Jesus’ First Visit to the Temple (Luke 2:22-24) As one “born under the law” (Gal. 4:4), Jesus’ parents obeyed the law Two things had to be accomplished on His first visit: As the firstborn, Jesus had to be presented to God and redeemed as on “holy to the Lord” (2:22-23) Mary had to be purified at the temple with a sacrifice (2:24; cf. Lev. 12:1-8) We learn that Jesus’ parents followed the law & that Jesus was born into poverty

Simeon Is the First to Meet Jesus in Jerusalem (2:25-27) Simeon’s character – “just and devout” (2:25) Simeon’s hope – waiting patiently & confidently for fulfillment of God’s promise (25) “The Consolation of Israel” = the Messianic hope His hope was founded upon the promise of the Holy Spirit (2:26) Simeon’s compliance – “he came by the Spirit to the temple” (2:27) He was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, obedient to the will of God; thus he was privileged to see the salvation of God Simeon’s privilege – he got to see and hold the Messiah He had been waiting for this, ever since the Spirit made the promise He had no doubt that God had fulfilled His promise

Simeon Praised God in Song (Luke 2:28-33) It was a worship hymn (2:26, 29) He praised God for keeping His promise & sending the Messiah He praised God that he had the privilege to see the Lord’s Christ It was a salvation hymn (2:29-30) He was now ready to die as he had seen the Lord’s salvation It was a missionary hymn (2:31-32) God’s scheme of redemption was prepared before creation of world God’s plan of salvation was for all, including the Gentiles Joseph and Mary continually marveled at what Simeon was speaking of Jesus

Simeon Prophesied About Jesus (Luke 2:34-35) The Prophecy of a Stone Jesus: stumbling stone to those who reject Him (Ro. 9:32-33; Ac. 4:11) Jesus: stepping or cornerstone to those who obey (1 Pt. 2:7-8; 1C 3:11) The Prophecy of a Sign Jesus would be a sign from God, revealing divine truths The Prophecy of a Sword Jesus’ rejection, persecution & death would pierce thru Mary’s soul In people’s reaction to Jesus, they reveal their true heart

Lessons to Remember May we be numbered among the faithful remnant who are ever waiting before the Lord. As Simeon looked for the coming of the Savior, may we anxiously await His final return. Ever be grateful that God shared Israel’s Messiah with we Gentiles. We were without God and without hope (Eph. 2:11). It is for us to determine if we are among those who rise or those who fall before the Messiah. Let us so live our lives that we can sing Simeon’s lovely song.