The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33–35
Mary paid a tremendous price to bring the Savior into the world. She paid an awful price to stand beneath the cross of the Lord Jesus and watch Him die. Christ did not die to elicit anyone’s sympathy. He does not want your sympathy, He wants your faith. However, when Mary stood beneath that cross and watched Jesus die, it was with a broken heart. Of course her suffering had nothing to do with your salvation; her suffering had nothing to do with her salvation.
Her suffering was due to a human relationship. She was His human mother. She had brought Him into the world and raised Him. He was her son. She was suffering as His mother. And at that time the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled—the sword pierced through her soul also. 1
Personal Encouragement
I am sure you have experienced some soul piercing events in your life. Unfortunately, suffering is a part of the human experience. In your suffering, how has Your Savior comforted your “pierced heart?”
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
His comfort carried me. Now I know how to comfort others.
A Prayer
Lord, when no one else was around, You were there for me. Thank You!
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Luke) (electronic ed., Vol. 37). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
