Sermon: The Song of Simeon (Luke 2:21-40)

The Song of Simeon Sunday, January 18th, 2026 Christ Covenant Church – Centralia, WA Luke 2:21–40 Prayer O Father grant that we like Simeon, may now take up Christ into our arms by faith. That we may behold the light of his perfect humanity, the radiance of His divinity, and receive in ourselves the consolation of Israel, and having received this consolation, to then depart in peace, entering that blessed rest of the undivided Trinity, One God forever, Amen. Introduction This morning, we come to the fourth and final song that surrounds the birth of Jesus. Thus far Luke has given us Mary’s Magnificat (My soul magnifies the Lord), then he gave us Zacharias’ Benedictus (Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people), last week we heard the angelic Gloria, Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! And now here at Christ’s presentation in the temple, we have one more hymn of prophetic praise. A hymn that helps us ponder the implications of the gospel, and why God became man in Christ. Now the way that Luke has arranged this final prophesy from Simeon, is by bookending it between two other important sections, so let me give you the outline of our text, and then we’ll walk through it together. Outline of the Text Our text divides into three parts. In verses 21-24 we have Christ observing the ceremonial law. Jesus is circumcised the 8th day, consecrated the 40th day, and this consecration becomes the occasion for adding two more witnesses to Christ. In verses 25-35, Simeon bears witness and we have his song and blessing. And then in verses 36-38, Anna bears witness and spreads the good news. So recall again Luke’s purpose in writing this gospel, he said back in Luke 1:4 it is so that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. So just in case there was any doubt, he gives us an abundance of credible eyewitnesses in his gospel. We have Mary and Joseph; we have Zacharias and Elizabeth. We have angels and shepherds. And now we have Simeon and Anna. And the question God continues to confront us with in these opening chapters is, How will you respond to this news about Jesus? Will you stumble at the stumbling stone and fall, or will you rise again and build your life upon Him? Luke has been marshalling witnesses from every age, sex, station, and social class. We have an urban priest and country shepherds. We have angelic armies, and a virgin girl. We have a married man and a widowed woman. We have young and old, male and female, and all are welcome in the kingdom of God. However, as we will see, not everyone will accept the Divine invitation, not everyone will receive the gospel as good news. Indeed, the rest of Luke’s Gospel and on into the Book of Acts shall illustrate this point: that wherever and whenever Christ is proclaimed, people are divided in their responses to Him. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? So some people hear and become more hardened in their sins, some will even try to kill Jesus or whoever is preaching Jesus. But this is exactly how God’s kingdom advances and grows. This is what Simeon prophesies will happen when he says to Mary: Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against. People will speak against Jesus, they will mock at his cross, but the kingdom of Jesus shall conquer nonetheless. And so as joy-filled and wonderful as the birth of Christ is, there is also a specter of judgment here, there is a shadow of doom that hangs over those who reject Jesus. As the Puritans liked to put it, “the same sun and heat that melts the ice, also hardens the clay.” So what kind of material are you? Into what kind of heart and mind do you receive Jesus? Is your heart a place of love and affection, gratitude and hospitality, or are you hostile to Christ, do you chafe at His words, are you fearful to let Him see what is inside of you? Simeon says to Mary in verse 35, (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Who is Jesus? Jesus is the light that exposes things hidden. It says in Hebrews 4:12 that He is a twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Nothing can hide from Jesus. Jesus is the light who shows you who you really are, and how hideous our sinful state is. This is in part what Christ comes to reveal, but he comes to reveal in order to heal. Jesus reveals our true condition (which is way worse than you think it is), in order to heal you from that terminal disease that is sin. And we see this manifest even from his earliest days, starting right here in verse 21 with his circumcision. Verse 21 – The Circumcision of Christ 21And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Why was Jesus circumcised? Why did the one who is most perfect as a lamb without blemish, have a part of his perfect flesh cut off? Well for many reasons but I will give just four. Reason 1. Because Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, that from Abraham’s seed a son of promise would be born in whom all the world would be blessed. And so just as Abraham was circumcised as a sign and seal of the righteousness of the faith (Rom. 4:11), so now Jesus is circumcised as the righteous son (the true Isaac) to whom Abraham looked in faith. Jesus fulfills and brings to completion what circumcision always pointed to, the cutting off of the old Adam and the putting on of the new. The end of the old creation ruled by sin, and the beginning of a new creation in which righteousness reigns. This is why God commanded that circumcision be done on the 8th day, (which is also the first day of the week) to signify a new heavens and new earth, and a new resurrected heart. Reason 2. Because as Galatians 4:4-5 says, Jesus was born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And so because circumcision bound a person to keep the Mosaic law, and yet none could keep that law perfectly, Christ comes as both lawgiver and law keeper and fulfills all righteousness for us. As Paul says in Romans 8:3-4, For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. So while the law was holy, just, and good (Romans 7:12) our flesh prevented us from keeping it in its entirety. And so by Christ carrying out all the law’s commands, he shows both the sinfulness of sin, and the righteousness of God’s law. Flesh cannot keep what the