Who was in Bethlehem? (Two who were not)

Luke 2:25-38

When we think of the Christmas story, we often ignore these 14 verses. That really is a shame because we get introduced to two interesting people. One is a Godly man named Simeon met them in the temple and the other is a prophetess named Anna. Both are old, but God has extended their days on earth for this very moment in history.

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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, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation 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.” 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.”

Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 2:25-38

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As a Godly father and mother, Joseph and Mary keep the law by having Jesus circumcised on the 8th day after his birth. Even as a newborn, Jesus did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill (keep) it. He was more than just the one who kept the law, but rather He was the one that the law points to. Simeon is an old man who God has revealed to that he would not die until he saw the promised Messiah.

The second person is Anna. She has been a widow for 84 years and had been married for seven years. It would seem that she was well over 100 years old. God also allowed her to see the newborn Messiah of Israel. I do not know about you, but I imagine these two walking around the temple singing the words, "Oh come, oh come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel...".

Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon begins praising God and declaring that Jesus is the Savior of the World. Mary probably did not understand all that Simeon was saying, but he made a very bold statement that proved to be very true. He told Mary of the future death of her Son. No, she would not live a long life and have her son oversee the burial of his mother. Instead, she would bury him. Yet, his death would bring about Salvation for all who would receive it.

Anna's message is not so subtle. She ran around telling everyone who would listen. This was not a gossip session, or even the excitement of a new baby, this was praise to God. She knew that in that baby lay the hopes of Israel and its redemption. She wanted everyone to know that this was a joyous occasion!

I brushed by Simeon, but I want to go back to him for just a moment. We need to take in the gravity of this situation. This was a joyous occasion for Mary and Joseph. No doubt everyone there was happy for them. Even Simeon is happy, but his words paint a very grim picture. “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.” Mary, because of this child, many people in Israel are going to be lifted up from their current circumstances (sin and death), but many others will be brought down (into judgment and hell). In the process, your heart is going to be broken as well. As a mother, when the spear went into Jesus's side on the cross, Mary probably felt like it went into her heart as well. Her firstborn son was dead. Simeon was foreshadowing what would be a gut-wrenching event for Mary.

God's plan of salvation was clear. It is laid out in explicit detail all throughout the Old Testament. While it was not hidden, people were not looking. Like many of us, they were looking for what they wanted, but not for what they actually needed. God used Simon and Anna as two of the first preachers of Jesus.

Father, thank You for not hiding Your plan from us. Even at such a joyous moment in the life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, You were making sure the expectations were clear. Your Son suffered so that many of us throughout history would not have to. Thank You for taking that burden upon Yourself and relieving us of it.