Simeon Identifies Jesus

25Now 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. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Moved 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, 28Simeon 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.

30For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and the glory of your people Israel.”

33The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then 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, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2)

Thoughts: Simeon confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah.  He was not a scholar, not a political or religious ruler.  Rather he was known for his godliness.  As a reward, God had promised him he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.  His words confirmed Jesus was the Messiah. There is also more in his prophecy.
     Jesus would be the savior for all the nations.  Jesus was not just the Messiah for the Jews but for all peoples.  He was the key person of the Jews but He was the key to allowing the Gentiles to also experience the true God in fullness. 
      Simeon also prophesied that not everyone in Israel would accept Jesus as Messiah and that Mary would be pierced by this rejection as well.  The cross is certainly a place where we see Mary's piercing in heart. 
      Later Mary would lose Jesus until the third day when He was found in the Temple.  It is a sign that she would lose Jesus later- with her heart pierced- until He rose again on the third day.  Simeon's confirmation was important for it confirmed the angels of Luke and the angel that spoke to Zechariah, and the angel that spoke to Joseph.  Jesus was to be special.  He can be special to you too. 

Prayer: Lord, Messiah.  Be my light.  Pierce my soul with your love and draw me to your true love.