PER018

The encounter with Simeon

The meeting between the Holy Family and Simeon at the Temple of Jerusalem, according to the Gospel of Luke, deepens Mary and Joseph's awareness of Jesus' divine mission.

2 min Simeon Temple Jerusalem Mary Joseph 1 verse 1 book

Resources

See also:

Biblical texts

Matthew
Matthew (King James Version) not cited in the book
Mark
Mark (King James Version) not cited in the book
Luke
Luke 2.25-35 (King James Version)

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
John
John (King James Version) not cited in the book

Technical details

Location: The Temple of Jerusalem

Date: 21 November -2 BC (probably a few days after the sacrifice)

Method: We continue with Luke

Note on the method: Luke alone reveals this information to us

Announcement of the birth of John the Baptist

All sacrifices had to take place at the Temple of Jerusalem.

The encounter with Simeon at the Temple

Encounter with Simeon

Comments

Having stayed in Bethlehem for some time, the couple undoubtedly had the opportunity to admire the Temple of Jerusalem, magnificently renovated by King Herod the Great. We can easily imagine their wonder at these splendid buildings.

During their visit, they have a most surprising encounter. A man named Simeon, well acquainted with the prophecies and convinced that he would not die before seeing the Messiah, is in the Temple. When he meets Joseph, Mary and Jesus, Simeon realises that the promised Messiah is before him and feels great joy.

Mary listens closely to this man's prophetic words but will fully grasp their meaning only thirty-three years later, at her son's crucifixion.

These events strengthen Mary and Joseph's conviction that their child is destined for an exceptional mission.