Simeon's Last Wish

By Mary Vee
Luke 2

From Luke's Notes

Photo Courtesy-Concordia Lutheran Conference

My name is Joseph. Eight days have passed since Mary had her baby. We didn't have much to offer the child more than love. This child was a special one, a baby sent from God. 

Both Mary and I had been told by God's messengers, the angels, that she would have a baby and we were to call him Jesus.

As is tradition when a boy baby is born, we took the baby to the Temple to offer the purification sacrifices as is told in the Law of Moses. I was to bring a pair of doves or two young pigeons. The baby's name would also be recorded at that time.

Mary held the little one, and he laid quietly in her arms.

While at the temple we saw Simeon. I knew of him, he was a righteous and devout man of God. Simeon was old and sat at the Temple waiting for the nation Israel to be consoled. As we walked into the temple courts, I saw him walking too. 

The elderly man moved slowly toward us. It seemed he wanted to speak with us, and I was right. When he came near he said, "If I may, please let me hold the child."

Mary gently handed Jesus to him.

He looked at the child's eyes and smiled in such a loving way. "The Holy Spirit told me that I would not die before I had seen the Lord's Christ." A tear slipped from his eye and he sighed.  "Sovereign Lord," he looked up to the sky, "as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes 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."

I didn't know what to say. I though about what the angel said to me and what Mary said the angel said to her. Now Simeon said the message again. This little boy is the Christ, the one who was to come and save us. Jesus is the one.

Simeon looked up at Mary who stood next to me. He said, "This child will bring the falling and rising of many in Israel. He will be a sign that will be spoken against. The thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. A sword will pierce your own soul too."

He swallowed and closed his eyes for a moment. He handed Jesus back to Mary then placed a wrinkled hand softly on the boy's head.

God has sent His Son, and He lay in Mary's arms. 

Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org