Notes on Luke 2:25-35

Simeon was a devote and righteous man. This does not mean he was sinless (1 John 1:8-10), but he was loyal to the covenant. "He was waiting for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25). This refers to the comfort the Messiah would bring. He longs for his people's deliverance, just as Zechariah had (Zech. 1:68-75; Isa. 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 61:2).

Led by the Spirit (cf. Luke 4:1), Simeon entered the Temple courts. The Spirit of God soverignly directs these events, as God had revealed to Simeon that death would not come until he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26). There, Luke records the Jesus' "parents" were present. Stein says, "Luke described Joseph and Mary as Jesus' "parents" (cf. also Luke 2:33, 41, 43, 48). He of course intended his readers to understand his use of this term here in light of the virginal conception discussed in chap. 1." "Simeon took him in his arms and praised God" (Luke 2:28) singing Isaiah 52:8-10.

'Sovereign Lord," that is despota (Acts 4:24), the one who created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1-2). That is, the One who controlled not only the affairs of the cosmos, but every minute by minute step of his Son's birth: (1) the announcement to his forerunner, John the Baptist, and his miraculous conception, (2) the announcement of Jesus and his birth of the virgin Mary, and (3) the fulfillment of all the signs (Bethlehem, the star, the shepherds, the manger), etc. God had sovereignly controlled everything, so Jesus would be born is the "fulness of time" (Gal. 4:4).

Simeon can now die in peace, as he has seen the Lord Christ. To see Jesus is to see God's salvation. Jesus was "prepared in the sight of all people." This term is plural ("all the peoples") and refers to the Gentile nations as well as to Israel (cf. Luke 2:32; 3:6; Acts 2:21; 28:28). Simeon understood that in the latter days of history, salvation would reach the ends of the earth. Luke, who was most likely a Gentile, held firmly to this truth.

In Luke 2:33, Joseph is referred to as the "child's father." Since, Luke had previously recorded the virginal conception (Luke 1:35-37), this refers to Joseph's legal position (cf. Luke 2:27).

"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, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too" (Luke 2:34-35). If the "falling and rising" refers to one group, the people must be humbled in repentance before they can rise into salvation. If it refers to two groups, there will be those who reject Jesus and therefore fall eternally, and those who accept him and rise to be with God (see the similar theme in Mary's song; Luke 1:52). Thus, Jesus' rejection by his people (cf. John 1:11) was announced early in his infancy (cf. Luke 4:29; 13:33-35; 19:41-44, 47-48; 20:14, 17-19). The sword imagery presages the fact that all these events would have a cost for Mary, for she would see her son rejected and crucified (cf. John 19:25).

Simeon. Seems to have been a lay person, unconnected to the priesthood. Because of his godliness, God chose to bless him by allowing him to see the promised Christ before he died. consolation. The comfort Israel would have through the Christ. Through him, God would bring deliverance for his people (see Isa. 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 66:11). Holy Spirit. Simeon enjoyed an unusual manifestation of God's Spirit. He revealed the promise to Simeon and guided him to Jesus (v. 27). The outpouring of the Spirit in relation to Jesus's birth (1:15, 35, 41, 67) fulfilled messianic expectations and marked a new work of God (Isa. 61:1).

temple. This was the larger temple complex, which included several courts and chambers around the original sanctuary (1:9; 23:45). The additional areas were added by Herod (see note on 1:5).

Like a watchman on the wall, Simeon's task was complete. He had seen the fulfillment of God's promise and was ready for death (2:26).

God's salvation would come through Jesus and be for all peoples — Jews and Gentiles alike. This saving light would shine into the spiritual darkness of the Gentiles (Acts 26:17-18; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 5:8; 1 Pet. 2:9). As people came to faith in Jesus, Israel would also receive glory. They were privileged to receive God's revelation and be the people from whom God sent the Christ (Rom. 9:1-5; Gal. 3:8).

Simeon told Mary the means by which Jesus would bring salvation and cause the world to be divided. The division comes between those who put their faith in him as Christ and those who reject him (see 4:29; 6:20-26; 20:17-18; Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:6-8). Though some may look righteous outwardly (see Isa. 29:13; Matt. 23:27; Mark 7:6), he will make known their hearts before God. sword. This would be painful for Mary because it would mean the rejection and death of her son (see 2:49; Mark 3:21, 31; John 19:25-27).