The Lessons for the Last Days

Simeon’s Prophecy and Anna’s Testimony

As I read through this account I want you to pick up on the character qualities of Simeon, Anna and the priest, they were looking for the 1st coming of Jesus, we are looking for the 2nd coming – ask yourself the question what is God trying to teach us about how we should be living in these last days until Jesus comes?

·         Read the passage with emphasis

Before we get started at looking at the text, to have a fuller understanding of its meaning we need to look at its historical background first, in other words what it meant to the first readers, why did they do what they were doing – and from that we can learn the correct lessons to apply to this text. 

Come back and see verses 22 – 24 to get the context. 

Historical Significance

The first thing to notice is that it is in a temple setting, it is associated with the sanctuary and its services – keep that in the back of your mind as we move through. 

The Requirements of The Law

1.      Jewish law required that after the birth of a male child his mother was regarded as ‘unclean’ for 7 days and had to remain at home for a further 33, after which on the 40th day a purification sacrifice had to be offered (Lev. 12:1–8).  This could be done only at Jerusalem and necessitated a journey there. Although Luke says their purification, it was only Mary and not her child who needed to be purified.  Luke has run together the purification of the mother and the ‘redemption’ of her child.  The sacrifice offered was the less expensive one, of only two pigeons, permitted to poor people,—a reference to the ‘humble’ status of Joseph and Mary.  If able, they would have offered a lamb (Lev. 5:7). 

2.      The law required that each firstborn son of a Jewish family belongs to the Lord and must be redeemed (Exodus 13–16).  All firstborn creatures were regarded as consecrated to God.  This was expressed by sacrificing the firstborn of animals and by making a payment of five shekels in lieu of children when they were a month old. (Ex. 13:13; Nu. 18:15–16).  The law did not require the presence of the child at the temple for this purpose.

3.      Jesus was present because Mary seems also to have made a special offering of her child to God for his service, just as Hannah had given Samuel to God at the tabernacle. (1 Sa. 1:11, 21–28)[1]  In these ways all possible requirements of the law were fulfilled (Gal. 4:4).[2]

It’s Significance

·         About forty days after the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, and to offer sacrifice. This was according to the Jewish law, and as man’s substitute Christ must conform to the law in every particular. He had already been subjected to the rite of circumcision, as a pledge of His obedience to the law. {DA 50.1}

·         As an offering for the mother, the law required a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. But the law provided that if the parents were too poor to bring two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering, the other for a sin offering, might be accepted. {DA 50.2}

·         The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ, and from this it is evident that Jesus Himself was free from physical deformity. He was the "lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:19.

·         The dedication of the first-born had its origin in the earliest times. God had promised to give the First-born of heaven to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of the first-born son. He was to be devoted to the priesthood, as a representative of Christ among men. {DA 51.1}

·         In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the dedication of the first-born was again commanded. While the children of Israel were in bondage to the Egyptians, the Lord directed Moses to go to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say, “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is My son, even My first-born: and I say unto thee, Let My son go, that he may serve Me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.” Ex. 4:22, 23. {DA 51.2}

·         Moses delivered his message; The Lord worked for His people by signs and wonders, sending terrible judgments upon Pharaoh. the destroying angel was bidden to slay the first-born of man and beast among the Egyptians. That the Israelites might be spared, they were directed to place upon their doorposts the blood of a slain lamb. Every house was to be marked, that when the angel came on his mission of death, he might pass over the homes of the Israelites. {DA 51.3}

·         After sending this judgment upon Egypt, the Lord said to Moses, "Sanctify unto Me all the first-born, both of man and of beast: it is Mine;" "for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto Me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast: Mine shall they be: I am the Lord." Ex. 13:2; Num. 3:13. the first-born were regarded as the Lord’s, and were to be bought back by a ransom. {DA 51.4}

·         Thus the law for the presentation of the first-born was made particularly significant. While it was a memorial of the Lord’s wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be wrought out by the only-begotten Son of God. As the blood sprinkled on the doorposts had saved the first-born of Israel, so the blood of Christ has power to save the world today. {DA 51.5}

It is with that background, that the theme of redemption and sacrifice had its echo’s in the passage we are looking at today – it was these great themes from the saving acts of God, did Mary and Joseph recognize the significance of the event.

And if you want some good reading this afternoon, read desire of ages chapter 5 called “The Dedication” – where I got a lot of ideas for this sermon from.

Lets look at the main parts of the story

·         Two elderly Israelites consoled by his coming.

·         A prophet named Simeon (2:25–35) and a prophetess named Anna (2:36–38) testified to the identity of the infant Christ.

·         Both were elderly, and Anna was a widow.

·         God had told Simeon, who was waiting for “the Messiah to come and rescue Israel,” that he would see the Messiah before he died.

·         Anna told “everyone who had been waiting for the promised King” that their Redeemer had come.[3]

One of the first characters we encounter is Simeon, what can learn about this man from the Bible?

Simeon – a character sketch

There was nothing special about Simeon that qualified him to take up the Christ child in his arms and bless Him.  To our knowledge he was not an ordained religious leader, and he had no credentials or special authority.  He was simply a “just and devout” man who had a close walk with God, a layman in today’s terms.

Simeon, whose name means “God hears,” is an example of how God honors those who engage in quiet prayer and constant watchfulness.  Simeon was a man of patient faith, yet his wait for the Messiah must have seemed never-ending.  He likely had many opportunities for doubt, as numerous would-be Messiahs would have sounded many false alarms in the land.

