“Destined For The Fall And Rising Of Many In Israel”

When baby Jesus was taken to the temple to fulfill the customs of the law, two key people, led by the Spirit, spoke concerning the significance of His birth. For today, we will focus on only one, Simeon, whom the Bible describes as being “just and devout”. These were not the high and mighty of Israel but God chose them to use them concerning His purposes.

When Jesus was taken to the temple, Luke 2:34 (NKJV) recorded this as happening; “Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against.”

https://livingourbible.wordpress.com/2023/12/24/good-tidings-of-great-joy/

There are two important ideas in the words of Simeon we want to dissect today and glean lessons for our lives:

#1. JUDGMENT: The Fall Of Many In Israel

“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall…”

The first thing Simeon stated was that Christ was born to crash the ‘wise’ and ‘rich’ system of religious belief of Israel. Herod the king saw the birth of Christ as a threat to his throne. (Matthew 2). The religious leaders saw Him as an imposter claiming to be the Son of God and God Himself (John 10:30-33). Christ was the Messiah born of the seed of David to be the legitimate heir of the throne (Matt. 1). His birth was indeed a threat to the hirelings claiming to be shepherds of the sheep of God (John 10:7-21). Ultimately He crashed and caused the fall of Satan. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” Jesus was born to cause the fall of Satan and His system (Luke 10:18).

#2. SALVATION: The Rising Of Many In Israel

“…and rising of many in Israel…”

The second thing we learn from Simeon is that this Child Jesus was destined for the rising of many in Israel. Rising of the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Apostle James said that the humble will be exalted (James 4:10). The God-Man causes ordinary people and even the mighty who put their faith in Him to be elevated. Unless we are converted as little children, we cannot enter His kingdom (Matt. 18:3). Thus, He chose ordinary men to be His disciples (1 Cor. 1:26-31). He used women to proclaim the gospel (Matt. 20:1-9). He used 12 disciples to reach the world (Acts 17:6). He who comes to Him is not cast away but used for His glory.

The birth of Christ is not one sided – joy to Israel (and the world). But also judgment to many in Israel. He was born to cause the fall and rising of many. If you don’t know the Son of man, you are doomed for fall. You are bound for hell. But if you know Him, you are bound for rising and receiving eternal life (John 3:16). You will be seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. You will reign with Him in His kingdom (Rev. 5:10). Christmas must be told in its fullness. The birth of Christ is joy to those who trust in Him but doom for the dying world.

Why was the Child born? Jesus answers for Himself in John 9:39 (NKJV): And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.”