The Messiah Has Come and Simeon Knows How To React
[25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, [28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
[29] “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
[30] for my eyes have seen your salvation
[31] that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
[32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
[33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed [35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
It was after Christmas, 8 days to be exact. Joseph and Mary have taken Jesus to the temple for the ceremonies required for newborn Jewish boys. Simeon is a man who has been righteous and worshipping God for years. He happens to be at the temple on the same day. It says that Simeon also knew that he would see the Messiah before he died.
Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was a miracle baby. Mary knew from the start. Joseph knew after the angel appeared to him in a dream. They both knew it when shepherds came and told them about the angels filling the sky.
They got one reminder after another. They needed it. Joseph was going to divorce Mary. Mary went away when she was pregnant to visit her out of town cousin Elizabeth. There are all kinds of between the lines conflicts in Jesus’ birth.
Now eight days have gone by and they aren’t in Bethlehem, but in Jerusalem. They are both righteous followers of the teachings of Moses, but since they bring doves for the offering it shows that they are poor. They were supposed to bring a lamb, but poor people could bring two doves. It was kind of obvious. Then out of nowhere comes this guy Simeon.
He had no demands on what the Messiah should do, what He would look like, what would happen next, or the setting of the Messiah’s coming. Simeon might have been one of the most submissive and receptive people in the New Testament!
He saw Jesus, knew He was the Messiah and rejoiced. That was all Simeon wanted to do when the Messiah showed up. Later there would be demands for a sign, requests for miracles, etc. Today, there was just worship and the declaration of the promises of God being fulfilled.
May our after-Christmas be so joyful and thankful.
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