The Promise Fulfilled

GOLDEN TEXT: “Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou host prepared before the face of the people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.” —Luke 2:30-32

LUKE 2:25-35

LITTLE is known of Simeon, apart from his appearance in the temple where he gave utterance to the prophecy concerning Jesus, which constitutes our lesson for today. Luke emphasizes, however, that the Holy Spirit was upon him, so we can have confidence that he spoke under its inspiration. Indeed, much that Simeon said while holding the child Jesus in his arms, had either previously been prophesied concerning the Messiah, or else had already been fulfilled. Thus his prophecy is fully in harmony with the truth.

It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the “Lord’s Christ.” When, in the temple, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that Jesus was the One born to be the Messiah, Simeon was overjoyed; and taking the child in his arms, he said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”—vss. 29,30

Obviously the thought here is that Simeon saw the One who in the divine plan was to provide and offer salvation to the world. In his prayer Simeon said to Jehovah concerning his Son, “Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.” (vs. 31) In Hebrews 10:5 we read concerning Jesus, “When he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou [Jehovah] wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me.”

Jesus was “prepared” to bring salvation to the world by being “made flesh.” It was through the sacrifice of his flesh, his humanity, that he provided the redemption price, the “ransom for all.” (John 1:14; 6:51; I Tim. 2:3-6) Simeon said that Jesus had been “prepared” before the face of all people. Thus far only a few, comparatively, have recognized Jesus as the source of salvation from death, but eventually all will, for, as Paul wrote, the information concerning him will yet be “testified,” or made known, “to all.”—I Tim. 2:6

In his prayer of thanksgiving for the Messiah, Simeon referred to him “as a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy [Jehovah’s] people Israel.” (vs. 32) In John 1:9 we read concerning Jesus that he was “the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” “Every man” has not yet been enlightened by Jesus, nor concerning him, but this will eventually be true, and, of course, the “every man” will include the Gentiles.

Nor did Simeon ignore the promised blessings coming to Israel through the Messiah, for he said that Jesus would be the “glory” of this people, the Lord’s chosen people. (vs. 32) A certain glory accrued to Israel under the divinely directed and empowered leadership of Moses. However, Moses prophesied that a greater than he would come. Throughout the centuries Israel’s hope of glory centered in the fulfillment of God’s promises to send the Messiah. Now, Simeon identified Jesus as that One.

Joseph and Mary marveled at the things which Simeon said concerning the child Jesus. Then he offered a few words of explanation, lest they be disappointed in not seeing the immediate fulfillment of all that he had mentioned in his prayer. Blessing them, Simeon explained, “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.”—vss. 34,35

In fulfillment of this prophecy many in Israel did “fall”; indeed, the nation was destroyed because they rejected their Messiah. But this “fall” was not forever, for, through Jesus they will rise again. Even in Jesus’ day, and shortly thereafter, a “remnant” of Israel accepted their Messiah and became identified with him to be joint-heirs in his kingdom. Throughout the age, Gentiles have been called to make up the foreordained number of this elect class.

The completing of the work is described by Paul as the coming in of the “fullness of the Gentiles.” After that, he tells us, “all Israel shall be saved.” (Rom. 11:25,26) The “receiving” of “all Israel,” Paul explains, implies the resurrection of the dead. (Rom. 11:15) Thus the very individuals who rejected Jesus will be given a future opportunity of salvation through him. Surely Jesus will then be the glory of Israel, as well as of all the world who receive life through him.

QUESTIONS

Who was Simeon, and can we accept him as one of God’s prophets?

How was Jesus “prepared” to save the world?

When will all the Gentiles be enlightened?

When will Jesus be the glory of Israel?

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