In Rembrandt’s Simeon and Anna Recognize the Lord in Jesus, Anna is by far the most physically active figure. Positioned behind the holy family and Simeon, she stands straight and thrusts her arms outward, palms open, in a gesture of astonishment and blessing. Her lined face appears to look downward on the small cluster of persons before her and also far beyond them to engage others, including the viewer of the painting. She is a striking presence.

How perfectly Rembrandt interprets Luke’s text! After carefully describing Anna’s status as a prophet, her great age, and her devotion, Luke makes the key point in a single sentence. The pace of narration quickens, mirroring Anna’s energy. Suddenly she’s right there, talking about the child “to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

If we consider what “the redemption of Jerusalem” means in Anna’s world, we see the immensity of her proclamation, for both her age and our own. Cultural, political, and religious divisions fracture Jerusalem. Roman rulers inspire loathing. Corruption allows low-minded persons to take control. The biblical word Luke used for redemption also means “freedom.” Common folk long for this freeing, life-restoring redemption. Even Anna does not know the fine points of what this newborn will teach. She cannot discern precisely what he will do in the years ahead. In her prayer-tutored heart, however, she recognizes the vast picture. After years of maturing, this little one will free people into a new way of living.

Luke offers a portrait of redemption proclaimed. It brings joy. It also encourages us. Here is Anna. With her voice, her body, every ounce of energy she has, she says it: Look! This child right here frees us all for a whole new way. Her very life is proclamation. Unselfconsciously, she beckons.