2023 Words of Life Ministries - an independent evangelical Registered Charitable Trust (no.269381) Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy Website by: TEKOA Creative, Study 4 JUDAS ISCARIOT: HIS TERRIBLE BETRAYAL, Verse 26 tells us it had been revealed to him. THE PRESENTATION IN THE TEMPLE. How old was Simeon when he saw Jesus in the temple? The prophet Anna was a widow who never left the temple after her Notice, in Luke 2:25-35, some of the characteristics of this man who waited for the coming of Christ: He had no doubt about this, as we learn from verse 26. My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit has found joy in God, who is my Saviour, because he has looked graciously upon the lowliness of his handmaid. 35 Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul, too, so that the inner thoughts of many people might be revealed. The Spirit rested upon Moses, and his face shone like that of an angel. He was "waiting for the consolation of Israel." He took the prophets at their word and was looking for the coming Messiah. Your email address will not be published. He is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies. husband passed away seven years after her wedding. Jesus mouthing off to his mother in public after they have been frantic after losing him in a larger metropolitan area for three days. Ben Witherington III is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. He could not be as he did not fulfill the requirements, i.e. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, his mother, This infant is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise. Nicely done Ben. Simeon asked God to allow him to "depart in peace, according to Your word" (verse 29). Simeon was described as devout and just and was a part of the remnant of Gods people. Central to the beauty of what Simeon sees is the breadth of what all of this means: "that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples." Youre on the money. When the divine illumination concerning Christ comes to us, we too must act immediately in submission and receive the Christ. Yes, a messiah has arrived, as Simeon recognizes, but, as the prophetess Anna suggests, a new era, with a new and living voice of prophecy, has at the same time dawned.1 In this new era, the living voice of God will continue to speak about the messianic one. Mary was the first to have the good news announced to her, but Anna is the first woman to understand fully and proclaim the good news. In Lukes birth narrative, Mary is the first to be told that Jesus will be the messiah. Todos los derechos reservados,

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. 12:). Seems to me, she was there to let the rest of us know. website? What are the Physical devices used to construct memories? I see this in Simeon's personal statement, "For my eyes have seen your salvation" (2:30), and from Luke's account of Anna's actions, "And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for the redemption of Israel" (2:38). It wasnt that Mary had forgotten that Jesus was also the Son of God that she didnt understand. Therefore, the ages of Simeon and Anna are very important. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. I am surprised no one else caught this prior to publication. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lords Christ. He saw him as the beauty of God saying, "Promise Fulfilled." Even modern day shepherds If they acknowledge Christ, then they must be humble and bend the knee to God as their creator. Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and praises God: Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:2832). i have a tremendous teachin about the physiologic process a body experiences, during crucifixion. "Yeah, I know you'd probably leave your husband, but I'm going to believe that God can restore our marriage." Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. The holy family had made its little pilgrimage from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, a distance of about five miles, to accomplish what was called the purification of Mary. It is evident from scripture, by the fact that the people in His hometown and His siblings didnt know He was the Messia (after thirty yrs), that Mary, Joseph or Jesus ever revealed this. Dig into more than 9,000 articles in the Biblical Archaeology Societys vast library plus much morewith an All-Access pass. This is a stand that is very difficult for me to follow how one gets there, since Mary was told by Gabriel, John (to be the Baptist) at 6 mos responded, Elizabeth told her, again all the torment when she rtnd from Elizabeths, the shepards and the wise men the woman would have had to of had amnesia not to know. What a beautiful picture! The Eastern Orthodox Church considers Anna and Simeon the God-Receiver as the last prophets of Old Testament and observes their feast on February 3/February 16 as the synaxis (afterfeast) following the Presentation of Christ, which Orthodox tradition calls The Meeting of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Anna was the prophetess who saw Jesus when he was presented in the temple by his parents. Peace is not linked to an absence of conflict or pain, but to the assurance that God keeps His word. Copyright 2023 College Park Church. Anna was about 106 years old depending upon when she wed. Mary and Joseph marvel at what Simeon says about him (v 33) and then he says something stunning to Mary: "This child is appointed" Simeon knew and Mary and Joseph were only beginning to fully understand that this little baby was part of massive plan determined even before the foundations of the earth (Eph 3:11, Heb 4:3, Rev 13:8). However, there is one very important thing which we are told about him, and that is that day by day, as he lived and worked, he was waiting for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25); that is, he was waiting for and living in the expectation of the coming of the Messiah. Mary at the Cana wedding sensed, maybe with the Holy Spirits nudging, that perhaps this was the time for Jesus to reveall him self in a big way. