Simeon: A key player in the Christmas Story (Luke 2-25-35)

It has been said shepherds in the fields were taught by angels but the prophet Simeon in the Temple was taught by the Holy Spirit. As we celebrate this Christmas season together, the prophet Simeon is a biblical character worthy of our investigation.

Simeon’s life is marked by devotion to the Word of God and faithfulness to the promises of God. He is a man that saw things through the eyes of faith in spite of contradicting circumstances around him and God used him and still uses his example to bless many. He epitomizes a life lived by faith so the Light of God might be brought to those in darkness. Simeon’s life can encourage our walk with the Lord, as Christmas and the New Year approaches.

First, Simeon allowed himself to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells us he was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah.

Simeon’s very name is very indicative of his character. Simeon means “hearing” or “one who obeys.” Simeon was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God and obedient to the will of God. He serves as proof that a life led by the Holy Spirit will be righteous and devout.

Simeon teaches us when we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives, God will reveal His deeper truths of Scripture to us. At the same time, he also causes us to question who is controlling our lives. Simeon ’was willing to die to self that he might live for Christ and we, as disciples, should do the same. (Read Galatians 2:20)

Second, Simeon was prepared to die. In Luke 2:28-29, he took the baby Jesus in his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing your bondservant to depart in peace, According to Your word.”

The Bible doesn’t say “Get Ready”, it says, “Be Ready.” Death can come at anytime. It has been said, “Only those by faith that have had a sight of Christ can with courage see death and look it in the face without terror.” Like Simeon, those ready to meet the Lord can say, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sing?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Christmas means for the Christian that the appointed time of death will be liberating. Death frees us in Christ from the burden of this life and leads into the blessings of the next.

Third, Simeon cared for all lost souls. He knew God prepared the Christ child for all people. The Lord revealed to him that Jesus would be a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of the people of Israel. In Simeon’s eyes, Jesus was the Light of the world not just a candle in the Jewish candlestick. God gave him the vision to see beyond his own agenda, his own people and his own nation into the divine plan of God through which all people could be reconciled to God through His Son.

Finally, Simeon blessed others by sharing the Word of God. He blessed Mary and Joseph and told Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed and a sword will pierce even your own soul to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” People are blessed when we by faith share the Word of God with them. It is often the very thing people need to hear.

Simeon’s life boldly asks the question to those who have ears to hear: “What do you think of Jesus Christ?” Your response determines not only how you live but also where you spend eternity when your time of departure comes.