A Man in Jerusalem: Simeon — Part One
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A Man in Jerusalem: Simeon — Part One

Luke 2:25–35  (ID: 1230)

When considering Jesus’ incarnation, what comes to mind? For many of us, traditions, decorations, parties, and general busyness all but obscure the importance and beauty of Immanuel’s arrival. In this message from Luke 2, Alistair Begg relates the story of an ordinary man to whom God gave an extraordinary privilege. In viewing Jesus through Simeon’s encounter with Him, we have an opportunity to rediscover the wonder of the incarnation.


25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29“Lord, now you are letting your servant4 depart in peace,

according to your word;

30for my eyes have seen your salvation

31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel.”

33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

Copyright © 2024, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.

Alistair Begg
Alistair Begg is Senior Pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Bible teacher on Truth For Life, which is heard on the radio and online around the world.