Yet somehow he knew that the Redeemer would first come not as a great, heavenly champion wrapped in banners of nationalism, nor with a political agenda of violence, but as a Baby carried in the arms of His parents.  His kingdom would prove to be a stumbling block to some and the Rock of salvation to others, for both Jew and Gentile[4]

v25 – And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was   Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the     Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

1.      The first thing I noticed is the phrase “just and devout”

·         Just and Devout

Simeon was just and devout because he knew what God had done for him, he had saved the Jews from slavery in Egypt (from the bondage of sin, idolatry, the practice of occultism and witchcraft, and from oppression), He had brought them out of bondage and thru the other side to the promised land, His promises had come true, and now Simeon a student of prophecy knew that their saviour was soon to arrive. 

By being he was devoted, pious and humble of heart in his duties to God, and he was just and fair in his conduct to his fellow man = I wonder is this how we are living today as we are getting ready in these last days, waiting and watching for the coming of Jesus just like Simeon was in the Messiah’s 1st coming;

He was just and devout – not in the eyes of his fellow men, he did not crave their honour or flatteries, nor the prestige of the world, No – he was just and devout in the eyes of God.  Simeon was a humble man and a devout searcher of the scriptures, he must have had a strong faith and was not easily shaken, he had the same attitude as Zacharias and Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary (Luke 1:28), Anna, the wisemen (matt 2:11), Joseph of Arimathea (Mark 15:43) – it was to these people who were honouring and glorifying God through their lives that God saw fit to reveal the mysteries of His gospel

I am reminded of a passage from Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Do we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly – even if we have been wronged?

Outward observances are valueless without true godliness inside of us; mere external religious practice cannot be a substitute for internal character and obedience.  God does not desire our substance but our spirit; not just our worship but our will; not just our service but our lives.[5]

Like Simeon we also need to walk with God, because when men walk with God they order their lives in harmony with the will of God[6]

Lets look at who walked with God?

Genesis 5:22 - …Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters.

Genesis 6:9 - …Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.

Deuteronomy 10:12 - “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul," – Simeon loved God

Jeremiah 7:23 - "But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’" – Simeon obeyed God and has peace

We too need to walk with God – just like the great people of the Bible did.

2.      The second thing to notice is that Simeon had an attitude of humble waiting

Waiting for the Messiah

We are told that Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel, this means if he was waiting he must have been watching for the coming of the Messiah; he could have only achieved this by close study of the scriptures and especially the prophecies of the Bible in particular Daniel – otherwise how would he have known to wait. 

Because he was a humble man, who loved God and was looking for the Messiah – God opened his mind through the HS that he may know about Jesus’ appearance

And so we are reminded of Heb 9:28

“So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”

Like Simeon we are to wait

Simeon by waiting for the consolation of Israel was saying, “may I live to see the Messiah,” he knew the messiah was coming and the comfort he would bring when He should arrive, because it had been revealed to him by the spirit of prophecy – it was only by the Holy spirit that Simeon was able to give the prophecy.  Simeon was calling for the Lord to come, as should we also as we read the catch cry in 1 Cor 16:22

1 Corinthians 16:22 - If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.  O Lord, come!

It is the last part that in the Aramaic is “Maranatha,” This is the only place in Scripture where this word occurs.  And this expression may be translated “our Lord comes,” or “our Lord, come.”

As Paul says in his 1st letter to the Corinthians, he appeals for them to abandon their factions, false doctrines and practices, and give themselves wholly to the Lord, and then he gave his forceful pronouncement concerning the Lord’s coming.  As it was then so it should be today, the coming of Jesus should be the theme of every Christian’s life.[7]

·         Many in this world don’t know about Jesus’ second coming – they too are watching and waiting, but for something else – may be they will win the lotto this week, may be there bets on the Grand Final will come good, may be there horoscopes have told them they are to expect good news of finances – let us not fall into the same trap

·         Now if I take the theme of ‘waiting’ from the NT we can see that there are some significant verses that are associated with this word

Luke 12:36 - and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.

Romans 8:23 - Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

Philippians 3:20 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Hebrews 10:13 - from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. – Here we see a picture of Jesus also waiting

·         Now because Simeon was waiting for the coming of the Messiah it is obvious that he must have been watching for the Messiah – now this is exactly what we are to be doing in our time, for his second coming.  What does the NT say about watching, nearly all the references refer to what Jesus wants His people to be doing from the period of His ascension to His second coming

If I take the topic of “watching” many of us will be familiar with the following verses

Matthew 25:13 - “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Luke 21:36 - Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

1 Corinthians 16:13 - Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 - Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

1 Peter 4:7 - But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Revelation 3:3 - Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.  Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. – Here we see the only one in the negative, as a warning

Revelation 16:15 - “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”

These are not demands but promises from God to his people, just like with the 10 commandments, they are to help us stand firm in our faith, we are given these for our encouragement, to give strength, foresight, to build our faith, to give assurance, that we may rely and trust the Bible

·         Don’t be discouraged that your wait may have seemed too long, its our privilege to wait on the Lord, I am glad that I am on God’s timetable and not mine, and think when you have made to heaven you will look back with your eternity ahead of you and say to yourself – that was only a short time and now I know why I hung on and didn’t give up or give in – because I can guarantee that it will be certainly worth the wait, because there’s a bit of truth in the saying “short term pain, for long term gain”. 

