TBU 15- Simeon & Anna
December 17, 2024
Welcome
• Hi. I’m Brent and this is The Bible Unplugged podcast.
• We’re continuing the series “Advent Unplugged” series by discussing two of the lesser known characters in the Christmas Story: Simeon and Anna found in Luke chapter 2
• They may have a minor role in the story, but their messages have profound meaning and impact.
When Gospels Collide ad
• Let you know about one of my books that can be helpful as you follow along with the Advent Unplugged.
• When Gospels Collide combines the four Gospels into one continuous narrative. As you read through the book you get the details from all of the sources without having to flip back and forth through different books of the Bible.
• This may be especially helpful in this series since the complete story of Jesus’s birth is in more than one gospel
• When Gospels Collide is available on Amazon. Here is a link: When Gospels Collide
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Where are we in the story
• Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple 40 days after his birth.
• Since Jesus was their first born they offered a sacrifice to “buy back” Jesus from God. Luke 2:24 says they offered two birds as a sacrifice. As we discussed in previous episodes, this offering was an accommodation for poor families who could not afford a lamb. This indicates that the Magi had not yet visited Jesus to give him expensive gifts.
• Luke introduces us to Simeon and Ann beginning in 2:25
Simeon
• Names means “one who receive God”
• His namesake in the Old Testament was Simeon, the second son of Jacob and Leah. His violent temperament cost him later when Moses allocated the land. Simeon’s tribe was absorbed into Judah.
• God, in his infinite grace, restores Simeon in Revelation 7:7, counting 12,000 of his tribe in the 144,000 children of Israel sealed in the end times
• Just and devout man
• Holy Spirit revealed he would not die until he saw the Messiah.
• What was he expecting? Many in Israel through the Messiah would come down from the sky with an army of angels and wipe out their oppressors.
• Led by the Spirit to go to the Temple before Jesus arrived
• Recognized Jesus immediately. Was this baby what he expected? God often surprises us with things we never expect, but are the best possible outcome for us..
• He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God
• We usually think of God blessing us
• Same as a child asking for money from dad to buy dad a birthday present: both are blessed
• Luke 2:29-32- "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.“
• He knew he could die in peace- was not afraid of death
• His purpose in life was fulfilled even though few saw what he did
• Simeon’s prayer is a part of the “Morning Prayer” in Catholic liturgy
• Significant that Simeon’s prophecy includes “all people” not just people of Israel. God’s grace extends to everyone.
• Luke 2:33-35- Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him. Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
• Simeon warned Mary that there would be hard times ahead for her, but she had likely faced many challenges so far in this process.
• Note that there is no message for Joseph. We don’t hear anything about Joseph after Luke chapter 2.
Anna
• Luke 2:36-38
• Hebrew name- Hannah, which means favor or grace
• Hannah was the mother of Samuel the prophet. Her story is in 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2
• A prophetess, daughter of Phanuel [face of God], tribe of Asher. Having a reputation as a prophet meant that she had been active and vocal in proclaiming God’s truth for many years. The only woman in the New Testament that is called a prophet.
• Over 100 years old- married at @ 13, husband died after 7 years, was a widow for 84 years
• “Didn’t depart from the temple”- the court of women is as close as she could get. She spent much of her day in the high traffic areas surrounding the Temple building.
• Worshipped, fasted and prayed
• “Coming up at that very hour”- she arrived at that part of the Temple about the same time as Jesus
• Praised God for the Messiah’s arrival, told everyone
• We have no recorded words that she spoke, only that she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke about the Messiah to other faithful people.
What we learn from this
• The Holy Spirit was active before Pentecost
• Be sensitive to the Spirit- can only be accomplished through focused spiritual disciplines
• We don’t know if there was a visible clue who Jesus was
• God affirms we are on the right track through unusual means
• We are here for a purpose whether we know it or not
• We may not recognize God’s work as it happens
What do we do with this
• Think about what you do during a normal day. How much of that time is spent looking for God’s activity in the world. Pay close attention to the clues that God is active in your life. The clues are there. We just have to recognize God’s work.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into what is happening in the lives of others. What divine work does God have for you to do in ministering to other people in need.
• Find the purpose God has for you today through prayer first thing in the morning, then act of that purpose throughout your day. God has a blessing for you and for others when you act on the reason God has placed you where you are.
The conclusion
• Well, the music in the background means I have run out of things to say, but I’m not out of topics to discuss.
• I hope this has been helpful. If so, give this podcast a high rating and share it with others.
• Join in the next episode when we circle back to when Mary and Elizabeth greet each other. Mary’s expression of joy and wonder during that meeting has been enshrined in church liturgy.
• My prayer for you is that you will see that God can do miracles through seemingly insignificant events in your life
• Have a blessed week
The disclaimers
• Just to let you know
• All opinions are my own. If you agree, keep listening. If you don’t… keep listening, you may learn something
• All Bible quotations come from the World English Bible which is a public domain work
• Our show theme song is “Awesome Call” by Kevin MacLeod and is available under a Creative Commons license
• The content of this podcast is copyrighted 2024 by J. Brent Eaton
• This has been a Power Love and Miracles production
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