Knowing The Word in Luke 2:36-38

Anna

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, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 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.

Comments

As there had been no prophets for hundreds of years, it is noteworthy and very unusual that a prophetic woman has been raised up. Anna, which means “grace,” balances Simeon in Luke’s Gospel. He shows early on that the lives of women will be radically altered as those of men are. She comes from the lost tribe of Asher, mentioned here for the last time in the Bible. If she married at age sixteen, which is not unusual, and lost her husband at age 23, she has lived 61 years as a widow. Life for widows in the first century was exceedingly difficult. They rarely owned property or worked to make a living. It appears she chose to live in the temple, likely living off the giving of others. She ate little but worshipped much, leading a very disciplined life. To whom did Anna speak? Luke does not tell us other than “to all who were waiting” for a savior to come.

Application

Why did the religious people reject Jesus and Anna accepted him? Was Anna wiser than the Pharisees and Sadducees? Apparently, Anna was reliant upon God. She had never “pulled herself up by her bootstraps.” Instead, she lived in the shadows of her community, turning daily to God. She knew she and her people needed a savior. God blessed her by letting her see him. Do you rely on God daily, knowing your personal need for a savior, the Savior?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, do you remember when you were held in the arms of Simeon and heard Anna prophesy? Did your parents recount this day to you? Would you give me a heart like these two people of faith, that I might rely upon you day by day, loving you, serving my family and friends, and giving myself fully to living in the kingdom of God.