Simeon: The Sight of Salvation
Characters of Christmas • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Charles Eliot was the president and then the president emeritus of Harvard University. It was the summer of his 90th year that went to visit his neighbors, the Peabody’s in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Mrs. Peabody had just had a baby and so Mr. Eliot wanted to congratulate the new parents. After they chatted a bit, Charles asked if he could hold the precious new baby.
She lifted her son from his crib and laid him in the arms of Harvard’s venerable president emeritus. Mr Eliot held the baby for a few minutes and then handed the little bundle back to his mother.
Why did he want to hold the baby? He said this, “I have been looking at the end of life for so long that I wanted to look for a few moments at its beginning.” (In Reader’s Digest [8/83].)
Looking into the eyes of a sweet little baby gives us hope for the future. That there are brighter days ahead. New life gives us new hope!
But we also know that this world is full of uncertainty and evil. Soon the hope that a newborn brings can be washed away by the harsh, sinful, painful realities of life. The fact is, life is messy! And no newborn can change this - except for One!
The Bible tells of another old man who was looking for hope. Looking for God to keep His promise to His people. His name is Simeon and while many had the wrong idea of who the Messiah would be, God gave this man a fresh vision of who Messiah truly is.
Our story starts after the birth of Jesus...
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
As we look at the love of this Character of Christmas, I want you to remember one thing...
Main Idea: Well Placed Hope Leads to God’s Greatest Blessing!
Simeon placed his hope in the right place and he was blessed for it!
There are three things we can learn from people of hope, like Simeon...
Body
People of Hope Believe God’s Promises (vs. 25-26)
Lead in…Throughout the birth narrative of Jesus I hope you have noticed a reoccuring theme. Each one that we have covered so far, Zacharias, Elizabeth, and Jospeh have all been referred to as righteour. Our next character is no different. Take a look at the text with me...
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
22-
A resident of Jerusalem, Simeon was a godly man. He appears nowhere else in the Scriptures and we know nothing else about him other than he was a “righteous and devout” man of faith in the promises of God.
Explanation - A resident of Jerusalem, Simeon was a godly man. He appears nowhere else in the Scriptures and we know nothing else about him other than he was a “righteous and devout” man of faith in the promises of God.
He believed God! Like Abraham of Old, Simeon belived God and it was counted unto him as righteousness. By the way, that the way this whole thing works with God. It’s not by what you do, but faith in what He has done and will do.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
And our friend, Simeon was a righteous man.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones said,
“The proof of our having truly received the grace of God in Jesus Christ is that we are living a righteous life.”
The text tells us that He was “waiting for the consolation of Isael.” What does that mean? What does this mean?
The word, “consolation” (Gk. paraklesis), means comfort.
We give someone the “consolation prize” because we don’t want them to feel bad, we want them to be comforted even though they lost the completion.
Well, the consolation of Israel was no “consolation prize!” It is the ultimate prize because it is the ulitmate hope. The hope that God would one day rescue is chosen people.
While many, many other Jews were not paying attention to the Messiah’s arrival, this righteous and devout Jew could not wait. His messianic expectation was high!
And for good reason, because “the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”
What an amazing promise - and a promise given to him by God Himself.
It is obvious that the Holy Spirit was active in Simeon’s life. Now only was the Spirit on him, but the Spirit spoke to him!
And the promise was, he would remain alive until he, personally would see the “Lord’s Christ” (Christ meaning Messiah or the King of the Jews.).
And unless this old man Simeon was going to outlive his contemporaries, the Lord was coming soon!
Simeon was a righteous man, a person of HOPE and He believed the promise God gave him!
God has given you many promises. The Bible is full of them. By the way, who wrote the Bible. Certainly men like Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, and many other men. But really who wrote the Bible? The Holy Spirit...
For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
And those prophecies are riddles with promises for you.
He promises that He is good to you...
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
He promises that He is here with you...
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
He promises to provide for you...
The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
And the most exciting thing of all is this, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of all the promises in the Bible...
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
Ever promise in the Bible not only points to Jesus, but is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus!
And a person of Hope believes in God’s promises...
C.H. Spurgeon said, “God’s promises are longer than life, broader than sin, deeper than the grave, and higher than the clouds.”
