Today on The Verdict with Pastor John Monroe.
So here at the temple, there are these two important figures, Simeon and Anna.
Now, Anna, she's present during Simeon's prayer and prophecy, and she proclaims to everyone the coming redemption of Jerusalem. And that redemption is coming through this little baby, Jesus. Welcome to The Verdict, featuring the Bible teaching of Pastor John Monroe, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple for His dedication, they encountered two believers who had been waiting their entire lives for this moment. Today, we'll meet Simeon and Anna, two faithful servants who recognize the Messiah and rejoice in the redemption He brings.
Now, here's Pastor John Monroe. Luke in his gospel gives us details about the birth of John the Baptist and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, which none of the other gospel writers do. He's writing an orderly account, and we see this in him giving these extra details, which we love. We all know about the birth of Jesus and his public ministry.
However, we know very little about his infancy and his childhood.
So, these glimpses given by Luke are quite fascinating. Today we will listen as Luke describes the child Jesus meeting two godly people, Simeon and Anna, who recognize this baby as the promised Messiah and praise God for the fulfillment of his promises.
So let's listen to this wonderful story which takes place after the events of Christmas. every parent taking a newborn child in their arms reflects on how life will be for that child what kind of world will they experience what will be their interest what will be their personality what will the future hold for this little boy or little girl what kind of mother what kind of father will I be the parent asks in an uncertain world, thinking parents are concerned and realize that they may be going into uncharted waters. The world is changing. Each child is unique. The scriptures tell us that we are to bring up our children to train our children in the way that we should go.
But what does that really mean?
Now, our setting is vastly different from the world that we're going to be reading about. the world of Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus. But there are, as we will learn, very important truths, very important principles which will help us as we enter the new year, whether we're parents or not. Dr. Luke clearly has a great love for children.
Perhaps he was a pediatrician, as it were. And he gives us these unique facts about the births of John the Baptist and our Lord Jesus. And we're reading in our Bibles today. and I invite you to turn there to Luke chapter 2 and we're going to read from verse 21. First of all, in verses 21 through 24, we're going to be learning about the presentation by Mary and Joseph.
As I say, I welcome you if you're new here. We are going consecutively through the book of Luke and today we come to this wonderful passage. Look to, first of all, verse 21. Christmas Eve, we thought of the birth of our Savior, the shepherds going to the manger and so on. Verse 21.
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the time came for their purification, according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord. Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. Let's just stop there for a minute. We read in verse 21 about the circumcision.
Following the Mosaic law, Mary and Joseph have Jesus circumcised on the eighth day. We've seen this before, that circumcision was a sign of the Abrahamic covenant. And when Abraham was circumcised, his name was changed from Abraham to Abraham. We saw that John the Baptist was named on the day of his circumcision. And here in verse 21 is the official naming of Jesus.
You will recall that Joseph is told by the angel that the baby to be born of the virgin is to be called Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. When Gabriel comes to young Mary, she's also told that she is going to bear a son, and his name is going to be called Jesus. And now, with the birth of this little boy, we see the humility, we see the godliness of Mary and Joseph, fulfilling the Mosaic law, circumcising their baby boy, and also obeying the word of the angel Gabriel. They were not to choose a name themselves. The name was chosen by God.
His name is Jesus. And we see the official naming of this little boy on the eighth day. Secondly, we see the purification in verses 22 through 24. This sounds strange to us, but according to the Mosaic law, according to the law of the Lord, as it says, purification of the mother of a son must take place about 40 days after the birth.
So on the 41st day after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph enter the temple in Jerusalem to make this purification Because they poor they not able to offer a lamb but rather as we read here a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. In order for the purification of Mary after the birth of Jesus, blood sacrifice is required. Just think of it, the little baby in her arms is going to shed his blood for the purification of our sin. Remember John the Apostle says, the blood of Jesus, his son, cleanses us from all of our sin. How we need purification.
So we have first the circumcision, secondly the purification, and then the dedication. This couple clearly are seeking the Lord's blessing as they come up to the temple to worship as it is written in the law of the Lord. They are dedicating their firstborn to the Lord. The firstborn, the Mosaic scriptures make very clear, the firstborn belongs to the Lord.
So they are presenting, as we see in verse 22, they are presenting Jesus to the Lord.
