NEW TESTAMENT CHARACTERS

SIMEON AND ANNA.
SIMEON
Right Lord I’m ready now. You can let your servant die in peace. I have seen with my own eyes, just as you promised, the Rescuer you have prepared for all people. To every nation, tribe and ethnic group, He shall be light; and to your people Israel, glory.

NARRATOR (Luke)
While Joseph and Mary were marvelling at what he said, Simeon turned and blessed them. Then he said to Mary,

SIMEON
This child will cause many people to rise, and many others to fall. He will meet strong opposition and you will feel its effects, in fact a sword will go through your own soul. The secret thoughts of many hearts will be made public.

* * *

Down the ages there have always been people who know God - who live tuned in to Heaven and hear His quiet inner voice speaking to them. This kind of close relationship with The Holy Spirit was well known long before Pentecost. Simeon and Anna were two such people. Mary and Joseph were young and had received their instructions from angels. Simeon and Anna were old and had learned to listen to God’s voice direct.

Over the years, old Simeon had meditated on the Jewish Scriptures and discovered truths which many chief priests and rabbis had missed. Simeon knew that the coming of Messiah would not be all triumph and glory. He understood something of what Isaiah had written about God’s suffering servant. Much as he loved his own people, Simeon also knew that Messiah was not to be exclusive to one nation, indeed the glory of Israel was to be blessing for all nations according to God’s promise to Abraham.

Along with these insights into God’s character and purpose, Simeon had also received a personal assurance that before he died he would see the promised Messiah.

When Mary and Joseph brought their baby into the temple, it was normal for older men and women to approach them, pray for their child and give their blessing. To some old people such a ceremony would be no more than a kind gesture, an expression of goodwill, sincere in its way but without any further significance. Simeon and Anna, however, were used to listening to God; so when they came to bless a child they would pause and make sure they were tuned in to that inner voice of God’s Spirit. Did they have anything special to offer the new parents, some encouragement or warning or advice. People who know God are used to such moments - were then and still are.

What Simeon heard was simple. “Here is the Messiah. Tell what you have learned about Him. Your lifelong expectation is complete.”

So he warned Mary that a sword would pierce through her own soul. He warned that Jesus would face much opposition. And he declared that the child would bring, not only glory to Israel but also light to the nations.