And he said in another quote...
“All the promises of God are ‘yea’ and ‘amen’ IN CHRIST JESUS. And as He is ours, every promise is ours if we will but lie down upon it in restful faith.”
God made a promise to Simeon. And when God makes a promise, He will fulfill it! He will keep it! And Simeon rooted his hope in God fulfilling His word.
Job -
Relationship with spouse, child, friend -
Where is your Hope this morning?
Money -
Future -
Christ - This is where Simeons
Application - Where is your Hope this morning?
Job -
Relationship with spouse, child, friend -
Money -
Future -
Or do you Hope in the promises in God word?
The ultimate promise - Jesus Christ?
And God has promised you that if you “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved.”
Review - Well Placed Hope Leads to God’s Greatest Blessing!
People of Hope Believe God’s Promises
2. People of Hope Will Eventually See God’s Promises (vs. 27-32)
Lead in…The beautiful thing about biblical hope is that is always will give way to a big fat yes! Why? Again, I’ll quote Spurgeon...
“If I take God at his word, the responsibility of fulfilling His promises does not lie with me, but with God, who made the promise.”
And Simeon got to see this God fulfill His promise right before his eyes...
Relationship with spouse, child, friend -
Money -
Future -
Christ - This is where Simeon
27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,
Now, I’m not sure what Simeon was expecting to see when it came to the Messiah? Perhaps a great military leader? A mighty Kingly leader?
But as he entered the temple, the Spirit of God made it clear to him just who the Messiah was. Probably not what He was expecting - a little baby with two, young, poor parents.
Mary and Joseph were performing their expected duties according to the custom of God’s Law...
Now, I don’t know if Simeon was the priest performing duties in the temple or if he was simply a Jewish man worshipping at the temple?
If he were just a Jewish man, it might have been a bit disconcerting for Mary and Joseph when the old guy comes up and grabs their baby? But soon their realize Old Simeon was blessing God on behalf of their little one.
And what a beautiful, personal, powerful prayer this man prays...
Simeon blesses God for keeping His promise
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;
God promised Simeon that he would see the Christ, and, as always, God delivered on His promise...
Simeon praises God for what he saw
for my eyes have seen your salvation
This is the most amazing verses in this passage. Simeon understood because of the illumination of the Holy Spirit, that this baby was no ordinary baby. He, in fact, is the Savior of the world. I love that Simeon says, “…my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Jesus isn’t a savior, HE IS SALVATION!
Gospel...
Simeon worships God for his plan for ALL people
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
The Jewish nation in the the time of Jesus got this all wrong. They believed salvation was more political than spiritual and they believed that it was exclusively for them.
But not the old Jewish man, Simeon! He knew the real goal of God! To bring salvation to ALL people!
Salvation is for the Jews and for the Gentiles!
Simeon saw this with his very own eyes. He saw salvation as he held this precious little infant!
And the Apostle John saw this truth with i
Many years later, the apostle John got to see salvation as well...
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.
Simeon saw salvation! The apostle John saw salvation. One at the beginning of His earthly life, one in His future rule and reign.
Jesus Christ was and is living, breathing salvation. This is why we say Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship.
You cannot have a relationship with religion. You can and should have a relationship with Jesus Christ who is salvaiton! “...the founder and perfector of our faith...”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
We Shall Behold Him
The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise
The sweet light in His eyes, shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him, then face to face
O we shall behold Him, we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His glory
O we shall behold Him, yes we shall behold Him
Face to face, our Savior and Lord
Do you know what salvation looks like? God helped Simeon see it and he wants to help you see salvation as well. Not just see it, but entrust your entire self to it, HIM.
Do you recognize that Jesus Christ is your salvation?
Review - Well Placed Hope Leads to God’s Greatest Blessing!
People of Hope Believe God’s Promises
People of Hope Will Eventually See God’s Promises
3. People of Hope Understand the Pain Involved in God’s Promises
Lead in…For those of us who understand the gospel, we also understand the gospel, while free for the asking, isn’t easy. When you trust Christ as savior, a radical transformation takes place that will uproot your old life as you begin a new life in Jesus. Simeon gives a grave warning to the excited new parents...
33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
33-
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.
