Lesson 6: Simeon and Anna

Introduction:  After the days of purification, Jesus was brought 
into the temple.  He was received by a prophet and a prophetess.  
The Bible records little about these two people.  However, it 
reveals that they awaited the Christ and lived righteous lives.


I. Simeon  (vss. 25-27)
   A. Righteous and devout
   B. Looking for the consolation of Israel
   C. "The Holy Spirit was upon him."
   D. Revealed that he would not die until he saw the Christ

Principles:
     1. It was possible for the Jews to be righteous, even under 
    the old covenant.
     2. God again kept His promise.
     3. God kept His promise to the nation, of Israel (vs.32) and 
    the prophet, Simeon (vs. 29-30).

II. Simeon's Prayer (vss. 28-35)
   A. Simeon's attitude
      1. Humility -- "Thy bond-servant"  (vs. 29)
      2. Faith, contentment, and courage  (vs. 29)
   B. Simeon's statements
      1. The Christ was "salvation."
      2. The Christ came to the Gentiles.
      3. The Christ was the "glory of Thy people, Israel."
      4. Appointed for the rise and fall of many in Israel, a sign 
     to be opposed
      5. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also."

Principles:
     1. God told Jews that the Christ would bless the nations 
    (Gentiles), but the Jews did not fully understand this 
    until later (see also Acts 2:39 and Acts 10:14,28).
     2. Righteous people must have faith that God will keep His 
    promises (vss. 29-30).
     3. Righteous people must be prepared for death (vs. 26, 29).

III. Anna  (vss. 36-38)
   A. A prophetess
   B. "Advanced in years" -- 84 years old
   C. Lived with a husband only seven years after her marriage
   D. Lived as a widow for many years
   E. Like others, looking for the redemption of Israel
   F. Worshipped "night and day"

Principles:
     1. The elderly can receive God's highest complements.
     2. It is possible to serve God well, even after the death of 
    a spouse.

Questions:

1. Describe Simeon.
2. What is the meaning of "waiting for the consolation of Israel?"
3. What does Luke 2:29-30 imply about Simeon's character?
4. Christ came from the Jews, but came to both Jews and Gentiles.  
   Should the Jews have known this?  Were they told?  If so, where?
   What did Peter say about the promise to the Gentiles 
     (Acts 2:39)?
   What did Isaiah say (Isa. 49:6-9; 57:19)?
5. What does Luke 2:34 mean?  (See also I Cor. 1:22-24.)
6. How did Jesus' parents react to these prophecies?  Why did they 
   react that way?  Had they heard that Jesus was the Christ?
7. Describe Anna.  
8. Anna "served God with fastings and prayers night and day."  
   This was because
   a)      She wanted to look lean and holy.
   b)      She was completely devoted.
   c)      She was just made that way -- sort of built to enjoy 
         worship.
   d)      She was young and full of energy.
9. What does Anna's age tell us of elderly people?  What are some 
   ways that elderly people serve God? Cite scripture.
10. This and the previous lessons discussed Jesus' birth and 
   infant life.  The lessons cited many scriptures and numerous 
   incidents.  In your own words, summarize these events.  Were 
   these events significant?  Did they glorify God?  Did they cause 
   rejoicing?  Did they cause paranoia?  If so, how?

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