December 17th - Simeon Prophesies over Jesus

 

Passage: 

²² After Mary’s days of purification had ended, it was time for her to come to the temple with a sacrifice, according to the law of Moses after the birth of a son. So, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to be dedicated before the Lord. 23 For it is required in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be a set-apart one for God.” 24 And, to offer a prescribed sacrifice, “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ As they came to the temple to fulfil this requirement, an elderly man was there waiting—a resident of Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. He was a very good man, a lover of God who kept himself pure, and the Spirit of holiness rested upon him. Simeon believed in the imminent appearing of the one called “The Refreshing of Israel.” ²⁶ For the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he saw the Messiah, the Anointed One of God. ²⁷ For this reason the Holy Spirit had moved him to be in the temple court at the very moment Jesus’ parents entered to fulfil the requirement of the sacrifice.

²⁸ Simeon cradled the baby in his arms and praised God and prophesied, saying: ^29–31 “Lord and Master, I am your loving servant, and now I can die content, for your promise to me has been fulfilled. With my own eyes I have seen your Word, the Saviour you sent into the world.³² He will be glory for your people Israel, and the Revelation Light for all people everywhere!”

³³ Mary and Joseph stood there, awestruck over what was being said about their baby (Luke 2:22-22)

Ponder:

Based on Lev. 12:1-7, When a son was born, the mother went through a forty-day period of purification (v22), and then she was to offer a sacrifice to complete the process. Because Joseph and Mary were rather poor, not yet having received the gifts brought by the wise men, they offered a pair of doves or pigeons instead of a lamb (Lev. 12:8). Mary offered a sin offering, showing her need of a Saviour. 

Jesus would one day be offered as her true Lamb.

 Simeon’s name (v25) means “he who hears.”

Luke 2:32  is a fulfilment of many Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isa. 9:2; 40:5; 42:6; 49:6; 51:4; 60:1-3.

 17.03.05BC - 15.07.05BC = Mary's purification

Prayer: Lord, lead us like you did Simeon, to be led by your Holy Spirit, so we can be in the right place the very moment you decide to move or speak. Let us be aware of your timescales. 

Lord, thank you also for coming in fulfilment to the words of the prophets. Thank you for becoming the Revelation Light for all people everywhere!” Amen. 

Light of the world you stepped down into darkness (Here I am to worship) (Song)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZc8fRRBXbM

*(The Jesus Diary – The Most Comprehensive Chronology of the Life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God)

** Luke: The NIV Application commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life: Darrell L. Brock – Quotations (moving forward) will be from this source and The Matthew Commentary Collection by Wilkins, Osborne and McKnight.