The Prophets invitation to the scene!
Cordial Invited • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Intro:
Intro:
You have been Cordially invited
Not everyone got an invitation to the Birth
It is important that we study who got an invite, this tells us a lot about the message of his birth and his ultimate plan for humanity.
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law,
28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—
35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.
38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
I. Simeon the Man
I. Simeon the Man
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law,
28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
(EXP)(25) “There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon” Luke starts off this portion of the narrative introducing to us a new character that was informed of the Messiah’s birth. Luke says “There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon” in the way Luke introduces this man it is safe to assume he is not a well known man in Jerusalem. His presence was probably just like the Shepherds.
I reach this conclusion because Luke needed to introduce him. Luke’s gospel is a Jewish gospel meaning his audience is Jewish first. My thinking is that Simeon has an important role but his personal significant’s is that of a nobody.
Notice what Luke says about him “This man was righteous and devout” Luke uses two adjectives to describes this man:
Righteous-Just. Morally Consistent. Upright in his Moral Character
Devout-God-Fearing-In Awe God
We might this man was serious in his Worship and in his lifestyle.
Luke then tells us something else. Luke tells us what the primary motivator in the life of this man.
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
(EXP)(25)
What keep him up at night? and what got him up in the morning?
He was waiting “For the consolation of Israel”
What is the consolation of Israel?
68 Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and provided redemption for his people.
69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,
70 just as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets in ancient times;
71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of those who hate us.
13 Shout for joy, you heavens! Earth, rejoice! Mountains break into joyful shouts! For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
3 For the Lord will comfort Zion; he will comfort all her waste places, and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and melodious song.
Based on all these verses that the OT prophets spoke about one can surmise “the consolation of Israel” was a time of restoration both spiritually and physically. You must not forget Israel has been under foreign control since 722 B.C because of their sins.
Foreign invaders have occupied Israel in some fashion for the previous 7 centuries. The prophets all spoke of time “of consolation” a time for our wounds to be bound up and our tears to be dried. This will be a time of spiritual renewal as well as a time of restoration to our previous glory found under King David and his Son Solomon.
All the prophets believe this time would be ushered in by a person and that person is “The Messiah” so when it says Simeon was waiting “for the consolation of Israel” it seems as if he waiting for a period, but he is really awaiting for a person that would usher in this time.
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
I keep calling Simeon a prophet but the scripture simply says he is a devout & righteous man? are there any other clues in the text he is more than just a righteous man?
(EXP)(25) “and the HS was on him” this is very interesting way of describing the HS relationship to Simeon. Not in him, but on him!”
9 The Israelites cried out to the Lord. So the Lord raised up Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s youngest brother, as a deliverer to save the Israelites.
10 The Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel. Othniel went out to battle, and the Lord handed over King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram to him, so that Othniel overpowered him.
During the time of the Judges. God spirit would empower and strengthen a person of his choosing to wage war as Israel continues to try and conquer the promise land.
9 When Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed his heart, and all the signs came about that day.
10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully on him, and he prophesied along with them.
11 Everyone who knew him previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Notice what it says about Saul. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and although he was a King he began to prophesy like the prophets. The prophets even realize the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. This wasn’t fake or fraudulent.
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.
Finally when David was anointed to be the future King of Israel notice what the scripture says. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward”
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Based on this phraseology it is safe to assume Simeon was a prophet of Israel, and like all the previous prophets who Israel either killed or banished he is not well-known nor as it seems respected among his peers. Just an ole man waiting for the Messiah. And look at what happened: Luke 2:26-28
26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law,
28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
(EXP)(26) He was invited by the HS to physically see the Messiah before he died. The HS revealed to him that he was going to keep him alive until the Messiah is born. There is a reason for this and it is found in Amos 3:7
7 Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his counsel to his servants the prophets.
God in his grace will always have a messenger. One commissioned by him to reveal truth. These were the OT prophets. Simeon is one of those men.
(27) When he got word he hurried to the temple to see him and look him in the eyes.
(28) While holding the Baby “my boy Simeon” goes into a praise break. He has seen enough. Simeon says I can go on now. My messages of hope have been vindicated. Thank you God!!!
But the Lord had one more message for him to preach and it was for “The First Couple” Mary & Joseph.
II. Simeon Message
II. Simeon Message
29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—
35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
(EXP)(29-31) Simeon says you can take me home Lord. For I have seen the Savior. It is in plain view for all to see.
(32) Simeon says something we should all be praising God for in this verse. Simeon understood what the OT was pointing too. I whereby which the “The middle wall of partition” would come tumbling down. He will be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to the your people Israel” The Baby would be a Savior not only to my own people, but he will also be a Savior to the Gentiles. Even the ones that are currently occupying our land the Romans.
(32) Simeon understood Isaiah 49:6-7
6 he says, “It is not enough for you to be my servant raising up the tribes of Jacob and restoring the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to be my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
7 This is what the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, his Holy One, says to one who is despised, to one abhorred by people, to a servant of rulers: “Kings will see, princes will stand up, and they will all bow down because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel—and he has chosen you.”
(6-7) Simeon properly understood this OT prophecy. Simeon sees what many in Israel refused to see. The Gospel is Global not Regional or National.