Now what was significant about the firstborn?
Well, if you know the history of Israel, you know that on the day of their redemption, on the day of their delivery from Egypt. As they were in bondage to Egypt, as they were slaves, the firstborn of the Israelites was killed. And the Israelites on that day, celebrated by the Passover, take the blood of the lamb and put it on the doorposts and the lintel.
Now turn back to Exodus chapter 13 where we will read about the dedication of the firstborn. Exodus chapter 13. Exodus 12 is the account of the Passover and we have it continued here in Exodus 13, the second book of the Old Testament. Exodus chapter 13 verse 1. The Lord said to Moses, consecrate to me all the firstborn.
That is the firstborn belong to the Lord. Whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and beast is mine. The firstborn, here's the point, belongs to the Lord. Verse 12, you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. Verse 15, For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the Lord killed all of the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals.
Therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem. It shall be a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by the strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.
So the firstborn, Jesus is the firstborn, is to be given, presented, dedicated to the Lord.
Now under the Mosaic law, we read about this in Numbers chapter 18, instead of actually, physically, permanently handing over, as it were, the firstborn to the Lord, symbolized by the priest in the temple, there is this provision that five shekels can be paid to the priest.
So the child is brought to the priest for the dedication in the temple, handed over to the priest, the five shekels of silver paid, and then the child symbolically handed back to the parents.
So you can imagine Joseph, this little baby, Jesus, the firstborn, handing over to the priest, paying the five shekels of silver, and then the child coming back to them. symbolically making it very, very clear that this child belongs to the Lord, a dedication to the Lord.
So first of all, we have the presentation by Mary and Joseph in Luke 2, verses 21 through 24.
Now we have this amazing prophecy by this man called Simeon, verse 25.
Now there's a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. And this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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.
So first of all, we have this man, Simeon, waiting. With Jesus in their arms, Mary and Joseph come to the temple. and they meet not the high priest, not a member of the Sanhedrin, but this man called Simeon. He may have been a priest, Scripture doesn't say, but it does describe him as righteous and devout and one who is waiting for the consolation of Israel. This is a dark time for Israel, but God had made a glorious promise many times in the Old Testament Scriptures that comfort and consolation was going to come from Israel.
Yes, it was a dark time, but the Old Testament prophets were looking forward to a time of comfort. We see that particularly in Isaiah, Isaiah 40. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people. We see it more explicitly in Isaiah 61 in the first few verses. And here is this man, Simeon, who knows his Bible and he's claiming these promises and he's waiting for the fulfillment.
He knows, according to the prophets, that the time of consolation, a time of comfort for Israel is going to come. And the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon this godly man who was in the precincts of the temple that he would not see death verse 26 before he had seen the Lord Christ Before he actually had seen the Lord's Messiah. And so he's given this special revelation. Simeon, you're not going to die until you personally see the Messiah. The one who's going to fulfill the comfort and the consolation of Israel.
And he's going to have the unique privilege of participating in this presentation to the Lord of this baby. All according to the custom of the law. As we read, you will notice I think about five times we have a reference to the law of the Lord. The law of the Lord is being meticulously fulfilled by Mary and Joseph.
So here is Simeon waiting. But Simeon is not only waiting, we see him now praying. Verse 28. He took him up in his arms. You picture this?
This man, probably an old man, we don't know his age, taking the baby, Jesus, in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Simeon takes this little boy in his arms, knowing that this is the Lord's Christ, knowing that this is the Messiah. And now this godly man is able to die in peace according to your word. You've given me that revelation and now I'm going to die in peace because my own eyes have seen the Messiah, the Lord's Christ.
And this little boy, verse 26, brings salvation for all peoples. We thought of that on Christmas Eve in the concert, didn't we? That Jesus comes as the Savior of the world. Simeon recognizes that this Messiah, this little boy, is not only going to bring salvation to Israel, but it's going to be for all people. In fact, verse 32, it's a light for revelation to the Gentiles.
That's the pagans, those who are outside of the commonwealth of Israel. those who were not given the law this one is going to provide a light a light from heaven shining to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel. Israel's Messiah then is bringing salvation but that salvation is not restricted to Israel salvation is for all peoples including the Gentiles Salvation of Gentiles in the scriptures is not, as it were, an add-on. Remember, you buy something and then they want you to say, well, you can add on this. And here's a little bit of extra.