·         You never here of Simeon moaning and complaining about waiting until he was an old man until he saw the messiah – but what a blessing he received when he actually looked into jc’s eyes and was face to face with him – and this was one of the last things simeon saw before he passed away – what encouragement he must have felt, - that is a lesson for us today, we are to continually wait patiently for the lord, not to question his timing of events, leave that stuff up to him, its too big for me – as with Simeon let us stay close to the Lord and walk with him

3.      The third thing to notice is that the Holy Spirit was upon him.

The Holy Spirit was upon him

·         Simeon had his heart set on the messianic hope, which alone could bring consolation in his troubled land.  Thus he was open under the Holy Spirit’s influence for God to impart special insight to him.[8]  And so Simeon’s hope should parallel our hope. 

·         Because the spirit was upon him Luke shows us that Simeon was providing reliable testimony to the person and work of God’s Son.[9]  Simeon was given a special insight by the spirit so that he would recognise the Christ – and not a false Christ.  It is common in the Bible when the spirit comes on a person; they are seen as a prophet. 

·         He was a man who was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, and obedient to the will of God; and therefore he was privileged to see the salvation of God.  How important it is for people to see God’s salvation, Jesus Christ, before we see death.[10]

·         In giving us His Spirit, God gives us Himself, making Himself a source of influence, to give health and life to the world.  {7T 273.1}

·         As God so liberally bestows His gifts on you, remember that it is in order that you may return them to the Giver, multiplied by being imparted.  Bring into the lives of others light and joy and peace.  Every day we need the discipline of selflessness, that we may be prepared to receive the heavenly gift, not to hoard it, not to rob God's children of His blessing, but to give it in all its rich fullness to others.  {7T 273.2}

·         God wants us to receive much, in order that we may impart much.  He desires us to be channels through which He can impart richly of His grace to the world.  {7T 273.3}

·         Let sincerity and faith characterize your prayers.  The Lord is willing to do for us "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Ephesians 3:20.  Talk it; pray it.  Do not talk unbelief.  We cannot afford to let Satan see that he has power to darken our countenances and sadden our lives. 

v26 – “And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would      not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”

1.      The first thing to notice here is that it had been revealed to Simeon

Here we see that the Holy Spirit had revealed a prophecy to Simeon as a promise that he would not see death before he see’s the Messiah. 

In every age the devout followers of god have treasured the hope of living to see the fulfillment of the Messiah.  God has purposed that this hope shall burn brightly in the hearts of His faithful ones

1 John 3:2-3 - Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  3And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

We can see also that the devout in Simeon’s day had the assurance of the coming of Jesus because of their close study of the prophecies in the bible regarding the long awaited messiah, Simeon and others were aware of the Prophecy in Daniel 9 which pointed to the exact time of the coming of the messiah[11]

Daniel predicted that the long-looked-for Messiah would appear at a specified time. 

But Simeon didn’t hang his hope only on one verse in the Bible, he looked to the long list of witnesses from the OT, that told of the prophecy and promise of the coming Messiah with incredible accuracy:

In Simeon’s time he would of have known about:

1.      The Virgin Birth

2.      The place of His Birth

3.      There were also many others for instance:

Heir to the throne of David

Slaughter of children

Gen 3:15 – born of a woman,

Gal 4:4 – he would fulfil the law

Psa 72:10, Isa 60:3,6,9 – worshipped by wisemen & presented by gifts; Matt 2:11

2.      The next thing to notice is that it had been revealed to him by the HS

Simeon was intune with God, and could hear His still small voice – he knew that he had the Spirit of God, and he knew to test the spirits

We are also are to be on guard and not to be easily swayed by what we think the Holy Spirit is saying to us, do not listen to it if it is contrary to the word of God – because the Bible is to be our only guide, we are not to be easily led and follow our emotions – they will deceive us

1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test all things; hold fast what is good.

1 John 4:6 - We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Because Simeon had the right spirit, he was not deceived about accepting a false Christ, as Simeon did, so should we – we are to learn of the wisdom of Simeon, as he lived on the eve of the first coming of the Christ, we live on the eve of the second coming of Christ, the life Simeon lived and the lessons we can learn from this passage should be how we live our lives today, so we are not deceived and found to be sleeping:

3.      The next thing to notice is that he would not see death until he saw the Messiah

As god had promised, Simeon did not see death until he had seen the coming of the Messiah, this is also true for us who are safe in Christ, even if we die the first death we shall be resurrected in the first resurrection to see Jesus come again, and so we shall not face the second death

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

v27 – So he came by the Spirit into the temple.  And when the parents        brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom           of the law,

1.      The first point to notice is in what attitude did Simeon enter into the temple?

Like Simeon, we should always come by the spirit into the temple, we should have this attitude of reverence because we know whom we have come to worship – we worship God and give him honour, glory and praise. 

As we come to worship we should recognise everything that he has done for us – his life of hardship and toil as he continually fought the devil from his temptations, because he knew that if he should fall that would mean the end of any chance we had of making it to heaven and receiving eternal life, he fought Satan at every turn, the pain and anguish at Gethsemane as he accepted the fate of death and complete separation from the father, the illegal trial and the cruel and sadistic beatings and torture of Jesus before he was executed and then the humiliation of the cross as he was stripped naked for all to see, as he bled for us, his anguish as the people he wanted to save mocked him, rejected him, ridiculed, teased and taunted, criticised – and all the time he was praying forgive them father because they know not what they are doing, and he was hoping above all hope that we will one day before its too late accept His salvation so he can remember us in paradise – that’s one reason why we come and worship God. 

