Encounters with Jesus: An Old Man's (Luke 2:25-35)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
12 December 2021
Elderly people sometimes feel they are useless—not so Simeon. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and his life was anything but useless. Simeon shows that elderly folk can live purposefully. Through the Holy Spirit Simeon had an encounter with baby Jesus.
Observe the work of the Holy Spirit in this encounter.
First, note the preparation of Simeon. He was a just and devout man. By just is meant he was good and righteous in his dealings with people. By devout is meant he was a pious believer in the Lord. The Spirit had prepared Simeon—a godly man seeking God.
Simeon is waiting for the consolation of Israel. If any nation needed consolation it was Israel. They had suffered much under foreign control. They were given Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah but were generally indifferent to the fulfilment of such prophecy. But Simeon was not indifferent. He was waiting for the Messiah.
Furthermore the Spirit had impressed upon Simeon that he would not see death till he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon held on to God’s promise. Would God be true to his word? Imagine Simeon nearing his death and still waiting the fulfilment of the promise. God’s people are a waiting people and a waiting people will not be a wanting people.
Secondly, observe how the Spirit guided Simeon. He was divinely led into the temple to the very spot where Jesus was. There were doubtless many boys brought to the temple by their parents so how was Simeon to know which of the boys was the Messiah? It was the Spirit who guided Simeon to Jesus just as he does today. Without the Spirit’s guidance no one will find Jesus.
Thirdly, observe how the Spirit caused Simeon to adore the baby Jesus and worship him. Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God. He was now holding the Saviour and was ready to depart in peace. His eyes had seen the Lord’s salvation. It was salvation by the Lord and not by man. Simeon understood salvation was by God’s grace alone.
Simeon is granted a great vision namely that the baby Jesus would grow to be the Saviour of the Gentiles who were previously in the dark concerning salvation. But now revelation is given to the Gentiles. And all this is to the glory of God’s people Israel who were the chosen vessels for the coming Messiah. Salvation is of the Jews.
Finally, observe how the Holy Spirit gave Simeon the gift of prophecy. Simeon prophetically declared that Jesus would be for the fall and rising of many in Israel. This came to fruition for through his gospel Jesus would raise many from death but also many would fall because of their unbelief.
Simeon prophesies to Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. She will be torn with anguish as she sees what happens to her son. Jesus will reveal the thoughts of many hearts. When Jesus died and his gospel was preached there was no neutrality. Either people received him or rejected him.
Simeon died in peace. Herein is a lesson for all peoples but especially for older folk. Will you die in peace like Simeon or will you die in presumption believing in all manner of ideas? Either peace or presumption: there is no other way.
When Jesus was a baby Simeon held him in his arms. When Jesus was grown to manhood he held his people in his hands. Simeon joyously held the prized baby Jesus. Today Jesus joyously holds his prized possession, the Christian church, and it is forever secure. Blessed be our Lord.