Simeon’s Prophecy (2) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2025

Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Luke 2:34-35

Simeon's Prophecy (2)
Simeon blessed Joseph and Mary, who are called the parents of the Child Jesus here in Luke's Gospel. Earlier in this Gospel it has been emphatically stated that this Child would be the Son of God. Mary was His mother and Joseph was her husband. He had the privilege of being regarded as father to the Son of God. Later, at Nazareth, Jesus was called the carpenter's Son (Mt. 13:55).

Simeon had a special message for Mary. Her Child would be for the fall and rising of many in Israel. He would meet opposition. During His public ministry people had many different ideas about who He was, ranging from a prophet, even a prophet resurrected, to a blasphemer. Only a few were given by God the Father to understand that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

Mary had treasured all the things that were said about Him, pondering them in her heart. She later had four more sons and some daughters, normal children. What must it have been to have one holy sinless Son and the rest normal children, sinners! We read of them in John 7:5 that His brethren did not believe in him. In Mark 3:21 they wanted to seize Him, saying he was out of His mind.

What must everything that transpired, after Jesus stepped away from the carpenter shop at Nazareth to be engaged in His Father's business in public ministry, have meant to Mary? And then we see her at the cross, looking on her dear Son being crucified there after having suffered all the indignities and cruelty wicked men could heap upon Him. The sword Simeon had prophesied no doubt pierced deeply, but she is among His disciples in Acts 1 and 2.

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.