Dear Explorer,
Read Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem. He's not a priest or a scribe, or a prophet. He's simply described as a man who was waiting for the Messiah and then it says that the Holy Spirit was upon him and specifically led him to the temple that day.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God – part of the Trinity. We see the Holy Spirit appear at various times throughout the Old Testament. He would come upon a person for a particular purpose – guiding them or giving them a message from God to speak, but not staying permanently. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. Christ is another name that means Messiah. Here we see that the Holy Spirit spoke to Simeon and guided him to go to the temple that day.
Was Simeon obedient?
What do you think would have happened if he had not obeyed?
Then the Holy Spirit gave Simeon a message to speak to the parents and those standing around. Notice especially in Luke 2:32 that he says that the Messiah was not JUST for Jews, but also for the Gentiles.
He also predicted that Mary's heart would be broken.
Simeon was just a man, but he was known for something. He was known for being righteous and devoted to God. And everyone knew he was looking forward to Messiah.
What are you “known” for?
If Luke asked your friends or family for a description of you – what would they say?