how old was simeon when he saw jesus

2010-07-06 11:03:12. Many, many years before Jesus came to earth as a baby, God had given Moses laws for His people to obey. You and I, who live in the light of the second coming of Christ, have the same glorious word of assurance. 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. and lain in a manger as they were being inspected for blemishes that would disqualify them for sacrifice. Which she knows fullwell, she had pondered this in her heart. The passage in which Simeon blessed the baby Jesus and prophesied great things was an opportunity to prove to the readers of Luke's Gospel that Jesus was indeed the son of God. For such a learned scholar he does not read throughly all of Luke. See Alfred Plummer, Luke, International Critical Commentary (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1905), p. 71. He has protected his servant Israel, keeping his merciful design in remembrance, according to the promise which he made to our forefathers, Abraham and his posterity for evermore.. We must make this observation, for in verse 29 there are three words which indicate this. In which christian text are the teachings of jesus recorded? website? It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. For the Holy Spirit to rest upon a man is the highest experience God has for him. As you celebrate this holiday, exchange gifts, enjoy days of rest, and time with family - I just want to remind you that this holiday is about the glory and the beauty of the gospel! 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. Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." He saw the Savior before He died. "Really?" At the Temple scene, Mary definatly shows she knows this by how she address him after looking for him for three days. 8:14). Todos los derechos reservados,