Don't think of salvation for the Gentiles as an add-on, as something just thought of by God at the last minute. No, it is central to God's revelation. It's central to the plan of salvation. and when our Lord Jesus Christ comes, even as this little baby, Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes he's a light for revelation to all peoples, to the Gentiles and for glory to the people Israel. Remember our Lord says salvation is from the Jews and having seen the Messiah, Simeon is now ready to die in peace.
The consolation of Israel is coming through this little boy who is the Lord's Christ. He's waiting, he's praying, and now he's going to make a prophecy, verse 33. You picture this scene?
Now remember, Mary is a teenager. Joseph probably a little older, but you see this young couple. And there they are. with her firstborn. And Simeon now makes that tremendous declaration regarding salvation.
But then he's going to make this prophecy. Verse 33. And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, here's the prophecy. Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.
and for a sign that is opposed. And the sword will pierce through your own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. Joseph and Mary marvel at this prayer of Simeon. They're humbled as he blesses them. But then here's the prophecy.
It is true, Simeon is prophesying, that many will rise in Israel. Ah, but the child is also appointed, notice it, for the fall of many in Israel. And the sign of this, the sign that the consolation of Israel is coming through this little baby, the Lord's Christ, is that the coming and the consolation and the salvation is coming at a cost. pain, hostility, rejection, and suffering are going to be experienced by the mother Mary. Every mother wants to protect her child from rejection from bullying from difficulties and suffering That instinct God instinct to protect the child the baby is common to humanity isn't it?
And certainly to Mary. And she is marveling at what Simeon is saying and confirming that this is the Lord's Christ and that salvation and consolation is coming through Jesus.
However, her son, Jesus, is going to be rejected. We know that. He's going to be spat upon. He's going to be beaten. He's going to be betrayed.
And ultimately, he's going to be crucified. And Mary is going to be at the cross. And is going to see her son. This little boy, eight days old here. As he grows up into manhood, she's going to be there.
And she's going to experience the sword, as it were, piercing through her own soul. Salvation is coming, but it's coming at a cost. Her son is going to die. You see, first of all then, the presentation by Mary and Joseph. Secondly, the prophecy by Simeon.
Third, the proclamation by Anna. Verse 36. And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin. And then as a widow until she was 84.
She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour, she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
So here in the temple, there are these two important figures, Simeon and Anna that Luke is telling us about.
Now, Scripture says she's an old prophetess. She's a widow of 84 years. There's a dispute. Was she 84 years as a widow, which could have made her over 100, or is Luke saying her total age is 84? We know that she's been married for only seven years.
So this woman has been a widow for a long time. She's old. She lives in a temple where she worships with fasting and prayer night and day. Wonderful to have Anna's in the church, isn't it? Godly women who commit themselves to prayer and fasting.
God uses old people. Our society worships at the shrine of youth. In scriptures, there's great reverence for those who are older. And here is an example of an older woman. She's not bitter.
She doesn't retreat, but she gives herself to prayer and fasting. And it appears that she's present during Simeon's prayer and prophecy. And so she's giving thanks and making a proclamation to everyone there. The temple was a very, very busy place. She proclaims to everyone the coming redemption of Jerusalem.
and that redemption is coming through this little baby, Jesus. This is The Verdict with Pastor John Monroe and the first part of a message titled Simeon and Anna. Be sure to keep listening. John will be back in just a moment with his closing remarks. But first, I'd like to offer you a special resource that we're making available at no cost as our way of saying thanks for reaching out.
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Now, here's Pastor John Monroe with his closing remarks for today's program.
Well, what's your verdict? Have you ever considered the presentation by Mary and Joseph to Simeon and the implications of this meeting? Like the other Jewish parents, they're being obedient to God by bringing Jesus to the temple. Simeon praises the Lord that he's been allowed to witness the coming of the Messiah before he dies. Does this strengthen your faith as regards the accuracy of Scripture?
The child Jesus is recognized by Simeon as the Lord's Christ. Have you come to that point? Will you bow to Him as Savior and Lord? Thanks for joining us today on The Verdict. I'm Michelle Davies.
Today's program with Pastor John Monroe was produced and sponsored by Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.
