and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. Luke 2:37 NABRE
Following the law, Mary and Joseph go with baby Jesus to the temple for the purification and the presentation. While there they meet Simeon who is a prophet and he declares the time has come for the anointed one of God. They also encounter Anna a prophetess, a woman who has divine inspiration and speaks for God. In the scriptures we read of less than ten prophetess an many prophets, it is a man’s world. Which is why it is significant Jesus encounters both a prophet and prophetess; Jesus is for all people. Anna has been in the temple since she became a widow, eighty-four years, dedicating her life to God through prayer and fasting. We only have a few lines about her in the gospel of Luke and she never speaks. But as a prophetess she is among the first few to bring honor to this baby, sharing she has met the redeemer of Jerusalem. It is an honor for her to meet the child and to be one of a few who proclaim his mission. She thanks God for finally sending the long awaited redeemer and is filled with His grace.
Widows are second class citizens in the time of Jesus, often needing a man to take care of them as they have no legal rights. The bible has many laws about the care of the widow, almost treating them as one of the anawim, the poor of God. Anna, has a special place, she remains in the temple all her life as a widow serving God and dedicating herself to Him. She is rewarded through her meeting the Messiah. God always favors those who dedicate their lives to Him and God’s appreciation cannot be out done.
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Can you imagine staying in church for eighty-four years? Do you notice Jesus treating women and widows differently?
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