Explanation - Mary and Joseph were amazed at what they were hearing from this old Jewish saint of God. Experience after experience, only forteified that all of these events were of God and that they were, in fact, parents of the God/man! Whoa!
Mary and Joseph were amazed at what they heard from this old Jewish saint of God. Experience after experience, only forteified that all of these events were of God and that they were, in fact, parents of the God/man! Whoa!
Simeon blesses both Joseph and Mary but then singles the new mother out to remind her about the destiny of this perfect little one.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
It is a bit of an enegmatic warning - unless you understand the life and gospel of Jesus.
Jesus didn’t come to accommodate the religious elite, he actually offended them...
On the other hand, Jesus didn’t come to condemn the sinner (they are already). He came not to condemn, but to save!
So those on the top were offeneded by the Lord and those on the bottom were lifted by the Lord.
This is still true today!
(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
And Simeon warned, one day when Jesus’ side is pierced to prove he was dead, Mary’s soul, her momma’s heart will be pierced as well...
The last thing Simeon says is so true. Jesus reveals hearts.
In other words, you can’t be netral about Jesus.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.
We can talk about a higher power, or a spiritual force, or being enlightened by a greater presence. Everybody is fine with that kind of talk. You can even say I believe in God.
BUT AS SOON AS YOU MAKE THE ASERTION THAT THERE IS SALVATION IN NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN, AND THAT JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY, THE ONLY TRUTH AND THE ONLY LIFE, WATCH OUT!
It is so interesting this time of year. I see the signs for “Peace on earth and goodwill to all men.”
Do you know what is interesting? Jesus said he didn’t come to bring peace. At least initially.
Listen to Jesus’ powerful and very difficult words...
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
34-
The Prince of Peace first brought divsion so as to see who would be on His side. And it is ONLY those who trust and obey Christ that actually have the peace of God.
The have peace with God! But those who refuse to submit their lives to Jesus, who refuse to bow the knee to the King of kings and the Lord of lords, they will NEVER have the peace they so desperately long for.
True peace comes only through submitting to the Prince of Peace!
And this is painful! Why? Because it calls for death to self. Jesus calls for death to self.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Illustration -
It is often painful to choose Christ over family who would rather live for self than Jesus.
It is painful to choose Christ over friends who have no desire to serve and love Jesus.
It is painful to walk away from a job that is forcing you to be dishonest and go against your Christ honoring convictions.
Argumentation -
What do you do with Jesus? Unfortunately some of us are good with dusting off the baby Jesus once a year, putting him in the manger, giving Him some attention and recognition only to pack Him back up in the Christmas ornament boxes for next year.
Listen, if that is your Jesus, you don’t know Jesus!
The true baby Jesus is the all powerful, Satan destroying, prophecy fulfilling, soul saving, King of all that exists!
And unless you bow the knee and give Jesus the proper worship He and He alone is due, you are no Christian! Stop treating Jesus like a Christmas ornament and start recognizing Him as the God that He is!
Many people won’t appreciate you if you do. It will cause you some pain for sure!
But, bowing the knee to Jesus is the ONLY path to Peace with God!
Simeon understood this, do you?
Review - Well Placed Hope Leads to God’s Greatest Blessing!
People of Hope Believe God’s Promises
People of Hope Will Eventually See God’s Promises
People of Hope Understand the Pain Involved in God’s Promises
People of Hope Understand the Pain Involved in God’s Promises
Conclusion
Charles Eliot, the 90 year old, venerable president emeritus of Harvard University was at the end of his life looking to a baby for hope.
Simeon was in a simular situation. The only difference is, the baby he took up in his arms was the ultimate hope for the human race. This is why he said...
for my eyes have seen your salvation
The question I leave you with this morning is this, when you look at Jesus, what do you see? Your answer will determine your eternal destiny!
Action they should take
Land the Plane - What is God’s Greatest blessing?
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation
Connection Group Reflection Questions
What can we learn from our friend, Simeon?
What are some of God’s promises that are hard for you to believe? What are easy to believe?
When have you seen God’s promises come true? What promises are you most looking forward to see fulfilled?
Why is there pain involved in the fulfillment of God’s promises? Why is this the case?
What is one thing you have learned from the life of Simeon?