Articles
Simeon's Prophecy
When Joseph and Mary took infant Jesus to Jerusalem for the required purification, an old man named Simeon met them. His initial words were cheering: looking at Jesus he saw the Lord’s salvation, the promised light to both Jews and Gentiles (Luke 2:29-31; cf. Isaiah 9:2; 42:6; 49:6).
Simeon continued, however, on a more somber note, prophesying the reality of Jesus’ arrival. “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed—and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed (vv. 34-35). Jesus was a light and salvation, but He was also. . .
A divider. Some would fall because of Him, others would rise (Luke uses the NT word for resurrection). He is the foundation stone in God’s plan, but for many He is a stone of stumbling (1 Peter 2:7-8).
A sufferer. He would be opposed, opposition so intense that it would feel like a sword piercing Mary’s soul. Surely these words came to her mind as she watched Him being crucified (John 19:25).
A revealer. People’s varying responses to Jesus reveal their hearts. Jesus noted that those who practice truth come to the light, whereas others who love darkness and evil deeds shun it (John 3:19-21).
What is Jesus to you?
