Lessons learned from Simeon in Luke 2
Simeon's belief in a divine revelation illustrates commitment, faithfulness, and the lifelong persistence to witness God's will come to fruition.
In Luke 2, following the momentous birth of Jesus, Bible readers are introduced to an intriguing man named Simeon. Details about Simeon are found in Luke 2:21-35. In fact, without the Gospel of Luke, Simeon and his legacy might have faded into the obscurity of history. Shining a spotlight on Simeon, Luke portrays him as a man of righteousness and devotion. His pivotal role in recognizing Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah becomes a crucial element in unveiling God's divine plan for the redemption of humanity and serves as a poignant reminder of how seemingly minor characters can play monumental roles in the grand narrative of salvation.
Who was Simeon?
Not much is known about Simeon. The only facts available to learn about him are listed in Luke 2:25-26:
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah.
Among the few details about Simeon, it is his divine purpose in verse 26 that draws the most attention. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not pass away before laying eyes on the incarnate Messiah.
Did he know that the Messiah would be a baby? Possibly. Could his revelation have included Joseph and Mary? Perhaps. Was he aware of their names? Don’t know. Curiously, even Simeon’s age is unknown when he received this revelation so it is a mystery how long he patiently waited until the moment he finally got a glimpse of Jesus.
What made Simeon so special?
In truth, there is nothing distinctive about Simeon that would set him apart from anyone else. It is precisely this unassuming quality that makes him so special. Throughout Biblical history, the Lord has consistently called upon seemingly insignificant individuals and peoples into extraordinary parts of His plan for humanity.
Moreover, revisit verse 25, and contemplate the implications of God's choice to reveal Himself to Simeon:
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
First, Simeon lived in Jerusalem.
Whether he was a native of the city or had relocated there, the fact remains that Simeon found himself situated in the very city where Joseph and Mary were required by law to journey, in order to present Jesus before the Lord. God had strategically positioned Simeon so that he would inevitably encounter Jesus.
Second, Simeon’s name means to “pay attention” or “listen.”
While this detail may appear self-evident, it holds a profound truth—receiving a revelation from the Lord necessitates a willingness to attentively heed God’s voice. Despite Simeon's seemingly unremarkable status, it is vital to recognize that he maintained a genuine relationship with the Lord.
Third, Simeon was “righteous and devout.”
These qualities are not self-assigned; rather, they are inspired by the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of God, Simeon is described as both righteous—obedient to the Lord’s commands—and devout—reverent and committed. These attributes are not occasional traits. They define Simeon’s faithful, dependability, and resolute way of living.
Fourth, Simeon anticipated the Lord’s comfort on the Jewish people.
While the specifics of Simeon's expectations regarding the Messiah remain unclear, it is evident that he believed that the Messiah's arrival would bring consolation—comfort—to God's chosen people. Israel's history had been marked by trials: from the division of the original kingdom into separate northern and southern kingdoms to the subsequent conquest of both kingdoms, and now the weight of Roman rule. The Jewish people longed for the true King of the Jews, who would offer the much-needed comfort and deliverance.
On the night of Jesus' birth, shepherds bore witness to the infant Jesus and then spread their testimonies across the region, potentially reaching even the ears of the residents of Jerusalem. It is conceivable that Simeon, too, heard of their encounter and began to anticipate the Messiah's imminent arrival in Jerusalem.
Fifth, the Holy Spirit was on Simeon.
Considering all of Simeon's attributes, his connection to the Holy Spirit stands as the most important. Simeon's embodiment of the previous virtues was a direct result of his willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit, enabling him to encounter the presence of God in his everyday life.
His relationship with God strategically positioned Him. His relationship with God resulted in his ability to pay attention to the Holy Spirit's counsel. His relationship with God empowered his unwavering devotion. His relationship with God fostered within him a genuine compassion for his people.
Simeon’s legacy is rooted in the Gospel, not himself.
Even with the wealth of insights gained about Simeon, his legacy is not centered on himself, but rather deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus.
In Luke 2:27, Simeon is divinely guided to the Temple by the Holy Spirit. Upon glimpsing Joseph and Mary with the infant Jesus, Simeon's heart must have raced with a mix of exhilaration and awe. As he cradles Jesus in his arms, one can only imagine the flood of emotions as he gazes into the face of his God.
Then, Simeon speaks.
Gratitude courses through him as he acknowledges God's unwavering faithfulness. Simeon, who had steadfastly remained devoted through countless years, saw in Jesus the tangible proof of God's commitment to fulfilling His promises.
He designates Jesus as the embodiment of the Lord's salvation, an offering intended for all people, regardless of their background, be it Jewish or Gentile.
Finally, gazing at Mary, Simeon prophetically alludes to the significance of Jesus' mission. He foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. The impact of Jesus will be far-reaching: it will expose the frailty of self-righteousness and elevate those who, in humble belief, entrust themselves to Jesus Christ. Through Him, the true thoughts and desires of hearts will be revealed, leading to both the downfall of pride and the rise of genuine faith.
How does this apply to believers today?
Simeon’s legacy is an example of commitment, faithfulness, and persistence to God’s will. Considering the aspects of Simeon’s legacy above, anyone aspiring to be part of God’s will should:
Possess the readiness to be intentionally positioned in order to accomplish that divine purpose.
Cultivate an attentive heart to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, actively listening for His direction.
Develop the discipline to follow the teachings of the Word of God consistently in your daily life.
Cultivate a deep and genuine love for people, rooted in a divinely inspired compassion.
Seek and welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, allowing His guidance and empowerment.
Embrace the belief that your calling involves living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through your speech and actions.