Who first recognized Jesus as the Messiah-Mary, Simeon, or Anna? Explore Luke's narrative to see how prophetic insight, not proximity, revealed the Christ child, with Anna emerging as the first to fully understand and proclaim the good news. Simeon and Anna - After eight days, the time came to circumcise the baby. He was called by the name Jesus, which the angel had given him before he had been conceived in the womb.
When the time came for them to be purified according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him before the Lord. That's what the law of the Lord says: "Every firstborn male shall be called. At the very moment Simeon was praising the Lord for the Christ Child, Anna appeared.
Known for her unwavering dedication to God, she recognized the significance of the moment and joined Simeon in praising their Lord. What a wonderful moment this must have been to see these two elderly people singing praises in the temple. Like Simeon, Anna the prophetess was one of the faithful remnant in Israel who was waiting for the advent of the Messiah.
Verse 38a says that she "gave thanks... unto the Lord" for the Christ Child. Verses 36-37 give her father's name, the tribe of Israel to which she belonged, and share some information about her age.
The prophets Simeon and Anna recognized the time of the Messiah's visitation at a time when so many missed it. How did they know? Learn how Simeon and Anna, two elderly believers in Luke 2, looked forward to the coming of the Christ and were used by the Spirit to proclaim Him. See how they are examples for us to live in anticipation of the eternal kingdom and experience God's rewards.
Like Simeon and Anna, Nicodemus spent much time at the temple. Like Simeon and Anna, he sought God in earnest prayer. But, unlike Simeon and Anna, he couldn't comprehend who this man was.
He had to get answers, and so he slunk off at night to visit Jesus secretly. Pious Simeon (Luke 2:25) Next, the story moves to Simeon and Anna who just "happen" to be in the temple at this time. Both of them are righteous, God-fearing people whom God has sent as witnesses.
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout and the Holy Spirit was upon him." (2:25). Simeon and Anna lived sacrificially, devoting themselves to worship, prayer, and fasting. True community living requires sacrifice-choosing, at times, to set aside our own comfort for the sake of others.
The Christian life calls for a sacrificial heart, a willingness to help, redeem, and walk alongside others in their journey with God. Learn about the two elderly saints who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the Temple as an infant. Read their testimony, their prophecies, and their legacy of worship and service.