Luke 2:35

"Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against."

Key Reflection

Simeon's blessing to Mary and Joseph at the Temple was profound, as he foretold that Jesus would bring about both the fall and rise of many in Israel. This statement would have been shocking to the original audience, for it implied that Jesus’s mission would lead to significant division and conflict within Jewish society. The idea of a sign "spoken against" suggested that Jesus would be both revered and reviled, setting the stage for the eventual crucifixion and the intense opposition he faced throughout his ministry.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 35. Yea, a sword {s} , &c. The sufferings and death of thy Son shall deeply afflict thy soul. And if Mary had not been thus forewarned and sustained by strong faith, she could not have borne the trials which came upon her Son; but God prepared her for it, and the holy mother of the dying Saviour was sustained. That the thoughts, &c. This is connected with the preceding verse: "He shall be a sign, a conspicuous object to be spoken against, that the thoughts of many hearts may be made manifest"-- that is, that they might show how much they hated holiness. Nothing so brings out the feelings of sinners as to tell them of Jesus Christ.

Related Verses

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