December 29, 1996
Simeon’s song, which the religious man sang upon seeing the young Jesus, presents a Christmas message with an impactful punch. Simeon recognized Jesus for what He was: a stone of offense, a “sign” that would be spoken against, and a “sword” that would pierce His mother’s heart. As Alistair Begg points out, his song was not one of sentimentality but of violence and upheaval. Jesus said He would bring division; our response reveals the posture of our hearts before God.
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 © 2023, 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.