Luke 2:36-38 - A Threefold Cord of Testimony

When we come to these verses today, Luke has already shared with us the story of the angels telling the shepherds about the birth of the Messiah. But after this heavenly witness, Luke proceeds to tell us of the public witness of three humans who met Jesus and shared their story with others. Verses 17-18 tells us about the shepherd’s public witness: “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds”.   Next was Simeon and his witness in verses 30-32: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." And now today we will look at the testimony of Anna, a prophetess in verses 36-38: “…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Amazing!!!! God’s first three witnesses of the birth of His Son Jesus were dirty shepherds, and two old people!   Luke introduces us next to a remarkable widow named Anna. She was a member of the tribe of Asher, an incidental example of the fact that many members of the scattered tribes still preserved their tribal identity. Anna seems to have been married in her teens, as was common enough in those days and in those lands. Then came seven years of marriage and early widowhood. At that point, she gave herself over to God. She would live for Him and wait for His Son from heaven. This she did for the next eighty-four years. She made God's home her home. She found for herself a niche somewhere near the temple courts where she served God with fasting and prayers day and night.   Interestingly, Anna’s name means "grace," reminding us of God’s grace coming into the world in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14-16).  There are forty-three references to women in Luke's Gospel, and of the twelve widows mentioned in the Bible, Luke has three (Luke 2:36-40; 7:11-15; 21:1-4; and note 18:1-8). It isn't difficult to see the heart of a physician in Luke's presentation.   Widows didn't have an easy time in that day; often they were neglected and exploited in spite of the commandment of the Law (Ex. 22:21-22; Deut. 10:17-18; 14:29; Isa. 1:17). Anna devoted herself to "serving God by worship" through fastings and prayers. She moved from the tribe of Asher and remained in the temple, waiting for the appearing of God's promised Messiah (see 1 Tim. 5:3-16).   Anna was a prophetess, which meant she had a special gift of declaring and interpreting God's message. Other prophetesses in Scripture are Miriam (Ex. 15:20), Deborah (Jud. 4:4), Hulduh (2 Rings 22:14), Noadiah (Neh. 6:14), and the wife of Isaiah (Isa. 8:3). The evangelist Philip had four daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21:8-9).   God's timing is always perfect. One day, as she came into the temple, she caught sight of old Simeon. Doubtless they knew each other well. When she saw him with a Babe in his arms, she quickly put two and two together, especially when she saw the light of glory in his face. She knew in an instant that his quest was over and hers was about to begin. She began her new ministry by giving thanks unto God. Then she took up her post in the temple court and bore witness “to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. (2:38). No doubt, the excitement began to spread as more and more people heard the Good News.   The Messiah had come! As yet, He was but newly born, but He was here! He would grow up! It would take time, but He was here! A threefold cord of testimony was woven: first the shepherds, then old Simeon, and finally the faithful widow, Anna (Eccl. 4:12; 2 Cor. 13:1) We too can continue to give this wonderful testimony that we have met the Savior! Who will you share this exciting news with today?   God bless!