I love prophecy. Fulfilled prophecy makes my heart sing. Knowing that things came to pass exactly how God said they would, is nothing short of amazing! Put yourself in Mary’s shoes for a moment. She couldn’t have been more than fifteen or sixteen (some say even younger). Joseph wasn’t much older. They were both only a couple of kids who changed the world.
Today I want to talk about Simeon, remember him? Simeon was an old man who was told by the Holy Spirit, he would get to see the Messiah before he died. The Spirit led him to the temple – it was the day Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required. When he saw the baby, he immediately knew that this child was the Lord’s promised Messiah – so he told Mary and Joseph what was stirring in his heart. He took the baby Jesus into his arms and praised God saying…
“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2: 29-32
Mary and Joseph marveled at how Simeon told them what their child would become. Such stunning words! Simeon said that Jesus was a gift from God, and recognized Him as the Messiah, who would be a light to the entire world. This was at least the second time that Mary had been greeted with a prophecy about her son; the first time was when Elizabeth had welcomed her as the mother of her Lord…
Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. Luke 1: 42-44
Ok, Back to Simeon – He said the effect Jesus would have on Israel would be paradoxical. Let’s listen…
Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Luke 2: 34-35
So some will fall, and some will rise up with Jesus. No middle ground; people would either reject or embrace Him. How do you think Mary felt, hearing these words about her newborn son? And just as Simeon was talking, along comes Anna the prophetess. She heard every word that Simeon spoke , and then began praising God! The Bible says after they fulfilled the requirements of the law – Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned home to Nazareth. It tells us that Jesus grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was upon Him.