Luke 2:29
"Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace.
Now, Lord
The opening phrase "Now, Lord," signifies a moment of fulfillment and recognition. The Greek word for "Lord" here is "κύριε" (kurie), which denotes authority and reverence. This address is a direct acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the speaker's submission to His divine will. In the historical context, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the ultimate authority, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament. The use of "Now" indicates a pivotal moment, a transition from waiting to fulfillment, echoing the anticipation of the Messiah throughout Jewish history.

You are letting Your servant depart in peace
The phrase "You are letting Your servant depart in peace," is rich with meaning. The Greek word for "servant" is "δοῦλος" (doulos), which implies a bond-servant or one who is devoted to the service of another. This reflects a deep sense of humility and dedication to God's service. The word "depart" (ἀπολύεις, apolueis) suggests a release or dismissal, often used in the context of freeing a slave or prisoner. This indicates a sense of completion and fulfillment of duty. "In peace" (ἐν εἰρήνῃ, en eirēnē) conveys a profound sense of wholeness and tranquility, a state of being that is only possible through divine assurance. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep-seated sense of well-being and fulfillment, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "shalom."

according to Your word
The concluding phrase "according to Your word" emphasizes the faithfulness of God to His promises. The Greek term "λόγον" (logon) refers to a word, statement, or promise. This highlights the reliability and trustworthiness of God's declarations throughout Scripture. The speaker acknowledges that what is happening is in direct fulfillment of God's prophetic word, underscoring the theme of divine faithfulness. This phrase ties back to the numerous prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the coming of the Messiah, demonstrating that God's word is unchanging and His promises are sure. This assurance is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, providing believers with confidence in God's plan and purpose for their lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Simeon
A devout and righteous man in Jerusalem who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Simeon is the speaker of this verse, expressing his fulfillment and peace upon seeing Jesus.

2. Jerusalem
The city where the events take place, significant as the religious and cultural center of Jewish life and the location of the Temple.

3. The Presentation of Jesus
This event occurs when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as was customary under Jewish law.

4. The Holy Spirit
The Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding Simeon to the Temple and revealing to him that Jesus is the Messiah.

5. The Lord's Christ
Refers to Jesus, the Messiah, whom Simeon recognizes as the fulfillment of God's promise.
Teaching Points
Fulfillment of God's Promises
God's promises are trustworthy and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Simeon's life exemplifies patient faith and trust in God's word.

Peace in God's Plan
True peace comes from recognizing and accepting God's plan for our lives. Simeon's peace upon seeing Jesus is a model for finding peace in God's promises.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides and reveals truth to believers. Simeon's encounter with Jesus was orchestrated by the Spirit, reminding us to be sensitive to the Spirit's leading.

Recognition of Jesus as Savior
Simeon's declaration acknowledges Jesus as the Savior for all people, encouraging us to share the message of salvation with others.

Living with Purpose
Simeon's life was marked by a clear purpose—to see the Messiah. We are encouraged to live with purpose, seeking to fulfill God's calling in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Simeon's response to seeing Jesus challenge or encourage your own faith in God's promises?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life?

3. How does the peace Simeon experiences upon seeing Jesus compare to the peace you experience in your relationship with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways you can share the message of Jesus as the Savior with those around you?

5. Reflect on a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can Simeon's example of patience and faithfulness inspire you during this time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 52:10
This verse speaks of the Lord revealing His salvation to all nations, which connects to Simeon's recognition of Jesus as the salvation prepared for all people.

Genesis 15:15
God's promise to Abraham about dying in peace parallels Simeon's expression of peace upon seeing God's promise fulfilled.

