Luke 2:38 – “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see Anna, a faithful woman who has spent decades worshiping and praying in the temple, finally witness the fulfillment of God’s promise. At the very moment Mary and Joseph are presenting the baby Jesus, Anna approaches and recognizes that this child is the long-awaited Messiah. Her immediate response is twofold: she gives thanks to God and begins telling others about the significance of this child. She specifically speaks to those who are “looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem,” meaning those who were waiting for God to restore His people and deliver them from spiritual oppression.
Anna’s response reveals her spiritual sensitivity and readiness. After years of prayer and fasting, she is prepared to recognize the Messiah when He appears. Her gratitude shows that she understands the importance of this moment—God’s plan for salvation is unfolding right before her eyes.
Historical Context
During the time of Jesus’ birth, the Jewish people were living under Roman occupation and eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. Many believed that the Messiah would be a political leader who would free them from Roman control and restore Israel to its former glory. The phrase “redemption of Jerusalem” reflects this hope. However, Anna’s understanding of redemption goes beyond political liberation. She recognizes that Jesus is the one who will bring spiritual deliverance, fulfilling God’s promises to His people.
The temple, where this scene takes place, was central to Jewish religious life. It was where sacrifices were made, prayers were offered, and God’s presence was sought. Anna’s presence there shows her deep connection to God and her role as a witness to the fulfillment of His plan. Her actions parallel those of Simeon, who also recognized Jesus as the Messiah earlier in Luke 2.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights two key theological truths: the importance of recognizing God’s work and the call to share the good news.
- Recognizing God’s work: Anna’s ability to recognize Jesus as the Messiah wasn’t based on external appearances. Jesus was a baby from a humble family, not a military leader or king. Yet Anna, through her faith and devotion, saw the truth. This shows that recognizing God’s work requires spiritual discernment, which comes from a close relationship with Him. It also demonstrates that God’s plans often unfold in ways we don’t expect.
- Sharing the good news: Anna’s immediate response to seeing Jesus is to give thanks and tell others. Her example emphasizes the importance of witnessing to what God has done. She doesn’t keep the news to herself but shares it with those who are waiting for God’s deliverance. This points to the responsibility of believers to share the message of salvation with others.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often highlights the theme of witnessing and sharing the good news, and Anna’s response fits this pattern. The phrase “at that very moment” emphasizes the providence of God—Anna didn’t arrive at the temple by chance. Her encounter with Jesus was divinely orchestrated, showing that God’s timing is perfect.
The phrase “those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” is important because it connects Anna’s actions to the broader hope of the Jewish people. However, Luke’s Gospel will later reveal that Jesus’ mission goes beyond redeeming Jerusalem—it extends to all people, including Gentiles.
The contrast between Anna’s quiet life of prayer and her bold proclamation of the Messiah demonstrates that even those who live behind the scenes can play a vital role in God’s plan. Her story serves as a bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament mission of proclaiming Christ to the world.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 52:9 – “Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem.”
- Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those He redeemed from the hand of the foe.”
- Acts 2:17-18 – “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…”
- Luke 1:68 – Zechariah’s song of praise: “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come to His people and redeemed them.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Anna’s example challenges today’s Christians to live with spiritual readiness and to share their faith boldly. She spent years praying and fasting, remaining faithful even when she didn’t immediately see the results of her devotion. Her story reminds believers to persevere in their faith, trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
This verse also encourages Christians to be witnesses of God’s work. Just as Anna shared the good news about Jesus with others, believers are called to tell others about what God has done in their lives. Sharing the gospel isn’t limited to those with formal roles in ministry—anyone who has experienced God’s grace is called to share it with others.
Additionally, this verse reminds Christians to have hearts of gratitude. Anna’s first response to seeing Jesus was to give thanks to God. In the same way, believers should respond to God’s blessings with thanksgiving, recognizing His hand in their lives and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in the way He revealed the Messiah to Anna and allowed her to be part of His redemptive plan. Even after many years of waiting, God didn’t forget Anna’s faithfulness. He orchestrated the timing of her encounter with Jesus, showing that His love is personal and intentional.
God’s love is also shown in the fact that He desires all people to know about His salvation. Anna’s role as a witness reflects God’s heart for sharing the good news of redemption with others. His love isn’t exclusive—it’s meant to be shared so that others can experience the joy of salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse as the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption. The phrase “redemption of Jerusalem” points to the salvation that Jesus would bring, not only to the Jewish people but to the whole world. His mission was to deliver humanity from the power of sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Anna’s recognition of Jesus foreshadows the role of the church in proclaiming Christ to the nations. Just as she shared the good news with those around her, the early church would take the message of Jesus’ redemption beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Additionally, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate fulfillment of the redemption Anna spoke of. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made it possible for people to be reconciled to God and experience spiritual freedom.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can Anna’s perseverance in prayer and worship inspire you to remain faithful, even when you don’t see immediate answers?
- In what ways can you practice spiritual readiness so that you can recognize God’s work in your life?
- Who in your life needs to hear about the good news of Jesus, and how can you share it with them?
- How does Anna’s response of thanksgiving challenge you to cultivate a heart of gratitude in your daily life?
- How does knowing that Jesus brings redemption encourage you to trust God’s promises, even in difficult circumstances?