The Fall and Rise of Redemption - Luke 2:33-38

Introduction:

We will continue in Luke 2 today as a few weeks ago we learned about Simeon meeting Jesus in the Temple:

Simeon being a righteous and devout man

Waiting for the consolation and peace to come to Israel

And the Holy Spirit was upon Him and led him to the temple, to embrace Christ, the babe and speak these words.

Luke 2:30 “for my eyes have seen your salvation” - Let it be said for those who have seen Christ, have seen the glory of the Father.

Simeon has more to say through our text today, as the Lord has more to reveal to Jospeh; and specifically to Mary.

Today we will read of the appointed one; before the foundation of the world; and how He (Christ Jesus) deeply affects our souls; and how He reveals all at the end of the age.

Read

Luke 2:33–35 “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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”” (ESV)

Pray

Luke 2:33 “And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.”

We looked at this a few Sunday’s ago, but this word “Marveled” - as Joesph and Mary “Marveled” at what Simeon had said about Him, their son and what they just witnessed happen in the Temple

So this word Marveled - means to be astonished and to wonder and be amazed!

And what was said from the mouth of Simeon about Christ in our text a few Sunday’s ago that would of made them marvel?

Luke 2:26 “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.”

That Jesus is salvation as Simeon says in verse Luke 2:30 “for my eyes have seen your salvation”

And not only that salvation is here as it’s been mentioned for a long time coming, but now Simeon is holding; and his eyes are seeing (Salvation as he cradles Jesus in his arms.

Jesus not only mentioned as salvation of Israel but also the comfort and consolation of Israel

And that Luke 2:32 “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.””

So why do they marvel?

Because Simeon’s words are big, and carry a weighty and holy promise that has been long awaited for the people of God.

Salvation and Consolation for Isreal is here and a light and revelation to the Gentiles.

So Mary and Joseph have the right to be amazed; that yet again the God is confirming this child is no ordinary child born of the seed of Adam, but Jesus who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, this is He God’s Son.

This Child mind you, who God has allowed them to be his earthly father and mother. (Jospeh and Mary that is)

Luke 2:34 “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”

And Simeon speaks the word “Blessed” - to enact divine favor; often implying a positive disposition and kind actions toward the recipient ; those recipients being Mary, Joseph & Jesus.

You may bless a friend or family member when they leave your house for a visit; and we usually pray and ask the Lord to bless them as they go and travel

So Simeon “blessed them…”

And now Simeon turns his words to Mary, Jesus’s mother; Specifically and says “Behold this child…” (Not another child)

Now anyone knows when you speak about “someone else’s child”

We know to tread lightly with our words right?

In other words you wouldn’t want to say anything that would be degrading or mean about their new born…

For instance when Ezra was a newborn someone made a comment on our FB that was downright mean and hateful (I felt it was from the enemy)

See in this case in our text, what Mary is about to hear. So Mary would not want to believe all what she is about to hear is true about her child…

Mind you they just met Simeon this man who...

Who randomly just embraced their son and is holding him at the Temple entrance, And says these words to Mary…”Salvation”

So a complete stranger in this case Simeon is; for Mary and Jospeh; but possibly Simeon mentioning that Christ is “salvation” and the “Consolation of Israel” might of brought them peace in this moment with this stranger who now addresses Mary about Jesus and what he has been sent to do.

“Behold this child..(i’m going to tell you something about your child that you don’t yet know) .is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed.”

So what extremely weighty words from Simeon to Mary in this text...

And when someone is appointed, meaning there has been a decision made that he or she can not go against (in a senes things appointed have been predetermined to occur in their timing; and there is no changing it)

And we know “this child” being Jesus, is appointed, being predestined for a purpose

But appointed or predestinated for what purpose?

“...For the fall and rising of many in Israel...”

Now Mary a new mother hears that her child, Jesus “the appointed one”

The one whom “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel”

Does this all sound good? // For the fall and the rise of many in Israel?

But Israel is God’s chosen people, why would some fall and other rise?

Aren’t they all God’s people? (the Jews thought so, but some never embraced Christ as the true Messiah; and still today there are Jews who don’t believe Jesus is the Savior of the world, just as their are Gentile’s who do not believe)

But they think they are God’s people!

So why does the Scripture say “fall” first before “rise?”

We often think the rise comes and then the fall, but that is not the case today in our text.

Here our greek definitions will help us understand more of whats going on and what Simeon is saying to Mary:

Now here the greek definition for…

Fall - meaning calamity and or death

Meaning This Child is appointed for the death of many…?

Hasn’t Christ come so all could have life?

Theres a thought out there that some believe all will be saved from there sins; every human to have ever lived:

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

The Lord longs for all to be saved, but not all will.

But if we can recall from God’s Word in the Gospel of Matt...

Matthew 10:34 ““Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Christ was to be the occasion of the “fall of many in Israel”. ‘He was to be a stone of stumbling and rock of offence to many proud and self-righteous Jews, who would reject him and Parish in their sins.

Even today as our context has changed He still is a stone of stumbling for those who are deeply in love with self and strong unbiblical; evil opinion.

