Jesus' Presentation in the Temple

[msethsmile]

Simeon was promised by God he would not see death until he had seen the Christ. Imagine the joy in his heart as he physically held the living Gospel --Jesus-- in his arms:

Luke 2:25ff

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
²⁹ “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss^[d] your servant in peace.
³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹ which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”

³³ The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴ 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, ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

[msethsmile]

v25. "consolation"---comfort (Is 40:1) "Comfort, comfort My people..."

v29. "peace"--- Peace between the Jews and the Romans? Much, much bigger. The peace that surpasses all human understanding. The war between God and man (who instigated it) was over. Man was reconciled to God. Jesus would fix what separated man from God (and man from each other)--sin.

v31. prepared for all nations, Jews and Gentiles (non Jews)

Note: Luke was a Gentile. These verses gave special meaning to him. He was included in the plan of salvation. Us too.

v34-35. The Gospel is a two edged sword. It separates. It draws / comforts believers and infuriates unbelievers.