Simeon's Blessing

Luke 2:25–35 ESV

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. 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. 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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

The man Simeon

Luke 2:25–26 ESV

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. 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.

Righteous and devout

Waiting for the Messiah

The Holy Spirit is upon him

Blessing to God

Luke 2:27–32 ESV

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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Salvation

Light of Revelation

Glory to Israel

Blessing to Mary and Joseph

Luke 2:33–35 ESV

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

The fall and rise of many

Christ brought the downfall of the pharisees an saducees

John 11:48 ESV

If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

It comes to pass in 70 ad when Rome comes and destroys the temple and removes the priest hood, high preist and the council from power.

Yet he took 12 average joes and made them into the 12 apostles who literally changed the world and started the largest religion in the world

A sign that is opposed

God would reveal himself mightily in Christ yet he would be rejected by Israel.

Thus showing the true nature of men. Most did not desire to truly follow God and were simply going through the motions. I wonder how many today are guilty of the same

Yet there were those few who were faithful like Simeon who Saw and believed. For them their faith brought salvation.

Invitiation

Will you believe today, will you place your faith your hope in Jesus Christ for salvation or will you drown in your own sin while seeking salvation where it cannot be found, the bottle the pills money fame friends and even good works will all fail you only Jesus can save us from our sin. Will you trust him today?

If you are already a believer I ask you who are you sharing your faith with. Take a moment and ask God who it is he wants you to share Jesus with this week, then be obedient and go Tell them the Good News Christ died for them!