Reflections with Andy – Luke 2: 22-40 – Longing for Jesus

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We see two people today, Simeon and Anna, who are overcome when they see Jesus as a baby. These are people who have been waiting, most of their adult lives, to see Him. They knew the Lord was sending a Messiah, and they longed to see Him. They longed to experience Him. They longed to know Him. How about us? Today, in our regular lives, do we long to see Jesus? Do we long to know Jesus? Do we long for Jesus? They did, and they were overwhelmed when they finally saw Him. Today, are we the same? Are we longing for Jesus?

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Good morning. It’s good to be with you today as we continue our time in Luke’s Gospel. Today, we’re back in our regular spot—no Rocket the dog sharing his theological insights this time! (Although I enjoyed his unexpected cameo yesterday.)

Today’s passage is Luke 2:22–40, where we encounter the stories of Simeon and Anna—two faithful people who had been waiting and longing to see God’s promises fulfilled.

Luke 2:22–40 Summary

When the time came for the purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. As the law commanded, they offered the appropriate sacrifice.

There was a man named Simeon, righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah.

When Mary and Joseph entered the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God:

“Master, you are now dismissing your servant in peace…
For my eyes have seen your salvation…
A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (vv. 29–32)

Simeon blessed them and told Mary that this child would cause the rising and falling of many—and that a sword would pierce her own soul.

Then the prophet Anna, a faithful widow who worshiped in the temple day and night, also praised God and began to speak about Jesus to all who were awaiting redemption.

Afterward, Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew in wisdom and favor.

Faith That Longs for God

I love this story. Both Simeon and Anna lived lives full of longing—waiting on the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Simeon’s words stir something deep:

“Lord, now let your servant depart in peace…”
He had lived his life faithfully, and now, having seen the Savior, he was at peace. He had seen God’s promise come true.

Anna, too, had spent decades in faithful waiting—worshiping, praying, fasting. And in her faithfulness, she met Jesus.

Their stories ask us:

What are we longing for?
Are we still watching for God to show up?

Do We Still Expect Jesus?

I worry that, in our routines, we lose our sense of wonder.
We go to work. We check off our to-do lists.
We go through the motions.
And we forget to look for the holy.

But Simeon and Anna never stopped looking.
Every day, they got up with anticipation.

Is today the day?
Is today the day I see God’s promise fulfilled?

How different might our days look if we woke up and asked:

“Is today the day I’ll see God move?”
“Is today the day Jesus shows up in an unexpected way?”

Ordinary Moments, Holy Encounters

Let’s be honest—most of us probably won’t encounter Jesus in the temple like Simeon and Anna did.
But we will meet Him—in quieter ways.

  • In a kind word from a friend.
  • In the stillness of morning prayer.
  • In a song that touches your soul.
  • In the laughter of a child.
  • In the beauty of a sunrise.
  • In the peace of a moment of grace.

The question is: Will we notice it?
Will we be like Anna and Simeon—open, attentive, expectant?

Longing Like Simeon and Anna

Simeon longed for the Messiah. Anna fasted and prayed for decades.
And when Jesus came, they knew. They recognized him because they had made space in their lives for God.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Do our souls still long for God that way?

Today’s Invitation

As you go through your work, errands, conversations, and responsibilities today, ask yourself:

  • Am I expecting to encounter Jesus?
  • Will I slow down enough to notice His presence?
  • Will I seek Him with that same longing and hope?

The Lord still shows up, friends—often quietly, subtly, in ordinary spaces.
Let’s be like Simeon and Anna, living with open eyes, soft hearts, and a deep longing to see our Savior.

Thanks for joining me today. Tomorrow, we’ll continue in Luke 2 with one of the few childhood stories we have of Jesus—when he stays behind in the temple. It’s a great passage with much to reflect on. Hope to see you then.

Blessings on your day—may you see Jesus in it.

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