Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction vv.
21-24
The birth of Jesus.
For those of us who have known the Lord for a long time, we have heard this account numerous times.
Does it ever grow old?
Do we weary of the reality of Christ’s birth?
Some may wonder, “why is the birth of Jesus such a big deal?”
In Genesis chapter 3 mankind sinned in Adam.
The choice was made to reject God and His Word and instead to enjoy the pleasure of sin.
Sin entered the world and with it, death.
As God communicated to Adam, Eve, and Satan the consequences of their actions, He spoke a promise.
The promise of a man, the seed of the woman, who would crush the serpent and deal with the problem of sin.
As history rolled forward the promise given by God was explained and expanded.
By the time we get to the birth of Jesus, we know where the Messiah will be born, that He will be born of a virgin, and that He will be God in the flesh.
We know the story.
An angel tells Mary and Joseph what will take place.
They travel to Bethlehem because of a tax census, proving that God is sovereign even over rulers who do not believe in Him.
Jesus is born and angels proclaim His birth!
Shepherds travel to visit Him.
Today, we are going to focus, not on the birth, but on the testimony of who this child was and is.
Look with me now at v. 21 as we see the setting for our passage.
READ vv.
21-24
There are several things we learn here.
1 - Mary and Joseph were obedient.
We already know this from how they responded to the angel, but here is further proof.
They were told to name the child Jesus, and so they did.
They also followed the Jewish law in regards to circumcision, Mary’s purification, and the presentation of the firstborn son.
2 - Mary and Joseph were poor.
The offering they give is the one described for those too poor to have a lamb.
3 - Mary and Joseph were self-sacrificing.
It was no small thing for this little family to travel to Jerusalem for the dedication.
This is the setting for what is about to take place.
Principle:
At Christmas it is imperative that we understand what we are celebrating.
Guidance:
To understand what we celebrate at Christmas we make three observations.
Outcome:
These observations ensure that we celebrate Christmas for what it really is.
Three observations to help us celebrate Christmas.
Observation #1.
Christmas is about…
1. Seeing God’s Salvation vv.
25-35
This is the scene we described and talked about in our drama last week.
I love this story because it is a part of the birth of Jesus that we don’t often hear about.
Simeon is just, meaning he strives to live according to the law, and devout, meaning that he lives his life the way he does because he fears God.
He is just and devout.
This speaks to his character.
He is also described as waiting for the consolation of Israel.
This word “consolation” is the same Word Jesus uses to describe the Holy Spirit as a comforter.
Consolation – παράκλησις (paraklēsis) encouragement; comfort.
consolation (source) n. — a source of comfort a person feels when consoled in times of disappointment.
Noun (direct object), accusative, singular, feminine.
Consolation – παράκλησις (paraklēsis)
This reveals to us the depth of Simeon’s knowledge of and faith in Scripture.
He knows what the birth of the Messiah means!
It means a change in the relationship the Holy Spirit has with men.
It means that True comfort wasn’t in the keeping of the law, but in the person and work of the Messiah!
The Holy Spirit is upon Simeon to the point that he was told he would not see death before He had seen the Christ.
This is a man of faith!
He is walking by the Spirit before the Spirit was an indwelling presence.
The Spirit leads him into the temple just as Mary and Joseph bring Jesus in to present Him to the Lord!
What a coincidence, right?
Simeon doesn’t just see the Messiah.
He holds the infant in His arms and speaks words of praise!
Look at v. 29 again.
READ
This is faith!
Simeon sees himself as a simple servant of God.
He understands that God has fulfilled His promise.
There is peace in the reality that our God keeps His Word.
I love how Simeon refers to Jesus as God’s salvation.
Salvation is not in a work performed or knowledge learned.
This is what a lot of people think.
They think that salvation is something that can be earned.
Others think that all that is required is a cognitive knowledge, and intellectual understanding of who Jesus is.
Both ideas are false and leave you condemned.
Salvation is in the person of Jesus Christ!
It is only through a personal relationship with Jesus that we are saved!
Salvation was prepared by God!
Prepared – ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō) prepare; make ready.
to prepare v. — to make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, or other purpose.
Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, second person, singular.
Prepared – ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō)
There is a time element here.
God prepared salvation before hand!
It was prepared in advance!
This is why Jesus is called the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world!
This is why Peter prayed in Acts 4:28 that everything done to Jesus was according to God’s purpose and determination.
Jesus Christ came to reveal to the Gentiles their need of a Savior and to be the glory of Israel!
This is not a simple baby!
This is salvation Himself come to deliver us from sin!
It is little wonder that Mary and Joseph marveled at what Simeon reveals.
They are astonished and amazed!
I don’t think it was because they didn’t know these things.
After all, the angel told them who the child would be.
I think their astonishment comes from the fact that others know who their child is!
Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph, but he also reveals what is ahead for them.
This child is going to be the cause of rise and fall.
He is going to be a miracle that will be spoken against.
Which will be spoken against – ἀντιλέγομαι (antilegomai) contradict; speak against.
to be resisted (contradicted) v. — to be or become heavily antagonized (to the point of being completely opposed).
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