Luke 2:33-35, 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.”
Notice that these difficult words are directed to Mary, not to Joseph. Simeon is a prophet and knows that Joseph will not be alive when these words will fully come to pass. The words are for Mary, and they are difficult to hear at the birth of their precious child. The child will cause division in Israel, some will come to faith in him and others will hate him. This reality will come true in Jesus’ life and will continue far past the people of Israel, bringing about the most crucial questions in all history: who is Jesus, and what does he want with me? No more important words could ever be contemplated by any individual in the history of time. Though Jesus would be opposed, it would lead to his death and therefore, life for all who trust in him. That death of Christ would cause great pain in Mary. The word ‘also’ used here by Simeon is interesting, he must be thinking of two kinds of swords that will pierce, one piercing the heart of Mary at the loss of her son, and the other piercing the side of Jesus after his death.
But this kind of division that Jesus creates is extraordinarily purposeful: notice that it says that at this division the hearts of many will be revealed. Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Jesus will either exalt you, lift you up, show you your trust purpose as a human, or he will crush you, and there are no other options. That should put us all on warning - who is this Jesus? Is he God as he says he is? Or is he just another charlatan. Because if he is not God, then he is nothing. But because these witnesses would die for him, a faithfulness to a peasant carpenter like the world has never seen, then the measure of his greatness rings true. The birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus has caused a revolution in human history that is unparalleled, and that is undeniable, no matter what you think of him. He has caused a division and caused that question in every human heart - who is this child? He is your Lord and your Savior.
Hymn for Reflection: Little Drummer Boy. Here’s a Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzEX3QMuVPM