Luke : Day 5

Read Luke 2: 22-40

Imagine being approached by a complete stranger who takes your baby and tells you what the future holds for them! That’s what happened to Joseph and Mary!

Two elderly people, both close to God, approach the little family at the temple in Jerusalem, and both of them are given understanding by God that this child is the long-awaited rescuer.

The Jewish people had been waiting for their Messiah for centuries at this point. The word Messiah (verse 26) means ‘Anointed One’, or more simply ‘Chosen One’. The Jews understood from the Old Testament prophets that God would send the Messiah to rescue them and set up an everlasting kingdom.

Simeon’s words are recorded for us. Here are two important things he said:

1. He described Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (verse 32). Although the Messiah would come as a Jew to his own people, the gospel message would also shine around the whole world. Gentiles are non-Jews, and whether we are Jewish or Gentile, we can receive everything that God gives us through trusting Jesus.

2. “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (verse 35). These words were spoken to Mary. Simeon was letting her know that what Jesus had come into the world to do would cause her great pain. And that would certainly be the case, as we will see.

“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations”

Luke 2:30-31