Christmas 1 December 26, 2021
Luke 2:(22-32)33-40
Jesus Opposers
v.34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
Beloved in Christ, these words of Simeon were spoken to Mary and Joseph when Jesus was only forty days' old. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son was to be presented to the Lord at this time so that a thank offering could be made. And along comes blessed old Simeon. Tottering on his old and weary legs, arms outstretched to receive the Child who is the Lord's Christ. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he beheld the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus, Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and uttered those famous words we sing at every celebration of the Lord's Supper, the Nunc Dimittis—"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation…"
These beautiful words of Simeon make sense to us. After all, Simeon was an old man—now he could die in peace—as God said he would after he had been blessed to see with his eyes and take in his arms the Child who would destroy sin and death. Mary and Joseph marveled at these words of Simeon, but his next words must have caught them off guard—indeed, as they do to us, even today. For this Child—this sweet, innocent babe, Simeon says has been appointed "for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
Now what exactly is this supposed to mean? These words of Simeon sound so odd—so out of place—especially in our context of the Christmas season. Who would speak against Jesus—oppose Jesus—that perfect Child—particularly at this time of year? And yet, if we pay careful attention, we may find there are many who do just that.
On the surface, of course, everyone loves Jesus—He's a good guy—preached about loving one's neighbor—being kind to all—nothing wrong with that! We love the Jesus in our Nativity scenes: the baby all snug and cozy in the manger—nestled at gentle Mary's breast—being worshiped by angels and shepherds and wise men from afar. He is cute and cuddly and doesn't really require anything of us. But once we start digging a little deeper we find Jesus challenges us with both His Word of Law and Gospel.
For the babe born in Bethlehem would not long remain a child. He would grow as we all do. And as a man Jesus would preach and teach and do wondrous things like healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead. But His Word would not always be easy to hear—for He unabashedly would speak the truth—the truth about us and our sin—the truth about Him and His salvation He came to bring. But these words of Jesus are not so well received.
For this Jesus' Law teaches us that we are NOT free to do as we please—we are not free to live any way we would like. For God has set down in His Word of Truth—the Bible—the particular way in which He demands His created people to live. Ways that our sinful natures find to be rather offensive: not married to that special someone—then you ought not to be engaging in union reserved for marriage—nor should you be living together. Struggling with same sex attraction or with the sex you were born—then you are called upon to repent of that and to live in God's grace and mercy for you in Christ. Disgusted with your political leaders? Jesus demands that you pray for them and obey them in all things, except where they tell you to disobey God's Word. Beloved, we really don't like these kinds of Words of Jesus—we prefer to ignore them—or do away with them.
The same with His Word of the Gospel that teaches us that we cannot save ourselves from our sin, but must trust only in Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross. Again, our sinful selves recoil at this teaching—thinking that we must be able to contribute in some way—even the tiniest little bit—that it can't ALL be Jesus' work alone. How else are we to be rewarded by God in heaven? Certainly, I'll be better than most people—have a slightly bigger crown of glory. But no. Jesus says it all depends on Him and His blood and righteousness—nothing do we bring to our salvation, but our sin and death—we cling the cross of Christ for our hope and peace and nothing else.
But these things lead us to say and think things, "I don't like THIS Jesus." "My God/Jesus would never say such things…He'd let me live any way I want because He loves me—so therefore whatever I want to do must be OK."
But indeed, this is why Jesus was hated in His own time as well—for speaking God's uncomfortable truth—urging people to repentance and to trust only in Him for salvation. Our prideful high and mighty hearts (that seek our own good above others—or that think we know better than God about what should be right or wrong) must be brought low. Indeed, our sinful selves must be destroyed—killed—through repentance—drowned in Holy Baptism—so that the new nature in Christ might arise within us—might be lifted up.
Beloved, even though we Christians who hold fast to God's Word are despised by the world and considered to be the lowest of the low—yet we will be raised up on the Last Day. For in Christ we are vindicated. By His Word we are made pure and righteous and holy—in the eyes of the only One who truly matters—the true Judge—God Almighty. He will declare to the world that you who have lived and believed in Him are not wicked or lowly, but are precious in His sight for remaining true to His Word. He will raise you up on the Last Day to enjoy a time of feasting and peace that will never end. All because you have trusted in Jesus to save you from your sins. You have clung to the cross of Christ in all things, by the grace of God the Holy Spirit working through the Word and Sacraments. Your faith has sustained you and brought you to its completion in Jesus Christ.
Already at Jesus' infancy, we see the cross begin to loom in the background. This is why Jesus came. Why He was born a man—born of the Virgin Mary. This cross would be why Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. For she would witness her own Son's crucifixion—an incredible agony for any parent—to watch their child be slowly tortured and killed.