A few times I have heard people say as they leave church “oh I never got anything out of church today,” well friends this may come as a bit of a shock to you, but its not what we get out of it, but it is about what we put into it – that matters – because who is our audience as we come to worship – it is God who is the audience, it is him that we come to church to worship, not to pass away a few lazy hours on a Saturday morning because we want to come here, sit back and be entertained, no we give all we can when we worship god because we want him to know how grateful, thankful and joyful we are for the great things he has done for us and the blessings and promises we have in him –

if we are tired of church, then we need to ask for the Holy Spirit to make us alive to quicken us, for him to fire us up, to revive us and wake us up – so we can see past our life here on earth and look forward to heaven and all its glories, daily we have to remind ourselves that we are only pilgrims in this world, and that this is not our home.  Because we are very quick to forget. 

2.      there is also something else to notice, out of the silence the scriptures have nothing to say about the priests. 

Came by the Spirit.  Simeon through his life had walked the path in the light which Heaven had illuminated, and because of this, his eyes were open to further light.  How different it was with the priest who momentarily held the infant Jesus in their arms (DA 52)! Like so many of his fellow priests, they had studied the Scriptures in vain (DA 30), primarily because of unwillingness to live by the principles therein revealed

Hosea 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

The priest’s spiritual eyes were totally blind when he was brought face to face with the Light of life

John 1:9-11

That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.  10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

Not having taken advantage of light already revealed, the priest was unprepared for greater light.[12]

Let this not be our mistake

What meaning then was attached to Christ’s presentation! But the priest did not see through the veil; he did not read the mystery beyond. Day after day the priest received the redemption money as the babes were presented to the Lord. Day after day he went through the routine of his work, giving little heed to the parents or children, unless he saw some indication of the wealth or high rank of the parents. Joseph and Mary were poor; and when they came with their child, the priests saw only a man and woman dressed as Galileans, and in the humblest garments. There was nothing in their appearance to attract attention, and they presented only the offering made by the poorer classes. {DA 52.1}[13]

The priest took the child in his arms, and held it up before the altar. After handing it back to its mother, he inscribed the name "Jesus" on the roll of the first-born. Little did he think, as the babe lay in his arms, that it was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. The priest did not think that this babe was the One of whom Moses had written, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22.  He did not think that this babe was He whose glory Moses had asked to see.  But One greater than Moses lay in the priest’s arms; and when he enrolled the child’s name, he was enrolling the name of One who was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy.  That name was to be its death warrant; for the system of sacrifices and offerings was growing old; type had almost reached its antitype, the shadow its substance. {DA 52.2}

This babe was the promised seed, to whom the first altar at the gate of Eden pointed. This was Shiloh, the peace giver. It was He who declared Himself to Moses as the I AM. It was He who in the pillar of cloud and of fire had been the guide of Israel. This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little babe, inscribed in the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother, was the hope of fallen humanity. The child for whom the redemption money had been paid was He who was to pay the ransom for the sins of the whole world. He was the true "high priest over the house of God," the head of "an unchangeable priesthood," the intercessor at "the right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb. 10:21; 7:24; 1:3. {DA 52.3}[14]

V28 - he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

We too are to take Christ in our arms..[15]

It is "unto them that look for Him" that Christ is to "appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Hebrews 9:28.  Like the tidings of the Saviour's birth, the message of the Second Advent was not committed to the religious leaders of the people.  They had failed to preserve their connection with God, and had refused light from heaven {GC 315.3} - let us not make that mistake

V29 – "“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word;"

1.      The first thing to notice is something subtle, and it hides behind the name Lord that Simeon uses to address Jesus

LORD here can be translated - Despot

Here in verse 29 we have an interesting use of the word Lord in the Greek, Simeon uses the word ‘despot’ for Lord, not the normal word that is used, by doing this he declares Christ as “absolute ruler.” 

·         The word despotēs originally gave no indication whether the “absolute ruler” was good or bad.

·         However, to place absolute power in the hands of any human being is a dangerous thing.  A person’s character is soon shown in his use of such power, the extent of his wickedness being revealed in the degree of his abuse of that power.  Human nature being what it is, absolute power usually tends to bring out the bad in a man rather than the good; hence the English words “despot,” “despotic,” and “despotism,” derived from this word, all reflect the tyrannical, evil use of power – or the character that man displays in the intoxicating effects that power has on him. 

·         But the use of despotēs, in reference here to Jesus, presents a different idea.  God, as “absolute Ruler,” would reflect in His government the absolute perfection of His own character.  As we follow the life of Christ – we soon realise the power he has available to Him – we learn that the true judge of a man with the availability of that power is seen by his strength of character in not using that power for his own benefit or advantage – that is the true idea of power – and this is where Jesus and sinful human beings differ. 

2.      The next thing to notice is “depart in peace” – what can we learn from this?

·         The word depart in the Greek has several meanings, and each of them tells us something about the death of a Christian.  It means to release a prisoner, to untie a ship and set sail, to take down a tent (2 Cor. 5:1–8), and to unyoke a beast of burden (Matt. 11:28–30).  God’s people are not afraid of death because it only frees us from the burdens of this life and leads into the blessings of the next life.

·         Here is Simeon’s response to seeing Jesus.  It is first of all a worship hymn as he blesses God for keeping His promise and sending the Messiah.  He joyfully praises God that he has been privileged to see the Lord’s Christ[16]

·         But his song is also a salvation hymn: “For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation” (Luke 2:30). Now he is ready to die! 

