Something Simeon Said
Words that spoke truth to a people from the past are sometimes also true for us today. For example, Simeon’s prophetic announcement (recorded in Luke’s Gospel) has eternal consequences for hearers throughout the centuries.
Who is Simeon?
After the birth of Jesus and the days of His mother Mary’s purification were over, Joseph and Mary went to the Temple to present their doves for the offering required by God. A righteous and devout man named Simeon was waiting for the One who would bring consolation and comfort to Israel as the promised Messiah.[1] Simeon’s hope was rooted in the words of the prophet Isaiah. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.
Led by God’s Spirit
Simeon recognized this child as the Promised Deliverer, stating that God was now releasing him to depart in peace. “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”[2]
The “Something” Simeon Said
Simeon blessed the infant’s parents and said to Mary, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce your own soul – to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”[3]
Simeon’s words amazed Mary and Joseph. They are words that speak of eternity, of heaven, and of hell.
What Does it Mean to Rise or Fall?
The word translated as “rise” in this prophetic announcement is found 42 times in the New Testament. In 40 of the uses it is translated as “resurrection” and refers to the resurrection of people, or of Jesus rising from the dead. There is no doubt that “rise” or “rising again” refers to being resurrected to life. What a statement of the need for people to not only hear the words of the Son of God but to understand and act on them!
The word translated “fall” in Simeon’s prophetic announcement is found in only one other place in the New Testament. The verses that precede it give us the full picture of the words uttered by Simeon. The passage where “fall” is used by Jesus reads as follows:
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell – and great was its fall.[4]
Jesus is clear: standing or falling is directly related to hearing and heeding His words. Eternal destinies rise or fall on what one does with Jesus.
Will You Rise or Fall?
Simeon’s prophetic word is clear: Jesus is the One who would bring salvation. He would be opposed by many in Israel. His words and miraculous signs showed Him to be the Promised Messiah.
Yet as was the Father’s purpose, Jesus would die as a sacrifice for our sins and rise from the dead three days later. His payment for the sins of the world was accepted and He now gives eternal life to all who listen to His words and act on them (believe in Him). That choice will determine if a person has eternal life and will rise – or suffer the greatest eternal fall of all, which is hell.
Simeon’s Call Still Beckons
Many in Israel believed the message of salvation when Jesus walked the Land,[5] healing, performing miracles and proclaiming the gospel. Sadly, many people rejected Him and His message.[6] Yet the truth that He is the promised Jewish Messiah still stands and He offers everlasting abundant life to all who receive the gift of salvation He freely offers.[7]
Will you contact us today so we can show you from the Tanakh (Hebrew Scriptures) the truth concerning the Suffering Servant of whom Isaiah wrote,[8] that He would die for your sins and rise from the dead? I urge you to take to heart what Simeon said.
Written by Jeff, Life in Messiah staff
How does this message apply to YOU today in 2023?
Will you choose to rise with Messiah or fall without Him?
Check out https://www.insearchofshalom.com/isaiah-53-the-gate-to-shalom for Isaiah’s description of the Suffering Servant.
Endnotes:
[1] Isaiah 25:9; 40:1-10.
[2] Luke 2:30-31
[3] Luke 2:34-35.
[4] Matthew 7:24-27.
[5] Acts 2:22-41.
[6] Isaiah 8:13-14.
[7] John 10:10.
[8] Isaiah 52:13-53:12.