THE CONSOLATION OF

ISRAEL HAS COME!

LUKE 2: 22 - 39

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

• Merry Christmas!

• This Luke chapter 2 story is part of the Christmas story… happens 8

days after Jesus’ birth

• Joseph & Mary are obeying the Purification Rites as instructed in the

Laws of Moses

• They are to: (1) consecrate (separate for God’s purpose only) the first

born male to the Lord and (2) offer a sacrifice – note Joseph and

Mary’s offering was 2 doves…

SIMEON

• Vv25-33

• We are introduced to Simeon: could be just a dedicated old man who

was looking forward the coming of the Messiah…given a promise from

God that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

• Could be: the son of Hillel; the father of Gamaliel, descendant of David,

and president of the Sanhedrin. Problem: Mishna does not talk about

Simeon – it skips his existence completely… researchers think that

because he believed that Jesus was the Messiah that the Mishna writers

intentionally excluded (removed) his name from their written history.

SIMEON’S MESSAGE:

• The Holy Spirit came upon Simeon

• V28 – 35 He took Jesus in his arms and praised God saying, “Sovereign

Lord, as You have promised…You may dismiss Your servant in peace… my

eyes have seen Your salvation…(He) is a light for revelation to the

Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.”

• Mary and Joseph marveled at what Simeon said…

• Simeon continued, “This child will cause the falling and rising of Israel - a

sign that will be spoken against; revealing the hearts of many; and a

sword will pierce your heart, too.”

“CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL” – THE MESSIAH

• V25 Simeon was looking for the “Consolation of Israel” – the Messiah

• Consolation = counsel and comfort after great distress or sorrow – the 1

Comforter (John 14 – Jesus came as the 1

comforter – Messiah, Who

would send the 2

Comforter – the Holy Spirit)

• Jeremiah 31:9

• Great weeping (contrite/repentant heart) – tears of sorrow

• Tears of joy for the present – God hears and sees

• Prayers poured out for the future hope

• Ephraim (10 Tribes) will be reunited with Judah

• But with consolation, I will bring them back – Israel will be restored!

ANNA

• Her name means “God is gracious”

• She’s about 90 – 103 years old

• From the Tribe of Asher – one of the Ten Rebellious Tribes that split and

became the Nation of Israel vs the Nation of Judah (2 Tribes: Judah and

Benjamin). Some families left the Ten and rejoined the Nation of Judah -

this is what Anna’s family did.

• Daughter of Phanuel or Penuel or Peniel – Peniel is the place Jacob

named where he wrestled with God…means “I have seen the face of God

and survived.” (Gen 32:30)

• Known as a “prophetess” or (Hebrew) “interpretess” – one who has the

gift of apocalyptic (end times) message…

• Anna was married only 7 years when he husband died and she remain

serving in the Temple ever since… praying and fasting – looking for the

Messiah to come…

• Came to the Temple where Mary, Joseph, Jesus and Simeon were…

looked at the baby and praised and worshipped God. Then telling

everyone she could that she had seen the Messiah

• Anna saw the face of God as did Jacob…

• Matthew 2: The angel of the Lord speaks to Joseph soon after this, they

leave for and stay in Egypt until Herod dies, then returns to Nazareth

• The Consolation – The Redeemer came to Israel – God’s Word became a

life that lived among us for 33 years

• Crucified to pay the debt of the sins of the world … our sins

• He died and rose again and is returning to eternally rule

• Looking back at 2022, like Jeremiah states…we weep with sorry for life’s

pain experienced; we cry for joy for the present blessings we now have

and we pour out prayers for the future (2023 and beyond)…

• The question still stands – have you seen the face of God, experienced

the Consolation of heaven, do you know Christ Jesus as your Savior and

Redeemer?