Around Jesus
An old man promised he would not die before he saw the Christ, who took the baby in his arms.
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Not typed · why →An old man promised he would not die before he saw the Christ, who took the baby in his arms.
“for my eyes have seen your salvation”
Simeon lived in Jerusalem. Luke says he was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
One day the Spirit led him into the temple just as Joseph and Mary brought in the baby Jesus, with two birds for the offering of a poor family. Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed God. Now, he said, you are letting your servant depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation: a light for the Gentiles and glory for Israel. Then he told Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul too.
for my eyes have seen your salvation
Beginning
A promise: he will see the Christ before he dies.
Turning point
The Spirit brings him in at the right moment.
High point
He blesses God: my eyes have seen your salvation.
Ending
He blesses Joseph and Mary and warns of opposition and grief.
Starts as an old man waiting on a promise. Ends as a servant ready to depart in peace.
Only places Scripture records. Softer, dotted pins are traditional or uncertain sites. Tap a pin for the passage.
Simeon appears only in Jerusalem's temple.
Why there's no type here
Simeon appears in a single scene, too little to type him honestly.
Righteous and devout (). Patient hope (). Led by the Spirit (). Honest about the cost ().
Scripture records no failings.
To see the consolation of Israel ().
Scripture does not say.
The Lord
JesusHe held him as a baby and called him God's salvation (Luke 2:28-30).
Where this points to Christ
He called Jesus a light for revelation to the Gentiles (), echoing Isaiah's servant (). He also saw the cross coming: a sign opposed, a sword for Mary's soul (). Because of that child, God's servants can depart in peace.
Simeon waited his whole life. What promise of God are you still waiting on?
Could you say, like him, that you are ready to depart in peace? What would it take?
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NextAnnaA widow who prayed in the temple night and day for decades, then told everyone the child had come.
