The Revealed Messiah

Jesus The Messiah Revealed (PAGE 719)

Luke 2:25–35 NLT

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” 33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Introduction:

To understand where we are in the text

33 days after the Circumcision of Jesus according to Law of Moses

At the end of this text, I pray that we see how we should respond to Jesus, the Messiah.

At the end of this, you should be able to answer: Have I responded to Jesus the revealed Messiah?

The Gospel of Luke is highly evangelistic

First 2 chapters Setting up a clear message, Jesus is the Messiah, and here is the evidence for it.

Not isolated events with no witnesses.

Jesus The Revealed Messiah (25-32)

Luke 2:25 NLT

25 At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him

Simeons character revealed

Simeon, who’a name means “God has Heard”. Which is amazing.

Righteousness credited to him, like Abraham because of his faith.

Not an untrustworthy person, translated means God-fearing, Godly man.

Was eagerly awaiting the consolation of Israel, a common prayer.

A part of the very few who was waiting to see the Messiah.

Another mention of the pre-pentecost spirit.

Zechariah, Elizabeth, and even as early as Genesis 1 we see the Holy Spirit working.

Common misconception that the Spirit was not at work before Acts 2

Luke 2:26 NLT

26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

His prayers that he most likely prayed were answered, the spirit revealed he would not die until he sees the Lords Messiah.

How important it is that everyone see the Messiah (saviour) before death.

Luke 2:27–28 NLT

27 That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

I believe understanding where Mary and Joseph are at right now is important to fully grasp this text.

Mary and Joseph surely suffered shame, oppression, disownment from family and friends, and the talking point of many.

Imagine the heartache, and suffering they’ve endured.

But look at God moving. The Spirit led Simeon to the temple, at the perfect moment.

When we follow the Lord, we have affirmation when we’re on the right path.

The Temple, where God met with His people, was a fitting location for Him to arrange Simeon to meet with the God-man, Jesus Christ. -John MacArthur

Luke 2:29–32 NLT

29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. 30 I have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared for all people. 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

Simeon announces with joy! I have seen the Lord’s salvation! Sovereign Lord, let me now die in peace!

I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.

He identifies, that this Baby, Jesus, is the Messiah!

The Jewish people of the day were awaiting a conquering King, and Messiah who would raise Israel to rule over the filthy Gentiles.

They expected themselves to be placed among everyone else. And for them to rule the Gentiles.

But look in 31. Simeon sees the salvation, but it is prepared in the presence of all people. Jew, and Gentile.

Romans 1:16 NLT

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Responding to Jesus The Revealed Messiah

Luke 2:33 NLT

33 Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.

Certainly another sigh of relief, and blessing to the ears of Jesus’ parents, after all the suffering they likely endured.

But even though they may have been ostracized by many, God’s spirit led them.

God gave them confirmations through various stages of their lives.

Dr. Luke records many of the pre-natal and post-natal moments of Jesus and His parents.

Luke 1:41 NLT

41 At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, leaped for joy in his mothers womb.

Luke 1:42 NLT

42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.

God has blessed you, and your child is blessed.

Luke 1:67–69 NLT

67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy: 68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has visited and redeemed his people. 69 He has sent us a mighty Savior from the royal line of his servant David,

After months of not being able to speak, the first words spoken are: He has visited and redeemed His people, and He has sent us a mighty Savior.

Look at how people have already responded to Jesus, the Messiah revealed.

Surely comforting to Mary and Joseph, who continue to rescieve signs to confirm the Messiah.

But now we are going to see other responses to the coming Messiah.

Luke 2:34 NLT

34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.

This child is destined to cause many to rise, and many to fall.

This can happen 1 of 2 ways, commentaries tend to lean one way or the other on this. I believe both are just as accurate.

He will cause many to fall in guilt, as a result of their sins being shown, and they will rise in salvation.

Many will fall, such as Jews and religious leaders, because He is the stone that will be rejected, and the stumbling block, but many of the gentiles will rise in salvation. (ISA 8:13-15)

Only the believing remnant will be saved, and rise to salvation in Christ.

Ephesians 2:6 NLT

6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

2. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him.

Already we see that Christ is going to be rejected by many.

Responding to Jesus The Revealed Messiah, many will reject Him.

“Sign” translated means miracle. Not miracle as in a demonstration of power, but revelation of divine truth. Jesus Christ is God’s miracle. -The Bible Exposition Commentary

Despite this, the people rejected him.

They said his miracles were that of satan, that His character was questionable, they slandered His death, and lied about His resurrection.

They will reject him, to the point of death.

Luke 2:35 NLT

35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Because of the suffering Jesus would endure, being tortured and beaten, and then hung on a cross, Mary would suffer. It would be as if a sword pierced her very soul.

Closing

We have seen various responses to Jesus, the revealed Messiah.

How should we respond to Jesus the revealed Messiah?

Make Him the Lord of our life. Salvation.

Maybe you feel called into ministry, we’d love to talk with you on taking those next steps.

Maybe you feel called to join this Faith Family.

As the musicians come forward, the alter will be open.