R.C. Sproul “In other words “Yes He will raise many people up, but he will be a rock of offence, and people will stumble because of him and they will fall into greater and greater wickedness…Everytime they reject this one, the sin that they carry will be magnified.”

But this verse doesn’t just mention falling, without a rising as well…(what would Christianty be without a rising?)

“For the fall...and rise of many in Isreal...”

Rise - here meaning in the greek to cause something to be resurrected

So this Child, Mary; would also be the Resurrection for Many in Israel:

Meaning for Mary it’s not all bad new/sad news

Meaning those awaiting the long awaited Messiah; believe it is truly Him who has come to take away the sins of the world

He is the consolation Israel has been waiting for and because of their faith in Christ will rise and be resurrected and not fall nor perish in their sins.

Two Categories: 1. The ones who will fall || 2. The ones who will rise

The ESV Study Bible puts it this way in terms of definitions of Fall and Rise…

Fall - refers to the judgment of the haughty and arrogant

Rise - refers to the salvation of the humble and meek

This Child whom we know as Mary’s Son called the Christ; who is appointed for the fall and rise, Now of who…?

“Many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed.”

See it says Many will fall, meaning to die in their sin without finding repentance

And it says many will rise, meaning they will repent and turn from sin and be saved.

But why a sign that is opposed?

Opposed meaning not for “it” - Well what is the sign?

See… They were opposed of this sign because it was not what they wanted, nor what they expected...

And what would be the sign opposed? The cross of Calvary, the worst known way to die ever.

So Mary hearing this; your child will be the rise and fall of many in Israel, and for a sign opposed; so we see God through Simeon does not just leave Mary at this news of falling and rising and opposing...

There Is more, now Simeon speaks of a future moment that will occur in and too Mary’s soul

“and a sword will pierce through you own soul also, so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

So as Simeon is speaking; Mary is listening of what is to be of her child; (The Christ) in other words Simeon didn’t candy cote the news; he said it as it must be said “the fall and rise of many…”

So yes hearing that through Christ; (her Child) will come the fall and rise of many in Israel must of been deeply difficult for Mary to hear…

It’s like a parent hearing form another parent; well your child is the reason blank….

But Simeon is referring to souls; here some souls will fall and some will rise

Some souls will be perieced; and others we be left untouched

So when we refer to the soul; its not something tangible and here in this case it isn’t a pin prick to the soul but a...

Sword and Piercing of the soul - meaning in the greek no small sword, but a sword that will go all the way through, a thrusting weapon

So the thrusting of a large sword would be extremely painful is reffing to what?

Well what brings any parents soul deep pain, such a sword to the soul? - The loss of a child.

I have not, nor do I ever wish to lose one of my children as I literally can’t imagine the pain and hurt that comes with the loss.

As I just officiated my cousins funeral, and am still walking through this with my Aunt and Uncle at the loss of their son.

This “Sword and piercing of Mary’s soul” is speaking of Mary’s future sorrow and soul pain she will feel at Jesus Crucifixion

This also foretelling when Jesus side was pierced by the spear

John 19:25 “but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

John 19:34 “But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.”

As we know God is one who has ordered all things to happen in their timing, so we can’t overlook the soul piercing pain Mary will feel soon, as she sees her child on the cross of Calvary.

Mary’s soul being - her inner self; the soul making up (heart, mind and conscience)- Her whole being; her whole self

Meaning it won’t only affect her Physically, but her soul will never forget, nor move on from the pain that is to come at the loss of her child.

And this goes onto say how dare we ever say to someone who has lost a child- “how have you not moved on from the passing of your child?” - You never move on, the pain is their to lead you back to the heart of God.

Now we know the loss of her child must happen; why? Because we know that this is why Jesus was sent from God the Father.

That He might die for sinful man.

Romans 5:7-8 “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Let us continue...

a sword will pierce through your own soul...so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Thoughts from many - in the greek, the word “thoughts” meaning - “opinions”

And we know opinions are the opposite of facts!

Here is a story when the opinions of the Sadducees was cut down by Jesus Words!

Matthew 22:23–33 ESV

The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question, saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies having no children, his brother must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother.’ Now there were seven brothers among us. The first married and died, and having no offspring left his wife to his brother. So too the second and third, down to the seventh. After them all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, of the seven, whose wife will she be? For they all had her.” But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” And when the crowd heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.

So the opinions of the Sadducees in this story were cut down by the Word’s of the Lord.

The people “who heard it, they were astonished at his teaching.”

Because that is what Jesus’s Words do!

Because we know in this time people had their opinions how salvation and the Messiah would come

And let me tell you the cross, the sign opposed is not how they supposed salvation and redemption should come to them.

“you mean my opinions are not truth?” - Yes. Truth is Truth is only found in God’s Word.

“So that thoughts (opinions) from many...May be revealed” - meaning to become made known to the public; especially info that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept secret

Exposed, or brought to light

Points:

My one point is simple this morning:

1. Christ came to earth, to fall and rise for the redemption of His people’s souls!

See the word appointed in our text here in the greek, means to be “stretched out” - meaning the cross; we know Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins, to be stretched out for us. That He might save our souls from sin and hell.

