So, when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus into the temple to do all the 40th day sacrifices for Him, Simeon runs up and grabs Jesus and says the words that we sing after communion – the Nunc Dimittis. That’s familiar. But do you note what happens next?
Simeon hands Jesus back and blesses Mary, but then he says something quite strange. “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed…” Think about the shock of hearing that. It’s been joy to the world, happy holidays, have a holly jolly Christma… what? Talk about throwing cold water on the parade! This Child is going to cause chaos because of who He is, Mary – and people are going to hate Him. The wicked of the world will rally and fight against Him.
And it’s true. Think about Jesus’ crucifixion – you have Herod and Pilate and the Priests all conspiring together – that was something unheard of. The priests hated anyone who was gentile, and Herod and Pilate hated each other until the events of Good Friday – they only became friends afterwards. Christ Jesus ends up being one of if not the most hated person in all of history. His very name is a curse, a vulgarity.
Of course Jesus is hated – we hate anyone who is better, richer, prettier, or more successful than us. That’s why the media has such a field day with celebrity scandals. We love seeing folks brought down. It’s part of our dog eat dog sinful human nature. And then, suddenly, there is Jesus. And He’s without sin. And every moment that He lives perfectly just shows how wretched we are – and the response of the sinful flesh is to hate Him. To want to prove that we really are better than Him.
This is why God uses the Law to work upon us, to crush our sinful ego that would hate Jesus, hate God. God uses His Law to show us our lack, to show us that we need to be rescued. Then, and only then, will we see Jesus differently. Also in the temple that day was old Anna, and she came thanking God and speaking “of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Israel.” There’s the difference! When you are not actively trying to prove yourself better than everyone else and are rather waiting to be saved – like Simeon and Anna were – then Jesus is the most wonderful thing. He is your Savior and Redeemer. He is the Light to lighten the gentiles and the Glory of Israel. His perfection and holiness are no longer just things that show that He is better than you; instead they are gifts you receive from Him by faith. God grant that we always receive such great gifts from Christ Jesus our Lord!
