Simeon’s Testimony of the Infant Jesus – Luke 2:25-27

Jesus’ deity from infancy is a crucial doctrine that must be known and believed. Jesus was the eternal God before the foundation of the world. Even before His birth, it was declared to Mary and Joseph that this baby would be God incarnate. Many false religions attack the Jesus’ deity at infancy, but beware: any version of Jesus apart from Scripture is not able to save.  From birth, Jesus was truly God and truly man.

In addition to Mary and Joseph, Luke brings our attention to another eyewitness to Jesus’ infancy- Simeon. Why should we listen to what Simeon has to say about Jesus? What qualifies his testimony? Based on this passage, Simeon’s character, doctrine, and the source of his testimony make him a trustworthy eyewitness of who Jesus was as a baby.

Simeon was righteous. Simeon was a common, unknown man. During a time when Judaism had become corrupt and people were under a religious system that God condemned, there was still a remnant of God’s people who remained faithful. Simeon was one of them. Simeon was a man of character. He was considered righteous by God. Religious leaders in those days believed they were righteous because they kept the law externally, but true righteousness is from the inside-out. One must have a righteous standing before God in order to produce truly righteous living.

But how did Simeon have a righteous standing before God? He was an old man before Jesus was crucified. We know that no one is righteous apart from Christ. How then did Simeon, along with the other Old Testament saints, obtain righteousness? Through the account of Abraham, we see that in both the Old and New Testament, man is righteous by faith alone. (Gen 15:5-6; Rom 3:30) Simeon was credited righteousness because he had faith in God.

How do I know if I am righteous? Anyone who is righteous fears God because they know God through Jesus Christ. Salvation transforms us to be righteous. (James 2:26) Without righteousness, you will have no power to be a witness of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Many people reject Christ because they see the hypocrisy in the lives of those who profess to be Christians. Though it is by grace alone that one is saved, we must live righteously so as to never be a stumbling block to the lost.

Simeon had sound doctrine. Simeon was not only righteous, but he was devout. To be devout is to take hold of God, who is good and holy. It is to be steadfast in your commitment to God, no matter what. The devout man holds fast to sound doctrine. He does not to merely know sound doctrine, but he lives by it. Sound doctrine was behind Simeon’s righteous actions. By sound doctrine, Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel. (Is 40:1-2)  He viewed God biblically, and knew that God keeps His promises. The consolation of Israel refers to the Messianic hope. Simeon saw Jesus as an infant and recognized by the Holy Spirit that He was God’s salvation for man. This is every believer’s sound doctrine- Jesus is the only comforter for the soul afflicted by sin. (Rom 6:8-11)

Like Simeon, we must seek God’s consolation for us every day. Jesus comforts those who seek Him, because in Him, there is the forgiveness of sins. As we cling to God and live by His Word, we can be effective witnesses to God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.