Philippians 1:23
Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ reflects a similar peace and fulfillment in the face of death, as expressed by Simeon.
Simeon's Swan-SongAlexander MaclarenLuke 2:29
The Circumcision and Presentation of JesusR.M. Edgar Luke 2:21-40
A Satisfied Human SpiritW. Clarkson Luke 2:25-30
A Representative ManJ. Parker, D. D.Luke 2:25-35
Aged EvangelistsC. Stanford, D. D.Luke 2:25-35
Christ Our ConsolationH. Alford, M. A.Luke 2:25-35
It is Hard to Wait, and Few Can Do it WellStopford A. Brooke.Luke 2:25-35
Patient WaitingBishop Wm. Alexander.Luke 2:25-35
Readiness for God's WillNew Cyclopaedia of AnecdoteLuke 2:25-35
Scripture Biography of SimeonC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 2:25-35
Simeon and AnnaA. Whyte, D. D.Luke 2:25-35
Simeon and the Child JesusE. D. Rogers, D. D.Luke 2:25-35
Simeon: a Sermon for ChristmasE. Bersier, D. D.Luke 2:25-35
Simeon: Saint, Singer, and SeerF. Hastings.Luke 2:25-35
Simeon's Blessed HopeC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 2:25-35
The Consolation of IsraelG. Swinnock.Luke 2:25-35
The Consolation of IsraelJ. Jowett, M. A.Luke 2:25-35
The Expectant SimeonCanon Hoare.Luke 2:25-35
The Same Man was Just and DevoutStopford A. Brooke.Luke 2:25-35
The Waiting ChurchC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 2:25-35
Waiting for the ChariotLuke 2:25-35
Waiting for the LordAugustus Hare.Luke 2:25-35
Waiting is Good But Hard ServiceH. C. Trumbull.Luke 2:25-35
Waiting is Harder than DoingSunday School TimesLuke 2:25-35
A Martyr's Death-SongA. C. Thompson, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
Character and Privilege of SimeonCaleb Morris.Luke 2:29-31
Christ EmbracedBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Christ Immediately Known and EmbracedH. Smith.Luke 2:29-31
CoincidencesG. D. Boardman.Luke 2:29-31
Death Better than DegenerationBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Death is ReleaseHelen Hunt., Bishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Death TestsC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
Death Viewed Without TerrorA. Maclaren, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
Death Welcome with Jesus NearLuke 2:29-31
Desiring DeathH. Smith.Luke 2:29-31
Excessive Spiritual JoyBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
God's SalvationJ. Irons.Luke 2:29-31
James HerveyLuke 2:29-31
Light in DeathLuke 2:29-31
Men Generally Unready to DieJ. Jortin.Luke 2:29-31
Nunc DimittisC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 2:29-31
Nunc DimittisE. G. Charlesworth.Luke 2:29-31
Old AgeE. H. Hall.Luke 2:29-31
Our Last Days Should be Our Best DaysUdall.Luke 2:29-31
Peace of a Dying ChristianLuke 2:29-31
PreparedH. Smith.Luke 2:29-31
Ready to StartLuke 2:29-31
Release from SchoolLuke 2:29-31
SatisfiedBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Seeing the InvisibleBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Servant of GodBishop Hacker., Bishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's CanticleBp. Wm. Alexander.Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's CanticleW. Burkitt, M. A.Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's SongW. Gurnall.Luke 2:29-31
Simeon's SongS. Cox, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
Spiritual IntimationsG. D. Boardman.Luke 2:29-31
Sweet When FadingScriver.Luke 2:29-31
The Best SightBishop Hacker.Luke 2:29-31
The Glory and Work of Old AgeStopford A, Brooke., A. Whyte, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
The Hunt DimittisC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 2:29-31
The Last SceneG. Swinnock.Luke 2:29-31
The Song of SimeonC. Bradley, M. A., J. Parsons.Luke 2:29-31
The Waiting of SimeonH. Smith.Luke 2:29-31
Thy SalvationC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 2:29-31
People
Anna, Aser, Asher, Augustus, Cyrenius, David, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, Phanuel, Simeon
Places
Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, Rome, Syria
Topics
Bondman, Bond-servant, Depart, Dismiss, Fulfilment, Lettest, Letting, Master, O, Peace, Promised, Releasing, Servant, Sovereign
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 2:29

     1230   God, the Lord
     6705   peace, experience
     7160   servants of the Lord
     9022   death, believers

Luke 2:1-40

     5652   babies

Luke 2:22-35

     2520   Christ, childhood

Luke 2:25-32

     6704   peace, divine NT
     8352   thankfulness

Luke 2:26-32

     2206   Jesus, the Christ

Luke 2:28-32

     2039   Christ, joy of

Luke 2:29-32

     7927   hymn

Library
December 25. "I Bring You Glad Tidings" (Luke ii. 10).
"I bring you glad tidings" (Luke ii. 10). A Christmas spirit should be a spirit of humanity. Beside that beautiful object lesson on the Manger, the Cradle, and the lowly little child, what Christian heart can ever wish to be proud? It is a spirit of joy. It is right that these should be glad tidings, for, "Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people." It is a spirit of love. It should be the joy that comes from giving joy to others. The central fact of Christmas is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Was, Is, is to Come
'... The babe lying in a manger...'--LUKE ii. 16. '... While He blessed them, He was parted from them, and carried up into heaven...'--LUKE xxiv. 51. 'This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go...'--ACTS I. 11. These three fragments, which I have ventured to isolate and bring together, are all found in one author's writings. Luke's biography of Jesus stretches from the cradle in Bethlehem to the Ascension from Olivet. He narrates the Ascension twice, because it has two
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Boy in the Temple
'And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me! wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?' --LUKE ii. 49. A number of spurious gospels have come down to us, which are full of stories, most of them absurd and some of them worse, about the infancy of Jesus Christ. Their puerilities bring out more distinctly the simplicity, the nobleness, the worthiness of this one solitary incident of His early days, which has been preserved for us. How has it been preserved? If you will look over
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Simeon's Swan-Song
'Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: 30. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation.'--LUKE ii. 29,30. That scene, when the old man took the Infant in his withered arms, is one of the most picturesque and striking in the Gospel narrative. Simeon's whole life appears, in its later years, to have been under the immediate direction of the Spirit of God. It is very remarkable to notice how, in the course of three consecutive verses, the operation of that divine Spirit
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Shepherds and Angels
'And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

