"This child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed—and a sword will pierce through your own soul also—so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." — Simeon's Prophecy (Luke 2:34-35)
An old man named Simeon held baby Jesus in his arms and spoke words that should shake every person who hears them: This child will cause people to fall. This child will cause others to rise. This child will be opposed. And in His ministry, the hidden thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
WHY JESUS DIVIDES
Jesus is not a moral teacher you can comfortably add to your life. He is not a bridge for religious unity. He is not someone you can stay neutral about. He is the stone placed in your path—you will either stumble over him or stand upon him. He is the light shining into darkness—you will either run to him or flee from him. He is Lord—you will either bow before Him or fall beneath Him.
WHAT WE'LL DISCOVER:
- Why Simeon called Jesus "a stone of stumbling" and what that means for you
- How Jesus exposed the Pharisees' hidden sins: glory-seeking, hypocrisy, greed, hatred
- Why Mary's "pierced soul" points to Calvary
- The choice before every person: fall in judgment or rise in salvation
THE UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH:
You cannot leave this message neutral. The stone has been placed before you. Christ is the great revealer—He exposes what lies beneath your religious veneer, your outward piety, your comfortable spirituality.
And the question is: Will you let Him expose your sin so He can heal it? Or will you harden your heart against the light?
THE GOSPEL PROMISE:
- The very same light that exposes is the light that saves.
- The same Christ who reveals your sin is the Christ who bore your sin.
- The sword that should have pierced your soul pierced His instead.
