Day Seventeen: Fill It Full

Read Luke 2:21-35.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”[a]), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”[b]

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
    you may now dismiss[c] your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31     which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Time goes by and Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.  Why?  Because it is written in Exodus 13:2 and 12, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated (called holy) to the Lord," and they were to offer a sacrifice also in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord (verse 24).  Later Jesus would preach that He didn't come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).  To fulfill is to fill it full.  Jesus came to bring it to pass and His life from beginning to end is a full-filling of the scriptures.

While at the temple a man called Simeon (harkening*), from the root word Simon (Peter - a rock or stone**) of the Hebrew origin "heard"*** (he was a rock crying out!), came into the temple courts moved by the Spirit.  He had been waiting for the consolation of Israel, the comfort and solace God would bring to His people.  The Spirit of God had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.  When Mary and Joseph brought in the little child Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and celebrated with praise, saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss (release, to set free) your servant in peace.  For my eyes (eyes of the mind, faculty of knowing) 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."

When Simeon said my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people; the word prepared is the same word used to describe John in Day One as the forerunner of Christ, and in Zechariah's song as he praised God for calling his son to prepare the way for the Messiah.  Notice Simeon uses it here in the past tense.  "You have prepared" this Salvation, Jesus, in the sight of all people.  You have made the necessary preparations.  You have gotten everything ready.  You have prepared the minds of men to give the Messiah a fit reception and secure his blessings.****  Everything begins with God, He just calls us to join Him!  Jesus is a Light for revelation (concerning things before unknown) to us as Gentiles and glory to His people Israel.

Mary & Joseph marveled at what was said about Jesus.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary:  "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising 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 too."  Simeon prophesied that not everyone would accept the salvation that Jesus offers; some will stumble over Him.  And at the height of all opposition, Mary herself would experience piercing anguish.

*Greek Strong's #4826, **Greek Strong's #4613, ***Hebrew Strong's #8095, ****Greek Strong's #2090