Simeon Predicts the Child’s Future

After eight days passed, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for circumcision and to offer a sacrifice, per Jewish custom.

Simeon was excited to meet the long awaited Messiah

Simeon was excited to meet the long awaited Messiah

While at the temple, the family met two very special elders.

Luke 2:25-26 (ASV)
  And behold, 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 unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Simeon had been promised by God that he would live to see the Christ child.

Luke 2:27-32 (ASV)
  And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,   then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,   Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord, According to thy word, in peace;  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,   Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;   A light for revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of thy people Israel.

Simeon began to praise God and to bless the child while he prophesized.  We can see from his words that not only was he a wise man, but he also was a faithful servant of God’s.

Simeon foretold of the future

Simeon foretold of the future

Luke 2:33-35 (ASV)
  And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him;
and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against;   yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

Mary and Joseph marveled at what Simeon said.  They knew their child was special, but they were more than likely still trying to get accustomed to strangers approaching them to see the child and the proclamations being made.

But, not everything Simeon said was what they wanted to hear.  He foretold that this child would not have an easy life, but would have people come against him and would fall.

“A sword shall pierce through thine own soul.”   These words were spoken to Mary.

Was all this new to her?   Did she dwell on these words over the years?  Did she ponder what the wise man had to say?  Probably!

 

Photos Courtesy of FreeBibleImages.org

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