STORY
Anna and Simeon
Luke 2:25-38 recounts the extraordinary and moving story of Anna and Simeon. Both Simeon and Anna were very old. They had been waiting and praying for the Messiah, as many Jews of their day were. The Holy Spirit had spoken to Simeon and revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. And so he waited… The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit was upon him as he waited for the consolation (comfort) for Israel.
One morning, Mary and Joseph came into the temple area, Mary holding her new baby, Jesus. God revealed to Simeon in that moment and the Messiah was here, now, and he hurried to Mary and Joseph, taking the baby in his arms, and crying aloud, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory of your people, Israel.” Simeon saw, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he followed, he obeyed, he proclaimed. And then Anna came onto the scene. She was a prophetess and was so devoted to God that she never left the temple area, but stayed there day and night, fasting and praying. And when she saw the child, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
We know that Mary and Joseph marveled at the things that were revealed to and spoken by Anna and Simeon… what an answer to the cry of their heart. What confirmation to everyone in this story. Tasked with the virtually impossible, Anna and Simeon were used by God to assure Mary and Joseph that this was the Messiah, and their mission was of God.