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! On the next day we who were Pauls companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. The violations of the Law of God, the iniquity, immorality, and injustice of their day, only deepened their desire for the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the advent of the Messiah. At the Temple, the family is approached by a man named Simeon, who has been told by the Holy Spirit that he will not die until he has seen the messiah. 161162. The telemarketer called and asked me if I had received my car keys in the mail last week. Verses 22-24 tell us what is happening here. together regarding her first born. Another assumption that is often made is that Simeon was a priest. The doctors of the Law may have been dead spiritually, but these remnant people, who saw the reality contained in the Law and the Prophets, were alive to what God was doing. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. He then took the six-weeks-old baby in his arms. And that was when we both started laughing. The Law also allowed, in the cases of poverty, for two pigeons or turtledoves to be offered instead of a lamb. I enjoyed your article and found only one flaw which to some lends itself to your research or thoroughness of it. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. May Almighty God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit and Christianity be our guiding lights, our safety nets and our inspiration for loving happiness with Almighty God! Messiah. 6 months later, thus about December Jesus was conceived in Mary, and born 9 months later which gives us September for the birth of Jesus which is the time of the feast of Sukkoth which is now fullfilled in the coming of the Word of God to dwell among us in a human body: Greek skenos means tent and figuratively the human body . In referring to Alfred Plummers Commentary on Luke, (along with your proposal that Lukes women were more positive examples of discipleship) you write, Yes, a messiah has arrived, as Simeon recognizes, but, as the prophetess Anna suggests, a new era, with a new and living voice of prophecy, has at the same time dawned. That is quite a leap as Luke offers only a one-line summation of her input after he quotes Simeon at length. He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! In this way Luke both prepares for and signals one of his major themes in the Gospel of Luke and in Actsthe least, the last and the lost are becoming the most, the first and the found with Jesus coming. outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. We have an extra set here at our office. 2 Nangyari, nang mga araw na iyon, na lumabas ang isang batas mula kay Augusto Cesar na nag-uutos na dapat magpatala ang buong sanlibutan. As you celebrate this holiday, exchange gifts, enjoy days of rest, and time with family - I just want to remind you that this holiday is about the glory and the beauty of the gospel! Simeon does not know that years later Paul will write these words: "11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands- 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. So what? 2:25 Now a man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. So, I'd like to call you to be like Simeon - a man supremely satisfied with a costly gospel. Oh to have people know that there is something different about us because of how satisfied we are in Christ. By now my food was getting cold so I said, "YeahI really wouldn't like $15,000 either." Simeon finds them coming into the temple, takes the child in his arms, and offers a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving to God. must be consecrated to the Lord. What a gift that God had given him! A similar hope is beating in many hearts today, even while the darkness deepens in political, educational, moral, and spiritual things. To unlock this article for your friends, use any of the social share buttons on our site, or simply copy the link below. August 22,2014 2:02 am. "Yeah, I know that you are going to kill me, but I won't recant on my belief in Christ.". When Simeon saw Him for whom his soul had been longing, he took Him in his arms. When Joseph (far left) and Mary (left of center) bring baby Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple, they are greeted by Simeon, who embraces the baby, and Anna, the New Testaments only prophetess, shown at right with a scroll, in this 1342 tempera painting by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Romans 11:33-34 and Isaiah 40:28. Fear God, love God and honor God for the multitude of things he has done in our behalf, the love He has given us and the graciousness He has shown us through His Son and the Holy Spirit! He kept the law inwardly and outwardly, looked for the Messiah, and the very presence of God was in his life. bringing peace to earth and rebuilding the temple. The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on February 12, 2013. No wonder they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, (luke 2:17). Of course, in the end, Luke portrays Mary as successfully making the spiritual journey into the family of faith; in Acts 1:14, when the apostles gather in the upper room after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, Mary is with them. Amen! I love the balance that Simeon has - the kind balanced spiritual eyesight that we all need. If we do, we will rejoice as did Simeon on that occasion. The darkness of nineteen centuries has not been able to overcome that light, nor can the darkness of evil forces today extinguish the light of hope, faith, and love kindled by the coming of Jesus Christ. Simeon represented himself as a sentinel whom his master had placed in an elevated position and charged to look for the appearance of the Star. We must make this observation, for in verse 29 there are three words which indicate this. The author of Luke often used repetition to ensure certainty among his readers, so the story of Simeon was immediately followed by the story of Anna the prophetess. 