How does Simeon's prophecy connect to Isaiah's predictions about the Messiah? Scripture Focus: Luke 2:34 “Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: ‘Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against.’” Layers of Meaning in Simeon’s Prophecy • Fall and rise of many in Israel • A sign that will be opposed • Immediate address to Mary anticipates the cross (v. 35) Direct Links to Isaiah’s Portrait of the Messiah • Isaiah 8:14–15 — “He will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” – Falling and stumbling language parallels “the fall … of many in Israel.” • Isaiah 28:16 — “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.” – Rising is tied to faith in the cornerstone; those who trust Him stand secure. • Isaiah 42:6; 49:6 — “I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the nations.” – Simeon had just called Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32), echoing Isaiah’s worldwide scope. • Isaiah 53:3 — “He was despised and rejected by men.” – “A sign that will be spoken against” reflects the predicted rejection and opposition. • Isaiah 53:5 — “He was pierced for our transgressions.” – Simeon’s next words about the sword that would pierce Mary’s soul (v. 35) align with the Servant’s literal piercing. The Stone Motif Carried Into the New Testament • 1 Peter 2:6–8 cites Isaiah 28:16 and 8:14, then applies them to Christ: – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone … a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” – Confirms the continuing relevance of Simeon’s and Isaiah’s imagery. Why Some Fall and Others Rise • Unbelief meets the stone, resulting in offense and collapse. • Faith meets the same stone, finding secure footing and resurrection life. • Isaiah’s “sure foundation” becomes the literal fulfillment in the crucified and risen Christ. Opposition Foretold, Opposition Fulfilled • Isaiah foresaw national and personal resistance to the Servant. • Simeon recognized that resistance would crystallize around Jesus. • Gospel accounts record mockery, rejection, and the cross, validating the prophetic chain. Living Truths Drawn from the Connection • God’s Word weaves a single, reliable storyline from Isaiah to Luke. • Every detail—light to Gentiles, stumbling stone to Israel, piercing, opposition—unfolded exactly as wrote. • The prophecy still divides humanity: Christ remains either cornerstone or stumbling block. |
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