Topical Bible: Joy of Simeon, when Jesus Was Presented in the Temple

Bible > Topical > Joy of Simeon, when Jesus Was Presented in the Temple

◄ Joy of Simeon, when Jesus Was Presented in the Temple ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Simeon's joy at the presentation of Jesus in the temple is a profound moment recorded in the Gospel of Luke. This event is significant in the narrative of Jesus' early life and holds deep theological implications for the understanding of God's promises and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Biblical Context

The account is found in Luke 2:22-35. According to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice, as was customary for the purification rites after childbirth (Luke 2:22-24). This act of obedience to the Law underscores the devout nature of Jesus' earthly parents and sets the stage for the divine encounter with Simeon.

Simeon's Character

Simeon is described as a righteous and devout man, living in Jerusalem, who was "waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him" (Luke 2:25). His life was marked by a deep anticipation of the coming Messiah, a hope shared by many faithful Jews of the time. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ (Luke 2:26).

The Encounter

Guided by the Spirit, Simeon entered the temple courts at the precise moment when Mary and Joseph brought in the child Jesus. Upon seeing the infant, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, expressing profound joy and fulfillment. His words, often referred to as the "Nunc Dimittis," are a declaration of the fulfillment of God's promise:

"Now, Lord, You let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).

Theological Significance

Simeon's proclamation highlights several key theological themes. First, it affirms Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the embodiment of God's salvation. Simeon's recognition of Jesus as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" underscores the universal scope of Christ's mission, extending beyond Israel to all nations. This anticipates the later expansion of the Gospel to the Gentiles, a central theme in the New Testament.

Furthermore, Simeon's joy is rooted in the fulfillment of divine promise. His ability to "depart in peace" signifies the completion of his earthly mission, having witnessed the arrival of God's salvation. This moment reflects the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises and the joy that comes from witnessing His redemptive work.

Prophetic Insight

Simeon's encounter with Jesus also includes a prophetic word to Mary, foretelling the future suffering and division that Jesus would bring: "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul as well" (Luke 2:34-35). This prophecy foreshadows the opposition Jesus would face and the sorrow Mary would endure, pointing to the crucifixion and the broader impact of Jesus' ministry.

Conclusion

The joy of Simeon at the presentation of Jesus in the temple is a moment of profound spiritual insight and fulfillment. It encapsulates the hope of Israel, the faithfulness of God, and the universal scope of the Messiah's mission. Simeon's encounter with the infant Jesus serves as a testament to the joy that comes from recognizing and embracing God's salvation.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:28-32
Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Presentation of Jesus, and the "Nunc Dimittis. " Ch. 2:21-40
... of these utterances was the song of Simeon, called from ... to the Temple while the parents
of Jesus are there ... a faithful watchman who welcomes with joy the hour ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/f the presentation of jesus.htm

The Purification of Mary
... house and telling his wife with great joy what had ... wife had gone to bed, I saw Simeon
betake himself ... a vision about the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the purification of mary.htm

The Dedication
... Simeon had prophesied of Him as a light to lighten ... announced the Saviour's birth
as tidings of joy to all ... pass before even the mother of Jesus would understand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 5 the dedication.htm

The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple
... the people; theirs especially the expression of joy symbolised in ... and such is still
the history of Jesus, as ever ... Nor was Simeon's the only hymn of praise on ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii the purification of.htm

Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles.
... with the hope of earth's great harvest-joy in the ... the Messianic hope of the aged
Simeon [4051] most ... of Israel and Jerusalem were compassing the Death of Jesus. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii teaching in the.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... Simeon's Prophetic Discourse ... Jesus led to Calvary.--Simon of Cyrene.--The Words of
Christ ... the Apostles immediately after Christ's Death.--Their Joy and Activity ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/

Hail, Jesus;
... Where just Simeon and Anna the Prophetess, rejoicing greatly ... as well from vicious
sadness as from foolish joy; ... Hail, sweet Jesus, who sufferedst Thyself to be ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/hail jesus.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... thou virgin mother of God, our unceasing joy, for unto ... thou also, O honoured and
venerable Simeon, thou earliest ... condition of these was that of Jesus, who fled ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... those who read them might believe that Jesus is the ... ushered in to waiting Israel
the great joy of those ... flocks, thereby preparing the minds of a Simeon, of an ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the nativity of.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... would know the only true peace and lasting joy, come ye ... of Israel, and ye hoar heads,
who like Simeon are ready ... Jesus, Master, I take thee to be mine for ever! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm