Salvation Prepared for All People (2)

Luke 2:25-38

Luke 2:25–38 (KJV 1900)

TODAY’S AIM

Facts: to show there were faithful Jews looking for Messiah.

Principle: to demonstrate that those faithful to God glorify Him.

Application: to encourage faithful living while waiting for Christ’s return.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

There are many interesting characters in Luke’s gospel, and one of my favourites is Simeon. Very little is known about him, but the sketchy profile that Luke gives us is loaded with significance. Simeon was righteous and devout. He was an old man, who had spent his life probably looking for the consolation of Israel. Isn’t that an interesting phrase? ‘The consolation of Israel.’ The phrase is used in the Bible to call attention to the Jewish hope of the coming of the Messiah.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

A paradoxical statement. What did he mean? Did he mean that Jesus, who would frequently be called a ‘stumbling-stone’ or a ‘rock of offence’, will be one that many people will come to for strength, to be elevated, to be established, to be set up, but others will trip over him and fall on their faces? The idea here as elsewhere in the New Testament is that with Christ there is no neutrality. When a person encounters Christ he is either for him or against him. He either trips over him, or is established by him, which fulfils, of course, the prophecy of Simeon.

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.