session: 1
The SimplyRevised Podcast: My Eyes Have Seen Your Salvation
Through this series, we will look at several conversations and interactions Jesus has with others. As we consider these interactions, I hope we discover how the purposes of God are fulfilled in Jesus and what we can learn for ourselves today.
Jesus came to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom (Mk. 1:14). He came to do the will of the Father (Jn. 6:38). Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said:
What do we discover through interactions and conversations with Jesus about His purposes in the story of God?
Simeon
On the first few pages of Luke's gospel, we are given the birth story of Jesus. Then, as customary, according to the Law of Moses (Ex. 13:2; 12), every firstborn was to be presented to God. Luke combines this with the purification sacrifice required of Mary. Jewish law required that after the birth of a male child, his mother was seen as 'unclean' for seven days and was to remain at home. Then, on the fortieth day, a purification sacrifice was to be offered (Lev. 12:1-8).
Mary and Joseph come to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, a pair of doves or two young pigeons (Lk. 2:22ff). Here, in Jerusalem, they meet a man named Simeon.
We don't know much about Simeon, but he was a righteous and devout man, as the Scripture records. The Holy Spirit was with him and revealed that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Messiah.
Simeon, like other Israelites, was waiting for the "consolation of Israel." He was waiting for comfort and reassurance from the Lord as those in distress. For generations, Israel had longed for and looked forward to God's Messiah and the kingdom of God (Lk. 22:50-51; Mk. 15:43). As God had done when He brought Israel out of Egypt, many expected the Lord to do again, to deliver them from their distress. Simeon, instructed by the Holy Spirit, knew he would not die until he had seen and witnessed the Lord's Messiah.
Salvation
When Simeon took Jesus in his arms and looked upon Him, Simeon declared, "For my eyes have seen your salvation." As the prophet Isaiah said:
Simeon looked upon God's salvation, "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel" (Lk. 2:32). Jesus would be a light to all nations. He would bring God's revelation and truth to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. Luke records that Joseph and Jesus' mother, Mary, "marveled at those things which were spoken of Him." (Lk. 2:33).
Revelation
Simeon revealed to Mary that her Son, Jesus, would be opposed and spoken against, and her heart would be filled with grief, like a sword piercing her soul. Jesus would be the cause of many rising and falling in Israel.
Throughout the ministry of Jesus, He taught there is only one way to receive salvation, and that is through Him.
Those who would receive Jesus would "rise." Conversely, rejecting Jesus would be to reject salvation and "fall." Jesus would reveal the true intention of hearts and minds.
Bridging The Context
As we consider conversations and interactions with Jesus, what do we learn from this conversation with Simeon?
The Faithfulness of God
In this interaction, we see the faithfulness of God. God had promised through Abraham, "...all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3). Even though we often fail to uphold our words, God is faithful and maintains His promises. Before Abraham (Gen. 3:15), God promised His Servant would crush and overcome the curse. Through this interaction with Simeon, we learn that God is faithful to His word and that we can trust in His promises.
Hope of the Messiah
A hope placed in the promises of God's word will not lead to disappointment. Simeon faithfully trusted in the promise of God, that he would see the Lord's Messiah. Simeon's hope was realized when he held and looked into the face of Jesus. In (Psalm 25:3a), David recorded, "No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame." The apostle Paul recorded similar words in (Romans 5:5), "And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Misplaced hope often ends in disappointment. Hope in Messiah Jesus will never lead to disappointment.
His Kingdom Come
Simeon stood at the temple expecting the Lord's comfort, the "consolation of Israel." He looked forward to the Lord's salvation. For generations, Israel had been looking forward to God's Anointed Messiah. Today, we live on the other side of the cross. As we stand here, we should look forward to God's kingdom coming in fullness as we anticipate the Lord's return, when creation's curse will ultimately and entirely be destroyed.
Question & Response
Who or what are we trusting for our salvation and hope?
notes:
Scripture quotations: Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Downloads & Resources
lesson slides (PDF)