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. And at the outset of a long chain of such prophetic insights stand Simeon and Anna, one satisfied that prophecy has been fulfilled and the other pointing to the future, a future as bright as the promises of God. He took Jesus in his arms, held him close and began to bless the Lord. 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). We must make this observation, for in verse 29 there are three words which indicate this. We shall never be perfect while we are in the flesh, but the Lord has made provision for us to be blameless (verse 25), which means that our lives should be such that they bring glory to His name and show forth His praise to those amongst whom we are living. Jesus walking on water in John 6:16-24. But the beauty is not limited here to Simeon's experience alone. He did not know just when He would come, but as his hair whitened and his limbs became enfeebled, these were signs to him that the Lords coming was very near. The presentations by all, are excellent and non-controversial. Where was he really bornBethlehem or Nazareth? It has provided much food for thought. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. 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. He will either accept him or reject him. I believe that Luke records this account to show Theophilus and all of us that Simeon saw the gospel - an attractive, broad, costly, and satisfying gospel. Get the best from CT editors, delivered straight to your inbox! husband passed away seven years after her wedding. Luke wants to show that both of these people have been patiently waiting for the Messiah. He loved God. Brown adds, however, that Luke does not leave Mary on the negative note of misunderstanding. We are told this in verse 25, and it means that his life was honest and upright in the eyes of men. I am surprised no one else caught this prior to publication. Jesus at the age of twelve accompanies Mary and Joseph, and a large group of their relatives and friends to Jerusalem on pilgrimage, according to the custom that is, Passover. That is also why she stood at the cross and did not kneel. to say. Simeon had been 40, then 50, then 60 years old. 19 Feb, 2021 The Prophecy of Simeon 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. Where in the Bible did Jesus ask Peter if he loved? Anna begins to preach: She came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Both are quicker than Mary to comprehend who Jesus is. When Simeon saw Him for whom his soul had been longing, he took Him in his arms. Hebrew Sukkot is the plural from Suka booth, tent, tabernacle. When Scripture uses blameless or just to describe a man like Zacharias or Simeon, the word means more than just conformity to the Law, to all the commandments and ordinances; it implies the spiritual perception of the purpose of God in the Law and the Prophets. 1) it is said in the New Testament that Philip had four daughters who prophesied and certainly could be considered prophetesses, with Anna not the only one: Acts 21:8-9 26 The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. God is going global! Simeon had long searched the Scriptures and prayed and waited for the coming of the Messiah in fulfillment of prophecy. 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. Thus, Simeon was speaking not of the Saviour but of the apparatus fitted to bring salvation. OK, so I have a slightly different interpretation when it comes to Joseph and Mary finding Jesus after hes been missing for three days. He saw the Savior before He died. Thus Simeon describes himself as free, released from the heavy burden of life. The house of Abijahs servicetime was the number 8, thus the second half of the 4th month of the jewish year which was about June. I enjoyed your article and found only one flaw which to some lends itself to your research or thoroughness of it. Oh to have people know that there is something different about us because of how satisfied we are in Christ. If we do, we will rejoice as did Simeon on that occasion. And that is what we are going to examine today: what did Simeon see when he looked into the face of the Messiah. The redemptive offerings, the Day of Atonement, the Passover, all spoke to them of the coming Christ. He prayed, "God, You kept Your promise, and I have Luke 2:25-35 Leviticus 12:1-8 gave clear instructions that after the birth of a child a woman was ceremonially unclean. In response, Mary made it quite clear to Gabriel that she understood: She changed strategies, "Well, how about $15,000? Granted it is glorious and attractive, but it is not safe. I like the stress on Mary and Joseph as good parents who nevertheless dont get it. Your statement says she is the only woman in New Testament explicitly described as a prophetess. outfit new lambs in protective coats, especially in cold weather. Luke uses the story of Simeon (2:25-35) and Anna (2:36-38) to demonstrate that the Christ-child is the one for whom Israel had waited and longed for. He was a prophet and teacher. She is not shaking in her boots because inwardly Jesus is the Son of God. Simeon recognised Jesus as the Christ as soon as he saw him, and blessed the young family. how old was simeon when he saw jesus He was waiting for the time when God would help Israel. Simeon understood the treasure of a godly life. 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). Luke adds that she treasures the words the angel Gabriel speaks to her. Good Stuff Ben and I love preaching on Simeon and Anna over the years, thanks. Central to Simeon's spiritual eyesight was a deeply rooted godliness. He has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top Biblical studies works by Christianity Today. Simeon met baby Jesus and blessed Him, in fulfillment of a promise to Simeon from God. The whole of the strange thing called life lies between the extremes in that picture. It was God the Fathers and Holy Spirits job to prepare Jesus until he was ready to start His ministry. According to Luke, Mary treasures the angels message, but does not fully understand it. