And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, 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.” (Luke 2:33-35 ESV)
The Gospel
I can put up with a lot of inconvenience, if bacon is part of the result. I can endure a lot of exhaustion if a good night’s sleep is expected at the end. I can keep on keeping on if the path leads to family, friends, and fellowship.
Simeon gives Mary a dire warning. He tells her that her baby is going to suffer. But the result would be worth it. That baby, who was both God and man, would open the eyes and hearts of God’s people, and bring salvation.
When we read Simeon’s warning to Mary, we remember her sorrow at the cross. We remember her sorrow when her people rejected Him. We remember her sorrow as the baby that was so miraculously birthed was not the palace-dwelling prince He deserved to be, but the suffering servant.
But her sorrow was her price… not as big as Her son’s… not as big as the heavenly Father’s… not as big as all of God’s people’s added together…
But it was a price she was willing to pay.
For the gospel.