spirit of God commands, but Christ can keep it, for He is a man full of the Spirit. Reason 3. Jesus was circumcised to prove the reality of his human nature. Jesus has a real body that can really bleed, that can really be cut, and cut off for us. And so against those who said that Christ had only an imaginary body (Manichee’s, Docetists) or that His body was heavenly material and not from the virgin Mary, Jesus is circumcised the 8th day to show his solidarity with the human race. Jesus is fully God, and fully man. Of the same exact nature with us, except without sin. Reason 4. To remove any excuse the Jews might have for not receiving Him. They cannot claim he is a foreigner, or a Gentile, or an uncircumcised Philistine.Jesus is a true Israelite, a true Jew, a fleshly descendent of David, who can trace his lineage back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But as it says in John 1:11-12, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. So Jesus was sent first to the lost sheep of Israel, but all who believe in Jesus are joined to Him as one flock under one Shepherd. Verses 22-24 – Mary is Purified and Jesus is Consecrated 22And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. So again, we see that Jesus’ parents are faithful law-abiding Jews. They submitted to Ceasar’s census, they paid their taxes in Bethlehem, and now they keep the law of Moses, first for circumcision, and now Mary’s purification and Jesus’ consecration. According to the Levitical laws for cleanliness (Leviticus 12), a woman was ritually impure for 40 days after the birth of a son, and then when those days are accomplished, she is to bring a sacrifice to God according to what she can afford. It says in Leviticus 12:8, And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean. The reason a woman was ritually impure after childbirth was not because giving birth is a sinful act, but because every birth brings another sinner into the world. God was teaching Israel through the ceremonial law the doctrine of original sin, and that all sin, both original and actual, needs to be dealt with by sacrifice. It says in Romans 5, As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned…For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)…For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Rom, 5:12, 17, 19) So although there was no sin or uncleanness in Jesus’ birth, He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, still they carry out this ritual in accord with the law because this is what Jesus whole life shall be about: Exposing our sins and then atoning for our sins. Identifying with our guilt, while Himself being innocent. Offering to God what we ourselves cannot offer, a sacrifice more perfect than turtledoves and pigeons. All this Jesus does for us. Now there are two witnesses to Jesus’ consecration, Simeon and Anna. And we can learn from both of them what true devotion to God looks like, especially as we reach the latter years of our life. So starting with Simeon, what kind of man was he? Verses 25-26 – Simeon 25And, 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. 26And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Simeon’s name means God has heard. He is just. He is devout. And he is patient. Patiently waiting for God to comfort His people. What does this comfort consist of? It says in Isaiah 40:1-2, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, That her warfare is accomplished, That her iniquity is pardoned: For she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. Simeon knows that comfort means pardon, comfort means forgiveness, comfort means the end of this warfare and the beginning of everlasting peace. Simeon yearns for this consolation of Israel, and God has rewarded his yearning with a promise: Simeon will not die until he sees the Lord’s Christ, until he holds in hands the consolation of Israel. Can you imagine waiting for the day when you shall see what you have hoped for? When all your longings and hope deferred become a dream fulfilled and a tree of life? Well, this is that day for Simeon. It says in Proverbs 11:3, 5, the integrity of the upright will guide them, and the justice of the upright will deliver them, and here now the just and upright Simeon is guided by the Spirit into the presence of the Divine. Verses 27-28 27And 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, 28Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God. Simeon holds in his hands the one who holds up the world. Simeon takes into his arms, the God whose everlasting arms are holding Simeon in his very being. This is the marvel of the Incarnation. That He whom heaven and earth cannot contain, chooses to be contained in mortal flesh. Chooses to be held by an old man who has been waiting for Him. And so for good reason Simeon blesses God and prophesies saying… Verses 29-32 – The Song of Simeon 29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word: 30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Simeon can say these words as he looks into the infant Jesus’ eyes. Simeon is saying these words to Jesus directly. Because Jesus is the Lord/Master in whose service Simeon has long been in. Jesus is the Lord who Simeon has been devoted to and waiting to see in the flesh. And now what Simeon desires is to depart in peace, to die, so that he can see that child’s divinity in full, so he can see in the next life what in this life he can only apprehend by faith, the beatific vision, to see the Divine essence through the Divine essence, face to face without a mirror or veil. Do you like Simeon desire to go and be with Jesus? To be done with the warfare of this life and all its sorrows, and to be joined more perfectly to Your heavenly Savior? Can you say with Simeon and the Apostle Paul, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain?Are you, hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better,[but knowing that] Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you [for those under our care]? Are you homesick for heaven? Because that is the sign of true faith and a mark of true love. To want to go and be with Jesus. Simeon is a model of Christian justice, devotion, and patience. Do you hate the injustice all around you, and do you long for the justice of God’s kingdom? Do you