And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.  (34)  And 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. 

Luke 2:33-35 

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.   

Luke 2:38

Explanation:

Aspect #5- We should imitate their witness.

When Joseph and Mary heard this declaration and affirmation of who Jesus was, and why he came they marveled.  This was another indication of their inclusion in God’s incredible plan of redemption, not just for the Jews, but for the whole world.  They must have been in total shock.

He goes on to give a word specifically to Mary.  He says that Jesus will be both accepted and rejected in verse 34.  He says that Mary would be impacted when he said, “the sword will pierce thy own soul also”.  This alludes to Mary seeing Jesus tortured and killed.

As a result of Jesus ministry, says Simeon, “the thoughts of many hearts” will be revealed.

Anna gave testimony to the identity of Jesus as well.  It says in verse 38 that she “spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem”. 

Both Simeon and Anna are used of God to declare who Jesus is to the world.  They witness in this moment about Jesus to Mary and Joseph, and those that were in the temple and beyond.  God uses them, through the Gospel of Luke, to witness to all who will read that Jesus wasn’t just identified as Messiah once he was an adult.  He was identified before His birth by Gabriel. He was identified as Messiah and Savior at his birth by the angels and the shepherds.  He was being identified before His ministry by the forerunner John. Now he was being identified by Spirit filled servants of God who were anticipating God’s messiah to come.

Application: 

Like Simeon and Anna, we can identify Jesus.  We should share Jesus with everyone we can.  Some will believe, and some will reject.  Some will marvel.  Others will walk away.  The only thing we can do here that we can’t do in heaven is be a witness of Christ and for Christ.

Christ could come back today.  Our life is a vapor.  Those who know that our time is short and believe that Jesus is coming back should witness for Him while we can.

Response:

Who do you need to talk to about Jesus today?