When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus as an infant to the temple on the occasion of Mary’s rite of purification according to the law (see Lev. 12:1-4,6-8), they met a man named Simeon in the temple complex. Simeon “was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation” (Luke 2:25). In other words, Simeon loved God, lived for God, and looked forward to God’s fulfilling His promise to save Israel. “The Holy Spirit,” Luke stated, was “on him” (v. 25). In fact, the Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would live to see God’s Messiah, His Anointed One. The Lord guided Simeon into the temple area, where he saw Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Right away Simeon knew who Jesus was! As he held Him in his arms, he knew that “Israel’s consolation” was tied inseparably to this baby. Gentiles would find the way to God through Him as well. Simeon told the Lord he was now ready to die, for he indeed had seen the Messiah, just as God had told him he would (see vv. 26-32). His prayer has been called Nunc Dimittis, Latin for “now dismiss.”
Mary and Joseph were amazed at all they had heard—but Simeon was not finished. He blessed them and then directed his words to Mary. Jesus would “cause the fall and rise of many in Israel” (v. 34; see Ps. 118:22; Isa. 8:14-15; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Pet. 2:4-8). God’s Messiah would be “a sign” (Luke 2:34) pointing the way to God, but many would express strong displeasure at His message. The Messiah would be extremely controversial. We see this very thing throughout history, as well as in our present day. Jesus is the only way to God; He Himself said so (see John 14:6). Yet most people today, even many who claim to be Christians, believe otherwise. The fact still remains that while God would make salvation available to everyone through the Messiah, only those who come to God on His conditions will be saved (see John 3:16-18). When it comes to Jesus, neutrality is impossible (see Luke 11:23).
Years after the family’s encounter with Simeon, Mary would witness her Son’s crucifixion (see John 19:25-27). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Simeon knew, and he told Mary, that “a sword” would “pierce” her “own soul” (Luke 2:35).
Copyright © 2015 B. Nathaniel Sullivan. All rights reserved.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations in this article are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.