Simeon

Simeon

Imagine the excitement of knowing that a beloved figure—perhaps a sports star, a famous singer, a movie icon, or a celebrated author—was scheduled to visit a local store for an autograph signing. You might have waited weeks or even months for this moment, with a growing anticipation that intensified each day. Today, we will discuss someone similar, but instead of a football player, author, or movie star, he had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Son of God. His name was Simeon. While we don’t know exactly how long he had been waiting, the text suggests that he had been anticipating the Messiah for a significant period.

However, the context for this is very important. Let’s turn to Luke chapter 2 for a moment. This may be a passage you haven't read in quite some time, but it carries significant lessons. In Luke chapter 2, beginning at verse 22, Luke records the events surrounding this moment. It mentions the days of Mary’s purification after she gave birth to Jesus, in accordance with the law of Moses. They brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord." They also offered a sacrifice, as prescribed in the law of the Lord, which consisted of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Mary and Joseph were Jews, and according to Leviticus chapter 12, they were required to perform certain rituals. They needed to offer a burnt offering and a sin offering. Because they were poor, they were permitted to present two turtledoves or two young pigeons. This indicates that Mary and Joseph were relatively impoverished. When Jesus was approximately forty to forty-one days old, they took Him to the temple to be presented to the Lord. It was during this visit that they encountered a man named Simeon.

What kind of man was he? In verses 25 and 26, we read about this man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was described as just and devout, eagerly awaiting the consolation of Israel, with the Holy Spirit upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death before witnessing the Lord's Christ. Simeon was indeed a good man; the Bible tells us that he was just, which signifies righteousness. He lived in accordance with God's commandments, embodying what it means to be just and righteous by following the teachings of the Lord.

Simeon was engaged in profound spiritual contemplation during a time when the Law of Moses was still in effect. He was well-versed in the Old Testament Scriptures and understood the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, the great Redeemer for Israel. Described as devout—some translations may refer to him as pious or holy—Simeon was deeply committed to following the Lord's will. His character was marked by justice, righteousness, and a strong dedication to religious practices. It is noted that he was awaiting the consolation of Israel.

Simeon was well-versed in the Old Testament Scriptures, particularly the prophecies foretold by Isaiah over seven hundred years prior. Can you imagine the significance of that time span? Isaiah, often referred to as the prophet of the Messiah, has much to say about this. If we turn to Isaiah chapter 49, we can uncover some profound prophecies and their fulfillments. I encourage you to follow along in your Bibles, as we will begin by examining verse 13.

In this context, we find Simeon, who is deeply familiar with these Scriptures and prophecies. Verse 13 states, "Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! Break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have mercy on His afflicted." Here, we see a powerful declaration: God promises to comfort His people, and Jesus is often recognized as that comforter. Additionally, the text highlights His mercy towards the afflicted.

Simeon was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the one who would bring comfort to Israel. He was aware of what Isaiah had proclaimed in Isaiah 49, particularly verse 23, which states: “Kings shall be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers; they shall bow down to you with their faces to the ground and lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; they shall not be ashamed who wait for me.” This illustrates Simeon's patient waiting for the Messiah, for the Redeemer.

He certainly wasn't the only one waiting, as we see later in Luke 2:38, where several individuals were actively seeking the Redeemer in Israel, particularly in Jerusalem. Simeon was aware of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and although we don’t know how long he had been waiting, it’s clear that his anticipation had grown immensely over time. He had been granted a special favor by God, who, through the Holy Spirit, revealed that Simeon would not depart from this life before seeing the Lord's Christ.

Imagine being told by God that you would not die until you laid eyes on the Anointed One, the Messiah, the Redeemer of Israel? Each day, Simeon lived with that incredible anticipation, waiting for that moment. Eventually, the moment arrived. In verse 27, we see that he was led by the Spirit into the temple. It is clear that God orchestrated this encounter, ensuring that Simeon would be in the temple at the same time as Mary, Joseph, and Jesus.

When the parents brought in the Child Jesus to fulfill the customs of the law, Simeon took the infant into his arms and blessed God. Just think for a moment about what this meant for him: he had been looking forward to meeting the Redeemer, to being in the presence of the Son of God, for weeks, months, even years. And now, that moment had finally come. There he was, in the temple, holding not just any baby, but the very sign of God’s promise. I can't imagine the overwhelming emotion Simeon must have felt as he embraced the Son of God in his arms, this tiny child now 41 days old.

But that’s precisely what he is doing. He says, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples — a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” This is something Simeon understood from prophecy would come to pass.

Referring back to Isaiah, specifically Isaiah 52, we recall Simeon's words as he holds Jesus in his arms. In Isaiah 52:10, it states, “The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” This signifies that the salvation of God would not be limited to the Jewish people alone; it was intended for everyone — all nations, all races, and all ethnic backgrounds. All would partake in the blessings brought by the one whom Simeon is holding.

This is the child he’s holding, the one he has been eagerly anticipating for so long. Salvation is intended for all people. Recall Luke's account of the Great Commission in chapter 24, verse 47, where he tells the Apostles that repentance and the remission of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. As Simeon cradles Jesus in his arms, he is undoubtedly reflecting on this profound truth: this is the one who is bringing salvation to the entire world. That is the purpose of His birth, His coming into the world, and His sacrificial death on the cross—it is all for the salvation of all nations.

