Simeon

Context (v.22-24)

Their Purification

40 days after birth

Probably involved three elements

Mary’s purification after giving birth.

Time

Sacrifice at the Nicanor Gate in the women’s court

The redemption of the first born as prescribed in Exodus 13

The consecration of the first born

Some scholars get tripped up because the text says “their purification” and not just Mary’s. However, Jesus did not need to be purified as some have suggested. The babies never do. Rather it is highly likely that in the delivery process Joseph became unclean and would also need to be purified.

Their Sacrifice

This sacrifice given to purify an individual was a type of sin offering. Which of course reeks havoc on Catholic theology. If Mary was sinless why did she need to offer this sacrifice?

To help bolster their teaching that Mary was sinless, the Roman Catholic Church has invented the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (formally accepted as Catholic dogma in 1854). According to this false teaching, Mary was, from her very conception in her mother’s womb, “preserved free from all stain of original sin.” That is, Mary had no sinful nature. This doctrine is neither biblical nor necessary. The virgin-born Christ Jesus was free from the stain of original sin, but it was not necessary for His mother to be—or His grandmother—or His great-grandmother, etc. How far back would we have to go to insure Jesus’ perfection, if it were necessary for Mary to be sinless?

Rather than teach that Mary was sinless, the Bible gives evidence that she was a normal person with a normal person’s need of salvation. In Mary’s praise-filled, humble prayer in Luke 1, she says, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (verse 47). If she were sinless, she would not have needed a “Savior.” Mary receives a gentle rebuke from Jesus in John 2:4, which hardly seems fitting if she were sinless.

Catholicism also teaches that the reference to Mary being “highly favored” (Luke 1:28) and one who was “blessed . . . among women” (Luke 1:42) supports the view of a sinless Mary. However, neither verse makes such a claim. It is possible to be blessed and know God’s favor without being sinless.

Catholic teaching also describes Mary as “full of grace,” but that phrase is found only twice in the Bible, and neither time is it in reference to Mary.

The veneration of Mary in Catholicism and some other liturgical religious systems has led to the unbiblical claim that Mary was without sin. Other unbiblical doctrines have also cropped up around the view of a sinless Mary: the teaching that she was a perpetual virgin, that she hears and answers our prayers, that she shares in our redemption, and that she is a mediator of grace, to name a few. Those who revere a sinless Mary are being “led astray from . . . sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

The second thing we note about this sacrifice is that it is a sacrifice of the poor.

The Christmas story consistently reminds us of the low estate into which Jesus was born.

Mary’s song described her situation as “humble”

If they had money Jesus certainly wouldn’t have been laid in a manger at His birth. (Jesus probably wasn’t born in a barn or a stable.)

Character

Simeon’s History

We actually know nothing about Simeon or his background. This incident is the only time he is mentioned in Scripture. This reminds us that there were faithful people in Israel that “flew under the radar”.

His name means “he has heard” or “he that listens”

Simeon’s Faith

More interesting than his background is what we know of his faith.

Righteous (v. 25)

Moral or a man of integrity

Just

He genuinely tried to do what was right

Devout (v. 25)

Committed

Earnest or sincere

His righteousness was not just a show

Waiting for the consolation of Israel (v. 25)

God had said He would send a savior.

Simeon was waiting for that Savior.

Led by the Holy Spirit (v. 25-27)

“the Holy Spirit was upon him”

“revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (the Lord’s Messiah)

“he came in the Spirit into the temple.”

Prophesying - which we will see in his confession (a confession of faith, not a confession of wrongdoing)

(Don’t be tricked by Simeon’s positive traits into thinking that he is the main character of this story. This is still about Jesus.)

Confession

Promise Kept

The Holy Spirit prompted him to visit the temple that day.

The Holy Spirit had promised at some point that he would not die until he had personally seen the Messiah.

Why?

First, there are certainly reasons that we cannot know. Personal reasons in the life of Simeon for his own spiritual growth.

Secondly, from a broader perspective we can view this as yet another confirmation that this infant is in fact the promised Messiah.

Simeon knew exactly who Jesus was the moment he laid eyes on him.

It seems that the Holy Spirit revealed this to him.

From what we read he had no doubts.

Can you imagine just picking him up?

I think that I probably would have hesitated.

However, it is pretty clear that Simeon was being led by the Spirit here.

Declaration Made

The first declaration is that God has kept His promise.

I can depart in peace. (This probably indicates that Simeon was older and likely died shortly after this event.)

You (God) have kept your word.

Another secondary application that honestly borders on being primary is that God keeps his promises. It borders on being primary because it concerns God rather than man. It is also parallel to main point of this passage which is that Jesus is the Messiah which is an example of God keeping His promises.

The second declaration is that baby Simeon is holding is the Messiah.

As far as we know Simeon doesn’t even know His name yet.

But as soon as he looks at Him what does he say? “my eyes have seen your salvation”

The third declaration is that this salvation will be sufficient for all people.

It was prepared int eh presence of all peoples

It is a light for the Gentiles

It is a glory for the Jews

Acts 26:22–23 “To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.””

Confounded

The first thing we notice in this final section is the reaction of Mary and Joseph. (v. 33) They were confounded, amazed, they marveled at what they just heard. To this point this was nothing they didn’t already know, but didn’t ease their emotions at hearing it again. Simeon under the control of the Holy Spirit does give them two things, a blessing and a message.

A Blessing

We don’t know the content of this blessing.

Some have speculated that like Zechariah, Simeon was a priest and this was a priestly blessing. We can’t know that.

It was likely some sort of prayer. Simeon already blessed the Lord likely through a prayer of thanksgiving in v. 28.

A Message (v. 34)

For Mary specifically.

Why just Mary and not Joseph who was standing right there?

Two possible reasons:’

Mary’s unique connection as the mother of Jesus.

The answer I find more likely is that Joseph is already in heaven when the events Simeon is referring to occur.

Part One: “This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.”

The humble and penitent sinner will be lifted up by Jesus.

The self-righteous will be brought low.

Part Two: This child will be a sign to Israel from God but will be opposed.

Just like the prophets of old were a sign from God so too was Jesus.

And just like the prophets of old were rejected so too was Jesus.

Part Three: In this process, Mary, a sword will pierce your very soul.

Mary, this is going to be a painful process for you.

It is going to feel like a sword pierces your soul.

Part Four: The hearts of many will be revealed.

This is what Jesus does.

We can’t hide our hearts from Him. He certainly revealed what the religious leaders of His day were like.

You may be able to fool the rest of us but your heart has always been laid bare before for Christ. You can either embrace His grace or recoil from the vulnerability it requires.