Luke 2:22-35 / Simeon's Song

How to find Christmas.

Know Where to Look.

Let’s step into the scene for a moment…

Let’s look at Simeon…

I was tending my duties at the temple, and in walks this young couple... carrying the messiah!

“Are you sure, Simeon!” How do you know it was the messiah?

Was it something about the parents?

No, they were just a normal young couple.

Well the offering for the messiah, must have had the most perfect lamb you have ever seen.

No, actually they must have been poor because they didn’t have a lamb.

Well, come on Simeon, this doesn’t sound like the purification of THE Messiah.

He’s just an infant, what signs could he have shown you?

HIs parents are just a common poor couple FROM NAZARETH of all places.

So, tell me, why on earth do you believe that was the messiah?!

Humanly speaking, Jesus was just an ordinary baby.

Born in poverty.

Not from the right family.

Not from the right location.

Not what the world would expect from royalty.

When we say that God stepped into humanity, it is not a metaphor or allegory.

This still leaves us with the question!

How was it that Simeon recognized Jesus as the Christ?

Notice that:

Luke took the time to describe the character of Simeon which is vitally important to understand what made him different.

Notice the way Luke describes this.

Simeon was righteous and devout, waiting on the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Righteous & Devout - good qualities for a priest.

“waiting on the consolation of Israel” - (Under Roman rule), many were probably waiting for this, wouldn’t make him stand out from the rest of the Jewish people.

HOLY SPIRIT WAS UPON HIM

He was describing Simeon’s character.

This quality gave all the rest meaning.

What made Simeon different was the Holy Spirit.

He didn’t wake up and say, this is a big day, let me really get into the spirit today.

No this daily communion with the Holy Spirit was how Simeon lived

What was the result of Simeon’s Spirit Filled life?

He listened to God

God chose to reveal to him that one day he would see the Christ.

When he saw Jesus, even in His humble beginnings, Simeon knew right away who it was.

Can you imagine how many times in your normal day you miss seeing God at work because you are more focused in the world than the Spirit?

How often do we seek that daily level of communion with God?

Simeon recognized immediately, this is the Christ, this is the kingdom at work.

I’m going to ask you to do something right now.

Think about all the people around you today and throughout the week.

All the people you have interaction with, in some way. Now I ask you, where is the kingdom at work around you?

If you have nothing to point to, then I have another question.

Is it because God is not at work around you, or because you have not been looking in the right place (or maybe AT THE RIGHT SOURCE)?

Know What to Look For.

Simeon’s search was also confirmed because he knew what to look for.

Who is Jesus?

Jesus is the Lord’s salvation

Dating back to the fall of man

He is the Lord solution to our death

Jesus is a light for revelation to the Gentiles

Light to provide clarity to God’s word/ will, to find our way. (to God)

For the Jew – Jesus was a fulfillment of the Law, to the gentile (who has not the Law) Jesus was a light for revelation.

Jesus is for glory to the people of Israel

Already had God’s word, now from them came the savior.

Simeon had a real understanding of what will Jesus mean for the world? (v34-35)

Jesus is for the fall and rise of many in Israel.

· Upset the “status quo”

· Upset their way of life.

Jesus is for a sign that is opposed