Around Jesus
A widow who prayed in the temple night and day for decades, then told everyone the child had come.
Quick read
Not typed · why →A widow who prayed in the temple night and day for decades, then told everyone the child had come.
“She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had been married seven years and then widowed, and she was now very old. She did not leave the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
At the very hour Simeon was holding the baby Jesus, she came up and began to give thanks to God. Then she spoke of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke gives her only three verses, and in them she becomes one of the first to tell others that the redeemer had come.
She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
Beginning
Seven years of marriage, then a long widowhood.
Turning point
She worships in the temple with fasting and prayer.
High point
She comes up as Simeon holds the child and gives thanks.
Ending
She speaks of him to all who were waiting.
Starts as a young widow. Ends as one of the first to announce the redeemer.
Only places Scripture records. Softer, dotted pins are traditional or uncertain sites. Tap a pin for the passage.
Anna appears only in Jerusalem's temple.
Why there's no type here
Luke gives Anna three verses and none of her own words, too little to type her honestly.
Persevering devotion (). Thankful (). Told others ().
Scripture records no failings.
The redemption of Jerusalem ().
Scripture does not say.
The Lord
JesusShe gave thanks for him and spoke of him (Luke 2:38).
Where this points to Christ
She spoke of Jesus to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem (). Thirty years later, that child would redeem not just Jerusalem but people from every nation by his blood ().
Anna's long grief became a life of prayer. What has your loss become?
She could not keep the news to herself. Who in your life is waiting to hear about Jesus?
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