The Insiders: Anna
Scripture
Luke 2:36-38 ESV And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Bible Study Questions
Who was ready for Jesus, who will be ready?
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, most people wanted a Messiah and knew that God had promised to send Him, but very few insiders were actually ready when He arrived. Anna was ready and waiting for Jesus. How many of us, even those who know that Jesus is returning, are ready for Him?
Matthew 27:24-26 ESV So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.
Waiting means knowing
We’re created by a faithful God who takes time and care to speak to us and assure us of His promises. Anna may have been of little value to the world, but she was deeply loved by God. God always fulfils His promises through Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:36 ESV And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,
2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Stay devoted to God through hardships and loss
Anna had a tough life as a widow in a time of great unrest and upheaval. She suffered great loss and could have withdrawn, believing her life to be nothing more than a meaningless, bitter slog of survival. But God, uses all things together for good to those who love HIm. How did God use Anna’s pain and suffering for good?
Luke 2:36 ESV And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,
Romans 12:12 ESV Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Live a life of worship, not just when you feel like it
Anna expressed her worship by her presence, prayer and self-denial. Did she worship and serve God every Sabbath, or when she felt like it, or did she arrange her life to a different schedule?
Luke 2:37 - ESV and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.
1 John 4:10 - ESV In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Listen and look out for God's revelations
A prophet or prophetess is called to listen to God and then speak to people. Anna devoted herself to prayer and worship, but was also expecting to hear from God. She was in the Temple and heard and saw what Simeon said to Mary and Joseph. She was looking for God’s faithful response. When we pray for wisdom and guidance, are we like Anna and David who were watching and waiting for His reply?
Luke 2:38 - ESV And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Psalm 5:3 - ESV LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
Hang out with people who know Jesus and are waiting for Him
Who we spend time with, physically and online determines what influences we are shaped by. Anna not only heard the talk of the Messiah because she was near Simeon, but the went and shared what she learned with other people who were also “waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem”. This means she knew other Insiders, she had built relationships with others who longed for the Messiah. Who are we most influenced by, and who do we share our experiences of God’s grace with?
Luke 2:38 - ESV And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Hebrews 10:25 - ESV not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Proverbs 13:20 - ESV Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Testify to God's fulfilment of His promises
The events of Anna’s difficult life and circumstances would seem to be very useful, but in the end she becomes an important witness to the Messiah. We’re still ready about this “nobody” 200 years later. Anna’s life had purpose and she found it by being faithful. How sad it would have been if she had not known who to share her testimony with, or had neglected to do so. Think of what she would have missed out on. Are we living faithfully - or are we missing out?
Luke 2:38 - ESV And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
1 Peter 3:15 - ESV but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Revelation 12:11 - ESV And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.