Simeon's Story: Christ is Our Hope

Simeon’s Story: Christ is Our Hope Luke 2:25-35 December 15, 2019 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 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 33 34 The Big Idea: Simeon was a remarkable man who knew God would send the Messiah. He also believed God would allow him to see the Christ before he died. In the story of Jesus’ birth we are told that His life will lead to a particular kind of death that will be how the Father provides salvation to people. “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, Vindicated by the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) LUKE 2:25-35 (ESV) 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 25 29 30 31 32 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, According to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, And for glory to your people Israel.” Four Christmas Gospel Truths For Us 1. God loves to make Himself known to people, so those who look for Jesus will find Him. Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV). “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” 2. Jesus is being presented to you but you must openly receive Him. John 1:12 “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” Matthew 12:30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” 3. You’re not really prepared to die until you have seen Jesus and received His salvation. • Four common uses of the word "depart" in v. 29: o Release of a prisoner o Untying a ship so it can set sail o Unyoking an oxen o Taking down a tent 4. Jesus is the most divisive person in history. No one can be neutral about Him. 1 Peter 2:6-8 Matthew 10:34-36 Matthew 12:30 Mark 8:38