Anna was a prophetess who was at the temple on the day of Jesus Christ's presentation.[1] She is mentioned in Luke's Gospel.[2]
Biography[]
Anna was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After only seven years of marriage, her husband died leaving Anna as a widow for eighty-four years. This means that at the point of meeting the child Jesus and His parents, Anna was likely over the age of one-hundred. Luke respectfully describes her as being advanced in years.[3]
Jesus's parents, Mary and Joseph took Him to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.[4] It is here, that Simeon praised God and prophesied over Jesus.[5] Anna was also present at the temple. Luke tells us that she never left the temple but was continually worshipping, fasting and praying.[6] She went to Mary, Joseph and Jesus and gave thanks to God and spread the word to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.[7]