Knowing The Word in Luke 2:25-35

Simeon

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.”

Comments

The consolation of Israel refers to the coming of the Messiah after a time of great suffering. Simeon waited for this in the power of the Spirit, meaning what he said was prophetic. He is the fifth person in Luke to be filled with the Spirit. There has been an assumption made that Simeon, because he has waited for the Messiah before he dies, is therefore old, but there is no evidence for his age. As they entered the temple, Joseph and Mary paid the five shekels, the custom of the Law, and then gave their son over to Simeon who made a prayer of thanksgiving.

This short song by Simeon is known in Latin as Nunc Dimittis. Simeon is ready to die peacefully now that he has seen God’s salvation—the Baby through whom God will in time bring salvation. The “salvation” language is that of the freeing of a slave. It is not only salvation for Israel but for all nations and all peoples by including the mention of the Gentiles. Joseph and Mary marvel at Simeon’s words. Why are they so important for them? Now they know they are not crazy. They are not the only ones filled with the Spirit and hearing from God. Simeon’s words must have brought them a level of comfort.

However, this salvation will come at heavy cost, and Simeon somberly prophesies. “The fall and rising of many in Israel” means Jesus will divide people into two groups: those who reject him and those who accept him and enter into his salvation. The word Simeon uses for “sword” denotes a large sword that will violently stab Mary’s heart at the death of her Son. His suffering will not leave her untouched. When people see the suffering of Jesus, their response will reveal on which side they stand.

Application

From the beginning of Jesus’ life, we find following him, as Mary will, requires much hardship, pain, and suffering. Jesus later says we must pick up our cross daily and follow him. Mary knew from the beginning about picking up a cross. Where in your life do you pick up your cross and suffer for the sake of the gospel?

Prayer

Our heavenly Father, our times are in your hand. Day by day you call us to serve you by dying to self and living for our Savior and serving others in his name: Grant us strength and courage and wisdom in our day to this call that we may be faithful like Mary, who moved forward while knowing the pain she would bear. Make our faith not so much about how we benefit but about how we are blessed to follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Lord.