By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
THE PROMISED ONE
Luke 2:25–38
A week after the angels filled the skies over the fields of Bethlehem to announce the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took their newborn to the temple to present Him to God. The beautiful events recorded in Luke 2 were given to Mary and Joseph to deepen and confirm the significance of the Incarnation in their minds and ultimately in the thoughts of the faithful through the centuries.
Simeon’s Praise (25–32)
While Mary and Joseph were in the temple, they met Simeon and Anna.
Simeon was advanced in years but devoted to God. He was “righteous and devout” — he behaved well and was careful about his religious duties and his service for God.
Simeon was filled with anticipation. He is described as a man “waiting for the consolation of Israel.” The word used here for “consolation” appears many times in the Greek translation of Isaiah in verses that refer to the Messiah. “Comfort, comfort my people” (Isa. 40:1) and “as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem” (Isa. 66:13). Simeon expected God to send His Messiah. He believed when few others truly believed in the coming of the Messiah. He never gave up hope but kept trusting and looking for God to fulfill His promise.
As he began to hold the baby Jesus in his arms, he began to praise God in song and his song set out for Mary and Joseph (and for us) the purpose of the Messiah. With the baby in his arms, secure in God’s presence, Simeon experienced a profound peace of soul. God’s favor rested upon Simeon as he held the “Prince of Peace.” He was ready to die and go to be with his God forever.
He declared: “for my eyes have seen Your salvation.” Jesus was and is God’s salvation. True peace comes only when we, like Simeon, understand and trust that salvation is Jesus Christ plus nothing. God’s salvation is universal.
Simeon sang: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” In other words, there is only one Savior for all the peoples of the earth, and His name is Jesus.
A Future Piercing (33–35)
Simeon turned to Mary and Joseph and addressed them directly. This prophecy would become important to Mary. She was told her future included blessing and great sorrow. That future would include the family’s flight to Egypt; her Son’s being misunderstood and rejected; and watching her Son die on a criminal’s cross. A sword would pierce Mary’s soul.
The rest of Simeon’s prophetic words apply to all of us — “this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel.” The imagery is from Isaiah 8:14–15 and 28:13–16, texts often used in the New Testament to describe reactions to Jesus. Jesus will split the nation in two.
Jesus will be opposed and His ministry will reveal what the thoughts of one’s heart are. As the salvation of God and the expression of God’s will, the reaction to Jesus reveals one’s reaction to God. The way you respond to Jesus determines your destiny.
Anna’s Affirmation (36–38)
In all likelihood Anna was 100-plus years old. She had served God faithfully for years in worship, prayer and fasting. She thanked God for sending the Messiah and shared the good news of great joy with others. We too should be thankful this Christmas and seek to share the good news with others this holiday season.
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