Suggested Date: December 28th
As it was customary at the time, Mary and Joseph took their child Jesus, to the temple for ceremonial cleansing. After a lifetime of waiting, God fulfilled His promise to Simeon. Simeon then makes a bold declaration about what Jesus is going to do. Pay attention to the joy that Simeon has in his passage.
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
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 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.”
digging deeper
1. What was Simeon waiting for?
2. How did Simeon respond to seeing Jesus?
3. Why did he react this way?
4. How can we live out the excitement of Simeon during this Advent season?
wrap-up
Simeon found his hope in God’s word. I can imagine that it would be hard to wait your whole life for
something to happen, never knowing when it will be. Simeon was faithful and was seen as righteous
because of his faithfulness. We too can trust God’s Word because He fulfills His promises. It might not be
in the way or time we expect, but He will always come through.
respond in worship
“The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping
their sheep
On a cold winter’s night that was
so deep
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel!”
respond in prayer
Lord, we want to be like Simeon who studied the scriptures and believed Your promises. Please help us to hide Your Word in our hearts and to trust in Your faithfulness. Thank you, Jesus, that You are a light to the nations. Please let everyone in all the earth come to trust in You for salvation.