A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: 2:22-40

This text describes the interaction of Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus with a prophet named Simeon.  Jesus’ parents were in the temple presenting him as was required by the law (see Exodus 13:13).   The Lord had told Simeon that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  Simeon takes Jesus into his arms and prays a profound prayer.  It is known as the ”Song of Simeon” or the “Nunc dimittis,” Latin for “now you dismiss.”  Simeon is ready to die in peace now that he has seen God’s salvation.   

Seeing Jesus as Savior brings peace.

The Nunc dimittis is a picture of personal fulfillment that has inspired many people through the centuries.  Artists such as Rembrandt and T.S. Eliot have found inspiration to create from the Song of Simeon.  It causes all thoughtful readers to wonder, “What would make me so fulfilled in life that I would be ready to die in peace?”  There are many counterfeit options, but only one that truly satisfies.  Jesus is the divinely appointed Savior.  Simeon acknowledges to the Lord that this is, “your salvation that you have prepared” (v.31).   Who knows best what we need but the one who created us?  Jesus is the “light of revelation” so that all peoples may know God personally.  For those who trust in him, the inevitability of death gets a new perspective.  

1.  Jesus’ salvation takes the “sting” out of death.  (See 1 Cor. 15:56).  In Christ, we are forgiven and made worthy to stand before God’s holiness.
2. Death can even be desirable because we behold God’s glory.  The Apostle Paul says, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Taking It Home:  Spend some time discussing your expectations for the day when you will stand before the Lord.  How does knowing Jesus now shape those expectations?