·         Simeon’s song is also a missionary hymn, which is something unusual for a devout Jew standing in the temple.  He sees salvation going out to the Gentiles!  Jesus has restored the glory to Israel and brought the light to the Gentiles so that all people can be saved[17]

·         Simeon has accomplished his objective. He has lived to see the expected One. There is no further desire or request on his part, and he is ready for the release from service that death brings

How did Simeon have peace, was it because he was at peace with god?

God calls us to Be Peacemakers

"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." Matt 5:9 – are we peacemakers today, I wonder?

God Calls His People to Peace

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Col 3:15

What is the peace of God?

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 = promise

He Lived at Peace with Others and had the Wisdom from Above

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." Jam 3:17

(I wonder are we willing to yield, do we hear our conscience thru the HS saying let it go, live a peaceful life, this too shall pass, are we full of mercy)

But most of all Simeon Knew he would see the Lord Even though He Would Die – He was at Peace with God, and had the Assurance of Salvation – So should we

"The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil.  He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his uprightness." Isa 57:1-2

"Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace." Psa 37:37

As Christians We Are to Live the life of showing peace 1st to our families, then to church members and to the community – because we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ

3.      The third thing to notice is that phrase we come across a lot in the Bible “according to your word”

Interestingly at the end of this verse we have a phrase that seems like an afterthought slipped in, but I am sure it appears that way as a method to capture our attention

2:29. Thy word refers to the promise of verse 26.

"And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." Luke 2:26 – God always comes through on his promises. 

·         "Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth." (John 17:17)

·         "But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach):" (Romans 10:8)

·         "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."  (James 1:21, NKJV)

Simeon did all according to his word as a true follower of God – he knew God’s word is truth, it was in his mouth and in his heart – because he knew it saves. 

V30  "For my eyes have seen Your salvation"

V31  "Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,"

V32  "A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”"

1.      Here we have the image of light

The language of this verse is based on the Messianic prophecy of Isa. 9:2.

·         "The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined." (Isaiah 9:2, NKJV)

Light has ever been a symbol of the presence of God, of Him who dwells “in the light which no man can approach unto” (1 Tim. 6:16; Gen. 3:24; Luke 1:78).

·         Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12.

Our Saviour is “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). The joy of salvation belongs to those who “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7), for their path is then “as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Prov. 4:18)[18]

·         "And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it." (John 1:5)

·         "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19)

·         Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”" (John 8:12)

·         Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going." (John 12:35)

·         "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness." (John 12:46)

Simeon in his prophecy is foretelling what Jesus says about himself as the light – notice, in the sanctuary it was the 7 branched candlestick that was the light – and we soon see here that Jesus is to be that living light. 

But this light does more than just give a picture of God, it has an action – this light physically breaks into this world that was in darkness,

2.      And so the next point is – what does this light do in this world – it shows that the plans of God include all peoples – not just the Jews.

Jesus in his 1st coming brings a revelation to the Gentiles and not just the Jews – here we see a picture of the gospel – Jesus comes as the true light to guide all humanity from the spiritual darkness they were in and to show them true picture of God, not the perverted, twisted picture of god that man in his ignorance creates through his own imagination –

This Good news of the gospel tells us Jesus didn’t come just for the elite, the privileged, the chosen ones, the rich and influential, the powerful; that only they could receive this gift – because the gospel doesn’t work according to the rules of this world,

Because the gospel is especially for the poor, the rejected, the forgotten, the broken, the lonely, the persecuted, the beaten and bruised, the ones that always have the bad luck, the ones seen in the eyes of this world as the unlucky ones, those that live in the poor side of town, those that are whispered about and laughed at behind their backs –

Here this text God is saying He has not forgotten you, he has not abandoned you, God cares for you because he sent his son, he has not passed you by, he has lifted you up above all others, you are not rejected by God, you are His special treasure, he knows your pain and suffering, He knows the loss you have to bear, He knows the broken families you live in, he knows that you may struggle to pay the bills – while the rich get richer, and cheat to avoid taxes. 

But God says to you I am with you, I have a plan for you, I want you to live with me and be a part of my kingdom, He says to you hang on, this too shall pass, don’t take your eyes off the priceless gift he has given you, don’t take your eyes off the inheritance you will inherit, don’t take your eyes off the new life that is waiting for you, just beyond, here he is saying a new kingdom has been prepared for you, because I know you intimately, keep your eyes on your saviour and remember the great sacrifice that Jesus came to this earth for, Jesus never forgot you when he was in great agony as he hung and bled on that cross. 

Think of the great price he paid, he stood in for you, he fights for you, he is your big brother, – and then understand how valuable you are in God’s eyes.  And then remember these texts;

·         "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4)

·         "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)

·         "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

·         "Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’" (Ezekiel 33:11)

Because Jesus has physically broken into this world of spiritual darkness, he has opened the veil that has kept us from really seeing properly, he has given us spiritual eyes to see;

V33  "And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which      were spoken of Him."

And now we have the cryptic prophecy, it seems like a riddle from Simeon

V34  "Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother,          “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in      Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against"

V35  "(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”"

1.      The fall and rising

Christ spoke of Himself as “the stone which the builders rejected” (Matt. 21:42; Ps. 118:22). “We must fall upon the Rock and be broken before we can be uplifted in Christ” (DA 57).

