• Jesus’ First Visit to the Temple (Luke 2:22-24)– As one “born under the law” (Gal. 4:4), Jesus’ parents obeyed

the law– Two things had to be accomplished on His first visit:

• As the firstborn, Jesus had to be presented to God and redeemed as on “holy to the Lord” (2:22-23)

• Mary had to be purified at the temple with a sacrifice (2:24; cf. Lev. 12:1-8)

– We learn that Jesus’ parents followed the law & that Jesus was born into poverty

• Simeon Is the First to Meet Jesus in Jerusalem (2:25-27)– Simeon’s character – “just and devout” (2:25)– Simeon’s hope – waiting patiently & confidently for fulfillment of

God’s promise (25)• “The Consolation of Israel” = the Messianic hope• His hope was founded upon the promise of the Holy Spirit (2:26)

– Simeon’s compliance – “he came by the Spirit to the temple” (2:27)• He was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, obedient

to the will of God; thus he was privileged to see the salvation of God– Simeon’s privilege – he got to see and hold the Messiah

• He had been waiting for this, ever since the Spirit made the promise• He had no doubt that God had fulfilled His promise

• Simeon Praised God in Song (Luke 2:28-33)– It was a worship hymn (2:26, 29)

• He praised God for keeping His promise & sending the Messiah• He praised God that he had the privilege to see the Lord’s Christ

– It was a salvation hymn (2:29-30)• He was now ready to die as he had seen the Lord’s salvation

– It was a missionary hymn (2:31-32)• God’s scheme of redemption was prepared before creation of world• God’s plan of salvation was for all, including the Gentiles

– Joseph and Mary continually marveled at what Simeon was speaking of Jesus

• Simeon Prophesied About Jesus (Luke 2:34-35)– The Prophecy of a Stone

• Jesus: stumbling stone to those who reject Him (Ro. 9:32-33; Ac. 4:11)• Jesus: stepping or cornerstone to those who obey (1 Pt. 2:7-8; 1C 3:11)

– The Prophecy of a Sign• Jesus would be a sign from God, revealing divine truths

– The Prophecy of a Sword• Jesus’ rejection, persecution & death would pierce thru Mary’s soul

– In people’s reaction to Jesus, they reveal their true heart

• Lessons to Remember– May we be numbered among the faithful remnant who are

ever waiting before the Lord.– As Simeon looked for the coming of the Savior, may we

anxiously await His final return.– Ever be grateful that God shared Israel’s Messiah with we

Gentiles. We were without God and without hope (Eph. 2:11).– It is for us to determine if we are among those who rise or

those who fall before the Messiah.– Let us so live our lives that we can sing Simeon’s lovely song.