Jesus is Blessed by the Prophet Simeon

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 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; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:25-35

Steps: 3, 4

Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to Jerusalem to have Him circumcised according to the law, and to have Him dedicated to God. When the priest dedicated Jesus the priest did not know anything special about Him, Jesus was just another child to him. But when the priest had finished dedicating Jesus God intervened and had a special dedication for His Son. God sent a man named Simeon to bless Jesus. While blessing Him Simeon gave a prophecy to both Jesus and to Mary. God spoke through Simeon and told Mary that Jesus was the Messiah and that He was to be a blessing to all peoples, both Jews and Gentiles, and thus all recovering peoples. Simeon then blessed Mary and Joseph and told them that Jesus would cause the fall and recovery of many people and reveal the thoughts of many hearts and they would have a chance to change if they wanted to. Simeon also told Mary that a sword would pierce her own heart because of Jesus. Shortly after Simeon blessed them a prophetess by the name of Ana came in and blessed them also that God would verify this message by two witnesses. Mary and Joseph had much to ponder after this visit to Jerusalem and this conversation with God.

Prayer for Today: God we never know what You will do on any given day. Help us to be prepared so that when You do talk to us we will be prepared to accept that these things are from You. We thank You for allowing us to see how You worked in the lives of Joseph and Mary, and Jesus, help us to anticipate that You will want to talk to us as well. Help us to remember that we are precious in Your sight and You want to help us and bless us in many ways.