Anna’s story is found in Luke 2:36-38.

Influential Women of the Bible: Anna

Anna’s story is found in Luke 2:36-38.

Anna’s story begins with an elderly man by the name of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35). Simeon was a righteous man and very devout. He was a student of Old Testament prophecy and eagerly awaited the Messiah to come to Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

Anna was an eighty-four year old widowed prophetess. She had only been married for seven years when her husband died, and had never had any children. After her husband’s death, she completely devoted her life to the Lord. According to Jewish custom, care had to be given to orphans and widows. The Temple, which was a very large building, had dwelling places in different sections for those who needed assistance. This is where the prophetess Anna lived. She was a devout and well respected prophet of God. The Bible says that she “departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). She also spent much time in the Temple prophesying the coming of the Messiah.

One day the spirit led Simeon into the Temple. On the same day Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. When Simeon saw the child, he took him in his arms and praised God saying, “Lord, now let your servant die in peace according to your word. For mine eyes have seen the savior” (Luke 2:29-30). Then Simeon began to bless Mary and Joseph. Anna, being in the Temple at the same time, came along just as Simeon was speaking to Mary and Joseph. As soon as she saw the baby, Anna burst out with praise to God. She knew who Jesus was the moment she laid eyes on Him. Even though He was just a tiny infant, she knew He was the Savior she had been waiting for. She had finally seen the promised Messiah. The scripture says that she went throughout the Temple telling everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Israel that He had finally come. Anna was the first evangelist. She was the first to declare the message of salvation to the people.

Anna’s life is a testimony to the great contribution an individual can make to the Kingdom who devotes their life to God. Like Anna, just knowing who Jesus is should move us to tell everyone we see the good news that Jesus Christ, the Savior is here!
(From series, “Influential Women of the Bible” by Pastor Steven R. Williams, Sr.)