Luke: This Child

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 your own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”    

Luke 2:34-35

The affluent and educated were deemed to be a cut above the rest of the rabble.  The poor and uneducated were the dust upon which the mighty trod.  The religious and affluent were the highest caste of all – holy and powerful, rich and arrogant.  In their own eyes, their lives, their leadership, their holiness was beyond question.  The Pharisee’s control over the people was both mystic and political.  Their days were filled with political maneuvers to enhance their position.

Enter Simeon – an elderly man whom the Bible describes as “just and devout.”  He spent his days in the temple praying for the promised Messiah.  He was filled with the Spirit, and had received a vision that he would “not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”   His relationship with the Lord was such that this promise was a living reality to him.  His faith would not be disappointed.

Enter Mary and Joseph.  They came to the temple with their newborn son to “do for Him after the custom of the law.”  When they entered the sanctuary, Simeon was there waiting. Instantly recognizing the Child, he took the baby in his arms and proclaimed: “Now, Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation.”  Turning to Mary, Simeon prophesied regarding the life and influence of this Child:

• This Child would be the catalyst for the fall and rise of many in Israel.
• This Child would be opposed and eventually rejected
• This Child would rip through the hypocrisy, so that the inner thoughts of many would be revealed

Looking directly at Mary, Simeon then revealed that her own heart would be ripped apart as though pierced with a sword.  If you think about it, that was a huge social gaffe – to spit out such a bleak picture of the future to that young mother.  The aged prophet cared nothing for convention or political correctness.  His motivation was the Spirit.  His words were seared into Mary's soul, ready as a source of understanding and courage as she gave her life to raise this Child.

What Child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthem sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.

Haste, haste to bring Him laud

The babe, the son of Mary.