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple on the day Joseph, Mary and Jesus were there. All rights reserved. Unlike Simeon, Anna is not just visiting the Temple for the day; she is there all the time. 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. Luke portrays the rise of a form of Judaism that would rely on the testimony of women as well as men, and that would empower them once again to fulfill roles like Miriam of old. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. Having seen the messiah, Simeon is now prepared to die. Simeon went to the temple and held the Christ Child, and There was a lady named Anna that lived in Jerusalem also. disturbing images regarding jesus future. He proclaims its rising, and he asks to be relieved from the post he has occupied so long. We have an extra set here at our office. And while there they met an old man called Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, was very moved and filled with joy and gratitude. Your email address will not be published. So Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem, traveled the six miles up to the city of Jerusalem. This phrase either means that many will be humbled and spiritually raised up because of him (like the story of the publican in Luke 18:9ff), or it means that Jesus will be a stone over which some will fall and perish while others are spiritual "risen up" by God's power (see Luke 1:51-53). Oh to have the world know this about the followers of Christ. It is surely significant that his name means Hearing with alacrity. Wikimedia CommonsThe Greek transliteration of Jesus real name , Isous, and the late Biblical Hebrew version Yeshua. Hey, if the Holy Spirit tells Simeon he will not die till he sees the Messiah, and if hes been waiting his entire life perhaps, and hes faithful and in the temple and he comes and serves as that second witness ~ that may be Gods total will for his lifes ending, different from Annas, but just as powerful. Then Simeon announced that the Child was for a sign which shall be spoken against that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. This also was a quotation from Isaiah (7:14). As Paul put it in Ephesians 2:19 - no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens! Simeon . He was a good man and very religious. Thus Jesus was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil. "But the plans of the LORD stand firm for ever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.". That is what Simeon saw, and that is what all godly people should see - even to the point of death. Mary and Joseph were so amazed at the things Simeon was saying about Jesus! Copyright 2023 College Park Church. You and I, who live in the light of the second coming of Christ, have the same glorious word of assurance. Did he marry? He is at peace and his heart is filled with hope because he knows that God has fulfilled His promise. In this beautiful scene, the aged Simeon takes the Baby Jesus up in his arms and expresses his delight and joy to God in a brief prayer. For the Holy Spirit to rest upon a man is the highest experience God has for him. He waited for the consolation of Israel, the Messiah, the Lords Christ. (The same Spirit told him to go to the Temple that day, too.) . This is the time Simeon and Anna saw Jesus. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would die before he saw the Simeon's testimony was great in that he said that he saw the salvation in Jesus and Jesus was the one whom the Father had prepared before the face of all the people and also that Jesus was the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel. Simeon was a righteous and devout man who lived in Jerusalem. She didnt understand why he But Mary is also puzzled by the divine message; she is perplexed when the angel greets her and must ponder the meaning of his words (Luke 1:29; see also 2:19). Notice how the text describes him. A suffering messiah was not yet on "The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed." The jewish month has only about 29 days .please google the theme here and you will find all detailed informations for what I wrote here. thus the feast of Sukkoth is a symbol for God dwellling among us in Jesus . news about the Christ Child to everyone in Jerusalem looking for He was sincere and he was known to be, as we say today, above reproach. I said that I had not. "Yeah, you know what I really don't need this job if you are going to make me do that." Also, what she went through when almost stone, seems many want to believe Mary just forgot all that, As well as, all the towns people. Keeping them wrapped prevented them from becoming blemished later on. You can be sure God the father and Holy Spirit let Him know about it. This is clear. What is the overall storyline of jesus existence according to johns gospel. So we know from this that Jesus was 7 + 33 = 40 days old at the time of this ceremony. 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. Combine a one-year tablet and print subscription to BAR with membership in the BAS Library to start your journey into the ancient past today! He had been told by God, as a much younger man, that he would definitely see the Jewish Messiah before he died. The Bible does not mention his age at all , but it does say he Mary also tells the Archangel Gabriel she agrees to having the Son of God. Simeon's words assert that 1) Jesus would be the salvation of the world, 2) He would deliver truth not only to those in Israel but also to the Gentiles, and 3) Jesus would bring glory upon the people of Israel. "A sword will pierce through your own soul also." Simeon declared the Child to be the glory of thy people Israel. That an Israelite should first mention Christ as the means of enlightening the heathen and then emphasize the glory of Israel was an unusual order in pre-Christian times and thinking. Simeon saw Jesus there, and he picked Jesus up in his arms. Surely youll recall how the unborn John the Baptist leaped in his mothers womb at the presence of Mary and the unborn baby Jesus? The gospel is rooted in God's faithfulness. Jesus was approximately 40/41 days old at the time His mother, Mary was required to make an offering at the temple (Leviticus 12:). Simeon's righteous faith qualified him to see something incredibly special. Notice also that the Holy Spirit always leads to and glorifies the Lord Jesus - compare verse 27 with John 16:13-14. He has mercy upon those who fear him, from generation to generation; he has done valiantly with the strength of his arm, driving the proud astray in the conceit of their hearts; he has put down the mighty from their seat, and exalted the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed. At that circumcision ceremony babies were given their name. 7. disciple. Its very well written; I love what youve got December 21, 2008 College Park Church, What Simeon Saw: Lessons From a Satisfied Old Man. If you ever want to read something that fills in the blanks an,d plays out like a movie, read MYSTICAL CITY OF GOD by SISTER MARY of AGREEDA. Dig into the illuminating world of the Bible with a BAS All-Access membership. 12:). Being first to hear doesnt always mean being first to understand. God holds our every breath. 4 Si Jose ay umahon din mula sa Galilea, mula sa lungsod ng Nazaret . 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. It will not make sense to them, and honestly it shouldn't. Director Jon Erwin discusses his inspiration for the film and how history might be repeating itself today. I want to add: each jewish month has exactly 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, 3 1/3 seconds. All you need to do is come down to our service center to learn about our products, pick up your keys, and you will have chance to start a 2006 Chevy Blazer. Simeon ( Greek: ) at the Temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25-35, met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the 40th day from Jesus' birth, i. e. the presentation of Jesus at the Temple . Several years ago I received a telemarketing call, and I did something I've never done before. Their patient waiting is now being fulfilled as Simeon and Anna both converge in temple area and meet the Messiah face to face. 2021 Calvary Chapel Augusta - WordPress Theme : by, Who was with jesus on the mount of transfiguration, Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost, What happened after jesus rose on the third day, What was jesus wrapped in when he was born, Why did jesus go to the desert for 40 days, What is church of jesus christ of latter day saints. August 22,2014 2:02 am. Simeon had the infant Jesus in his arms and, moved by the Holy Spirit, sang the Nunc Dimittis, Latin words for "now dismiss." We . Their hearts were right with God. The article was first republished in Bible History Daily on February 12, 2013. "Yeah, I know that we could buy that, but we'd rather give our money away." Four characteristics are given here: From an Old Testament perspective, Simeon was a model of godliness. Now we turn briefly to Simeon's farewell to the world (2:29-35). What a beautiful picture! Gabriel made it quite clear to Mary who is Jesus: 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God (Eph 2:19). And God has graciously given us signs by which we may know that the second coming of His Son is very near. 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. 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. It was attacked by Porphyry and Celsus and other ancients, and many unbelievers center their attacks upon it today. 25 A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. 26 The Holy Spirit told Simeon that he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. Only after years of pondering the message in her heart does she become a true follower of Jesus. Museo Civico, Recanati, Italy/Scala/Art Resource, NY. Its amazing all the women named or not named. 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. In fact, he is so satisfied that having held the Christ-child he is now ready to die! Simeon thanked God that he was able to see Jesus the savior! The jewish year in ancient Israel times began in spring, the month of Nisan ,which is about our March/April . 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 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. I believe it's more likely he was already getting up there in years and he was beginning to worry. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to . It wasnt that Mary had forgotten that Jesus was also the Son of God that she didnt understand. The first Christmas and the Christ child come at a particular point in time, but for many, like Mary and Joseph, the significance of the event is only understood incrementally and over the course of many years. 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. What a gift that God had given him! 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). 2. He saw the gospel clearly, and he was a satisfied man. 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 2:28-32). Even the most unjustified, unfair, and evil event in human history was a part of God's gracious plan? How old was Jesus when simeon and Anna saw him. For some reason, Simeon, alone of all people, had been promised that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Anointed (Christ). And Marys Magnificent states her understanding of what is happening within her. Never has there been a sign more spoken against than that of the Virgin Birth and its attestation to the deity of Jesus Christ, namely, that he is God with us, or Emmanuel. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. 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. 1. Didnt Jesus family try to kidnap him at one point during his ministry. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Simeon went into the church in Jerusalem. Also read Numbers 8:17 and Numbers 18:14-1, The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary about the birth of Jesus, An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, Angels praised God for the birth of Jesus, Jesus at 40 days old was taken to the Temple, Magi traveled from the East to find Jesus, King Herod the Great plans how to kill Jesus, Timeline for Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story, Background Information Birth of Jesus The Christmas Story. In verse 32 he stated that the Lord Jesus was to be, first, a light for revelation to the Gentiles; and second, for glory to your people Israel. Bauxite mining would threaten birds, plants, and clean water. In Davids time the yearly service of the highpriest priests was divided in 24 houses, each makng the service in the temple in Jerusalem for half a month. 