Simeon then transition to a prophecy directly for Mary and Joseph.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed—
35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
(EXP)(34) Simeon says Mary this son of yours will indeed bless many people. There will be people lives changed by his ministry. Peter, James, John, The Woman at the well, Blind Bartimaeus, Mary & Martha, but there will also be folks who will abhor his presence. Judas, The Sanhedrin, and Ultimately the people of Israel will yell “Crucify him.” The OT prophets talked about his ministry in Psalm 118:22-24
22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
23 This came from the Lord; it is wondrous in our sight.
24 This is the day the Lord has made; let’s rejoice and be glad in it.
The Psalmist tells us “That the stone” or rock, which was rejected by the builder(children of Israel) has now become or will become the Chief Cornerstone. The Chief Cornerstone is the first stone drop into the ground before the foundation of a building is built.
(23) It was ordained that he be rejected and it was wondrous in the sight of God. It was God’s will to bruise his son and have him be rejected by man, then take that rejected man and make him the central foundation of the whole building, or church.
Simeon tells Mary your Son life is going to full of pain but these things must be so.
35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
(35) His life is going to be so hard, it will effect you as well. Your Soul will be pierced by the level of resistance to your son, even from your own children who will also reject their older brother.
Saints normally when a new baby is born well wishes and prosperity is pronounced over the child. But imagine being Mary and hearing this from a Prophet.
The prophet then tells her Why this must be so!
(35) “That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” Mary he has to go through this so that the wheat can be separated from the Tares. So that enemies can be separated from friends.
Jesus lived his life in such a way that he has left you with only 2 choices he is either Liar, Lunatic or Lord. Liar & Lunatic is really the same choice. There is no neutrality with Jesus. He is either King of all Kings and Lord of all Lord or Liar.
III. Anna Praise
III. Anna Praise
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers.
38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
(EXP)(36) Luke then mentions a female prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Once again Luke providing genealogical information to validate her credentials as a child of Israel. He tells us she was married 7 years then become a widow and never remarrying for 84 years. If you got married at 16 and her Husband died when she was 23 then she lived 84 years after this means this woman is 107 years old. And has been in the Temple of 84 years serving God patiently with fasting and prayers.
Now why would Luke take to tell us so much about this woman’s tribe and marital status?
Remember the writers of scripture don’t waste words every word of scripture was intentional.
Luke at a minimum is so impressed by the patient & faith of this prophetess that he wanted us to do the math. He could have just said she is 107 years old. But he wanted us to do the math. This woman spent the duration of her life waiting for this baby!!! and at the end of her life the Lord let her see him.
Yall Remember several message ago I told yall Woman could only enter “The Court of Woman” that is as far as she could go. This is where she saw baby Jesus. This is also where Simeon saw him as well. Both Simeon and Joseph could go beyond this level. But God meet them all in the Court of Woman!!! Mary and Joseph were coming to present Jesus to the priest to validate his circumcision.
The Court of Gentiles, The Court of Woman, The Court of Men, The Holy Place, The Most Holy Place
God meet Anna right where she was!! He rewarded her Faith. These Temple wall distinction are coming down. Woman no longer need to be in the back of the bus.
28 There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus.
There are no more walls or partition between Man and Women as it pertains to salvation and revelation. It will speak to woman just like I speak to men.
There is one more thing that needs to be dealt with.
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord.
7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
Priest had to come from a specific tribe, the Tribe of Aaron, both Zecheriah and his wife Elizabeth came from this tribe. The Angel revealed his plan to them.
The Final King of Israel was to come from the Tribe of David and Luke makes sure we knew where Joseph came from. Mary is also a descendant of the same tribe. Luke is preaching yall.
Today text Luke tells us the Spirit reveal himself to two prophets one a male and one a female.
Two truths can be surmised from this pattern.
Two truths can be surmised from this pattern.
What I said earlier this new eschaton I will be using men and women and revealing myself to them. Least you think I am strechting the text Joel 2:28-29
28 After this I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will have dreams, and your young men will see visions.
29 I will even pour out my Spirit on the male and female slaves in those days.
2. The Birth of Christ was revealed first to the three offices of the OT:
Zechariah & Elizabeth-The Priestly Office
Joseph & Mary-The Kingly Tribe
Simeon & Anna-The Prophetic Office
Now what is Luke trying to communicate in his narrative?
He is communicating to the OT officers that the one Born King of the Jews is here. He is the final Priest, He is the Final Prophet and he is the final King.
Thank you for your services but your services are no longer needed, because the final Priest, Prophet and King is here!!!
So we can say what Simeon said in Luke 2:29-30
29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
Saints God uses us, but are services are no longer needed. In him is everything that we need. When we minister to people we don’t give them ourselves we give them Christ.
70 CHRISTMAS
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise …M
ATTHEW 1:18
1 The perfect Christmas is a myth. After all, the first Christmas was hardly perfect. It was glorious and difficult, miraculous and earthy, sublime and sweaty, tender and harsh.
Dave Meurer
Good Spousekeeping (2004)
Dave Meurer
Open the Doors of the Church
