The elderly Simeon recognized the 40-day-old baby as Israel's Messiah when the Lord Jesus was presented in the Temple (Luke 2:25-26). Because he knew the Lord and knew where he was going when he died (cf. 2 Timothy 1:12), Simeon looked forward to his "dismissal" (Luke 2:29).
But he had a penetrating prophecy regarding the division this child would bring among those who professed to be the Lord's people (Luke 2:34-35). He spoke of a sword in words similar to Hebrews 4:12-13.
But he spoke in particular to Mary, whose heart would be pierced over and over again.
How stinging the Lord Jesus' actions (Luke 2:41-48) and words must have been when his parents returned to Jerusalem! (Luke 2:49)
Or consider his response to his mother's loving concern, in effect rebuking her for not being a true follower (Luke 8:19-21).
But the greatest sword thrust of all came at the foot of his cross, when Mary witnessed the torture of Rome on her first child.
Mary was not yet a true disciple, nor were Jesus' half-brothers, so Jesus lovingly commits her care and nurture to his most compassionate and loyal disciple, the Apostle John (John 19:25-27).
The end result is that she and her other children became disciples after Jesus' resurrection and ascension and awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit along with the 120 (Acts 1:12-14).
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Bob Vincent
Simeon's Sword The Birth of Christ Sermons by Bob and Others
After serving Grace Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Louisiana, Bob was honorably retired on Sunday, September 27, 2015, and given the title "Pastor Emeritus." This was forty years to the day after he became their pastor.
He now works for the Presbytery of the Gulf South as...
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