8:14). Luke records that Jesus' parents "marveled at what was said about him" ( Luke 2:33 ). In Lorenzo Lottos unusual rendition of the Annunciation, dated to 1535, Marys cat is equally frightened by the divine apparition. 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! . 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. There is no great incentive to holy living than to believe, to live and to labour in the conviction that the Lord Jesus is coming again look up 1 John 3:3. How old was Simeon when he introduced Jesus? Anna then approaches the Holy Family. Interestingly, in both, the woman is portrayed as the more positive example of discipleship. In John 21, Jesus is asking Peter if he really loves Him. 27 The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. "Oh," I said, "I really don't like Chevy Blazers". This answer is: Study guides. 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). 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. At the opening of Aeschyluss Agamemnon, a sentinel, set to watch for the appearing of fire that was to announce the taking of Troy, beholds at last the signal so impatiently expected, and he sings at once, both of the victory of Greece and of his own release. Simon is one Latinised version of the name, the others being Simeon or Symeon. God gave her a job to do and she is doing it. referred to as Simeon, in which case he was both an apostle and Simeon takes the Child Jesus in his arms and blesses God in order to present it to the Lord. 31 which you prepared for all people to see 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. Also, he will be a sign that will be opposed. Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. Another assumption that is often made is that Simeon was a priest. What would prompt you to say, "Okay, now I'm ready to die!" 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. It was through this child that sin could permanently be forgiven. We know far more of Jesus through the New Testament revelation than Simeon ever could have known from the Old Testament prophecy, but do we embrace him in the arms of faith as the Lords Christ as Simeon did? 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. At the Temple scene, Mary definatly shows she knows this by how she address him after looking for him for three days. Simeon the priest was a very old man , could be in his late seventies. 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). 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons" (Luke 2:22-24). So you are saying that when the Shepards and the wise men came Mary had no idea Jesus was Messiah? In Lukes birth narrative, Mary is the first to be told that Jesus will be the messiah. They were devout in their worship and righteous in their dealings with their fellow men. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your Does not detract from the subject matter, but some would doubt your research capabilities. He will bring the revelation to non-Jewish people in order to bring Jews and Gentiles to God. Until a chance encounter with my moms old Bible opened my eyes. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace (2 Peter 3:10-14). How many nieces and nephew luther vandross have? 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. The neuter gender is used for the word salvation. Verses 22-24 tell us what is happening here. Not everyone can be a prophet, however. A widow . Mary, Simeon or Anna by Ben Witherington III originally appeared in Bible Review, Winter 2005. 161162. He was waiting for eschatological . Summary of Jesus life He was born to Joseph and Mary sometime between 6 bce and shortly before the death of Herod the Great (Matthew 2; Luke 1:5) in 4 bce. Before this baby was born an angel named Gabriel told Mary what to name Him. "Yeah, I know that you are going to kill me, but I won't recant on my belief in Christ.". Clearly, Luke is not painting an idealized portrait of Mary or Joseph. What did old Simeon say when he saw Jesus? she said. 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. Behold, from this day forward all generations will count me blessed; because he who is mighty, he whose name is holy, has wrought for me his wonders. (Apparently) this was how new lambs were inspected for defects and kept unmarred for eventual sacrifice for forgiveness of sins. See answer (1) Best Answer. Simeon Sees Jesus. According to Luke 2:2224, [Joseph and Mary] brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord [quoting Exodus 13:2, 12]) and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons [based on Leviticus 12:28].. Todos los derechos reservados,
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. Our digital archives are a work in progress. There were many details concerning the incarnation about which he was not at all clear, but of the fact that the Lord would come he was positive. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the Temple. 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. "For a sign that is opposed." 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. In the free ebook Who Was Jesus? Who were the models in Van Halen's finish what you started video? Rather in 2.51 [his mother treasured all these things ] he stresses her retention of what she has not yet understood and her continuing search to understand.2. This practice carried over into English: in the King James Version, the name Simeon Niger is spelt Simeon . If Mary were first to know, then surely Elizabeth was second, or if Mary did not realize, then Eizabeth was first to know. The Child was to be the shining light that would dawn in human hearts over the whole of the earth. 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). learn []. You seem to have forgotten about Elizabeths greeting to Mary many months before Mary met Anna at the temple.