25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:25-35 KJV)
Simeon Encounter Baby Jesus
Even in his lowliness, Christ was honored to offset the offense of his humble beginnings. To prevent people from stumbling over the simplicity of his birth, angels honored him. And now, though he is presented at the temple like any other child born in sin—without unique ceremony and among a crowd—God ensures he is honored again. This time, Simeon and Anna, moved by the Holy Spirit, give him public recognition (Luke 2:25-38).
Simeon gave a remarkable testimony about Christ, which honored the child and encouraged his parents. It could have even introduced the priests to the Savior if they had not been spiritually blind.
Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was known for his godliness and deep communion with God. Some scholars believe he was Simeon, son of Hillel, a man of great stature among the Jews and possibly the first to receive the title “Rabban,” the highest honor for their teachers. He succeeded his father as head of the Sanhedrin and was believed to have a prophetic spirit. Tradition says he lost his position because he opposed the popular belief that the Messiah would bring a political kingdom.
His absence from the Mishnah suggests he didn’t support their traditions. Though some argue his identity based on timing and family ties, such objections aren’t conclusive. He isn’t called old in the text, and his words, “Now let your servant depart,” don’t necessarily mean he died soon after (Luke 2:29). Even Paul spoke of his death as near yet lived many more years (Acts 20:25). Also, having a son who later opposed Christianity—such as Gamaliel—doesn’t contradict his own devotion to Christ.
Luke describes him as:
- Righteous and devout—upright with others and reverent toward God. These qualities go hand in hand. One without the other is incomplete.
- Waiting for the consolation of Israel—he longed for the Messiah, the only true comfort for Israel’s suffering people. Christ is not only the author of comfort but its very substance. Though he was long in coming, those who believed waited for him with hopeful expectation. Like Daniel, Simeon understood from Scripture that the time was near (Luke 2:25).
- Filled with the Holy Spirit—not just as a Spirit of holiness, but of prophecy, giving him insight beyond natural understanding.
- Assured by divine promise—before his death, he would see the Lord’s Messiah (Luke 2:26). This divine revelation enabled him to face death without fear. Only those who have seen Christ by faith can face death with peace.
At the very moment Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon entered, led by the Spirit (Luke 2:27). The same Spirit who had sustained his hope now fulfilled his joy. He was inwardly moved: “Go now, and you’ll see what your heart has longed for.” Those who seek Christ should go to his temple, where the Lord meets his people (Malachi 3:1).
Simeon, full of joy, took the child in his arms (Luke 2:28). He embraced him with affection and reverence, perhaps acting in the role of a priest. Some early Christian writers believed Simeon was a priest. But beyond that, he received more than was promised. He didn’t just see the Messiah—he held him.
Then Simeon blessed God and said, “Lord, now you may let your servant depart in peace” (Luke 2:29-32). He was content to die, having seen the promised salvation. He acknowledged that God had kept his word (1 Kings 8:56), thanked him for allowing him to see what prophets and kings longed to see, and declared his faith that the child was indeed God’s salvation—prepared with divine purpose and wisdom.
He said farewell to life: “Now that I’ve seen Christ, I’m ready to leave this world.” Nothing in this world compares to the joy of holding the Savior. The one who has seen Christ has seen enough. Even the temple could not rival this glory.
He welcomed death, not as an end but a departure: the soul leaving the body and this world for the eternal one. We are God’s servants and must wait for his word before we depart. Moses was told he would see Canaan and then die (Deuteronomy 34:5); Simeon was told he would see Christ before death. And now that the promise was fulfilled, he was ready. The death of a godly person is peaceful: peace with God, peace within, and peace with the grave. He departs in peace, as God has promised. His comfort came from seeing Christ, not just outwardly but with eyes of faith (Philippians 1:21).
Simeon also had hope for the world and the church. This salvation is for all people—a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel (Luke 2:32). Christ came as the light of the world (Isaiah 49:6). He is not just a candle in Israel but the Sun of righteousness. It was an honor for Israel to have the Messiah born among them, and for believing Israelites, he is their everlasting glory (Isaiah 60:19; 45:25).
Joseph and Mary marveled at these words (Luke 2:33), and Simeon blessed them. They were privileged to raise the Savior. This child would not only bless them personally but bring spiritual renewal to many in Israel, lifting up those buried in sin and sorrow. Some would first fall before they rose, humbled to the point of trusting in Christ.
Still, Simeon warned them to rejoice with reverence (Psalm 2:11). Christ would provoke opposition. Many in Israel would resist him and stumble because of him (Isaiah 8:14-15; 1 Peter 2:7-8). He would be a sign—admired by some, attacked by others. The way people respond to Christ reveals the true condition of their hearts (Luke 2:35). Some would show their love and faith by embracing him; others would reveal their pride and hatred by rejecting him. God’s Word exposes the heart and will be the standard by which we are judged.
Simeon also foretold the suffering Mary would endure. “A sword will pierce your soul too” (Luke 2:35). She would suffer deeply, not only from witnessing Jesus’ suffering but perhaps also because of her own trials. Her grief at the cross would cut to the heart. Some believe this also points to her own martyrdom. Even in our greatest joys, we should remember that hardships and sorrow await us.