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. redemption. 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. 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). 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. Like Simeon, let us believe the word of the Lord and rejoice in this as our ground of confidence. 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. What did old Simeon say when he saw Jesus? Which scripture acknowledges by saying Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. He was obident and honored them for another 18 yrs until the God given time had come and He revelled himself by changing the water into wine at the Cana wedding. He was a faithful temple goer which means that he regularly met with God. wish to examine some-more about his analysis? Zacharias the father of John the baptist was from the house of Abija, we read in Luke 1.5. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. He holds the Th.B (Westminster Seminary) and Ph.D. (University of Pittsburgh). He saw him as the beauty of God saying, "Promise Fulfilled." Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus How did the 2nd February come to be called Candlemas ? At least that seems to be what you imply. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. 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. Luke 2:25-35 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. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. I just want to eat and to be done with that call. They have much to speak into our context. He was a good man and very religious. Global Relief Fund | Earthquake Relief Efforts in Turkey and Syria. 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. Is there a difference between Simon and Simeon? He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. i was searching for private visions by people who have had additional explanations, suvh as the annunciation. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. 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. December 21, 2008 College Park Church, What Simeon Saw: Lessons From a Satisfied Old Man. Mary at the Cana wedding sensed, maybe with the Holy Spirits nudging, that perhaps this was the time for Jesus to reveall him self in a big way. "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. The small child that Simeon holds will be a light to the Gentiles. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. He is a godly man who is satisfied with a gospel that is a beautiful and costly treasure. To look for the Messianic Age is a consolation to all believers in every critical time. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? 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! Their hearts were right with God. 2) Im not sure why Simeons reaponse has to be considered less than Annas? Browse 60+ years of magazine archives and web exclusives. 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.". Romans 11:33-34 and Isaiah 40:28. Let us begin each day, as Simeon must have begun each day, by saying, I wonder if my Lord will come today!. 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. disciple. Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? He held him and knew that one day this baby would call people to choose between God and themselves. He was waiting for the time when God would help Israel. Simeon told Mary & Joseph that Jesus would be a helper for people. Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. anyones radar, so I think Mary indeed had a lot to mull over as she put all the extraordinary information The scene that Luke wants to highlight is more than just historical fulfillment. 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. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. The Holy Spirit allowed Simeon to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. OK, so I have a slightly different interpretation when it comes to Joseph and Mary finding Jesus after hes been missing for three days. And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. 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). birthing the sacrificial lambs for the nearby temple, as some scholars claim, then this sign would present some 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. 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. He is called "devout." He was careful about his religious observances. The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . Because that is what Simon said. the angels (you will find the babe swaddled and laying in a manger.). Gods command to us is that we should be holy (Leviticus 20:7), and His provision is the gift of the Holy Ghost who reproduces within us the holiness of the Lord Jesus Himself. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration. Combine a one-year tablet and print subscription to BAR with membership in the BAS Library to start your journey into the ancient past today! Wikimedia CommonsThe Greek transliteration of Jesus real name , Isous, and the late Biblical Hebrew version Yeshua. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? He had a personal encounter with Jesus, and foresaw Christ's future crucifixion. 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:). 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. Simeon declared the Child to be the glory of thy people Israel. That an Israelite should first mention Christ as the means of enlightening the heathen and then emphasize the glory of Israel was an unusual order in pre-Christian times and thinking. Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. Verse 26 makes this clear! Sign up to receive our email newsletter and never miss an update. Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. Rather, it was the summit of his life-long experience with God. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). 2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative, Study 4 JUDAS ISCARIOT: HIS TERRIBLE BETRAYAL, Verse 26 tells us it had been revealed to him. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace. Blessedness and peace were his portion. So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Simeon appears to be a normal Jewish man. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. we can know when Jesus was born. The Holy Ghost was upon Simeon. This describes a special experience of anointing known to a noble company of Gods people in all ages. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." In Hebrew Simeon means: hearing or listening. Simeon saw the all-surpassing worth of the Messiah. It shows that Simeon had received a gracious dealing from God in response to his own searching for divine guidance. Wouldn't it be awesome if that was our view of life when it comes to the gospel? Simeon Sees Jesus. Mary then announced to Elizabeth (and the world): Wiki User. In the birth narratives about Jesus, we meet Simeon and Anna, who were also "waiting for consolation" (Luke 2:25). 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. Gospel account The episode is described in Luke 2:4152. 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. Simeon had been 40, then 50, then 60 years old. The violations of the Law of God, the iniquity, immorality, and injustice of their day, only deepened their desire for the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah. And Marys Magnificent states her understanding of what is happening within her. Not everyone can be a prophet, however. He will, in fact, be rejected. 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). He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have Also see the reading below from verses 29-32 and verses 34-35. By this time Simeon was a very old man. The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. This answer is: Study guides. Simeon described the Child as a light to lighten the Gentiles. The Gentiles refers to the nations other than Israel. Seven Signs Changing water into wine at Cana in John 2:1-11 the first of the signs Healing the royal officials son in Capernaum in John 4:46-54. The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on February 12, 2013. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . ANNA. One issue does provide some hesitation for me though. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for learn []. Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. Thus Simeon describes himself as free, released from the heavy burden of life. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? August 22,2014 2:02 am. 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 has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top Biblical studies works by Christianity Today. Simeon believed in the imminence of the Messianic age. Notice how the text describes him. we are in the 8th month. God is going global! The nunc dimittis of Simeon emphasizes the end of a long vigil of waiting. By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. We then count 3 and a half months from 1. He was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He took the prophets at their word and was looking for the coming Messiah. to say. 26 The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. This is because in addition to being a proselytizer, Anna is a prophetess (Luke 2:36). 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 pairing of Simeon and Anna reflects Lukes penchant for male-female parallelism when he writes about the recipients of divine blessing and salvation. At the opening of Aeschyluss Agamemnon, a sentinel, set to watch for the appearing of fire that was to announce the taking of Troy, beholds at last the signal so impatiently expected, and he sings at once, both of the victory of Greece and of his own release. Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, I Was the Proverbial, Drug-Fueled Rock and Roller, Jesus Revolution Director: Were at the Forefront of a Return to God, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest, Complete access to articles on ChristianityToday.com, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. 12:). i know PROTESTANTS dont credit private interpretations. What are the 4 major sources of law in Zimbabwe? A similar hope is beating in many hearts today, even while the darkness deepens in political, educational, moral, and spiritual things. how old was simeon when he saw jesus. 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. A suffering messiah was not yet on This lesson is about Simeon, an old man, who had a special hope fulfilled by God. The Spirit rested upon Samson, and he did marvelous exploits. And nobodys recognizing John the Baptists testimony to knowing who Jesus wasfrom the womb! Simeon lived in Jerusalem. Jesus name in Hebrew was Yeshua which translates to English as Joshua. "Yeah, I know that you are going to kill me, but I won't recant on my belief in Christ.". What distinguishes Simeon is not his position, but his godliness. Have something to add about this? He will either accept him or reject him. Simeon's righteous faith qualified him to see something incredibly special. He was doing just that - listening day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment for the sound of the footsteps of the Son of God whose coming was drawing near. See answer (1) Best Answer. Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. Mary, Simeon or Anna: Who First Recognized Jesus as Messiah? i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! It wasnt that Mary had forgotten that Jesus was also the Son of God that she didnt understand. God could have prolonged his life anyway without a word. Home / / how old was simeon when he saw jesus. Nicely done Ben. And that was when we both started laughing. 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).

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