Simeon
The Righteous Man Who Welcomed the Messiah
Name Information
- Meaning: "He has heard" (Hebrew: Shim'on)
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Simeon was a devout and righteous man in Jerusalem who waited patiently for the coming of the Messiah — the 'consolation of Israel.' Guided by the Holy Spirit, he came to the temple the very day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be dedicated. Holding the Christ child in his arms, Simeon praised God, declaring that his eyes had seen salvation. His life is a picture of expectant faith and fulfilled promise.
⏰ 1st century BC – 1st century AD
Roles
- Prophetic Witness
- Devout Believer
Story
Lived in Jerusalem, faithfully waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah before he died.
Moved by the Spirit to enter the temple the same day Jesus was presented.
Took Jesus in his arms and praised God: 'Now let your servant depart in peace.'
Prophesied that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles and cause the rise and fall of many in Israel.
Spiritual Significance
- Described as righteous and devout, filled with the Holy Spirit.
- Awaited the Messiah — 'the consolation of Israel.'
- Promised by God that he would not die before seeing the Christ.
- Declared that Jesus was God's salvation, a light to the Gentiles and glory for Israel.
- Prophesied about Jesus’ future suffering and Mary’s pain.
Christ Connection
Simeon affirmed Jesus as God’s promised Savior — both for Israel and for the Gentiles.
His declaration reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament Messianic hope.
Simeon's words point to the cross, where Jesus would be a dividing line — received by some, rejected by many.
What We Can Learn
- God honors patient, expectant faith.
- The Holy Spirit leads those who are sensitive and obedient.
- True peace comes from seeing and knowing Christ.
Memory Verses
My eyes have seen your salvation.
— Luke 2:30A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.
— Luke 2:32
Key Passages
- Luke 2:25–35
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