See as it mentions some will fall and rise:

Those who fall are those who will die in their sins because they do not believe that Jesus was the appointed one

And their are those who will rise, those who die to their sins; because they have believed in Jesus and are now living for Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit

And those Christians who have believed and trusted in Christ will be resurrected with Him when He returns!

And those who fall will be found in hell.

See Christ is concerned; He is deeply concerned about the hearts and souls of His Children and the cross proved this to be true:

He sent His one and only Son, to die for us!

As we can see Mary’s soul was pierced; meaning the Word who is Christ, pierced her soul painful yet needed.

So Jesus death burial and resurrection would forever change her soul, heart, life and posture.

We know as the Word says in Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts (opinions) and intentions of the heart.”

So this morning it’s quite simple has your soul been pierced and your heart changed by what Christ Jesus has done?

Has your soul and heart been changed by Jesus who is the Word who came to fall, to rise and to redeem us!?

Newsflash:

Because Jesus sees deeper and more in detail than we ever could see; He see’s right through our thoughts and opinions, and right through our fleshly chest into our hearts and souls.

1 Sam 16:7 “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.””

As it says the thoughts of many hearts will be reveled: so let us be warned and convicted and rightfully so, that Everything Christ will reveal at the end; so you can not fool Him!

He will espiscally reveal our souls and hearts true posture and position.

Remember He is the one who changes the heart of stone into a heart of flesh; and His records are not scattered but in order

He knows His people; the sheep in His pastures; and His Sheep know His Voice. John 10:27-28 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Today I think as the Scripture speaks of in Phil 2:12 “workout your salvation with fear and trembling...” So today is a call to take inventory in our souls and hearts; to diligently, and prayerfully reflect on the posture of our souls before King Jesus.

No matter how long you’ve been a Christian ask the Lord to search you and know you Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Im learning the journey of asking God to search us and asking Him to workout our salvation in us daily should be our number one priority and aim. That we might become more like Him daily.

See it’s not enough:

It is not enough just to say a prayer; and never change!

It is not enough to go to more bible studies!

It is not enough just to attend Church

It’s not enough to only “have the appearance of Godliness but denying His Power”

No. When God pierces our souls with the Word who is Christ, our whole life Changes and He gives us new hearts and new desires for His purposes.

Let it be said; we are not fooling anybody except ourselves:

We can play Christian to the grave; but until we have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit we are not a New Creation in Christ!

New Creations in Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the Word and work of the Lord.

See the Bible speaks of “workout your salvation with fear and trembling” as we speak of the word “reveal” - I find this theme of Scripture in

Lamentations speaks of it this way Lam 3:40-41 “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:”

This may be you this morning, their is uneasiness in your soul because you haven’t been seeking, worshiping, serving, fasting, praying to the LORD. (Or even better yet your uneasiness is coming because you have yet again forgot that Christ has finished and defeated sin on the cross that we could not do; and you are trusting in your own works to save you soul.

Let me tell you, yes their is mercy and grace upon grace, but Oh dear ones ask God to really search you and know you, trust yet again not in your works but His finished work.

This knowing there will be some to fall and some to rise; knowing our souls and hearts need to be changed and knowing Christ will reveal all that is hidden in the light of HIs grace and truth; making known all that was once private; now public should put a healthy fear in our hearts this morning, and a longing to “return to the Lord.”

As Christ will reveal all one day in His glorious light; So the cross either stands as an offense against you; or you will be humbled by it.

What Jesus has done on the cross has either been a stumbling block for you; or has become the sign of salvation for a hopeless people lost in sin.

Today we read of the appointed one; before the foundation of the world; and how He (Christ Jesus) deeply affects and changes our souls and hearts and reveals our true thoughts about Him.

So in this time in our text we talk of the fall and rise of many; and we now know that Christ came to fall, rise but what else?

The Prophetess Anna speaks in Luke 2:36-38

Luke 2:36-38 “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

R.c Sproul said it best and I close with this:

As the next few verse mention the prophetess Anna so she was a widow but used by God:

She came every day with prayers; and she joined this group in that very moment, giving thanks to God and spoke of him (being Christ) to all of those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Beloved, that day their redemption came to them in Jerusalem.

My prayer and my sincerest hope is that same redemption has come to you, and you have embraced it completely and fully,

We say the fall and rise of what? Redemption! - Christ the one who came to redeem His people from their sins and raise us up with Him in glory and has forever pierced our hearts and souls with His life giving Word, that we may never be the same, but forever changed.

The cross has changed us, deeply wounded us, in the best way possible; for us to say Christ is Lord of our life.

At the end of the days some will fall and some will rise: But the cross exposes us to either to be humbled by it or hardened by it.

The cross has the final Word. And if our hearts and souls are humbled by it we will be resurrected with Christ.

But if our hearts are hardened by it, and it’s a sign we opposed we will forever be lost in sin and die in sin.

May the Lord have mercy on our souls, and may we see the glory of the Cross, and resurrection that we partake in as Christians who have trusted in Christ as Lord will reveal all who are truly His one day.

Let us pray.