And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:33-35, NASB)
The text is a portion of Dr. Luke’s account of Simeon’s encounter with the Holy Family just days after Jesus’ arrival on the earth He created. The second chapter of Luke documents that after eight days (the Law of Moses required eight days for the mother’s purification), Joseph and Mary took their Baby to the Temple to present Jesus to the priests for circumcision and dedication, and to offer a sacrifice. (vv. 21-24)
They met Simeon, “righteous and devout,” who was “looking for the consolation of Israel.” Luke says that the Holy Spirit told Simeon he wouldn’t die before he would meet the Messiah. (vv. 25-26) The Holy Spirit told Simeon just Who this Baby was. Simeon took Him in his arms, and thanked the Lord in what is known as “The Song of Simeon.” (vv. 27-32) That’s where we pick up the text above.
In a story normally told during Advent, Simeon’s prophecy is important for Lent, as he foretold the anguish Mary would experience in the future. But first, Simeon predicts that Jesus “is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel.” Jesus Himself would say that He came to save sinners, not the self-righteous, which was a criticism at the Pharisees. He says that Jesus would be opposed, such that “thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Jesus was opposed by the Temple elites, who ironically claimed to be looking for the Messiah–just not this One. Especially during the critical last week of Jesus’ life on His earth, we see revealed the thoughts from many hearts.
The Sword that Pierced Mary’s Soul. Found at https://taylormarshall.com/2017/02/sword-pierced-marys-soul.html
Simeon tells Mary that “a sword will pierce even your own soul.” I’m sure Mary didn’t understand. She had just given birth to the Savior of the world, HER Savior, HER Lord. What could possibly go wrong? Yet “the sword” would be seeing her son after being tortured beyond recognition; watching as He tried to haul the cross to His place of execution; watching as they nailed her boy’s hands and feet to the wooden cross; and finally, watching as He hung dying, while the people and the priests mocked and insulted Him.
The prophecy of the “sword” which would pierce Mary’s heart is part of the Christmas story, and an integral part of the story of Resurrection Sunday. The encounter with Simeon at the Temple left Joseph and Mary “amazed at the things which were being said about Him.” It had been quite a week. Simeon’s prophecy must have left Mary wondering . . .