Luke 2:27-32 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the infant Jesus in order that they might do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28and he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29“Now you are sending away your servant, Lord, according to your word in peace; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and a glory to your people Israel.”
A second way the Holy Spirit guided Simeon was to lead him to the temple. He had been praying for God’s answer to Israel’s dire situation. As his statement in verse 30 indicates, he believed this answer would come in the form of salvation. The Spirit led him to have the strong conviction and hope that he would see the Messiah come before his death. As he came to the temple filled with the Spirit. Following the lead of the Holy Spirit is not something that comes naturally or easily, but requires spiritual preparation. This man was a sincere prayer warrior who sought God’s help for his people.
The encounter between Simeon and the baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was not accidental. Both parties were seeking God, and God led them to the temple where they met. It must have been a surprise to Mary and Joseph when Simeon, a stranger, came up to them and took the baby Jesus in his arms. Simeon’s response when he saw the infant Jesus was to burst forth with praise. He held the future of all humanity in his hands. A powerless infant needed the care of godly parents, yet this baby would change all of existence.
Verse 29 implies that Simeon was likely old, just waiting to fulfill his life. Sometimes people hold on to life for one final event. He saw in the baby the salvation that everyone searches for. People’s greatest need was not a political king, but a personal savior. Simeon knew his prayer had been answered when he saw Jesus. He could depart or now die with peace knowing that God had kept his promises made to Israel. Simeon would not experience the post-resurrection power that filled the early church, but God does not change. Simeon’s salvation was already present in the infant Messiah cuddled in his arms.
The hope of this salvation was for all peoples. Simeon prophesies in verse 32 two ways the salvation of Jesus would come. First, the Gentiles needed the light of knowledge. They walked in darkness because they had no direct revelation. They did not know God’s laws and had little insight into the ways of holiness and love. Second, the Jews needed glory because they had lived in disgrace for centuries. They had turned from God and needed God to restore them to honor, not in political terms of power but in relational terms of covenant. Jesus would fulfill both of these needs by bringing the message of God’s kingdom for all who would receive it (John 1:9, 12). The invitation is open to all people. Simeon would not live to see this message go out to the world, but he had received it at the beginning.
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