1. i am a veterinarian in texas and i am catholic! She spread the As in Simeons day, the message needed is, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.. It was the day of the year when all the candles, that were used in the church during the coming year, were brought into church and a blessing was said over them so it was the Festival Day (or mass) of the Candles. Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace (Luke 2:28, 29). As Joseph and Mary marveled at the things spoken of their Child by Simeon, they were blessed by him, and heard Gods purpose for the Child. 8:14). We then count 3 and a half months from 1. Luke says of Anna: And there was Anna she was of great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow fourscore and four years, You give Anna the age of 84however considering girls were approximately 15 when wed, she lived with her husband 7 years and had been a widow 84 years. The secret of a life that is pleasing in the sight of men and well-pleasing to God is the filling of the Holy Ghost - look up Ephesians 5:18. And who better to give it to than a man who would fully appreciate it. Some of the biggest misunderstandings come from people who are related to Jesus. He was in all probability an old man, though we are not told this, and no indication is given of his position in life, nor as to whether he was rich or poor. He will bring the revelation to non-Jewish people in order to bring Jews and Gentiles to God. how old was simeon when he saw jesus So Simeon was known for his godly conduct toward others. This season of uncleanness was terminated by the offering of a sacrifice (a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering). Healing the man blind from birth in John 9:1-7. Deuteronomy 19:15 stresses the importance of having two witnesses to validate an event. Simeon lived in Jerusalem. The Holy Ghost is the author of all scripture (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and the great message of the scriptures concerning the future is that Jesus is coming again - look up John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 John 3:1-3). Therefore, if you could see Simeon in the temple courtyard holding the baby Jesus with his eyes lifted to the vast sky of Jerusalem you would see a satisfied old man! Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." See who and when the Apostles wrote their stories. Simeon accepted the Baby Jesus as the Christ of God. A little Child who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of a virgin was to be the means of the deliverance of Gods people. disturbing images regarding jesus future. It is often assumed that Simeon was an old man, but the Bible never says that. The whole of the strange thing called life lies between the extremes in that picture. Mary and Joseph search for him frantically for three days. How did he meet the test of life? OK, so I have a slightly different interpretation when it comes to Joseph and Mary finding Jesus after hes been missing for three days. In addition to his many interviews on radio networks across the country, Professor Witherington has been featured on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX Network. To have the kind of eyesight that Simeon had we need to see three things: 1) The treasure of a godly life, 2) The beauty of the gospel, and 3) The cost of following Christ. In fact, she is the only woman in the New Testament explicitly described as a prophetess. She then stands in the line of figures like the judge, military leader and prophetess Deborah and the Jerusalem prophetess Huldah, who, in the days of King Josiah, was asked to verify that an ancient scroll (a form of Deuteronomy) discovered during Temple renovations was indeed the word of God (2 Kings 22). That is also why she stood at the cross and did not kneel. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask Peter if he loved? Simeon is ready to die - he is at peace - because he has seen the future hope of Israel and the world. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? In these Old Testament types and experiences, they saw Christ. Exploring the History of Jesus Life, examine fundamental questions about Jesus of Nazareth. Director Jon Erwin discusses his inspiration for the film and how history might be repeating itself today. He saw this baby as the reason for his godliness. Simeon saw Jesus there, and he picked Jesus up in his arms. He saw one of the most important events in world history! Simeon was so happy! Have you bent your knee and turned to Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. At least that seems to be what you imply. Gabriel made it quite clear to Mary who is Jesus: His meeting of the Christ-child was not an anomaly or a spiritual aberration. All men will not accept Jesus. Have something to add about this? Mary also tells the Archangel Gabriel she agrees to having the Son of God. The word Messiah, in Hebrew, and the word Christ, in Greek, mean: Anointed One. The picture presents the contrast of age and of youth, of one nearing the end of the journey of life and one at the beginning. As Christians, we should be known for our absolute honesty, our truthfulness, our dependability and our moral integrity. 