Matthew 2:13–15 cont.
Yesterday, my study of Matthew 2:13–15 led me to look at the birth account of Jesus in chronological order. I will continue to look at the story chronologically today and then we’ll go back to Matthew. Yesterday, I concluded by looking at Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Focused Thinking:
Luke’s Account:
2:21—After eight days were completed for circumcision, His name was called Jesus.
2:22–24—After the days of purification, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.
The Purification would have been forty days after Jesus’ birth: seven days after birth, circumcision: thirty-three days after circumcision, purification.
2:25–35—Simeon took the Child, blessed God and said, “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation (Isa 40:5) which You have prepared before the face of all peoples (Isa 52:10), A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
2:33—And Joseph and His mother MARVELED at those things which were spoken of Him.
2:34–35—Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
WOW! How do you process all of that as a 14 or 15-year teenager who is the mother of the Son of God?
Simeon is an incredible picture of faith.
Can you imagine the faith that was required to believe that you would see the fulfillment of God’s promise before you die? All of history has been waiting for this moment, and this man believes that God’s has appointed him to bless God’s Son.
Can you imagine the faith that was required to hold this baby and to believe that this baby was the Messiah, the Savior, the Only Begotten Son of God?
- “My eyes have seen Your salvation.”
- “Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples.”
- “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
See Isa 60:1,19; 58:8
The salvation Jesus brings is light (revelation) to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.
The Jews already had the divine revelation but awaited the manifestation of the glory God had promised.
Simeon not only knew this was the Messiah, but he also knew and understood the mission of the Messiah: “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
- This verse perfectly describes the Messiah’s relationship to both the Gentiles and the Jews.
- His design is to be the glory of His people Israel, not to be rejected by His people Israel.
- How much it must disappoint God to be rejected by the people when He desires to be their glory?
- The Jewish people should be the proudest of Jesus. They should be enjoying their role as God’s chosen people to share the glories of their God with the rest of the world.
What did Joseph and Mary do in response to this encounter with Simeon?
They MARVELED at those things which were being spoken of Him.
- I think they marveled at Simeon.
- I think they marveled at Simeon’s faith.
- I think they marveled at Simeon’s prayer.
- I think they marveled at Simeon’s statements.
“…for my eyes have seen Your salvation.”
“…A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
- I think they marveled at the Spirit of God in and through Simeon.
What did Simeon say next?
“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
How is this statement different all the rest?
This is the first statement that reveals the challenges ahead.
This is the first statement that foreshadows the pain ahead.
This will bring good news to the world but it will break her heart to see her Son broken.
The prophecies concerning John the Baptist given at his birth (1:68–79) are now paralleled by prophecies concerning Jesus at his presentation in the temple.
It appears that Luke was referring to two separate groups, one of which falls (negative) and the other of which rises (positive).
This indicates that there is a double significance to Jesus ministry. For the humble and poor it is positive, salvation; for the haughty and rich it is negative, judgment. This two-fold aspect of the coming Messiah is found both in the Old Testament (Isa 8:14; 28:16–17) and the New Testament (Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:6–8).
Jesus’ rejection by his people (Jn 1:11), which was already known to Luke’s readers, was announced early in his infancy. This verse foreshadows such passages as Lk 4:29; 13:33–35; 19:41–44, 47–48; 20:14, 17–19.
Just as in the case of Isaiah and his children (Isa 8:18; 7:14), so Jesus would be a sign from God rejected by Israel (Lk 11:30).
“A sword will pierce your own soul too,” the most common interpretation is that it refers to the sorrow Mary would experience in seeing her son rejected and crucified. Luke knew that Theophilus was well aware of Jesus’ rejection and death and possibly even Mary’s presence at the crucifixion (Jn 19:25).
Personal Application:
I need the faith of Simeon.
I need to continuously marvel at the life of Jesus.
Interactive Prayer:
Father, I pray for my Jewish friend in light of what I learned today. I pray that You would clearly and undeniably show him that You are “A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Do Your work in him for Your glory, for the advancement of Your kingdom, and for the good of his family. I pray that You continue to heal his father and that his daughter will be perfectly healthy and have no further complications.
Father, help me to truly do less so I can do more. Give me the ability to discipline every area of my life better for the purpose of living for You, being a better husband and father, being a better pastor and leader, and advancing Your gospel. Father, give me the discipline to improve as a scholar of the Word. I don’t know how I’m supposed to do everything I’m supposed to do but give me the ability to prioritize and do my priorities to the best of my ability. Father, give me the mind, the heart, and the ability to lead in such a way that You can maximize Your work through me. Father, I’m tired of disappointing You and myself. I’m tired of not maximizing my potential. Father, give me a breakthrough spiritually and practically. Help me overcome my fears and live for You with complete and total confidence.
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