Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthSample

Day 7 – Simeon’s Purpose

In obedience to the law, Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem with their infant son to present Him to God. During that visit, they encountered a man who had been waiting for them for decades.

Simeon was a righteous and devout man who had been expecting the Messiah. The text also says that he was waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” That implies comfort. He was waiting for God’s comfort when He came to rescue them. Somehow, God had told Simeon that he would see the Messiah with his own eyes. This would happen before Simeon died.

Perhaps Simeon came to the temple day after day thinking, “Would this be the day?” 

Then the day finally came! When Simeon saw baby Jesus, he instantly knew. He held the Messiah in his arms and realized that God’s promise to him had been fulfilled. He declared that Jesus would be their salvation and deliver truth to both Jews and Gentiles.

Simeon’s words resulted in a reaction from Mary and Joseph. They marveled at what he said. Then Simeon blessed the three of them—an act that the parents must have remembered for years to come. 

Simeon didn’t stop there. He prophesied that Jesus would have opposition—some would accept Him and some would reject Him. While He would reveal truth, His suffering would cause pain to Mary.

When Simeon woke up that morning, he probably didn’t realize it was the big day—a day we’d be reading about over 2000 years later. Simeon was simply being obedient day after day. That’s when God used him.