Who was Simeon? CQ Kids

Simeon was a prophet who was already old at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Luke records, “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The holy spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:25,26, NLT)
So Simeon was an elderly man, with an excellent character and reputation, looking forward to the coming of Jesus. He had not given up hope, nor allowed doubt or fear to settle into his heart. Instead, he eagerly awaited God’s precious, promised gift to mankind. Through the holy spirit - God’s power and influence - he knew that God would allow him to see Jesus before he died.

Luke continues: “That day the spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the Law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.’” (Luke 2:27-29, NLT)

Nine months earlier Mary had also referred to herself as God’s servant. (see Luke 1:38) But she was at the beginning of her service and Simeon was at the end of his.

Now an old man, the most important thing Simeon looked forward to in his life was a glimpse of the baby Jesus, God’s gift to the world. He saw the baby, took him in his arms and knew that his life was now complete, because he was holding the hope of the world. What joy he must have felt, knowing this was the promised Redeemer who would bless all the families of the earth in God’s future kingdom!

Then Simeon said, “‘With my own eyes I have seen what You have done to save your