Christ is the great Magnet of the ages, drawing to Himself those who are humble and contrite in heart.  Some, like Matthew, Zacchaeus, and Mary Magdalene—commonly thought of as “publicans and sinners”—felt themselves strangely attracted to the Physician who could make their broken lives whole again.  Others, like the scribes and Pharisees, who thought themselves in no need of the heavenly Physician, were driven from the Saviour by their own perversity of spirit and were crushed.

The stone is an important Old Testament image of God (Gen. 49:24; Pss. 18:2; 71:3; Deut. 32:31). The Messiah would be a “rejected cornerstone” (Ps. 118:22; Luke 20:17–18; Acts 4:11), and the nation of Israel would stumble over Him (Isa. 8:14; Rom. 9:32). Because of Jesus Christ, many in Israel would fall in conviction and then rise in salvation.  Even today, God’s people Israel stumble over the Cross (1 Cor. 1:23) and do not understand that Jesus is their Rock (1 Peter 2:1–6).

They must fall who would rise again.  We must fall upon the Rock and be broken before we can be uplifted in Christ.  Self must be dethroned, pride must be humbled, if we would know the glory of the spiritual kingdom.  The Jews would not accept the honor that is reached through humiliation. Therefore they would not receive their Redeemer{DA 56.5}[19]

Interestingly Jesus did take the fall for many in his death on the cross, but as the prophecy says he shall rise – this word rise found here in the Greek is the same as for resurrection – this then we can see is the heart of the gospel message, Jesus dies for us, but he is not defeated, Jesus is resurrected in glory not affected by death, showing that his power over death is confirmed – and that the greatest weapon Satan has over us has been utterly defeated

The next part of the prophecy is the sign:

2.      Sign. 

As the representative of heaven Christ is the symbol of salvation.  He is a living token, or witness, to the love of the Father

The word sign means “a miracle,” not so much as a demonstration of power but as a revelation of divine truth.  Jesus Christ is God’s miracle; and yet, instead of admiring Him, the people attacked Him and spoke against Him.  His birth was a miracle, yet they slandered it (John 8:41).  They said His miracles were done in the power of Satan (Matt. 12:22–24) and that His character was questionable (John 8:48, 52; 9:16, 24).  They slandered His death (Ps. 22:6–8; Matt. 27:39–44) and lied about His resurrection (Matt. 27:62–66).  Today, people are even speaking against His coming again (2 Peter 3).

Here we ask in this verse what is the sign Simeon is prophesying about – it can be no other than his resurrection

Matthew 12:38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." – the context of this is when Jesus is describing to the scribes and the Pharisees who are greedy for Jesus to perform a miracle (the same as a sign) for there own gratification, but Jesus gives them a veiled parable about Jonah being in the belly of a fish for 3 days which exactly refers to the time Jesus is in the tomb.

It also says that this sign shall be spoken against – we also find this about his resurrection. 

Luke 20:27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is a resurrection, came to Him and asked Him,

Here we see the denial of the resurrection by the spiritual leaders to Jesus, where they sought to tempt Him

It says it will be spoken against – here the sign of Jesus’ resurrection will be denied, again this is found in the gospel account of Jesus,

But this sign doesn’t stop here there is another sign, that again is part of the Gospel message also, that gives us courage, and shows the defeat of evil and that is the sign of his coming –

Matthew 24:30 - "Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

The greatest sign and the greatest miracle is not the amusement of this world, that is here today and fades and is gone tomorrow – the greatest sign that Simeon is prophesying about is the miracle of Jesus himself, God incarnate in the flesh, the one that dwells with us – the one who shows what God is like. 

Now we get to the matter of the imagery of the sword –

3.      Sword.  

In one sense the sword is used here figuratively to describe the sorrow that pierced Mary’s heart at the cross.  This is the first NT foreshadowing of the passion of Christ

But also the sword gives us another picture of Jesus, yes His sufferings but let us not forget His victories; let us not forget the triumphant picture of Jesus that Revelation projects

·         "He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength." (Revelation 1:16)

·         "Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth." (Revelation 2:16)

·         "Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." (Revelation 19:15)

Here is Jesus riding on the white horse that goes out to battle the enemies of God

·         "And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.  And all the birds were filled with their flesh." (Revelation 19:21)

In this verse Jesus destroys the beast and its armies are defeated.

He we see the true battle of good over evil – Jesus stands up when the judgment is over, and takes his weapon the sword of truth, His eternal word and slays the wicked at his coming, so sin shall be no more – this is a picture of the closing work of the gospel. 

We see the picture of Jesus’ first coming as a picture of the closing work of his second coming, and this should be a lesson for us all – now we can see the victories that Jesus has won for us already, and we look forward to the best victory yet to come – His second coming

V 36 – 38 - Anna the Prophetess

And now we move into the last section of this account, the proclamation from the prophetess Anna – who confirms and expands what Simeon has already said, from these 3 brief verses we can learn a lot about Anna, her devotions, her faith, how she lived her life with the ever present coming of the Messiah at the forefront of her actions, and also of her willingness to share what she knew with those who would listen – how Anna lived is a lesson in how we should live today – as we await the second coming of the Messiah

V36  "Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of   Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;"

Anna – a Character Sketch

Her name means, grace or gracious, the name “Anna” is the Hebrew name “Hannah” (1 Sam 1:2).  She bears the same name as that of the mother of Samuel, the founder of the schools of the prophets.  Anna’s continuing presence in the Temple speaks eloquently of the love with which she served the Lord.

