Jesus’ parents took Him to the temple in Jerusalem according to God’s instructions. There were two very devout people in the temple who recognized the fact that the baby Jesus was the Messiah the Jews had been expecting for many years. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. The Spirit moved Simeon to go into the temple courts at the exact time when Mary and Joseph arrived with baby Jesus. God is always right on time. He is never late, although we are afraid He will be late or think that He is already late, according to our timetable.
Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms and praised God for keeping His promise to allow him to see the Messiah. He said, in essence, “Now I can die in peace.” He said, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32) Then Simeon blessed them and pronounced this prophecy, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34b-35)
There was also a prophet named Anna in the temple. She had been married for seven years but now was an 84 year old widow. She never left the temple but prayed and fasted night and day. When she saw the baby, she came up to Mary and Joseph, and “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38b) These two very devout people were directed by the Holy Spirit to declare that Jesus was not only a very special baby--most parents think that about their children--but they indicated that He was the long expected Messiah Himself. This evidence alone would not be enough to prove that Jesus was the Messiah, but it adds weight to the other evidences that prove His claim.
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