Although the events in this passage take place just after the birth of Jesus they illustrate very clearly why Jesus came. In our reading we learned that Simeon was 'just, devout', that he was 'waiting for the Consolation of Israel’, and that 'the Holy Spirit was upon him.' God had graciously promised that he would see Christ before he died.
In the old time the Holy Spirit came upon a man for a brief period only. Here it would seem that Simeon had a rare pre-Pentecost experience of the abiding presence of the Spirit. So let us consider Simeon under three headings.
- Simeon the seeker
- Simeon the finder
- Simeon at peace with God
We find Simeon in a state of anxious expectancy. Three characteristics of Old Testament piety are found in the man Simeon. He is described as ‘Just’ that is in regard to his relations and bearing before God and man. He is ‘devout’ (that is he fears God) as opposed to the boastful self-righteousness of Pharisaism. Lastly he is ‘waiting’ (longing expectantly) for the fulfilment of the great promise of the coming of ‘the Consolation of Israel’.
Note he expected to find. Had he heard the story that was rumoured by the shepherds? Strange goings on in the Bethlehem hills. The Temple courts would be buzzing with conjecture as to what was happening. Could this be the time?
Some think Simeon was a priest, although there is no direct evidence that he was, some rate the probability high. Even according him the rank of president of the Sanhedrin. What is not in dispute is that he was evidently well known both in the city and in the Temple, and that he was a deeply religious man who knew the scriptures well.
If he was indeed a priest, he contrasts starkly with the rank and file priests, he was clearly fully aware of the scriptures concerning Messiah, and he was waiting for His coming.
Whilst many of the other priests had more interest in ceremony and ritual. Though they taught that Messiah was to come - they were not looking for Him - nor were they expecting Him - but Simeon was. Simeon belonged to the few who at that time were like Anna looking for 'redemption in Jerusalem (v38). Joseph of Arimathea was another (Mark15:43). The promise of God is, if we seek Him with all of our heart we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
Many people make the excuse that they are too busy. Simeon would have been extremely busy as a priest yet he was looking, watching for Messiah. Nor did he allow every day events to crowd out his cherished hope, as he received and assisted the worshippers with their offerings etc. Uppermost in his mind would be the question, ‘Would today be the day?’
Simeon the finder
Eventually patience is rewarded. For a long while he had clung to God’s promise to him. How long he waited we are not told, nor do we know his age. It is assumed he was an old man by the manner of his prayer.
Inconspicuous in the crowds thronging the temple precincts are - Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. But led by the Spirit, Simeon is drawn to the infant Jesus. Here we may say that when the Spirit of God is at work in our lives to reveal Christ to us, we find His overtures become increasingly irresistible as we are drawn closer to Him.
At last with the Christ child in his arms, The Spirit reveals to Simeon this babe is the Christ. What joy, akin to holding ones own heir for the first time. God has kept His promise. This is the Christ, this is God’s salvation. To the true seeker there comes the time when he finds, thus realising this is it, this is what I have been seeking. I have found it. My seeking is ended. Then the true seeker acknowledges that it is God who has been faithful to His promise, He has provided the answer, Thus it is ‘Your salvation’ (v30) which, ‘You have prepared’ (v31).
Also the true finder is one who identifies with the thing found. Simian recognises this child is the fulfilment of Gods word to him. And he acknowledges the fact My eyes have seen Thy salvation. Thus Simian links himself with Gods salvation. Making it personal to himself. We too must: First, recognise that salvation is from God. Secondly, that we must accept that salvation for ourselves.
Simian also sees beyond himself, sees that God has prepared salvation for all peoples, ....the Gentiles, .....and Your people Israel (vv.31-32). Edersheim comments in The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, ‘With this Infant in his arms, it was as if he stood on the mountain-height of prophetic vision, and watched the golden beams of sunrise far away over the isles of the Gentiles, and then gathering their full glow over his own beloved land and people.’ Simeon was well ahead of most in his day - as he envisaged God’s salvation spreading as a light to the Gentiles. There are few Jews who today would go this far.
Simeon at peace with God
When having sought for God we find Him and identify with Him, - We have peace with God. Therefore having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’. (5:1)
No wonder Simeon could now say: 'Lord, You are now letting Your servant depart in peace'. Your word has been fulfilled, my soul is at peace. The antithesis of peace is enmity: '..the carnal mind is enmity against Christ’ (Romans 8:7), but Christ 'Himself is our peace' (Ephesians 2:14), having made a way back to God for us by His death upon the Cross.
To recognise the Christ child, to identify with Him, to accept Him, is to accept God’s salvation making peace with God through Jesus Christ. This is what Simeon did here. Simeon by the aid of the Holy Spirit recognised 'Gods salvation', and acknowledged a personal promise fulfilled.
Today we still need the aid of the Holy Spirit to enable us to find Christ for ourselves and to accept the personal salvation He offers. But we have Gods promise that when we seek Him with all of our hearts we shall find Him. Simeon found Him that first Christmas long ago.
May you find Him for yourself as your Saviour this Christmas time.
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