There’s something about those births (8) / Christmas Continues w/ “The Eyewitness of Anna” / Luke 2:36-40
The Wonderful Women associated with Jesus - Mary, Elizabeth, Anna, WATW (Samaria), Mary Magdalene, Mary & Martha, Lydia - Unlikely women who witness to Jesus! Anna was a part of the “O’ Come Let Is Adore Him” Crowd! The Adoring & Awesome Anna! A lot is said of this godly elderly woman in a little space.
• Married for 7 years - So widowed for over 60 years - Godly through the ages! Don’t miss that.
• Prophetess - no examples given
• Daughter of Phanuel -
• Tribe of - 12 tribes; 10 & 2 tribes (Judah and Benjamin); The 10 tribes aren’t lost (Revelation 7:6 & 14:1-5 speak of the tribes established by God). BTW - Simeon most likely named after tribe
• Never told of quarters for godly women
I. The Credibility of Anna -
1. Look at her character -
2. Look at her commitment - “never leaving” but not isolated! She interacted. She communicated. She evangelized. She is a critical part of the True Christmas Story.
3. Look at her compassion - 4 incredible evidences:
a. By her worship - Jesus spoke of
• Jesus in Matthew 4 (and serve)
• Jesus in John 4 (true worship)
• Jesus in Mark 7 (vain worship)
b. By her fasting - Jesus spoke of
• Fasting is a private matter - don’t promote your practice
• Fasting is a spiritual matter (physical benefits but spiritual purposes) - Joel (Return) & Jonah (Repent) attached to prayer not to diet
• Fasting is an essential matter - “Why don’t Your disciples fast?” Oh they will but not while I’m here! Don’t Fast at the Feast!
c. By her thankfulness - Jesus
spoke of (didn’t mean she wasn’t
lonely)
• Jesus asked, Where are the other 9
• Jesus expressed gratitude as the pattern of His life - John 11 to The Lord’s Supper (Eucharist is Greek for giving of thanks)
• Jesus commanded gratefulness -
d. By her evangelistic mindset (like
Simeon!)
• Like Elizabeth; Like Mary; Like Zechariah; Like TWATW - John 4