19 Feb, 2021 Godly people are supremely satisfied and they celebrate a costly gospel. Rather, he paints a very human and realistic picture of Mary and Joseph as good parents, anxious, concerned, striving to be obedient and understanding, but not yet comprehending. If it starts, you get to keep the vehicle." news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. According to Luke, Mary treasures the angels message, but does not fully understand it. But the beauty is not limited here to Simeon's experience alone. Simeon at the Temple is a figure in the Gospel of Luke. Mary, Simeon or Anna by Ben Witherington III originally appeared in Bible Review, Winter 2005. 2. Simeon, believed to be an old man, was waiting for the redemption of Israel, and the Holy Spirit told him that he would not die until he had see the redemption in the infant body of Christ, in the Anointed One of God. Two kinds of persons were involved; first there were those who would apprehend Christ as the Rock and find in him a spiritual sanctuary; second, those who would reject him and find him a stumbling stone and a rock of offense (cf. The Spirit gave Simeon divine revelationit was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lords Christ. The word translated revealed is actually a divine response. In the active tense the word means to transact business, to make an answer to those who seek advice. The use of the word in the passive bespeaks revelation made by God in response to the seeking of man. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. "For the fall and rising of many." He will either accept him or reject him. At first glance, Simeon and Anna could be easily overlooked within the narrative. Required fields are marked *. What is are the functions of diverse organisms? The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple on the day Joseph, Mary and Jesus were there. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. Simon Peter was also Here Simeon looked across three decades to a picture of a Man hanging on a cross, dying for the sins of his people, and suffering the penalty of the Law, thus emptying death of its sting and the Law of its curse. This was Simeons one opportunity to see the Lords Christ. The Global Methodist Church welcomes Scott Jones, who led Methodists in Texas and had advocated for the extreme center and staying at the table., Emily McFarlan Miller - Religion News Service. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. In the biblical Joseph narrative, when Joseph, having settled in Egypt, asks his brothers to bring Benjamin to him, he takes Simeon hostage to ensure that they return. Of course, no one knows how old Simeon was when God gave him this assurance. By this time Simeon was a very old man. Apparently sacrificial lambs were wrapped (swaddled) at birth Just ponder that for a moment with me: God appointed the future execution of son. Thus - Simeon was ready to welcome the Lord Jesus when He came. Treasuring God at one level gave him eyesight to see something at another level. God holds our every breath. For these people, whether in Jerusalem or in other cities of the Holy Land, the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the spiritual teachings of the prophets were adequate preparation for the coming of Christ. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. God is testing us everyday and has given us the right to make our own choices. The late New Testament scholar Raymond Brown wrote: Lukes idea is that complete acceptance of the word of God, complete understanding of who Jesus is, and complete discipleship is not yet possible. Who were the models in Van Halen's finish what you started video? The Spirit had prepared him to meet Jesus at the correct moment and had providentially brought them together. He is a godly man who is satisfied with a gospel that is a beautiful and costly treasure. Who was Anna? Mary and Jesus. Let me first give you my thesis, and then try to show you three ways that I see this in the text. Simeon's prayer captures the beauty of the gospel: He begins his praise to God with an expression of ultimate satisfaction in God and it is tied to the word peace: "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace," (v 29). He would not die until he had seen Jesus. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. I believe it's more likely he was already getting up there in years and he was beginning to worry. The gospel is rooted in God's faithfulness. Jesus is the one that they have been longing and looking for. Simeon instantly and independently recognizes Jesus as messiah. As a sword would pierce his heart, so figuratively a sword of suffering would pierce Marys heart. Simeon was righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was with him. Let a man be confronted with Christ as a supernatural person, one born without a human father, brought into the world through the womb of a virgin, as the apparatus of redemption, and he will reveal his own hearts condition by his attitude toward this supernatural Christ. After Pushing for UMC Unity, Former Bishop Joins New Denomination, I Was the Proverbial, Drug-Fueled Rock and Roller, Jesus Revolution Director: Were at the Forefront of a Return to God, Christian Conservationists Sue to Protect Ghana Forest, Complete access to articles on ChristianityToday.com, Over 120 years of magazine archives plus full access to all of CTs online archives. Simeon Sees Jesus. God is being gracious to Israel, but Simeon knows that God's grace is going to overflow the borders of this small nation. We are told this in verse 25, and it means that his life was honest and upright in the eyes of men. It was this little child who would life a sinless life, declare words of life, and then absorb the wrath of God so that the creator God and his people could be reunited. Who are we to really imply something different for the amazing Simeon and his song??!!! Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. In fact, people may even laugh at your Christ-centered satisfaction. He shall be great, and men will know him for the Son of the most High; the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he shall reign over the house of Jacob eternally; his kingdom shall never have an end., 2. Copyright College Park Church - Indianapolis, Indiana. While considering Dr. Witheringtons question, I would like to ask, How about Elizabeth, wife of Zachariah, whose response to Marys arrival plainly states that the Spirit revealed to her the identity of the unborn Messiah? Luke 1:41-43 reads, When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Want to learn some-more about his research? He was a good man. Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. In Hebrew Simeon means: hearing or listening. Because that is what Simon said. Thus, Simeon was speaking not of the Saviour but of the apparatus fitted to bring salvation. Elizabeth was the first to call Mary the mother of my Lord! God bless you and your work. Did he marry? A remnant of Gods people are looking for another prophetic fulfillmentthe advent of the Messiah in glory, attended by his angels, to establish justice and peace on earth. Simeon got it and he saw it! See answer (1) Best Answer. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have You see, treasuring godliness and the worth of the gospel are tested when following Christ costs you something. In which christian text are the teachings of jesus recorded? The angel had said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased." Now Simeon, a man of great faith in God's consolation, sees Jesus and is ready to die in peace. Mary, for example, does not fully understand what Anna immediately recognizes. This account is reminder to all of us that this day is not just about time with family or wonderful expressions of love. He will, in fact, be rejected. What distinguishes Simeon is not his position, but his godliness. Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. What are the 4 major sources of law in Zimbabwe? He was doing just that - listening day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment for the sound of the footsteps of the Son of God whose coming was drawing near. Thus Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. Its very well written; I love what youve got Furthermore, Joseph seems to be Marys equal regarding getting it. Lets not forget that God spoke to Joseph in dreams and he obeyed each time. God gave her a job to do and she is doing it. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. When at last they find him listening to and asking questions of the teachers in the Temple, Mary asks, Child, why have you treated us like this? In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Simeon is: Obedient; listening; little hyena. The Book of Luke records just two narratives about Jesus childhood: His dedication (Luke 2:21- 40) and His time at the temple when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). The flame of hope must have been fanned by the report spread abroad by the shepherds of the events at Bethlehem just forty days before. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. If Mary were first to know, then surely Elizabeth was second, or if Mary did not realize, then Eizabeth was first to know. MY SHOPPING CART. There were three characteristics of Simeons Spirit-controlled life: The Spirit-controlled life is a life which is endued with the Spirit, taught of the Spirit and led by the Spirit. Verse 25 tells us this, and it means that while he was honest and upright in the sight of men, he was holy (as the word really means) in the sight of God. Dr. Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges and Biblical meetings in the U.S., England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. Luke adds that she treasures the words the angel Gabriel speaks to her. Anna was 84 years old, and she stayed in the temple serving God. He held him and knew that one day this baby would call people to choose between God and themselves. Adding to what David said, Two important points, to say the least: 1. Nice job Susanna! thus the feast of Sukkoth is a symbol for God dwellling among us in Jesus . Simeon must have understood that Israels conversion would be realized only after the enlightenment of the heathen and the calling out of the Church. The word Lord means Over-lord; the word servant means bond-servant; and the phrase, as you have promised indicates complete submission to the promises of the Lord. Now we turn briefly to Simeon's farewell to the world (2:29-35). 2010-07-06 11:03:12. Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. This apparatus was prepared by God for the salvation of all people. Christ is the touchstone of human hearts. was saying and revelling himself at this age God had her back on this one! The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . Thus Simeon was driven under the impulse of the Spirit into the Temple, and when he was confronted with the Christ Child, it was necessary to receive him into his arms, not doubting because of the poverty, the humility, or the insignificance of this family.