What do you do when you find out that the subject of the blog you intended to write was just published by no less than one of the best of today’s New Testament scholars, Ben Witherington III, in Biblical Archaeology Society? I don’t know your answer, but my answer is to write it anyway, while encouraging you to read Ben.

Luke tells us of the faithful observance of the Law of Moses by Joseph and Mary. They follow
Leviticus 12. In tradition, two events are compressed into one, but Luke distinguishes them.
First, let me suggest that since Joseph and Mary would have had many kin in Bethlehem, soon
after the birth of Jesus, they resided in a house proper. On the eighth day, probably in
Bethlehem, Jesus was circumcised and given the name Jesus/Joshua (The LORD is salvation).

Thirty-three days later, the family made the 5.5-mile journey to Jerusalem.

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and
Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord,
“Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping
with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:22-24
NIV)

The poor are of special interest to Luke, and so he tells us that Mary and Joseph offered a sacrifice allowed for those who couldn’t afford a lamb. Luke is telling us that God quite intentionally chose to send His Son to a poor couple (See James 2:5).

It was then that we encounter two remarkable people who both understood and spoke of the profound meaning of this month-old baby boy they saw. As was Luke’s pattern, he paired two people. Often, as in this case, he paired a man and a woman.

The first, is Simeon. Although Luke doesn’t tell us his age, the clear suggestion is that he was faithful and old. Far more important for Luke than Simeon’s age is the presence of the Holy Spirit through Simeon. Three times in these few verses, the Holy Spirit’s work is mentioned. The Spirit was on Simeon, He had revealed His message to Simeon, and finally moved him.

Now that I’m clearly in Simeon’s Senior Saint category, would the same be said of me! May it be that the Holy Spirit is on me, revealing the Father’s message to me, and moving me to do the Father’s will. This will not make me elite, just a faithful recipient of the promise given to all disciples of Jesus.

The Spirit’s inspired message through Simeon is beautiful:

Luke 2:29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
     you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
     and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32 NIV)

Those of us on this side of the resurrection can be servants who are ready to be dismissed in peace. Simeon’s words foreshadow the work of God’s Servant (Isaiah 49:6), and the mission of the church.

The second is Anna, and she is remarkable! Luke does tell us her age, 84, but does so to emphasize her faithful service. What was that service? SHE was a prophet. She served the Lord in this role, as did Deborah (Judges 4-5) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20, 2 Chronicles 34:22-28). She foreshadowed the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, announced on Pentecost:

28 “And afterward,
     I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
     your old men will dream dreams,
    your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
  I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29 NIV)

Women disciples of Jesus, such as those at the empty tomb and the prophesying daughters of Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8-9), could look back to Anna for inspiration and confirmation. They still can!

Not content to speak only to Mary and Joseph, “…she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38 NIV). Mary Magdalene was the first post-resurrection evangelist, but 33 years earlier, Anna was the post-incarnation evangelist.

For Luke, Simeon and Anna are two faithful witnesses who testify that the babe, Jesus, is the fulfillment of the promises of God and the hope of Israel. They prepare us for the mission of Jesus, the cross as a sword that pierces Mary’s heart, and a Gentile mission that occupies Acts.

These two are an especial encouragement to those of us who are, as they were, advanced in years. God is never through with us! We may have lost much in physical abilities (as have I), but, as I was once reminded, I still have my mind and mouth. Others have knowledge, skills, and wisdom that God call us to pass on. Even in the losses, God’s power is seen through our weakness, and our need for help, provides others with opportunities they need to serve. Our age brings us nearer to our departure and showing Simeon’s peace to younger disciples and unbelievers alike, will raise awareness of our common mortality and perhaps raise important, though difficult, questions about their own readiness to be dismissed.

Let these two challenge us to seek the Holy Spirit to do great things through us. Allow them to speak to the silencing of our sisters we’ve inherited, and see the whole of Scripture, and not just two passages which need to be seen in light of all God’s word. Finally, pray that we might lose all shame of following Jesus, and boldly tell all who seek redemption that Jesus, the Messiah, has come, and now is Lord of all.

Tim Kelley

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On the visit of the Magi, Matthew 2:11 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” See, Kenneth E. Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, chapter title, “The Story of Jesus’ Birth.”