And yet through this act Christ was rescuing the world. His suffering and death brought light and life to many—to all who believe in His name. For the blood that He shed would cleanse the hearts of sinners. Purifying you and me from all our sin—and breathing life into our weary souls. And so we give thanks to God with Anna and Simeon for the redemption that Jesus brought to the world through Israel. A redemption that cost Him His life—but that would give you and me life everlasting. So that now, we too, as the Lord's servants, may depart in peace, according to His Word—for we have seen His salvation that He has prepared—the salvation of Christ crucified for sinners—a glorious light to all the world. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Luke 2:(22-32)33-40
Jesus Opposers
v.34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed
Beloved in Christ, these words of Simeon were spoken to Mary and Joseph when Jesus was only forty days' old. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son was to be presented to the Lord at this time so that a thank offering could be made. And along comes blessed old Simeon. Tottering on his old and weary legs, arms outstretched to receive the Child who is the Lord's Christ. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he beheld the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with Jesus, Simeon took Jesus up in his arms and uttered those famous words we sing at every celebration of the Lord's Supper, the Nunc Dimittis—"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation…"
These beautiful words of Simeon make sense to us. After all, Simeon was an old man—now he could die in peace—as God said he would after he had been blessed to see with his eyes and take in his arms the Child who would destroy sin and death. Mary and Joseph marveled at these words of Simeon, but his next words must have caught them off guard—indeed, as they do to us, even today. For this Child—this sweet, innocent babe, Simeon says has been appointed "for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
Now what exactly is this supposed to mean? These words of Simeon sound so odd—so out of place—especially in our context of the Christmas season. Who would speak against Jesus—oppose Jesus—that perfect Child—particularly at this time of year? And yet, if we pay careful attention, we may find there are many who do just that.
On the surface, of course, everyone loves Jesus—He's a good guy—preached about loving one's neighbor—being kind to all—nothing wrong with that! We love the Jesus in our Nativity scenes: the baby all snug and cozy in the manger—nestled at gentle Mary's breast—being worshiped by angels and shepherds and wise men from afar. He is cute and cuddly and doesn't really require anything of us. But once we start digging a little deeper we find Jesus challenges us with both His Word of Law and Gospel.
For the babe born in Bethlehem would not long remain a child. He would grow as we all do. And as a man Jesus would preach and teach and do wondrous things like healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead. But His Word would not always be easy to hear—for He unabashedly would speak the truth—the truth about us and our sin—the truth about Him and His salvation He came to bring. But these words of Jesus are not so well received.
For this Jesus' Law teaches us that we are NOT free to do as we please—we are not free to live any way we would like. For God has set down in His Word of Truth—the Bible—the particular way in which He demands His created people to live. Ways that our sinful natures find to be rather offensive: not married to that special someone—then you ought not to be engaging in union reserved for marriage—nor should you be living together. Struggling with same sex attraction or with the sex you were born—then you are called upon to repent of that and to live in God's grace and mercy for you in Christ. Disgusted with your political leaders? Jesus demands that you pray for them and obey them in all things, except where they tell you to disobey God's Word. Beloved, we really don't like these kinds of Words of Jesus—we prefer to ignore them—or do away with them.
The same with His Word of the Gospel that teaches us that we cannot save ourselves from our sin, but must trust only in Jesus and what He has done for us on the cross. Again, our sinful selves recoil at this teaching—thinking that we must be able to contribute in some way—even the tiniest little bit—that it can't ALL be Jesus' work alone. How else are we to be rewarded by God in heaven? Certainly, I'll be better than most people—have a slightly bigger crown of glory. But no. Jesus says it all depends on Him and His blood and righteousness—nothing do we bring to our salvation, but our sin and death—we cling the cross of Christ for our hope and peace and nothing else.
But these things lead us to say and think things, "I don't like THIS Jesus." "My God/Jesus would never say such things…He'd let me live any way I want because He loves me—so therefore whatever I want to do must be OK."
But indeed, this is why Jesus was hated in His own time as well—for speaking God's uncomfortable truth—urging people to repentance and to trust only in Him for salvation. Our prideful high and mighty hearts (that seek our own good above others—or that think we know better than God about what should be right or wrong) must be brought low. Indeed, our sinful selves must be destroyed—killed—through repentance—drowned in Holy Baptism—so that the new nature in Christ might arise within us—might be lifted up.
Beloved, even though we Christians who hold fast to God's Word are despised by the world and considered to be the lowest of the low—yet we will be raised up on the Last Day. For in Christ we are vindicated. By His Word we are made pure and righteous and holy—in the eyes of the only One who truly matters—the true Judge—God Almighty. He will declare to the world that you who have lived and believed in Him are not wicked or lowly, but are precious in His sight for remaining true to His Word. He will raise you up on the Last Day to enjoy a time of feasting and peace that will never end. All because you have trusted in Jesus to save you from your sins. You have clung to the cross of Christ in all things, by the grace of God the Holy Spirit working through the Word and Sacraments. Your faith has sustained you and brought you to its completion in Jesus Christ.
Already at Jesus' infancy, we see the cross begin to loom in the background. This is why Jesus came. Why He was born a man—born of the Virgin Mary. This cross would be why Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary's soul. For she would witness her own Son's crucifixion—an incredible agony for any parent—to watch their child be slowly tortured and killed.
And yet through this act Christ was rescuing the world. His suffering and death brought light and life to many—to all who believe in His name. For the blood that He shed would cleanse the hearts of sinners. Purifying you and me from all our sin—and breathing life into our weary souls. And so we give thanks to God with Anna and Simeon for the redemption that Jesus brought to the world through Israel. A redemption that cost Him His life—but that would give you and me life everlasting. So that now, we too, as the Lord's servants, may depart in peace, according to His Word—for we have seen His salvation that He has prepared—the salvation of Christ crucified for sinners—a glorious light to all the world. Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus. Amen.