“Anna”

Lesson 2

Scripture Reference: Luke 2:36-38

Anna means “favored one” or “grace”

Introduction — Anna was the daughter of Phanuel, which means “the face or appearance of God.” She was a prophetess, not a preacher. She would tell others about God and His Will. Many women in the Bible were used to teach, witness or speak the things of God. There is much wisdom to be learned from old age and experience.

Anna was married for only 7 years. She was a widow for 84 years. The law required that widows (without husbands) be treated kindly and taken care of. Anna fulfilled the requirements of being a widow indeed (1 Timothy 5:910).

9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

10 well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 1 Timothy 5:9-10

1. More than 60 years old.
2. Married only once
3. Known for good works.
4. Reared children.
5. Lodged strangers.
6. Washed the feet of travelers.
7. Helped the afflicted and troubled.
8. Faithfully followed God.

Anna’s age was a crown of glory (Proverbs 16:31).

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31

No doubt, Anna was lonely at times, but she just trusted in the Lord all the more (1 Timothy 5:5).

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 1Timothy 5:5

The Lord has a special care for widows.

Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. Exodus 22:22

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. Psalm 146:9

God’s plans frustrate the “way of the wicked” because His values are the opposite of the world’s. Jesus turned society’s values upside down when He proclaimed that “many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:30

Jesus turned the world’s values upside down. Consider the most powerful or well-known people in out world– how many got where they are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come, the last will be first. Don’t forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits. Be willing to make sacrifice now for greater rewards later. Be willing to accept human disapproval while knowing that you have God’s approval.

And “whosoever will save his life shall lost it: and whosoever will lost his life for my sake shall find it”. Matthew 16:25

The possibility of losing their lives was very real for the disciples as well as for Jesus. Real discipleship implies real commitment- pledging our whole existence to God’s service. If we try to save our physical lives from death, pain, or discomfort, we may risk losing eternal life. If we protect ourselves from the pain God calls us to suffer, we begin to die spiritually and emotionally. Our lives turn inward, and we lost our intended purpose. When give our lives in service to Jesus, however, we discover the real purpose of living.

The present world chooses gods of power and self- development. Jesus revealed that God is loving and taught His followers the path to greatness through service and self- sacrifice.

42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

44 and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:42-45

James and John wanted the highest positions in Jesus’ kingdom, but Jesus told them that true greatness comes in serving others. Peter, one of the disciples who heard this message, went on to expand this thought in 1 Peter 5:1-4.

The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering

“Advice for Elders and Young Men”

5:1 The elders which are mong you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the suffering of Christ, and also a partaker (means: receiver) of the glory that shall be revealed:

2 feed the flock of God (means: The church, Christians) which is among you, taking the oversight thereof (means: Of it), not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples (means: examples) to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:1-4

Elders were church officers who provided supervision, protection, discipline, instruction, and direction for the other believers. Elder simply means “older.” Both Greeks and Jews gave positions of great honor to wise older men, and the Christian church continued this pattern of leadership. Elders carried great responsibility, and they were expected to be good examples.

The chief Shepherd is Jesus Christ. This verse refers to His second coming, when He will judge all people and give rewards to His faithful followers. The “crown,” while metaphorical, pictures the eternal and unchanging glory believers will receive. What better motivation for selfless service! What better motivation for keeping the faith in the face of suffering and temptation!

Businesses, organizations, and institutions measure greatness by personal achievement. In Christ’s kingdom, however, service is the way tto get ahead. The desire to be on top will hinder, not help. Rather than seeking to have your needs met, look for ways that you can minister to the needs of others.

Don’t be suprised when others don’t understand your Christian values; at the same time, don’t give in to theirs.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

James’ instruction to care for orphans and widows tells us what our Christian conduct should look like. In the first century, orphans and widows had very little means of economic support. Unless family members were willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these powerless people and others in need, the church was putting God’s Word into practice. Claiming loyalty to God means more than worshiping in church; it involves truly serving others.

To keep ourselves’ “unspotted” from the world, we need to commit ourselves to Christ’s ethical and moral system, not the world’s. We are not to adapt or conform to the world’s value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure. True faith will dissipate if such values drive us. Ask the Holy Spirit to keep your heart and mind closely connected to Jesus.

Luke 2:37 —

and she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37

Their main role was to speak for God, proclaiming His truth.

Anna lived a life of Godly self-control. She departed not from the temple but faithfully served the Lord with fasting and prayers night and day. Anna not only prayed in private, but also joined with others in the temple to pray. Anna was at peace with God and it showed on her face. People were attracted to her, and she was always ready to share the love of God with them. Anna had given her life completely to the Lord. She was able to comfort and encourage people when they came to the temple.

Anna was a prophetess who taught the Word of God. She was looking and waiting for the coming Messiah. When Anna saw the baby Jesus as Mary and Joseph brought Him to the temple, it was revealed to Anna that this Jesus was the promised Messiah. Anna praised the Lord! She was so thankful that God had answered her prayers to see the Messiah before she died. Anna told the Good News to all that Jesus was the Redeemer of Israel. Anna became the first female to proclaim Jesus as Christ. Anna continued praying and praising God to the end of her life. She was a widow but she was greatly used of God.

When God blesses you or you learn a good lesson of life, share the Good News with others. No matter you age, you need to be faithful to God. You do not retire in the work of God. You can always depend upon and trust the Word of God.

Discuss the wisdom of Anna. Where does wisdom come from? Wisdom comes from God and understanding comes from life. Some of the greatest lessons are learned from life and experiece. Never stop learning!

If you are not learning, then you are not living.