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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’s 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 work of his faith (vs 25)
- The way he lived proved he had hope in the LORD.
- Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Waiting is not the passing of time. Waiting is expectation. Like the expectation of a paycheck. You perform a service knowing there is reward at the end of it. What’s 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.
- 1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
- These characteristics define what it means that the Holy Ghost was upon him.
The reward of his faith (vss 26)
- His hope brought direction from God: Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- Simeon’s hope was what yielded the LORD’s direction.
- Leading of the Spirit of God are the children of God; Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
- Consider the contrast of 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.
- God’s children are the ones who are led by the Spirit of God. (Nicodemus must be BORN AGAIN. You can’t see the kingdom of God unless you take direction from the Spirit of God. Why? Because the Spirit of God is the one who reveals the kingdom of God.)
- Simeon was led to the temple where he’d find Jesus at the right time.
- Simeon was led 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 is Simeon led in hope, but he was also a man who would be given a prosperous resurrection. He will be a participant in the LORD’s salvation of sinners.
The scope of Simeon’s faith (vss 27-33)
- 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.
The content of Simeon’s faith (vss 34-35)
- Simeon’s clear understanding of the gospel that Jesus Christ must die and rise again. This is a man who saw the resurrection.
- 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 under which man would be crushed.
- Notice the work of the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal the secrets of men’s hearts.
- Romans 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
- Hebrews 4:11-13 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 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.
