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Simeon’s Faith
Text: Luke 2:21-35
This chapter is about Jesus Christ’s birth and his ceremonial entrance into the world. It’s about his birth and the token of righteousness God gave to Abraham in circumcision and the naming of the LORD Jesus Christ. It was during this time that Mary and Joseph met a man named Simeon who was very devout and looking for the hope of Israel and God’s Messiah.
The substance of Simeon’s hope (vs 25)
- The way he lived proved he had hope in the LORD.
- Waiting is not the passing of time. Waiting is an expectation like the expectation of a paycheck. You perform a service knowing there is a reward at the end of it. What does Simeon’s service look like?
- Just means doing right; it is justice. Simeon “waiting” looks like living a just life. He lives a just life in earnest expectation that there is value and reward for the way he chooses to live his life.
- Devout means committed. This is someone who has invested themselves in the consolation of Israel. Simeon believes that his dedication to the LORD will have value to the LORD and so he chooses to live his life this way as well.
- And every man that hath this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.
- These characteristics define what it means that the Holy Ghost was upon him.
- This is called faith – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The content of Simeon’s faith (vss 34-35)
- Simeon’s clear understanding of the gospel is that Jesus Christ must die and rise again. This is a man who saw the resurrection.
- Simeon understands that Jesus Christ is God’s salvation to all men.
- Simeon understands that Jesus Christ is the Light of God to all men.
- Not only did he see the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but he saw the part of the gospel that said all divine judgment upon mankind was found in Jesus Christ. He is the stone upon which man will build or the stone under which man would be crushed.
- Notice the work of the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal the secrets of men’s hearts.
- God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
- This is the sword that pierces the soul and judges every soul.
The reward of his faith (vss 26)
- His hope brought direction from God
- In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- The Spirit of God leads the children of God
- For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
- Consider the contrast between Simeon and religious leadership. He doesn’t appear to have any titles like the Scribes and Pharisees. But Simeon understands more about the work of God in Jesus Christ than the teachers of the scriptures in his day.
- Simeon was led to the temple where he’d find Jesus at the right time.
- Simeon was led in hope and peace through the shadow of death
- Simeon is now prepared for death since he’s seen the Lord Jesus Christ.
- The LORD is my shepherd… he leadeth me…
- My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
- Not only was Simeon led in hope, but he was also a man who would be given a prosperous resurrection.
