Simeon

25A man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem. He did what was right, and he loved God. He was waiting for God to comfort the people of Israel. God's Holy Spirit was with him.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

Note"Devout" means he loved God and did what God said. Israel was the name of God's people. Simeon was waiting for God to comfort them and help them. The King James says "Holy Ghost." Ghost was an old word for spirit. It means God's Holy Spirit.

26The Holy Spirit had told Simeon something. He would not die before he saw the Lord's Christ, the king God promised.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

NoteGod told Simeon a secret only he knew. He would live until he saw the promised king.

27The Spirit led Simeon into the temple, God's house in Jerusalem. Jesus' parents brought the child in to do what the law said.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

NoteThe temple was God's house in Jerusalem. People came there to pray and bring gifts to God.

28Simeon took the baby in his arms. He thanked God and said:

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29"Lord, you have kept your promise. Now you may let me, your servant, go in peace."

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

NoteSimeon means he is ready to die now, and he is happy. He had waited a long time, and now he had seen the child.

30"With my own eyes I have seen the one you sent to save people."

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31"You have made him ready for all people to see."

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32"He is a light to show the way to people who are not Jewish. He brings honor to your people, Israel."

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

NoteGentiles are people who are not Jewish. Simeon says this child will be like a light for everyone.

33Joseph and Jesus' mother were amazed at what Simeon said about him.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34Simeon asked God to bless them. He said to Mary, "Because of this child, many people in Israel will fall, and many will rise. People will speak against him."

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his 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;

NoteSimeon means some people will follow this child and some will not. "Spoken against" means people will argue about him and say unkind things.

35"And a sword will cut through your own heart too. All of this will show what people are really thinking inside."

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

NoteA sword is a long sharp knife. This is a word picture, not a real sword. It means Mary would feel very deep sadness one day.