Simeon walked with purpose to the temple, delighted at the assignment ahead. Today was the day he’d been waiting for his entire life. The Consolation of Israel had arrived, and he had appointment with Him.
In times past, the Holy Spirit revealed that he would not see death until he laid eyes on the Messiah. Before embarking on his daily routine, the Holy Spirit prompted him to visit the temple.
When he entered the temple grounds, he scanned the faces, looking for a couple and their baby boy. A resident of Jerusalem, he had likely never met Joseph and Mary from Nazareth in Galilee.
With the direction of the Holy Spirit, he picked out Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. The couple was there to present Jesus to the Lord and offer a sacrifice, either a pair of turtledoves or young pigeons.
The introductions may have been awkward at first. Simeon had a reputation around Jerusalem as a righteous and devout man. A student of the scriptures, he yearned for the age when the Christ would come. While others, sleepwalked through the traditions and rites of their faith, Simeon believed for the day when he’d see the Savior.
But by this time, Joseph and Mary were used to strangers seeking their son. The shepherds had done so the night Jesus was born. Both had been obedient thus far, and Simeon may have told them about God’s prophecy given to him.
His heart must have been thumping, grateful and gobsmacked at the same time that of all people, he got to take the Messiah in his arms.
He picked up the little guy, blessed God, and said:
“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.”
Luke 2:29-32
Joseph and Mary were awestruck at what he said, and a little relieved, too. They had been through a lot the past few months, and Simeon’s blessing served as more confirmation that they weren’t out of their minds. Even after the dreams, angelic appearances and visit from the shepherds, the human mind can still bring doubts. But Simeon proved another sign from God that, yes, they were responsible for raising the son of God.
Simeon then prophesied.
“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.’ ”
Luke 2: 34-35
Even in infancy, Jesus’ life pointed toward His death and resurrection. Simeon foretold of the opposition Jesus would face and that many would refuse to believe out of envy, spite, and insecurity. The line “a sword will pierce through your own soul also” harkens to the day when Mary would see her Son hanging on a cross. When Luke began organizing material for his gospel, it’s probable that Mary told him this very story.
Simeon is one of those curious figures that God drew into Jesus’ orbit, like the shepherds watching their flocks by night, like the Magi making the trek from the Far East, and like the prophetess Anna, who lived in temple and had dedicated her life in service of Yahweh. Luke didn’t record what Simeon did for a living, but he did not seem to hold much of the way in earthly titles. Instead, all he had was his character and devotion. When God looked at his heart, he saw a man fit to see the Messiah and deliver the message to Mary and Joseph.
Christmas is not usually a time of contentment for most people. It’s when the Q4 financial results are due, and companies put on the rush to close business and make their numbers look good. It’s when we rush to prepare festivities and figure out just what kind of gifts were getting everyone. And depending on your relationships, it’s a time when tensions can get high.
Simeon represents the simple joy of contentment. He had lived in that tension so long: waiting for the Messiah, all while his nation was under the yoke of Rome. Many people probably thought him nothing more than a dreamer, a man who allowed his imagination to get the best of him.
Seeing Jesus was a release, and there’s few lines more powerful in this story, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace.”
This Christmas, if you believe what Simeon believed, you can have that same wholesome contentment. You can depart in peace, because that baby boy accomplished what had been ordained before the earth was even formed: to usher in the new covenant, die on the cross for all mankind’s sins, and to rise from the dead to give eternal life to all who believe.
If you don’t believe any of what Simeon believed, peace will remain elusive. You may see the Scriptures as nothing more than an elaborate bedtime story, designed to control people and get their money. You’re wondering what’s real and what’s not. If you dare to be like Simeon and search the Scriptures, what you find will bring you the contentment you’ve always been searching for.
Check it out in Luke 2 and your Christmases will never be the same again.
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