Luke 2:27-35

For some reason, I always thought Simeon was a priest or someone from the Jewish religious order. Earlier in this passage, the Scriptures simply say that he was a righteous and devout man, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Messiah — as the rest of the people should have been. The Lord had promised to show him the Messiah before he died, and this was the day!

Notice that he was led by the Spirit to the temple that day. Thank God he followed, or he might have missed that opportunity. How many answers to prayer have we missed because we failed to follow the Lord’s leading? Just a thought.

So Mary and Joseph came to the temple to present Jesus to the Lord on the eighth day, as required by the Law, and Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. From everything I have read, Mary and Joseph didn’t know Simeon, and he wasn’t a priest, but rather a stranger to them — though not a stranger to God. Yet this man took the child from Mary, praised God, and then, moved by the Spirit, prophesied over the baby Jesus and spoke directly to Mary as well. They were amazed! Another piece of the puzzle was falling into place. Coincidence? I think not.

What speaks to me most about this is that God chose to reveal His truth to a man wholly devoted to Him, who by all accounts was a common man — much like the angel revealing Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. The Pharisees and King Herod received no such announcement, and for good reason: they would not have received the news well.

This reminds me of what Jesus said which carries the same sentiment:

“At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

And yet, the words Simeon spoke were sobering, as he revealed the uphill battle Jesus would face. Truly, He caused some in Israel to fall and others to rise, and many indeed opposed Him. Tough news for an adoring first-time mother, whose soul would also be pierced by the things she would one day witness. Notice that these words were not directed to Joseph, as it does not appear he was alive to see Jesus offer the ultimate sacrifice.

Yet for now, it was a joyous day!