Connect Simeon's anticipation to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Setting the Scene in Luke 2:25 “Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Why “Consolation of Israel” Matters • Isaiah 40:1-2 – “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. • Isaiah 49:13 – “The LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted.” • The title points to a Person who would personally bring that comfort—the long-promised Messiah. Old Testament Roots Behind Simeon’s Expectation 1. Promised Redeemer • Genesis 3:15 – first hint of a Deliverer who would crush the serpent’s head. • Isaiah 59:20 – “The Redeemer will come to Zion.” 2. Royal Son of David • 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – an eternal throne from David’s line. • Jeremiah 23:5 – “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch.” 3. Light to the Nations • Isaiah 42:6 – “I will appoint You as a covenant to the people and a light to the nations.” • Isaiah 49:6 – salvation “to the ends of the earth.” 4. Sign of the Child • Isaiah 7:14 – virgin birth of “Immanuel.” • Micah 5:2 – ruler born in Bethlehem. Prophetic Timetable and Holy Spirit Assurance • Daniel 9:24-26 – Messiah to appear before the destruction of the second temple. • Haggai 2:7 – “The Desire of All Nations will come,” while that temple still stood. • Malachi 3:1 – Messenger prepares the way, “the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple.” • Simeon, led by the Spirit, recognizes the moment has arrived within that exact window. Simeon’s Song and Its Prophetic Echoes (Luke 2:29-32) “...For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory to Your people Israel.” Connections: • Isaiah 52:10 – “All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.” • Psalm 98:2-3 – the LORD “has revealed His salvation… all the ends of the earth have seen.” • Salvation is revealed openly—no secret, but “in the sight of all people.” Foretelling Rejection and Piercing (Luke 2:34-35) • Isaiah 8:14 – Messiah as “a stone of stumbling.” • Psalm 118:22 – “The stone the builders rejected.” • Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on Me, the One they have pierced.” Simeon’s warning to Mary about a sword foreshadows Calvary, yet even this fulfills the prophets. Key Takeaways for Today • God’s promises are precise and reliable; centuries-old prophecies met in Jesus. • The same Spirit who moved Simeon confirms Jesus as Messiah to every believing heart. • Israel’s consolation and the Gentiles’ light are one and the same Person—Christ the Lord. |
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