Simeon

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 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. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation, Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”  (Luke 2:25-32, NASB)

Eight days after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary took their Baby from Bethlehem to the Temple in Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord.  The Law of Moses mandated that the firstborn of all creatures belonged to the Lord.  The firstborn of people, however, could be redeemed by a sacrifice.  Since Joseph and Mary were poor, their sacrifice could be “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”  (Luke 2:24)

While at the Temple, they met a man named Simeon, who had been sent there by the Holy Spirit.  Doctor Luke describes Simeon as “righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel.”  “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.”

74.9 x 102.2 cm
“The Circumcision,” by Giovanni Bellini, approximately 1500.  Found at Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus

When he saw Jesus, Simeon “took Him into his arms, and blessed God.”  Simeon knew this Baby was the Messiah, his Savior! Luke attributes the poem at the end of the portion above to Simeon, and the sentiment is replicated in the Michael Card song below.  Simeon could now die a happy man, now that he had met his Savior! 

Simeon was seeking “the redemption of Israel,” the Messiah.  When he saw Jesus, he worshiped.  The purpose of the Advent season is meant to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the newborn King.  Simeon was prepared!  Everyday should be Christmas.  Everyday should be Resurrection Day.  We must prepare our hearts for when Jesus returns, the Second Christmas! 

Worship:  “Now that I’ve Held Him In My Arms,” by Michael Card
Worship:  “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” by Rod + Rose

64 Replies to “Simeon”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *