“ANNA – A PROPHET WHO SAW THE MESSIAH”

Season: Prophets
Episode 7: “Anna – A Prophet Who Saw the Messiah”
Today’s Bible Bite: Luke 2:22-40

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leN-xNrkjbo (God’s Story: Anna & Simeon)
“Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Unlike most of the prophets that we read about in the Old Testament, Anna was a prophet in New Testament times—that means that she was alive after Jesus was born. As a young woman, her husband had died; they had only been married for seven years. In the story, Anna was already 84 years old, and had spent her time in the Temple serving God, praying and fasting day and night, ever since she had become a widow. We don’t know exactly how long she had been doing this, but it is safe to assume that this had been her life for about sixty years!

She was a prophet which meant that God gave her messages to share with the people. One day he gave her an extra special one—the Messiah had finally arrived. For years, the prophets had promised that God was going to send the Messiah, a rescuer. The people had waited…and waited…and waited! But the day finally arrived when Jesus’ parents brought him to the Temple and Anna was able to tell everyone that he had finally come. God had fulfilled his promise.

Think about it...
• Anna and Simeon both heard God speak. Has God ever talked to you?
• When Jesus’ parents took him to the Temple Anna and Simeon both knew that this was no ordinary baby. How did they respond?
• Both Anna and Simeon were getting quite old. Do you think they ever gave up looking for the Messiah?
• Sometimes God’s promises take time. Why is it so hard to wait sometimes?
• Anna told everyone that the Messiah had come. Do you think others believed her?
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Prayer: Thank you, God, for answering Anna and Simeon’s prayers. Thank you that Anna was able to share this wonderful message, “Jesus has come!” Help me to tell others your amazing message, “…and he’s come back!”