .please google the theme here and you will find all detailed informations for what I wrote here. 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 ). When Simeon saw Him for whom his soul had been longing, he took Him in his arms. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. Simeon had an insight into dispensational truth, as verses 30-32 indicate. Shes pondering all right, shes pondering just how hard shes gonna tan his little hide when she gets him home. website? It is evident from scripture, by the fact that the people in His hometown and His siblings didnt know He was the Messia (after thirty yrs), that Mary, Joseph or Jesus ever revealed this. 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. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. 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. (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.). Rather, it was the summit of his life-long experience with God. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. Not everyone can be a prophet, however. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Messiah. 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. When Simeon saw the Lords Christ, he took him up in his arms and blessed God, saying, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. This taking Jesus into his arms was an act of the will by Simeon. God is going global! Luke adds that she treasures the words the angel Gabriel speaks to her. 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). Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. SCRIPTURE, proclaims elizabeth asking in wonder, how is it that the MOTHER of my LORD comes to me? i could go on and on. I said that I had not. 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! 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. Surely youll recall how the unborn John the Baptist leaped in his mothers womb at the presence of Mary and the unborn baby Jesus? This is a stand that is very difficult for me to follow how one gets there, since Mary was told by Gabriel, John (to be the Baptist) at 6 mos responded, Elizabeth told her, again all the torment when she rtnd from Elizabeths, the shepards and the wise men the woman would have had to of had amnesia not to know. Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to thy word., 3. 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. See answer (1) Best Answer. to say. the angels (you will find the babe swaddled and laying in a manger.). 4 Si Jose ay umahon din mula sa Galilea, mula sa lungsod ng Nazaret . 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. However, given such information, Simeon could not have been more than 55 years old, perhaps an age considered advanced at that time. He saw the Savior before He died. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. 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. 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. He holds the Th.B (Westminster Seminary) and Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh). That light was symbolized by the Star of Bethlehem, which shone in the dark night when the Prince of Life came into a world torn by avarice, hatred, and war. Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. An old man called Simeon lived in Jerusalem. 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). 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. In fact, people may even laugh at your Christ-centered satisfaction. He kept the law inwardly and outwardly, looked for the Messiah, and the very presence of God was in his life. In these Old Testament types and experiences, they saw Christ. Global Relief Fund | Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria. 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. This lesson is about Simeon, an old man, who had a special hope fulfilled by God. Who is Katy mixon body double eastbound and down season 1 finale? IVE JUST FINISH READING ANNA IS A PROPHETESS FOUND LUKE 2:36. 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. outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. 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. 3 Pilgrimage Paths from Galilee to Jerusalem, Dating the Oldest New Testament Christian Manuscripts, The Bethesda Pool, Site of One of Jesus Miracles. 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. She changed strategies, "Well, how about $15,000? Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Simeon must have understood that Israels conversion would be realized only after the enlightenment of the heathen and the calling out of the Church. He was a good man and very religious. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." The wisdom of Almighty God is unsearchable! Simeon saw Jesus there, and he picked Jesus up in his arms. 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. They likely would have communicated to her the sign they had been given by 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. A widow . Simeon Sees Jesus. What is the overall storyline of jesus existence according to johns gospel. Youre on the money. At first glance, Simeon and Anna could be easily overlooked within the narrative. Biblical Archaeology Society, [] Witherington IIIs full essay Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First Recognized Jesus as Messiah? is accessible online for free. Only after years of pondering the message in her heart does she become a true follower of Jesus. Museo Civico, Recanati, Italy/Scala/Art Resource, NY. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus?Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. Seems to me like they didnt get it. and lain in a manger as they were being inspected for blemishes that would disqualify them for sacrifice. The song Mary did you know yes Mary did know that her son Gods son was capable of not only performing miracles but of saving any one who has faith in Him from eternal death and blessing them with eternal life. 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. This required the presentation of a lamb, or for those who were poor, of two pigeons. 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. (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. The peace that Simeon is talking about is linked to two phrases - "according to your word" and "for my eyes have seen your salvation." God could have prolonged his life anyway without a word. Central to Simeon's spiritual eyesight was a deeply rooted godliness. In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility" (Eph 2:11-14). 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. 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 . He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. Nice job Susanna! "For the fall and rising of many." Anna then approaches the Holy Family. 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). 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). Additionally he was not a direct descendant of David. disciple. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. 1. Oh to have people know that there is something different about us because of how satisfied we are in Christ. 30 The angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. Oh to have the world know this about the followers of Christ.