Christmas Stories: Simeon - Not Just Another Baby

Focus Passage: Luke 2:21-38

Just think if every child baptized in Kentucky had to go to one church in Frankfort to have the baptism performed. Every Sunday, there would be a line of a couple hundred families. You might notice a family extremely well dressed or a family that is extremely tall or short. Most families would not get a second glance. So it would be with Jesus’ family. Every Jewish family was required to bring their child to the Jerusalem temple when the child was 40 days old to present a sacrifice. Jesus’ family was poor and brings the sacrifice of the poor – two doves or pigeons. They are hardly worth a second look. Yet, he was not just another baby. In the midst of the crowds, one man starts a commotion that others around must have wondered what the fuss is. He tells us why this is not just another baby.


A life changer v.32 As Simeon picks up the child, he pronounces that this child is a life changer. Many of the other children in the temple that day will make a difference in people’s lives. This child will change the future of the whole world. He will bring the opportunity of salvation to all men. The gentiles that have felt excluded from grace will come into the kingdom through the sacrifice of this child. The Jews who have been waiting for the Messiah will find salvation and be a blessing to the people of the world.

The watershed of success v.34 The child will have a watershed effect on people. In his lifetime, tax collectors like Matthew and men like the thief on the cross would rise from the ash heap. People like many of the Pharisees or political leaders like Pilate and Herod would fall into oblivion. There is no neutral ground with Jesus. People will either joyfully accept him or totally reject him and it will determine their fate in life.

A person to be loved or rejected v.35 Jesus will also determine how people see you. During Jesus’ life, he was considered to be an enemy of the organized church. Why did they hate him so much? Was it because he healed people or spoke to the lowliest classes of the people? No, it was that he had the audacity to speak the truth about God. He told people things that they didn’t want to hear. Sadly, people still don’t want to hear Jesus’ truth and may reject you if you speak His message.

Simeon had been waiting for the baby Jesus and rushed across the temple to hold up the child. He knew that the child was a game changer who brought blessings to those who held him and believed. He is still someone worth holding onto. Don’t let Jesus go just because Christmas is over. Hold him and enjoy Him all through the year letting him change your life and bring you His blessings. Then let others know the joy that this child can bring. Simeon was not afraid to tell others how this child was special and you should not be afraid either. Others will rush by Jesus if you don’t tell them what He has brought to your life. Give others that final Christmas gift. Give them Jesus so that they can have the greatest blessing that anyone can give them.