Not everyone will accept Jesus, which was prophesied by Simeon when he held the baby Jesus in his arms. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Messiah, and now he was in His presence. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple, where he encountered Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. Was he surprised that the Messiah came into the world as a baby? If he was, he quickly realized God’s plans were beyond his understanding and was joyful to be part of it.
While Simeon was a faithful and devout follower of God, others would harden their hearts and refuse to come to the Lord. It brings joy to the Lord when people turn to Him in faith and sadness when people choose to turn away. There is no riding the fence when it comes to Jesus. A person is either a follower with eternal life, or suffers the consequences of turning away from the Savior.
Simeon Prophesied Over the Baby Jesus
While holding Jesus, Simeon gave great insight into this special baby. Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. 35 As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul. [1]
The words Simeon spoke were deep, meaningful, prophetic insight about the Messiah, giving us the image of the stone, sign, and sword. Jesus would be a rejected cornerstone by some. Luke 20:17 Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what does this Scripture mean? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ [2] Even today, people stumble over the cross and refuse to come to Jesus.
The Image of a Sign and Sword
Jesus coming into the world was a great sign, along with the many miracles He performed throughout His ministry. Matthew 11:4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”[3] When Jesus rose from the dead, it was another sign that would lead many to faith. For some, no matter the signs God put in front of them, it would never be enough.
When Jesus died on the cross, His mother, Mary, was there seeing his suffering. The pain she endured was great, but only a shadow of the pain Jesus endured to rescue us from our sins. God planned to send Jesus into the world, and Simeon spoke forth the Lord’s words about His redemptive work. We have a wonderful Savior who draws people to faith and transforms others. This is truly a miracle, as well as the ongoing love of Jesus. To learn how not everyone will accept Jesus, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/more-prophecy-of-jesus
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.