Simeon’s Prophecy
Luke 2:33-35
"The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Mary and Joseph marveled at the praise words of Simeon. They had heard the angel's message. They had been aware of what was said to the Shepherds. They knew this child was born in a miraculous way. This baby was also for the world, the light for Gentiles and the hope for Israel.
Simon turned to this couple and put his hands on them to bless them and give a prophecy. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
He told Mary that Jesus would not receive a hero’s welcome as the Messiah. Most Jews expected the Messiah to be a political savior to rescue them from Roman occupation. If Jesus would have done that, He probably would have been crowned king of Israel and had the highest popularity rating ever. Simeon knew this was not be the case. Jesus would be a very controversial and divisive. He would raise up those who trusted Him, but be a stumbling block to those who opposed Him.
There is nothing that splits Jewish families more strongly than with someone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ. He divides families.
The Spirit of God revealed a prophecy through this man's lips. There were public pronouncements made by Zechariah in the Old Testament as well as Moses, Isaiah, and David. This Messiah would suffer and many would be blessed and cursed because of him. Vs. 35b says "And a sword will pierce your own soul too.", which means both Joseph and Mary will suffer. These are the first words in the New Testament which point to the crucifixion, Jesus dying on the cross. His mother would watch the suffering of her son.
Many will choose to remain coldly unmoved from God's gracious offer. Many in Israel, such as the disciples and multitudes at Pentecost and several others did believe in Him. Many willfully rejected Jesus, such as Caiaphas, Annas, the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Scribes, and teachers of the law who in their pride opposed Him. Jesus knew and saw hypocrisy. He knew the people in those days who were putting up a good front, but their hearts were far from Him. He knew men loved this world too much with its attractive lures that binds and grips them. Jesus will be as controversial now as He was then. He will be the blessing to some and the fall of many.
Christians throughout the world have continued to be persecuted because they claim His name, but because of Him there are revivals and movements of evangelism and discipleship.
We pray that will happen in our land in 2023!
Resolve in the new year to tell you faith story, so others know.
Prayer- Lord give me the opportunity to speak of your love and salvation in the year ahead. Amen
