The Gift that Keeps On Giving

The Great Exchange

Introduction

Last week we discussed the timing of God.

Jesus had been circumcised (8 days).

The ritual act of circumcision had come.

This is part of the covenant established by God with Abraham.

33 days later it was time for the family to enter the temple for the woman ceremonial cleansing.

They were to bring an offering.

One was a offering for sin.

The other was a burnt offering, a symbol of worship.

As Mary & Joseph enter the temple to met with God they encountered a man named Simeon.

Simeon is not known.

The only thing we know of Simeon is recorded here.

He was a man that loved God.

God used Simeon to proclaim one of the greatest messages of all times.

The events and fate of the child Messiah’s life.

Simeon Walked Closely With God - Vs. 25-28.

Simeon was a devout man.

Note it says just & devout (vs.25).

That word “just” is the same word we get our term “deacon” from.

Simeon treated others justly.

Devout - He reverence God.

Simeon looked for the coming of the Messiah.

The term “consolation of Israel”.

Faithful Jewish believers knew consolation of Israel could only happen in the Messiah.

Those Jews were faithful, patience, and hopeful.

Simeon was led by the Holy Spirit.

This is an interesting concept.

We must understand we are still under O.T. principles.

Explain - H.S. came upon individuals for certain task for certain times.

Simeon walked so closely with the Lord the H.S. was on him continually.

Simeon must have had a longing desire to be close with the Lord.

God is still calling men and women to desire His closeness.

Simeon was given and unusual promise.

Simeon was studying the scripture about the coming salvation of the Messiah.

His desire lead to a promise of God Himself.

He would not die until he seen this salvation.

Simeon not only saw the Messiah he held the Messiah.

The guiding of the H.S. lead Simeon to the temple.

Be sensitive to the H.S. leading in our life.

We don’t want to miss what God has in store for us.

Simeon Reveals the Great Exchange - Vs. 29-33.

When Simeon embraced this child he broke out into song.

It is a Latin song that is sung on many occasions today known as “Nunc Dimittis”

It gets it name from the first words spoken by Simeon when he embraced this child

Vs. 29 - the Latin phrase means “now you dismiss”.

Jesus exchanged eternal home for a temporary earthly home.

Jesus was the avenue to God’s salvation - Vs. 30.

Simeon could now die in peace (vs. 28).

When one receives the salvation of God eternal peace is received.

Jesus said we will experience tribulation in this world but in him we will have peace because He has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33).

Jesus was the one prepared before the foundation of the world - Vs. 31.

Take note - Simeon confessed that Jesus is the salvation of the world.

Everyone must confess that Jesus is God’s salvation.

Jesus is God’s salvation for all people (vs. 31)

Jesus is the light to the Gentiles (vs. 32).

To an unbelieving world Jesus exchanged eternity for earth so they could receive eternity.

Jesus is the Light of the World.

Jesus is the Revelation of God.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Jesus is the glory of Israel.

Jesus is the cause of the rise and fall of many - Vs. 34.

Scripture identifies Jesus as two different stones.

A stone of stumbling

The chief cornerstone

Jesus fate was sealed - Vs. 34-35.

“A sign which was spoken against”.

Jesus would be opposed.

Jesus would be killed.

Christ was a sign of both God’s love and judgement.

Some will receive and know God’s love.

Some will reject and one day experience God’s judgement.