Simeon Beholds Jesus | The Wolfe Notes

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the English Standard Version (ESV) translation.

Simeon Beholds Jesus

(From Luke 2:25-35)

Wood anemones by Zazu70 at Pixabay

1. Summary

Simeon, just and devout, spent his days waiting for Israel to be comforted. He had been told by the Holy Ghost that he would not die until he met the Messiah. At just the right time, the Holy Ghost led Simeon to the temple so he could perform Jesus' purification rites. When Simeon held Jesus, he blessed God and asked for permission to die since he had now witnessed the fulfillment of God's word. But first he prophesied that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles, the glory of the Israelites, and a discerner of hearts and thoughts, including Mary's. Joseph and Mary marveled at what Simeon said.

2. N/W/L Statements

1. I NOTICED that when Simeon speaks to Joseph and Mary, they marvel at his words. (*Perhaps they tuck this moment away and recall it when they need confidence to face the trails that are to come.)
2. I WONDER who Simeon was. Was he a priest? Did he die happily right after this scene? How did the Holy Spirit speak to Simeon?
3. I think God wants us to LEARN that He uniquely blesses each of us according to who we are and what our souls cry out for. 
1. Simeon was blessed by performing the purification rites for the Messiah. 
2. Mary and Joseph were blessed by the words Simeon spoke over them, tucking them away as truths to stand on.

3. Key Verse

LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation... Luke 2:29-30 (KJV)

This verse strengthens our resolve to hope. Simeon spent his life hoping to see the fulfillment of God's promise, and in this verse, he testifies that he has seen it. It reminds us that if God fulfilled His promises then, He remains faithful to fulfill His promises today.

4. God's Character

1. God gives us what we uniquely need.
1. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16
2. "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8
3. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. II Corinthians 9:8
2. God planned for our salvation since before the creation of the world.
1. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11
2. [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth,...And [Jesus] is before all things, and in him all things hold together...He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through [Jesus] to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20
3. And all who dwell on earth will worship [the beast], everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8
3. God is our comforter.
1. "I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass, Isaiah 51:12 
2. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18
3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Corinthians 1:3-4
4. God guides us through the Holy Ghost.
1. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2
2. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
3. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

5. Pray

Father God, I see fulfillment, preparation, and promise in this moment. Through Simeon's story, You  tell of  Your faithfulness. Teach me to trust and to wait for you like Simeon. To Mary and Joseph, You gifted words to treasure as preparation for what is to come. Help me to see how You also equip me for what is to come. 

6. Act

1. Wait on the I AM.
2. Marvel at what He has done, is doing, and will do.
3. Let His Word discern your thoughts and heart.

7. Annotation Notes

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, ! a connection, and italics a referenced source.

1. ! Simeon's story, in the KJV, begins with the word, "Behold!", which serves as a signal of God's partnership with us. (Luke 2:25)
2. ? How do we know if the Holy Spirit is revealing something to us? Does He talk to us in specific detail with prophecy as He did to Simeon? (Luke 2:26)
1. *I think the Holy Spirit speaks differently to everyone. The secret, I think, is recognizing how He speaks to you and responding to His guidance. 
2. Know the Holy Spirit will never contradict scripture and will always point to Jesus. (From "Never Alone Again: Why the Holy Spirit Changes Everything" by Andrew Thomas)
3. ? Simeon performed Jesus' purification rites. Did that make him a priest? (Luke 2:27)
4. ! "A light for revelation of the Gentiles" brings me back to Isaiah. (Luke 2:32)
1. x "I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations. Isaiah 42:6 (The footnote adds that "you" is the Hebrew singular form all four times in this verse.)
2. x Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold!, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:1-3
5. ? Do I allow myself to marvel at what is spoken about my Savior? (Luke 2:33)
6. ? Why did Simeon only speak to Mary? (Luke 2:34)
1. *Perhaps Joseph is not included because He dies before Jesus' ministry. Or maybe Joseph never struggled with belief.
2. Behold! is the word Simeon chooses to begin his message to Mary, signifying the divine partnership he is about to speak of. 
7. ! A piercing sword and thoughts from many hearts reminds me of God's discernment. (Luke 2:35)
1. x For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
2. x Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts. Psalm 139:23

Sample these related posts:

• To review Jesus' purification rites.
• To ponder the shepherd's message with Mary.
• For encouragement to keep looking for hope.
• To consider God's involvement in your life.
• To read more about the importance of the Holy Spirit.

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