Read Luke 2:25-35

THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON
The Jews were well acquainted with the Old Testament prophecies that spoke of the Messiah’s blessings to their nation. The did not always give equal attention to the prophecies saying that He would bring salvation to the entire world, not just the Jews. Many thought that Christ had only come to save his people. Luke made sure his Greek audience understood that Christ had come to save all who would believe, Gentiles as well as Jews.
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated to God, they met an old man who told them what their child would become. Simeon could die in peace now because he had seen the Messiah.
Joseph and Mary were amazed for three reasons: 1) Simeon said that Jesus was a gift from God; 2) Simeon recognized Jesus as the Messiah; and 3) Simeon said Jesus would be a light to the entire world. This was at least the second time that Mary had been greeted with a prophecy. The first was with Elizabeth.
Simeon prophesied that Jesus would have a paradoxical effect on Israel. Some would fall because of Him, while others would rise. With Jesus, there would be no neutral ground: People would either joyfully accept Him or totally reject Him. As Jesus’ mother, Mary would be grieved by the widespread rejection He would face later in life.