Simeon, The Man Who Recognized the Messiah

On the eighth day after Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple for three important Jewish traditions: the naming of the child, the offering, and His circumcision. His name Jesus was now official, the sacrifice of birds had been made, and he was to have his operation.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Luke 2:25-26). Such an interesting person, Simeon. We have a few hints about him here. He was a devout Jew who was looking forward to the Messiah. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he actually saw the Messiah that he longed for. The Holy Spirit made sure he was in the right place at the right time.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2:27-32).

Can you imagine the scene? What he says is powerful, and Jesus’ mother and Joseph recognized this. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him (Luke 2:33).

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:34-35).

Simeon’s prophecy began to prepare Mary for what she would see even after her husband had passed away. Simeon blessed both Mary and Joseph, but he was talking to Mary. She alone would witness the crucifixion of her beautiful Son. But the Baby now in Simeon’s arms would save some and would be spoken against. She needed to be prepared. It is interesting that Simeon knew the Baby Jesus was for all people. Simeon calls Him God’s salvation—which is what Jesus means. He also knew He was sent for the express purpose of saving both gentiles and Jews. That includes everyone in the world, since gentile is a term for anyone non-Jewish.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus came to save the world. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2).

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17).

How did Simeon know to go to the temple and that this little Baby was the Christ Child? Through special revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Why did Simeon have this privilege? I believe it was for him, as a special blessing from God to a godly man. I believe it was for Mary and Joseph, as another proof that Jesus was the Son of God. And, I believe it was so that we could see how special Jesus was, even from His supernatural birth. God wanted everyone in the world to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the Promised One.

Simeon recognized Him.

Do you?

But as many as received him, to them gave he power

to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth (John 1:12-14).