She was the daughter of Phanuel, was 84 years old and long widowed, and devoted herself to continual service in the temple; she obviously was a woman through whom God spoke. 

1.      A prophetess

The gift of prophecy was from time to time bestowed upon devout women as well as upon men.  Among the prophetesses; were such women as Miriam (Ex. 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Isaiah’s wife (Isa. 8:3), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and also the four virgin daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9). 

V37  "and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and   prayers night and day." (Luke 2:37, NKJV)

·         She was 84

Just something quickly I’d like to share here what I learnt, Her age which is (7 times- 12 years) may symbolize the completion of her waiting for the messiah.  The dignity of old age, a deep passion for God, and prophetic inspiration stand behind and give credibility to her witness to Jesus.[20]  There may be something we can learn from the twelve-times seven years[21]

·         Departed not. 

It is meant here in the same sense that the disciples, after the ascension, “were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God” (Luke 24:53).  It does not mean Temple residence, but rather regular attendance at religious services in the Temple, and witnessing before the people who assembled there (Acts 3:1; Acts 5:12)

She recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah when Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple for His dedication.  As an attendant of the temple, Anna was a widow whose life was devoted entirely to God.

·         Night and day. 

Probably a reference to the morning and evening hours of worship.  Whatever the case may have been with regard to her residence, it is evident Anna faithfully attended the hours of morning and evening worship.  Her life was absorbed in the service of God; she had no other interests to distract her attention. – Like her we too should have our morning and evening devotions with the Lord. 

No doubt many of Anna’s prayers over the years had expressed a longing for God’s Anointed.  Her many years in the temple had probably given her a keen knowledge of the Scriptures, which were read there regularly.

Anna personified in her day those who “serve the living and true God, and … wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thess. 1:9, 10).  She is a model for us; like her we are to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope..” (Titus 2:12, 13).

V38  "And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and    spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in   Jerusalem."

·         Instant. 

Hearing Simeon’s inspired testimony concerning Jesus, Anna’s own heart was touched with inspired insight to see in the child Jesus the promised Messiah (DA 55; Matthew 16:17).  Thus at the dedication, two inspired witnesses confirmed what Mary and Joseph already knew concerning the child. 

Notice the first thing she did was to give thanks, as always – when we come into the presence of God either through prayer, Bible study or worship the first thing we should do is to give thanks and adoration because of his grace and loving kindness.

·         Spake. 

This really should be translated, “kept on speaking.”  Here she kept on testifying and witnessing to the crowds of the arrival of the long awaited Messiah.  Recognize any lessons here for us?

God’s timing is always perfect.  Anna came just as Simeon was praising the Lord for the Child Jesus, so she joined in the song!  But Anna did much more than sing; she also spread the Good News among the other faithful members of “the remnant” who were waiting for the redemption of Israel.  The excitement to spread as more and more people heard the Good News.

Anna helped to testify about Jesus.  Luke includes her in his Gospel, to highlight one of the changes that Jesus wanted to bring about among His followers.  No longer should they regard women as untrustworthy witnesses, but as full members of a new community of faith in Christ. 

·         Them that looked. 

This expression reveals the fact that there must have been a small but earnest group of people who studied the prophecies and were aware that “the fullness of the time was come” (Gal 4:4; Dan 9:24–27; DA 34, 35; Luke 2:25).[22]

This godly woman from the prophetic tradition continued the work Simeon had started.  She announced to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (v. 25) that the Messiah had come.  The word about Jesus was likely known throughout the entire city as people either believed or disbelieved the words of the old prophet and the widowed prophetess[23]

Summary

Is there a deeper message in the account of Anna – she was righteous, dignified, godly, and she was a widow – what does the book of revelation use for a symbol of a woman – Anna shows us a picture of Gods church – Gods true church is righteous, worships and follows God, watches and waits, and in a sense she too is a widow, waiting for her bridegroom Jesus to return to her. 

1.      Anna – is a picture of the xian woman

2.      Anna – is a picture of the xian church, virgin, then married, honourable, trustworthy, reliable, faithful, devoted, (not lukewarm – she was able to witness and share)

3.      Anna – a picture of what the church should be, a witness to others – we need to understand that Anna’s zeal was not lukewarm, and so let us learn the message of laodicea – not to be unenthusiastic, half-hearted, unexcited, indifferent, subdued

If we take a step back there is also something else to see, God has always has his witnesses, here there are two witnesses – Simeon and Anna, we see the balancing of a male and female figure[24] almost like Adam and Eve.

2 Corinthians 13:1 - "This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”  God uses his witnesses to confirm his word

Hosea 12:10 - "I have also spoken by the prophets, And have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.” – god speaks by his prophets

Acts 10:43 - "To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

Its also interesting to note that at Jesus’ dedication in the temple at the start of his life, there were 2 true witnesses prophesying about him, and also near the end of His life at his false trial which again was in the temple – there are now two false witnesses which come forward. 

