A THRILL OF HOPE: WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT HOPE FROM SIMEON?

LUKE 2:22-35

December 20, 2015

Todd Chapman

 
 

Luke 2:22-35 ESV: [22] And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” [25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. [27] And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, [28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, [29] “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; [30] for my eyes have seen your salvation [31] that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” [33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed [35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices...if they see Jesus.

  • Simeon, in faith, was hoping for the promised Savior.  
  • Simeon’s hope was fulfilled.  
  • Simeon’s hope fulfilled filled him with ultimate peace.  
  • Simeon understood the baby’s life would not be easy, for the baby, or for his family.  
  • Simeon recognized that too many will not find their hope in the baby.

What we learn from Simeon about hope:

  • Hope is available: The Savior has arrived. 
  • Hope is not found everywhere: 
    • Nothing is as important as embracing the Savior. 
  •  Hope can carry us through anything:
    • Embracing the Savior empowers us for anything
  • Hope is the true meaning of Christmas: 
    • Enjoying, Celebrating and Sharing JESUS is the authentic joy of Christmas.