Name: Simeon
Meaning: Hearing
His Character: Simeon was a devout man who spent much of his time in the Temple.
His Sorrow: Simeon waited patiently and long to see the Christ child.
His Triumph: Simeon lived to see the Christ child as was promised to him by the Holy Spirit.
Key Scriptures: Luke 2:22-38
We do not know much about Simeon’s life. We do not know about his family (was he married and did he have any children) or from which tribe he was descended from. The Bible does, however, describe Simeon as righteous and devout. According to Luke 2:25, he was eagerly awaiting the Messiah’s arrival and rescue of Israel. The Bible also says that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon and had promised him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. This is a promise Simeon held on to even in his older years.
Simeon’s story picks up in the second chapter of Luke at the Temple in Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph had brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for the purification offering that was required by the Law of Moses after the birth of a child. Simeon was led to the Temple that day. So we know that unlike Anna (who is featured in “Women of the Bible”) he did not live in the Temple.
When Simeon saw the baby Jesus, he took the baby from his parents and into his arms and began praising God. He said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Simeon’s song is often called “Nunc Dimittis.”
Mary and Joseph were amazed. Simeon affirmed to Mary and Joseph that their child was a gift from God to the world. Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah who was the light of the world. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph. Simeon went on to say to Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon’s prophetic words to Mary spoke of the polarizing impact of Jesus’ life and ministry, which is evident even in the days that we live in. There seems to have never been any neutral ground. People have either embraced and accepted Christ, or they have rejected Him.
Simeon is an example of living in expectation for the promises of God. Even though very old, Simeon never lost his hope that he would see the Messiah as promised by the Holy Spirit. I am sure there were times when he wondered, ‘How long, God?’ But he held on to the promise, and he was able to bear witness to the baby Jesus being the expected Messiah. As a Jewish elder, Simeon would have been respected, and his words would have carried extra weight in his proclamation of the baby being the promised Messiah.
Simeon is also an example of the importance of hearing and listening to the wisdom, advice, and experiences of those who have walked dedicated and prayerful lives with God.
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