Luke 2:25-35 For one to obtain salvation he must possess supreme love for the Saviour

Luke 2:25-35 For one to obtain salvation he must possess supreme love for the Saviour

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking 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 carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 A Light of revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Background

Every Jewish couple was required by the Law not only to have their male child circumcised, but also to present their firstborn to God 33 days after birth. Here, the holy couple came into the temple to bring an offering for Mary’s purification after childbirth (see Leviticus 12:1-8). Simeon was brought on the scene by the Holy Spirit both to satisfy his relentless desire to see the Messiah as well as to prophesy of the Child’s ministry to the world. Simeon taught us that for one to obtain salvation he must possess supreme love and commitment for the Saviour.

Observation

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

Simeon was described as righteous and devout, the reason why he lived in such close proximity to the Holy Spirit (and the Holy Spirit was upon him). His desire for Israel’s salvation fuelled his ministry so much so he would not rest until he saw with his eyes and touch with his hands, the consolation (paraklesis, note Jesus called the Holy Spirit the parakletos, the Helper) of Israel. And the Holy Spirit gave him assurance that he would see the Christ before his death.

Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation

Simeon having seen with his own eyes and held in his arms the Christ Child, was deeply satisfied in his spirit. For he saw before his eyes and held in his bosom the Christ; the unfolding of God’s salvation for the world. What gave Simeon this profound assurance of salvation was the tangible encounter of Christ in the flesh. By seeing and touching the Christ Child, he consummated his faith in the promises of God.

Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel.

Simeon gave a preview of Christ’s future ministry where He will be appointed by God to execute judgment on all the people. He will judge the hearts and the works of each person and determine their place in eternity. Therefore, under the righteous judgment of Christ, many will fall and be condemned, and many will rise in the ranks of glory.

For a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed

Simeon spoke these words to Mary in that she will experience great pain, her grief like a sword piercing through her soul. Simeon was referring to Christ being handed over to be crucified by the Jews thus revealing the envy and darkness of their hearts.

Truth

For one to obtain salvation he must possess supreme love for the Saviour.

It is vain to seek salvation without desiring the Saviour and committing to a covenantal relationship with Him. Simeon sought the blessing and salvation of Israel, but he also sought to see Christ, the Saviour. To seek salvation without seeking the Saviour is likened to marrying out of convenience. Some married to get out of poverty, some to avoid loneliness and some to gain residential rights in another country. By and large these have little commitment to their spouses apart from the benefits the marriage contract may offer. And the end of which is utter failure and brokenness.

Many churchgoers became disappointed claiming that they have been sold an empty gospel. They were as poor, lonely and dejected as the days before they entered the church. The reason is because they sought blessing and salvation without loving Christ supremely and following His ways. Their vision is to acquire blessing as opposed to godliness. In so doing, they relegate God to a means of fulfilling his selfish desires (see figure below). Therefore, their blessing did not endure and they could not experience life to the full.

The bible asserts in no uncertain terms that salvation is obtained by serving and loving God supremely. That is to make a commitment to obey His commands despite temptations and challenges of life. In other words, salvation and blessing must not be the goal, for it is only a by-product of one’s pursuit of God and His truth (see figure below).

Moses spoke to his people concerning the secret to blessing and salvation,

Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Jesus taught the people the secret to having their prayers answered and needs met,

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:13-15 (NASB)

While the Jewish leaders sought salvation but did not obtain it, Simeon secured a glorious and eternal salvation because above all else, he sought to see the Saviour.

Greater glory shall come upon those who became instruments of salvation to the world.

Many may enter into paradise, but few shine like the stars of heaven. The likes of Simeon and Mary were set apart from the rest by virtue of their commitment as vessels through which salvation came into the world. Most care supremely for themselves, few would sacrifice their time, and resources for the welfare of others. However, when Christ judges the world, the secrets of our hearts will be made plain. Mary chose to be an instrument of God’s salvation by becoming the earthly mother of Jesus. In so doing, she will inevitably bear the pain of seeing her son being tortured and killed as a criminal (and a sword will pierce even your own soul). Nevertheless, that is the price for all who sought to follow Christ… but the end of which is divine honour and glory

Jesus, in response to Peter’s query, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” … replied, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.” Matthew 19:28-30 (NASB).

Jesus’s promise of eternal glory brings just recompense to all who care not for themselves, but gave themselves selflessly to serve others while depending on God to provide.

As our desire to see God intensifies, He begins to speak to us intimately face-to-face, mind-to-mind and heart-to-heart.

It is God’s desire to reveal Himself unreservedly to those who love Him. Simeon, upon seeing the Christ exclaimed, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” Hence, it is legitimate to seek a deeper and more tangible experience in our encounter with God. Our encounter with God should over time pervade all our human faculties: our thoughts, emotions, spirit and our five senses. Simeon and Anna were both devout and full of faith but yet they were not satisfied until they see and touch with their hands the Christ. Apostle John talks about realizing the fullness of joy through encountering Christ with human senses,

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life… And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:1-4

Christ came in person (in the flesh) so that man may encounter God face to face, mind to mind and heart to heart. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to commune with us through various faculties so that our joy may be complete.

People may harbor opinions concerning you, but it is what Jesus thinks that truly matters.

Others may pass judgment on you, or you may even pass judgment upon yourself. But make no mistake about it, our judgments don’t matter as much as Christ’s: Christ is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel. People make comments based on what they hear and see, but God judges the heart. Even as we sample the comments of others and learn from their wisdom, it is Christ who has the final word concerning you. Jesus says,

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. John 5:21-23

Christ’s judgment is perfect and righteous perceiving the motives and intents of our heart. Christ’s perfect judgment puts to rest all human opinions that are based on limited knowledge and subjective standards. One only has to repent and to honor Him as the Lord through whom we receive assurance of forgiveness on the Day of Judgment.

Application

Do not be anxious for your financial needs, your personal wellbeing or for the healing of your sicknesses, but love Christ supremely. For blessing and salvation are but by-products of your love relationship with Christ. Jesus said,

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33 (NASB)

How then should believers seek God’s kingdom and righteousness?

• By acquiring divine wisdom through the word. Make a reading plan to read the entire bible in two years.
• By putting the ministry of gospel as the priority for you and your family.
• By habitually seeking divine counsel from the Spirit when making decisions.

Dear Lord, I make a commitment to love you supremely even in the face of my daily struggles. As I persevere in your promises, you will bring me out of the woods in your perfect time. Use me as you will for your kingdom’s work. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.