© 2013 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Have you ever held a newborn baby in your arms? If so, did you say to the parents, “You’re going to watch your beautiful baby die, as a young man, to accomplish an incredible mission.”? You’re probably thinking, “what a cruel thing to say to new parents!” However, this actually happened, a number of years ago, to someone who later became famous!

The baby was a one week old Jewish boy. His parents had brought him to the temple to be circumcised. There they met Simeon who held the baby in his arms and made the following proclamation. “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” (Luke 2:29-32). Scripture reveals that “…Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him” (Luke 2:33). As Simeon blessed them, he proclaimed the following prophesy to Mary, the baby’s 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 2:34-35).

The baby was the newborn Savior, Jesus Christ, the Lord! Simeon’s words to Mary were prophetic of the agony she would later endure watching her son die an excruciating and bloody sacrificial death, on the cross of Calvary, for sinners. This was, in fact, why He, God the Son, had come to be born of a virgin. He was born to die as a sacrificial substitute. He was born to endure the punishment for sin so that those who come to Him in repentance need not suffer eternal death.

What Simeon prophesied, concerning Jesus, has been fulfilled. Jesus, the Lord, has issued the following incredible invitation. Listen! “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Are you troubled and “heavy laden” because of your sinfulness? Come to the Lord Jesus. Ask Him to forgive and save you. When you do, the Lord will enable you to trust His promise. That’s why He was born to die!

 

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