The Life of Jesus Was Perfect and Unblemished

Luke 2:25-35

Simeon was a man anticipating Christmas—the very first Christmas.

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:25-26).

Be Ready for the Coming of Jesus

The same Scriptures that prophesied the first Christmas also prophesy the Second Coming of Jesus. Here are some things that were true of Simeon that ought to be true about every Christian striving to be ready for Jesus’ coming.

Saved

Luke 2:25 says that Simeon was “just and devout.” That means he was right with God. The Old Testament saints were saved by looking forward to the coming of Jesus. (Read Romans 4:1-3; John 8:56.)

Holy

“Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He [Jesus] is pure” (1 John 3:3; word in brackets added). Blessed hope leads to blessed holiness.

Sensitive

The name Simeon means “one who hears.” The Holy Spirit who led Simeon also guides you. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). 

At Peace

“So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word…” (Luke 2:27-29).

Simeon Prophesied the Perfect Life of Jesus

Simeon told Mary and Joseph what Jesus’ life would be like.

Salvation

“For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30-31). People get excited about baby Jesus at Christmastime. But many do not understand that Jesus came to save them from their sins. 

Light

“….A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:32). If you are in darkness and want to know the way, Jesus is the Light, the Way, and the Truth.

Judgment

“Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel…’” (Luke 2:34a) Christ will be your Savior, or your Judge. (See John 3:36.)

Scorn

“This Child is destined…for a sign which will be spoken against” (Luke 2:34b). If Jesus is not spoken against, the Gospel is not being preached.

Division

Simeon told Mary, “A sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Luke 2:35a). All who have received Christ feel that conflict between the old life and the new. (See Hebrews 4:12.) 

Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword…. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:34,37a). 

At the final judgement, Jesus will divide the professing Church. (Read Matthew 7:22-23.)

Hearts Revealed

“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel...that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34b-35b).

When you hear the Word preached, you might think, “I don’t agree. I will not accept that.”

You might hear it and say, “That’s true. I need a Savior.”

Christ reveals what is in your heart.

What did Simeon do? “He took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation’” (Luke 2:28-30).