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Simeon's Vision of ChristLk. 2:25-35 I trust that you are not tired of the story of Christ's birth. I believe what can grow wearisome is the continual emphasis on the physical aspects surrounding our Lord's birth; the manger, the shepherd's, the star, the Wisemen, etc. You see, it was never God's intention for us to celebrate a baby in a manger, except as it relates to the coming of God in human flesh. In studying for last Lord's Day S.S. lesson, I was amazed to find that in the story of Christ's birth, there are 28 different names, titles, or designations of the Lord Jesus Christ! 9 different descriptions of Christ, not including the mentions of God and the Holy Spirit are found when Joseph and Mary take the Christ child to the Temple at 8 days old, and are met by a man named Simeon. Simeon obviously saw something special in this child! In fact, the other Bible characters involved focused on many other aspects of Christ or God. The first question that came to my mind was, what caused God to reveal to Simeon these rare insights into the Christ child's Person and ministry? I believe v25 gives us the answer where 7 attributes of Simeon are listed. It is these 7 combined attributes that set Simeon apart from us; who despite having the complete revelation of God, seem so shallow in our knowledge of Christ. He was just a man (no high office or position) He was in the place of blessing (Jerusalem). He was known by name, and consistency (the same man). He was just (righteous, O.T. equivalent of being saved). He thought and acted according to God's standard. He was devout (he was careful, avoiding doing anything contrary to God's law, and fulfilling all the duties of piety and humanity). He was patiently waiting in the midst of the work. He was controlled by the Holy Spirit (filled, attentive, obedient). Consolation of Israel (v25) A. "Consolation of Israel" was a term that referred to the coming of the promised Messiah. Simeon saw in this child the One who would draw all things to a conclusion in favor of the Nation of Israel. He would set up His earthly kingdom, and free them from the dominance of Rome. 1. "Consolation" = a drawing near, an expectation. It was a time of Messianic hope. a. This is a reference to the Spirit of Christ, the Paraclete (Holy Spirit), who comes beside to comfort and guide. This term reveals that through Jesus God would be personal with His people, not distant from His nation. Note: Simeon was actively waiting for things to draw to a close. I wonder if you are actively waiting for the consolation of this church age? Do you see in the Christ child the One who will draw all things to an end, and thereby order your life with that expectation? Jesus said, "...lo, I Am with thee alway, even unto the end of the [church] age" (Matt. 28:20). Jesus is the Consolation of Israel and of the church. Are you living in expectancy of His soon return? Are you and I ready for Christ's return?Lord's Christ (v26) A. Christ is the Lord's 1. As a baby Jesus belonged to God. From conception to manhood the totality of the life of Jesus was under the control of God. He was "knit" in the womb (Heb. 10:5), He was protected in the arms (Matt. 2:13), He was nourished in mind, body, and soul by God (Lk. 2:40). a. We can know that this child was in the plan and providence of God for our behalf. We can rest our faith in Him! 1) I wonder if you have given your children/grandchildren into the all wise resources of God? You won't be disappointed! I wonder if you have given you to God? 2. As a man Jesus belonged to God "...I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30a. What Jesus did was completely in the will of God. Wonder what to do? Do what Jesus did! You can't go wrong! B. He is the Lord's Christ 1. He alone was sent by God. 2. To the exclusion of every other Christ! " Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." 1 John 2:18Note: Simeon did not see death until he saw the Lord's Christ. No man can see the horror of eternal separation from God until he sees Christ, and, conversely, no man can see the eternal bliss of heaven until he sees Christ. The sight of Jesus Christ is what changes people.Child Jesus (v27) A. "Child" speaks of Christ's humanity. He was called a child in the womb (Lk. 2:5), and out of the womb. God says it is a child in the womb. If you abort an unborn child, what have you done? God says, "Thou shalt not murder!" And God says, "But...murderers... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." Rev. 21:8 (Note that the parents "did for Him after the custom of the Law")1. He experienced the totality of the human condition from conception to the cross, from the womb to the tomb! That is why the Bible says, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15 B. "Jesus" is His human name (Christ is His title, Lord is His position). It was given Him by God (Matt. 1:21). It was a common name of the times, and is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. Like "child," it further identifies Him with mankind.C. "Jesus" is not only His name, but it reveals His purpose in coming. It means "God is salvation." The O.T. has approximately 100 references to God's Yeshua (salvation), which is the Hebrew for Jesus. Further, He was prophesied (Isa. 7:14) to be called "Emmanuel" (God with us) (Matt. 1:23), which God is Jesus, "...for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matt. 1:23). He came as a man with the purpose of God. Note: Simeon blessed God for this Child. We should bless God the Christ would take upon Himself the form of a servant that we should have a succoring Saviour. Thy Salvation (v29-31) Salvation means deliverance, preservation (from the penalty of your sin). A. It is of God. He is its Author and provider. (v30) (Not your salv.!)B. It is through Jesus (v30). This is an example of the O.T. word Yeshua: Jesus. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12C. It is according to God's Word (v29), the written revelation of Jesus Christ! It is the only record, it is the only "set of directions" whereby man can be reconciled to God. Look no farther, take God at His Word! D. It was prepared (made ready) "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law." (Gal. 4:4). In eternity past God made ready a method by which mankind could be reconciled to Himself though this Child.E. It is presented (v31) 1. Openly ("before the face/sight"). Jesus Christ was, and is, openly displayed in God's Word, in God's churches, and in God's people. 2. Inclusively ("before all people"). I believe God's Christ was presented before all men so that all men could come to Christ. F. It brings peace at departure (v29). God's salvation is the centerpiece of peace. If you don't have salv. you don't have peace, and if you don't have peace, you had better check your salv.! "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33Light & Glory (v32) A. Light for the Gentiles. 1. The Gentiles have been a people of the darkness. Paganism has been their religious meat. Darkness has been their light. Jesus came as a Light to dispel the darkness. And men love darkness until called to the Light. "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe." John 1:4-5,7 B. Glory for the Jews. 1. "Glory" means to make manifest, bring to light. The God whom Israel only knew through the Shekinah glory cloud, set aside that glory to dwell with men. Jesus is the glory of God; "...he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father," Jesus said. In Jesus Christ, Israel will attain its highest glory and honor. Simeon saw Light and Glory. What a tremendous privilege we have as "reflectors" of Light, and glory givers to God. A Sign (v34) A. "Sign" = a signal, an ensign, a standard; a sign by which any thing is designated, distinguished, or known. Jesus Christ is God's sign to the world as to:1. The totality of the identifying marks of Messiah as related to Simeon ("behold this"), and found throughout the O.T. Scriptures. No one should misidentify Jesus Christ as God's Messiah! 2. "This child is set" (to be laid, placed). Nothing "set" by God will be moved! There is no other Christ! There is no other Bible! There is no other way of salvation! The unchangeableness of Jesus Christ is a "sign." 3. The fall ("downfall, ruin") of many. Jesus Christ, from His O.T. revelation to this day is a stumbling block between man and God. "And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient..." 1 Peter 2:8 The fact that men are "ruined" when they reject Jesus Christ is a sign of God's truth concerning His Son.4. The rising ("cause to stand") of many. Jesus Christ makes it possible for man to "stand" before God, without being utterly destroyed. "And whosoever shall fall on this Stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever It shall fall, it will grind him to powder." Matthew 21:445. Which shall be spoken against (rejected). A continuous action. Why? Because the very thoughts of the hearts of men will be revealed. Jesus knew their thoughts (Matt. 9:4), and knew their hypocrisy (Mk. 12:15). Simeon saw the sign of God. We have the opportunity to point to the same sign and tell others of His merits.A Sword (v35) A. Though this is not a direct reference to His Person, Jesus Christ is none the less a sword. 1. His death would pierce the heart of Mary, and it should pierce our hearts also to see the true condition of our own sin nature. 2. His salvation would cut relationships held dear. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." Matthew 10:34-363. His Word cuts us to the quick. "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." Hebrews 4:12 Thank God for the sword, for it separates us from things displeasing to Christ. And though it is often painful, it is necessary for our spiritual growth. 7 designations of the Christ child. Consolation, the Lord's Christ, the Child Jesus, Thy Salvation, Light & Glory, a Sign, and a Sword. There is something in Him for each of us, and if I did not touch on your need then revisited Simeon and the Christ Child.
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