Matthew 26:60 - "but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward"

And let us not forget the commission God has given us

Acts 1:8 - "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Just as the apostles were given the commission to share the gospel to the world, so are we to do the same

Conclusion - Topics we have covered

4.      Remnant - There was a small group waiting for the coming of Jesus

5.      Laodicea – we are to be like Simeon and Anna and not be asleep

6.      Second Coming – just like the 1st

7.      Just & Devout – Christian living in the last days

8.      Watching & waiting – is to be our attitude, Matt 25

9.      By the spirit to the temple – worship is an issue in today’s churches, what are our attitude and            motives, the 3 angels messages is all about worship

10.  Anna – a picture of the xian woman

11.  Anna – a picture of the xian church – able to witness and share

12.  Anna – a picture of what the church should be, as a witness to others

13.  This message of Anna and Simeon is a message for us in these end days – it’s the message of Laodicea and the 3AM’s

14.  Our life and spirituality is to be a combination of both Simeon and Anna – we are to prophesy and testify of the return of Jesus

15.  The message is in a sanctuary setting, we are now the temple on earth, Gods presence is in us

16.  It doesn’t matter how old you are you can still witness for Christ, in fact it is the old and the wise that are the ones we need to listen and look to. 

Simeon and Anna illustrate the godly character of the righteous remnant.  They were faithful to God’s promises and were looking for God’s redemption.[25]

Simon and Anna represent, a truly righteous man and a dedicated woman.  Each received a revelation from God concerning Jesus and witnessed to His identity as the Messiah.  The Pharisees and others who opposed Christ so vigorously in no way represented the many true believers.[26]

You noticed that at the 1st coming of Christ there was an out pouring of the spirit that gave Simeon and Anna the ability to prophesy about the Messiah, they spoke in tongues that could be understood – clear and concise; just as it happened in the first coming so shall it be in the second – those who have been faithful and true to God when he returns will also be blessed with an outpouring of the HS as the latter rains – which will give us the strength and inspiration to testify of Jesus’ second coming. 

The angels sang about Him, and He is still the theme of the greatest music. Luke wrote about Him, and He is still the subject of the greatest literature. The shepherds hastened to behold Him, and He is still at the center of the greatest art. Teachers listened to Him and marveled, and He is still the focal point for all truth and wisdom.

·         The lesson for us to learn from this scripture passage is that what Simeon and Anna were like so should we be,

·         We should be just and devout,

·         We should be waiting and watching, with the HS upon us,

·         We should know that we have seen Jesus before we die,

·         We should come into the temple by the spirit, and by doing so bless God

·         We should be peacemakers, and do everything according to God’s word – because our eyes have seen God’s salvation

·         We should share with those outside the church that salvation is for all

·         We should not depart from the temple, lets not be lazy Christians, and let us serve God with all our heart and strength

·         And let us give thanks to God for His great salvation through his gracious gift of Jesus Christ – because our redemption draws nigh. 

Appeal

It’s a big day for most in Australia because its grand final day, but there is a bigger contest going on in heaven right now, and Jesus will soon be standing up and coming back to this earth a second time to finish what he stared, and bring back what is His – lets be always ready for His return, time is short and I know which team is going to be the winning team – and its my prayer that we can all be champions in God’s eyes. 

----

[1]Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Lk 2:21). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

[2]Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Lk 2:21). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

[3]Willmington, H. L. (1997). Willmington's Bible handbook (581). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

[4]Word in life study Bible . 1997, c1996 (electronic ed.) (Lk 2:25). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

[5]Nichol, F. D. 1978. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. Review and Herald Publishing Association: Washington, D.C.

[6]Nichol, F. D. 1978. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Review and Herald Publishing Association: Washington, D.C.

[7]Nichol, F. D. 1978. The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary. Review and Herald Publishing Association: Washington, D.C.

[8]King James Version study Bible. 1997.  Thomas Nelson: Nashville

[9]Stein, R. H. 2001, Vol. 24: Luke.  The New American Commentary. Broadman & Holman Publishers: Nashville. 

[10]Wiersbe, W. W. 1996.  The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament. Victor Books: Wheaton, Ill.

[11]Nichol, F. D. (1978). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary (Lk 2:26). Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association.

[12]Nichol, F. D. (1978; 2002). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Volume 5 (702). Review and Herald Publishing Association.

[13]White, E. G. (1898; 2002). The Desire of Ages; Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3; Desire of Ages (52). Pacific Press Publishing Association.

[14]White, E. G. (1898; 2002). The Desire of Ages; Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3; Desire of Ages (52). Pacific Press Publishing Association.

[15]Henry, M. (1996, c1991). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Lk 2:25). Peabody: Hendrickson.

[16]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (Lk 2:21). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[17]Wiersbe, W. W. (1996, c1989). The Bible exposition commentary. "An exposition of the New Testament comprising the entire 'BE' series"--Jkt. (Lk 2:21). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

[18]Nichol, F. D. (1978). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary : The Holy Bible with exegetical and expository comment. Commentary Reference Series (Lk 1:79). Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association.

DA Desire of Ages

[19]White, E. G. (1898; 2002). The Desire of Ages; Conflict of the Ages Series, Volume 3; Desire of Ages (56). Pacific Press Publishing Association.

[20]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Word Biblical Commentary (125). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

[21]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Word Biblical Commentary (122). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

DA Desire of Ages

[22]Nichol, F. D. (1978). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary : The Holy Bible with exegetical and expository comment. Commentary Reference Series (Lk 2:36). Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association.

v. verse

[23]Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (2:209). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

[24]Nolland, J. (2002). Vol. 35A: Word Biblical Commentary : Luke 1:1-9:20. Word Biblical Commentary (122). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

[25]Hughes, R. B., Laney, J. C., & Hughes, R. B. (2001). Tyndale concise Bible commentary. Rev. ed. of: New Bible companion. 1990.; Includes index. The Tyndale reference library (445). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

[26]Richards, L. (1991). The Bible reader's companion. Includes index. (653). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.