Simeon’s Praise for Jesus (Luke 2:25)

2022-03-29

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (Luke 2:25)

When Jesus was dedicated at the temple after His birth, this Simeon came and praised the Lord for the coming of the Christ. Here is what he said about Jesus, with some application for the present:

1. Jesus is God’s salvation. There may be many definitions and claims of salvation out there. But God only has one way of salvation, and it is found in Jesus Christ. His salvation is our deliverance from sin, Satan, and hell. Salvation is the same for both back then and now. Luke 2:30
2. Jesus’ salvation is for everyone. Here, Simeon mentioned Jew and Gentile. For us, we can say salvation is offered to any person from any ethnicity, for anyone in the world; if you are alive today, Jesus’ salvation is offered to you. Luke 2:31-32
3. Jesus’ salvation enlightens. Gentiles in those days were outside Israel’s covenant with God. The coming of Jesus changed this. The salvation of Jesus comes to people who were previously outcasts and makes them children of God. Never assume that anyone is beyond the grace of God. That includes you and me. Luke 2:32
4. Jesus was a divisive person. Many spoke against Him, while others embraced Him. God’s people are revealed in how they respond to Jesus Christ. Luke 2:34-35

The gospel of Jesus Christ, His death for our sin and His raising from the dead, is not limited to certain ethnic groups or how “righteous” anyone appears to be. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).