despise the vanity of this lying world with its allurements, and do you long for the solid joys, the pure pleasures of the world to come? Do we wait patiently for God’s heavenly consolation? For the peace that comes to those who wait in hope? Jesus says in John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Simeon teaches us that our patience in waiting is not in vain, our hope shall be rewarded. Here in part, and in heaven in full. It says in Isaiah 64:4, Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, Nor has the eye seen any God besides You, Who acts for the one who waits for Him. And in Psalm 50:3-6 it says, Our God shall come, and shall not keep silent; A fire shall devour before Him, And it shall be very tempestuous all around Him. He shall call to the heavens from above, And to the earth, that He may judge His people: “Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” Let the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is Judge. Judgment is coming, but that same judgement is salvation and vindication for those who love the Lord. So do you look for Him in hope? How does Mary and Joseph respond to all this? Simeon’s holding their child in his arms? Verses 33-35 33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34And 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; 35(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Now observe that these ominous words to Mary are called a blessing. Simeon blesses Mary with this prophesy of people falling and rising because of Jesus, and a sword piercing her own heart. This piercing refers to the pain she will suffer at how her son is treated. He will be rejected, condemned as a blasphemer, arrested and falsely accused, beaten, mocked, and murdered in the most humiliating way possible, a crucifixion. Mary will be there when Jesus dies. She will suffer the agony of having to watch the person she loves most, her own son suffer, and that unjustly. Yes, a sword will pierce Mary’s own soul, but it will be the piercing sword in the hand of the Divine healer. The cross will be a sign spoken against, but that same cross shall become the instrument of our redemption. As Jesus says in John 3:14-15, As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. The cross reveals the thoughts of many hearts. Do you believe that you deserve to be up there? That your sins are worthy of a most painful death and eternal damnation? Do you believe that this is what your sins deserve? Many people do not believe that the wages of sin is death. Many people deny they are sinners, they deny the guilt of original sin. They deny that God is the Creator, that Jesus is a Savior, that he died and rose again, they deny that there is a future judgment, or a heaven and a hell. Many people live in denial. The cross of Christ confronts people with what they actually think about God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. So what is the cross to you? Is it folly, or is it your salvation? Do you believe what God has revealed, or are you living in denial? This brings us our final witness of Jesus birth, and to a woman who truly lived for the world to come. Verses 36-38 – Anna 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. What do we know about Anna? Anna’s name means Grace. And she has been given the grace of prophecy. She proclaims the word of God to those looking for redemption in Jerusalem. She is also a daughter of Phanuel, which means “the face of God.” Phanuel/Peniel was the place where Jacob wrestled with the angel and then said: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved (Gen. 32:30). Anna is also from the tribe of Asher, which means Blessed. We are told that Anna was of a great age. Depending on how you read the text here, she is either 84, or she has been a widow for 84 years, and then depending on when she was married, she could be as old as 105. So 84 on the younger side, 105 on the older side, but whatever the case, look at what she has done with all those years of widowhood. It says in verse 37, she departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Anna lived to worship and serve God. Conclusion And so let us close by considering some of the qualities of Anna’s life. 1. Anna loved the house of God. Anna was a woman who could say in truth the words of Psalm 27:4, One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. Anna was a woman of singular desire for God, and so when Jesus comes in, she gives thanks to God, for her eyes behold the very beauty of the Lord in the face of the infant Jesus. Anna loved the house of God, lived in the House of God, and so enjoyed the blessing of seeing God face to face. 2. Anna was a woman of self-denial. When she was young and unmarried, she was chaste virgin. And after her husband died, 7 years into their marriage, she devotes herself to religious service. Like Jacob who wrestled with God at Peniel, Anna a true daughter of Peniel wrestles with God in fasting and prayer. Anna denies her flesh that she may grow strong in the spirit. She gives herself to the hard work of constant prayer, because she knows, The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous woman availeth much (James 5:16). In 1 Timothy 5 Paul describes two kinds of widows, faithful and unfaithful. And he condemns those widowswho cast off their first faith…and learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. Anna is not one of these foolish women. She remains in God’s house, she speaks God’s Word, and she keeps her first faith holding fast to the end. Anna is a woman of whom this world is not worthy, and there is much we can learn from her example. 3. Third and finally, Anna told people about Jesus. She, spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Do we do the same? The life of a widow who fasts and prays and lives at church, is not the life that most young people aspire for. It’s certainly not the American dream. But in God’s kingdom, the first shall be last. Jesus will say later in Luke 6:24-26, But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. Anna is a true prophetess; she is unashamed to tell the world about Jesus. She fasted and prayed and God fed her. God gave to this poor widow His heavenly consolation.May He do the same for you, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.