There are many interesting events surrounding the birth and infancy of Jesus Christ that do not get much attention. One such event concerns a man named Simeon. The setting was shortly after Mary, the virgin, gave birth to Jesus. "And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord" (Lk. 2:22). Joseph was a God-fearing head of his household and made sure that Mary, his wife, followed the Lord's instruction (Lk. 2:23-24 cf. Lev. 12:1-8). The sacrifice that they brought, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons," indicated their poverty. It was at Jerusalem on this occasion that we are introduced to Simeon. The account that follows reveals an attitude and response to Christ that will make our lives complete when we, like Simeon, possess them.

Simeon Recognized the Lord's Christ

The text says that Simeon was "just and devout," and that he was among those who had Messianic hope (Lk. 2:25). The word "consolation" in "waiting for the consolation of Israel" is from a Greek word that means "calling to one's side for comfort." It would remind the first readers of Isaiah 40:1: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God," a context in which the Lord comforts His people by announcing the coming Messiah. Even though many Jews of Jesus' day were rebellious, there were still a few, like Simeon, who truly expected the Messiah. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that "he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ" (Lk. 2:26). This helps explain his lively hope in the Anointed One of God. When Jesus' parents brought Him into the temple, Simeon was there and recognized Jesus as the Christ (Lk. 2:27-28). We may not be guided by the Holy Spirit in the same way that Simeon was, but we must still recognize the Lord's Christ when we come across Him. Although we can somewhat see His power through nature (Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:19-20 cf. Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17), we can only find His true character and what our response to His character should be in the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Do we recognize and accept the Messiah revealed in the pages of inspiration?

Simeon Revealed the Greatness of Christ

Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms, thanked God, and said, 29 "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel" (Lk. 2:29-32). Simeon regarded seeing the promised Messiah as the fulfillment of his earthly life. He wanted to accomplish nothing more in this life! Seeing the Lord's Christ was an assurance that his earthly labors were about to end. In thanking God, Simeon revealed Christ as God's salvation. To Simeon, seeing the Messiah was equivalent to seeing salvation (Lk. 2:30).

As we can imagine, "Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him" (Lk. 2:33). Simeon, however, took this opportunity to reveal some truths to Mary. First, her child will be the occasion by which some will fall and some will rise. "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel" (Lk. 2:34a). Jesus will be a stumbling block to all those who love darkness (cf. 1 Pet. 2:8). That same Jesus, when accepted and obeyed will lift people out of darkness and into His marvelous light (cf. Col. 1:13). Second, Simeon revealed that Jesus' life will be the test by which many hearts will be revealed. "Behold, this child is set...for a sign which shall be spoken against...that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Lk. 2:34b, 35b). This baby would grow to challenge humanity like no person had before or since. People react in opposite ways to the same Jesus (cf. the rich young ruler, the disciples, etc.). Third, Jesus would grow and bring a sense of sorrow to His mother. Simeon said, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also" (Lk. 2:35a).

How complete is our life today? Do we desire, more than anything, to "see" the Lord's Christ? Are we "waiting" for Him? If we were to depart this life now, would our response to Christ be sufficient? Why not allow Him to make our lives complete?