Worth The Wait

Worth the Wait

Q: What two people were in the Temple when Jesus was brought there at eight days old?

• a. Zechariah and Elizabeth
• b. Simeon and Anna
• c. Elkanah and Hannah

Youth is valued in our society. Many times people believe that if you are young and strong, you are worth more than people who are old and weak. But in Jesus’ time, the elders were respected and listened to. This was true of Simeon and Anna, very old people who served in the Temple.

At one time Anna had been married, but her husband died, and she spent the rest of her years serving God in the Temple. Simeon also served in the Temple, and God had let him know he wouldn’t die until he’d seen the promised Messiah.

Anna and Simeon never lost hope that the Messiah would come. When Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to be consecrated to God, Anna and Simeon both recognized him as the Savior. Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and said, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Some people thought the Messiah was coming to bring salvation only to the Jews, but Simeon declared that Jesus would be a light to reveal God and bring salvation to all the nations.

Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the whole world. Anyone who accepts him as Savior can be forgiven of his or her sins and have eternal life in heaven.

For You

Jesus’ death on the cross was for you, your family, your friends, and even your enemies. Invite someone to your church today.

Answer: b

Simeon . . . was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come. . . . Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple . . . and she was very old. . . . She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.   Luke 2:25, 36-37

(The Whole Story: Luke 2:21-40)