“At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So, when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Sovereign Lord, now let Your servant die in peace, as You have promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and He is the glory of Your people Israel!’ Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the Baby’s mother, ‘This Child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul’” (Luke 2:25-35, NLT).
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Simeon was extremely old and was waiting for Messiah to come. A prophet without title because he predicted the future.
2. He was filled with the Holy Spirit for ministry (v. 25).
3. He would not die till he saw Messiah, i.e., Jesus (v. 26).
4. Divine encounter. Simeon came daily to the Temple. Parents came once (v. 27).
5. Blessing the child (Numbers 6:24-26).
a. Protection.
b. Expand child’s spiritual insight.
c. Expand usefulness.
6. Simeon knew God kept him alive, now ready to die (v. 29).
7. Simeon’s three conclusions (vv. 30-32):
a. See God’s salvation for all people.
b. A light message to the nations.
c. The glory of Israel.
8. Why were Jesus' parents amazed at what Simeon said (v. 33)?
a. Did not know others knew about Jesus.
b. Simeon was God’s voice to them.
c. Reaffirm Bethlehem’s miracles.
9. Simeon prediction. “This Child … causes many in Israel to fall … but a joy to many others’(v. 34). Jews' rejection and Gentiles' acceptance.
10. Predicted, “Many will oppose Him” (v. 34):
a. Jews crucified Him.
b. Gentiles rejected Him.
11. “Deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” Conviction is “to cause to see”
12. Personal to Mary. “A sword will pierce your very soul” (v. 35).
B. PRACTICAL TAKE AWAYS
1. You never get too old to be used by God.
2. If God can use an extremely old Simeon, He can use you in your old age.
3. When you have successfully finished doing God’s task in life, you are ready to die.
4. The key to be used by God is not your age but:
(a) Spirit filled.
(b) Spirit led (v. 26, 27).
5. Watch for “divine timing” in your life. Since God used it with Simeon, He can use it with you.
6. You have the assurance God will not take you to Heaven until you have finished your task on earth.
7. Blessing a newborn child is important. First it is important to God, second to the child, third to parents, fourth to relatives and observers (Numbers 6:24-26). If you have not done it, go have it done.
8. Today’s parents have great expectations for their children, Joseph and Mary were amazed (Luke 2:33).
9. The prediction about Jesus’ Messianic work should reinforce our faith.
10. If you have a child/grandchild/great grandchild, make sure they are blessed in the presence of God and His people.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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