Luke 2:25–35
What difference does it make to encounter Jesus Christ?
"The consolation of Israel” means the messianic hope.
This is the fifth and last of the “Christmas songs” in Luke. (Elizabeth, 1:42–45; Mary, 1:46–56; Zacharias, 1:67–79; the angels, 2:13–14).
It is first of all a worship hymn.
It is also a salvation hymn: “For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation” (Luke 2:30).
The word depart in the Greek has several meanings
It means to release a prisoner, to untie a ship and set sail, to take down a tent (2 Cor. 5:1–8), and to unyoke a beast of burden (Matt. 11:28–30).
Simeon’s song is a missionary hymn
Simeon's Prophesy
The stone,
The sign,
and the sword.
A life waiting for Christ is not wasted.
Finding Christ brings great Joy
Seeing is not believing, believing is Seeing.
To behold Christ should lead to worshiping Him.