TEXT: Luke 2:22-35
READING: Psalm 2:1-12
SUBJ: Mary’s appearance at the Temple both for acknowledgement of her purification and to do that which was required for the Child.
AIM: That we might see the devout actions of Mary and witness the Gospel through the song of Simeon.
INTR: That the importance of our Lord being subject to all that is incumbent upon all men is clearly declared to us in all that we see in this passage. It was both the commitment of Mary and the aim of our Heavenly Father that all would be accomplished.
1. So, it was ordained that He should be both circumcised on the eighth day, but the time of here purification be satisfied.
2. But the promise of God had been made to Simeon and was to be fulfilled as he had believed and trusted.
3. We would examine here not only the fact of a promised honored but also the substance of what was revealed to him and to Mary.
THESIS: We note that the will and purpose of God has been declared in many ways and at various times, but we note that that which comes to we who believe, is always with a Gospel message and that is beheld in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord.
I. Mary Honored the Law (vv. 22-24)
1. While we have noted that devoutness of Mary before (we are reminded of the Magnificat) it is here further exemplified. (See Leviticus 12:2-6)
1) The man-child was to be circumcised on the eighth day.
2) Then she continued her purification for 33 days during which time she could not enter the Temple.
3) In this they were to present Him to the Lord.
2. There was a sacrifice to be offered:
1) The things offered were not without significance in that they were those things required of the poor.
2) A wealthier person would have been expected to offer a sheep or something more valuable.
3) Two were to be offered – perhaps one for a burnt offering and one for a sin offering.
II. Simeon’s Song (vv. 25-32)
1. A man in Jerusalem of exemplary character. We are reminded of Job: There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. (Job 1:1).
1) Waiting for the consolation of Israel.
2) A man of faith indeed.
2. And the Holy Ghost was upon him.
1) We thus learn the source of his character and
2) We would assume special notice because of this designation.
3. His revelation by the Holy Ghost that he would see the Messiah.
4. He came by the Spirit into the Temple and waiting when the parents appeared with the Child.
5. He took the Babe up in his arms and Blessed God – first in order.
1) He was holding in his arms one whom he called “Thy Salvation.” A person to be sure!
2) He being prepared before the face of all people. (See v. 10)
3) The light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
III. The Prophecy of Simeon (vv. 33-35)
1. That Joseph and Mary marveled at all that was being said of Him.
2. The prophecy:
1) Set for the fall and rising of many.
2) Some would find Him a Stone of Stumbling: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (1 Corinthians 1:23)
3) Others would recognize and receive Him. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13).
4) All would be brought to repentance, and some would believe and be saved.
3. The special message to Mary:
1) The thought continued that He would be a sign spoken against:
2) The display of that action would be the cause of a sword through her own soul.
i. The things she witnessed during His ministry – rejection
ii. Especially is the fact that she witnessed the crucifixion of her Son.