Simeon speaks of Jesus as a light meant to bring revelation to the Gentiles. What does this light do? It reveals, shining light on things that dwell in darkness. Jesus was destined to reveal salvation to all people. For centuries, the Jews had anticipated the coming of the Messiah; their scriptures provided insight into where and when He would be born, as well as the circumstances surrounding His birth — notably, that He would be born of a virgin. They were aware of these prophecies, yet Simeon proclaims that Jesus would be a light for all nations. He also indicates that Jesus would bring glory to the people of Israel. God had chosen Israel centuries prior to serve as the conduit through which the Messiah would arrive. When we examine the plan of redemption, it's remarkable to see how it often centered on one individual. Throughout the historical timeline, we witness how God, both providentially and sometimes miraculously, ensured that the Messiah would come through the nation of Israel.

This is a remarkable study. At the end of Simeon's encounter, he makes several prophecies that leave Joseph and his mother marveling at what has been said about their child. Without a doubt, Jesus' parents realized the truth in a new light, but they were likely astonished that Simeon possessed such knowledge. Since they were familiar with Simeon, the scene of him approaching them in the temple and picking up their baby while declaring the child's significance must have been quite surprising. They were amazed, especially by what he said regarding this child.

Simeon then offers some prophecies, many of which continue to impact us today. He blesses them and says to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be spoken against." This child is indeed destined for great things, as we see reflected in history.

The prophet Isaiah had foretold this long ago, as recorded in Isaiah chapter 8. In verses 14 and 15, Isaiah prophesies the coming of the Messiah, stating: "He will be as a sanctuary but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, ensnared and taken."

More than seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold that the coming Messiah would be a stumbling block to many in Israel. When we examine the life of Christ during His ministry, we observe that the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes—the very individuals familiar with these prophecies and the Old Testament—rejected Christ as the Redeemer. As a nation, they collectively turned away from Him, despite being the ones who should have recognized His true identity.

Simeon proclaimed that this child, Jesus, would indeed be a stumbling block, causing many to stumble. This rejection stemmed from their disillusionment with the kind of Messiah He represented. Many Jewish people anticipated a military leader who would overthrow the Roman government and free them from oppression. However, Jesus clarified that His kingdom was not of this world; He stated that if it were, His servants would fight. He did not come to enact political change but to fulfill a divine purpose, which ultimately led to His becoming a stumbling block for those who could not accept Him for who He truly was.

For some, it was said that he would be the rising of many. Many people accepted him for who he was and became believers. Consider the fishermen and tax collectors; they were among those who believed. Simeon, while holding the baby, made a prophecy: this child would grow up and cause many to stumble, which is precisely what Jesus did. Yet, He would also lead many to rise as believers in God, in Jesus, and in Christ, which indeed occurred.

He went on to say that He would be a sign spoken against. Jesus would face strong opposition, and so would His followers. In John chapter 15, we hear about this regarding Jesus and His disciples. John 15:20 captures this moment: Jesus, aware of the impending events, speaks to His apostles in the upper room just hours before His crucifixion. He says, "Remember the word that I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours."

Jesus repeatedly warned his followers that, because of who He was, they would face hatred and persecution. This prediction turned out to be true. Simeon acknowledges this by saying that Jesus would be a sign spoken against. He also tells Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul. This foreshadows the events of the crucifixion, which occurs about thirty years later. At the foot of the cross, who is there witnessing the crucifixion? Mary, along with John. Mary stands by, watching her son suffer and die on the cross.

Simeon prophesies that he will be a sword that pierces your soul. How terrible she must have felt that day. He concludes by saying that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. The wickedness in the hearts of men was never more apparent than during the crucifixion of Jesus. Consider all that people said and did to Jesus on that fateful day. Here is Simeon, holding this baby and foretelling the events that will unfold in thirty years. We also know that on the final day of judgment, when we stand before the judgment seat, everything we have said, thought, and done will be brought to light; all thoughts will be revealed.

In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus himself states in verse 26, "Therefore, do not fear those who can only kill the body; for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and nothing hidden that will not be known." Everything will eventually be uncovered.

We need to cultivate that same sense of expectation and anticipation for Christ’s second coming that Simeon had for His first coming. Every day, Simeon looked forward to the arrival of the Son of God; although he didn’t see Him today, he held onto hope that perhaps tomorrow would be the day. He had no idea when Christ would appear, but he believed in His coming and eagerly awaited it.

Similarly, we know that Jesus will return, yet we remain uncertain about when that will happen. In many ways, we are much like Simeon. We, too, should nurture that anticipation and the expectation that one day we will awaken to the last day. On that day, the Bible teaches that Jesus will judge all people, and everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the consequences of what was done in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Are we anticipating the second coming like Simeon? Are we truly prepared for this moment? Have we embraced the gospel's call to repent and be baptized? Have we experienced the transformative new birth? Are we making preparations for that final day? Have we sought God's forgiveness and extended forgiveness to others, ensuring that we will be ready when the trumpet sounds and we hear that shout? Let's strive to emulate Simeon's spirit of anticipation.