Luke 2:25-38

New Life Version

Simeon’s Song of Thanks

²⁵ There was a man in Jerusalem by the name of Simeon. He was a good man and very religious. He was looking for the time when the Jewish nation would be saved. The Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ The Holy Spirit made it known to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen God’s Chosen One. ²⁷ He came to the house of God being led by the Holy Spirit. The parents took Jesus to the house of God. They came to do what the Law said must be done. ²⁸ Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms. He gave honor to Him and thanked God, saying,

²⁹ “Lord, now let me die in peace, as You have said. ³⁰ My eyes have seen the One Who will save men from the punishment of their sins. ³¹ You have made Him ready in the sight of all nations. ³² He will be a light to shine on the people who are not Jews. He will be the shining-greatness of Your people the Jews.” ³³ Joseph and the mother of Jesus were surprised and wondered about these words which were said about Jesus. ³⁴ Simeon honored them and said to Mary the mother of Jesus, “See! This Child will make many people fall and many people rise in the Jewish nation. He will be spoken against. ³⁵ A sword will cut through your soul. By this the thoughts of many hearts will be understood.”

Anna Gives Thanks for Jesus

³⁶ Anna was a woman who spoke God’s Word. She was the daughter of Phanuel of the family group of Asher. Anna was many years old. She had lived with her husband seven years after she was married. ³⁷ Her husband had died and she had lived without a husband eighty-four years. Yet she did not go away from the house of God. She served God day and night, praying and going without food so she could pray better. ³⁸ At that time she came and gave thanks to God. She told the people in Jerusalem about Jesus. They were looking for the One to save them from the punishment of their sins and to set them free.