December the Nineteenth the Sun of Righteousness
"A light to lighten the Gentiles." --LUKE ii. 25-40. That was the wonder of wonders. Hitherto the light had been supposed to be for Israel alone; and now a heavenly splendour was to fall upon the Gentiles. Hitherto the light had been thought of as a lamp, illuming a single place; now it was to be a sun, shedding its glory upon a world. The "people that sat in darkness" are now to see "a great light." New regions are to be occupied; there is to be daybreak everywhere! "The Sun of Righteousness
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

December the Twenty-Fifth Christmas Cheer
"Good will toward men!" --LUKE ii. 8-20. The heavens are not filled with hostility. The sky does not express a frown. When I look up I do not contemplate a face of brass, but the face of infinite good will. Yet when I was a child, many a picture has made me think of God as suspicious, inhumanly watchful, always looking round the corner to catch me at the fall. That "eye," placed in the sky of many a picture, and placed there to represent God, filled my heart with a chilling fear. That God was
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Religious Joy.
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."--Luke ii. 10, 11. There are two principal lessons which we are taught on the great Festival which we this day celebrate, lowliness and joy. This surely is a day, of all others, in which is set before us the heavenly excellence and the acceptableness in God's sight of that state which
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

Joy Born at Bethlehem
In our text we have before us the sermon of the first evangelist under the gospel dispensation. The preacher was an angel, and it was meet it should be so, for the grandest and last of all evangels will be proclaimed by an angel when he shall sound the trumpet of the resurrection, and the children of the regeneration shall rise into the fullness of their joy. The key-note of this angelic gospel is joy--"I bring unto you good tidings of great joy." Nature fears in the presence of God--the shepherds
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Nunc Dimittis"
We shall note, this morning, first, that every believer may be assured of departing in peace; but that, secondly, some believers feel a special readiness to depart now: "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace;" and, thirdly, that there are words of encouragement to produce in us the like readiness: "according to thy word." There are words of Holy Writ which afford richest consolation in prospect of departure. I. First, then, let us start with the great general principle, which is full of comfort;
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Christ About his Father's Business
But now I shall invite your attention, first, to the spirit of the Saviour, as breathed in these words, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" and then, secondly, I shall exhort the children of God, with all the earnestness which I can command, with all the intensity of power which I can summon to the point, to labour after the same spirit, that they too may unfeignedly say, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? " I. First, then note THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST. It was
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The First Christmas Carol
Let us turn aside, having just thought of angels for a moment, to think rather of this song, than of the angels themselves. Their song was brief, but as Kitto excellently remarks, it was "well worthy of angels expressing the greatest and most blessed truths, in words so few, that they become to an acute apprehension, almost oppressive by the pregnant fulness of their meaning"--"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men." We shall, hoping to be assisted by the Holy Spirit,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Christ's Boyhood
LUKE ii. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour both with God and man. I do not pretend to understand these words. I preach on them because the Church has appointed them for this day. And most fitly. At Christmas we think of our Lord's birth. What more reasonable, than that we should go on to think of our Lord's boyhood? To think of this aright, even if we do not altogether understand it, ought to help us to understand rightly the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 7. And she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapt him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. Mother and child.--Think of it, my friends, on Christmas day. What more beautiful sight is there in the world? What more beautiful sight, and what more wonderful sight? What more beautiful? That man must be very far from the kingdom of God--he is not worthy to be called a man at all--whose heart has not been touched by the sight of his first child in its mother's bosom. The greatest
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Music (Christmas Day. )
LUKE ii. 13, 14. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. You have been just singing Christmas hymns; and my text speaks of the first Christmas hymn. Now what the words of that hymn meant; what Peace on earth and good-will towards man meant, I have often told you. To-day I want you, for once, to think of this--that it was a hymn; that these angels were singing, even as
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of God

Of Having Confidence in God when Evil Words are Cast at Us
"My Son, stand fast and believe in Me. For what are words but words? They fly through the air, but they bruise no stone. If thou are guilty, think how thou wouldst gladly amend thyself; if thou knowest nothing against thyself, consider that thou wilt gladly bear this for God's sake. It is little enough that thou sometimes hast to bear hard words, for thou art not yet able to bear hard blows. And wherefore do such trivial matters go to thine heart, except that thou art yet carnal, and regardest
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
(the Temple at Jerusalem, b.c. 4) ^C Luke II. 21-39. ^c 21 And when eight days [Gen. xvii. 12] were fulfilled for circumcising him [The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren" (Heb. ii. 16, 17); that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became a debtor to the law--Gal. v. 3] , his name was called JESUS [see Luke i. 59], which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. [Luke i. 31.] 22 And when the days of their
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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