1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,580 Speaker 1: But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. 2 00:00:04,519 --> 00:00:08,160 Speaker 1: They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall 3 00:00:08,220 --> 00:00:12,170 Speaker 1: run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. 4 00:00:13,289 --> 00:00:20,720 Speaker 1: Isaiah 40.31 Dear Heavenly Father, In our weariness and in 5 00:00:20,800 --> 00:00:24,040 Speaker 1: times of exhaustion, this verse is a beacon of hope. 6 00:00:25,460 --> 00:00:29,110 Speaker 1: Help us to continually place our trust and hope in you, 7 00:00:30,390 --> 00:00:32,990 Speaker 1: knowing that it is only through you that we can 8 00:00:33,090 --> 00:00:38,269 Speaker 1: find renewed strength and vitality. When we feel like we 9 00:00:38,390 --> 00:00:42,699 Speaker 1: can't go on, remind us to look and wait upon 10 00:00:42,770 --> 00:00:48,279 Speaker 1: you and to rely on your boundless strength. Teach us 11 00:00:48,320 --> 00:00:53,019 Speaker 1: to soar like eagles with a perspective that rises above 12 00:00:53,120 --> 00:00:59,570 Speaker 1: our present circumstances. focusing on your eternal promises. May we 13 00:00:59,730 --> 00:01:03,910 Speaker 1: run the race before us with endurance, knowing that you 14 00:01:04,069 --> 00:01:07,750 Speaker 1: are with us every step of the way, empowering us 15 00:01:08,230 --> 00:01:13,000 Speaker 1: to press forward. Thank you, Father, for the assurance that 16 00:01:13,110 --> 00:01:17,420 Speaker 1: no matter how tired we may feel, you are our 17 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:22,100 Speaker 1: source of strength and renewal. In the powerful and loving 18 00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:27,630 Speaker 1: name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying 19 00:01:27,670 --> 00:01:31,120 Speaker 1: with me today. Stay tuned now for another episode of 20 00:01:31,200 --> 00:01:34,240 Speaker 1: Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider. 21 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:45,630 Speaker 2: Jesus was eight days old, and as was the custom, 22 00:01:45,770 --> 00:01:49,390 Speaker 2: he was circumcised and dedicated to the Lord. When it 23 00:01:49,430 --> 00:01:51,630 Speaker 2: was time for him to be dedicated at the temples, 24 00:01:52,190 --> 00:01:56,540 Speaker 2: Mary and Joseph traveled with their sacrifices to Jerusalem. The 25 00:01:56,560 --> 00:02:00,160 Speaker 2: journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem was not far. In fact, 26 00:02:00,320 --> 00:02:04,060 Speaker 2: Mary and Joseph found joy in traveling without turmoil and danger. 27 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:08,970 Speaker 2: They slowly walked the path with anticipation and faith. Joseph 28 00:02:09,000 --> 00:02:11,890 Speaker 2: led Mary and Jesus to the temple gates, his eyes 29 00:02:12,010 --> 00:02:16,010 Speaker 2: wide with reverence as they approached the majestic structure. Its 30 00:02:16,050 --> 00:02:20,970 Speaker 2: walls were vast and magnificent, arrayed with gold, ivory, and cedar. 31 00:02:21,580 --> 00:02:24,780 Speaker 2: standing as a testament to the glory and majesty of God. 32 00:02:25,540 --> 00:02:29,100 Speaker 2: The descendants of David approached the temple, their hearts filled 33 00:02:29,160 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 2: with surreal awe, their footsteps echoing with the weight of 34 00:02:33,320 --> 00:02:35,660 Speaker 2: both history and prophecy. 35 00:02:37,720 --> 00:02:40,980 Speaker 3: Welcome to another Christmas episode of Stories of the Messiah. 36 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:45,840 Speaker 3: I'm Ethan from the Jesus Podcast. Today's episode is taken 37 00:02:45,900 --> 00:02:50,970 Speaker 3: from Luke chapter 2, verses 21 through 35. Mary and Joseph, 38 00:02:51,169 --> 00:02:53,690 Speaker 3: as was the custom of the day, took Jesus to 39 00:02:53,730 --> 00:02:57,840 Speaker 3: be circumcised and dedicated in the temple. As they enter 40 00:02:57,880 --> 00:03:00,920 Speaker 3: the temple, they'll meet a stranger with a profound message 41 00:03:00,940 --> 00:03:06,240 Speaker 3: of hope, salvation, and warning. Before we begin today's story, 42 00:03:06,280 --> 00:03:09,780 Speaker 3: let's talk about the significance of circumcision on the eighth day. 43 00:03:12,740 --> 00:03:16,370 Speaker 3: As you already know, my ministry is dedicated to showcasing 44 00:03:16,380 --> 00:03:19,110 Speaker 3: the message of Christ in the Old and New Testaments. 45 00:03:20,240 --> 00:03:23,220 Speaker 3: This act of circumcision on the eighth day is a 46 00:03:23,260 --> 00:03:31,530 Speaker 3: significant Jewish custom with deep meaning and spiritual weight. Jesus' 47 00:03:31,590 --> 00:03:34,790 Speaker 3: circumcision on the eighth day was more than a cultural custom. 48 00:03:35,430 --> 00:03:38,210 Speaker 3: It was an act of obedience to God's command and 49 00:03:38,250 --> 00:03:41,750 Speaker 3: a symbol of the covenant relationship between God and His people. 50 00:03:43,630 --> 00:03:47,400 Speaker 3: Circumcision in the Old Testament represented an external sign of 51 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:53,250 Speaker 3: an internal commitment to follow God's ways. By following this command, 52 00:03:53,750 --> 00:03:56,920 Speaker 3: Mary and Joseph align Jesus with the traditions of Israel 53 00:03:57,380 --> 00:04:01,740 Speaker 3: and the promise God made to Abraham. In Jesus, this 54 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:07,860 Speaker 3: covenant finds its fullest expression. The God-man, Jesus Christ, embodies 55 00:04:07,940 --> 00:04:12,430 Speaker 3: the perfect obedience we fail to attain. Through faith in Him, 56 00:04:12,770 --> 00:04:15,530 Speaker 3: we enter into a new covenant, where the sign is 57 00:04:15,590 --> 00:04:20,900 Speaker 3: not physical circumcisions, but the circumcision of our hearts. Paul 58 00:04:20,920 --> 00:04:24,640 Speaker 3: made that very claim in Colossians 2, verse 11, when 59 00:04:24,680 --> 00:04:28,540 Speaker 3: he said, In him also you were circumcised with a 60 00:04:28,600 --> 00:04:32,370 Speaker 3: circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of 61 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:37,350 Speaker 3: the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Through Christ we 62 00:04:37,410 --> 00:04:42,130 Speaker 3: are all brought into the promise of Abraham. With that knowledge, 63 00:04:42,450 --> 00:04:45,390 Speaker 3: let's immerse ourselves in this story and meet a man 64 00:04:45,470 --> 00:04:48,750 Speaker 3: named Simeon. who was waiting for the fulfillment of a 65 00:04:48,810 --> 00:04:53,270 Speaker 3: promise made by God. After this story, we will mine 66 00:04:53,310 --> 00:04:55,690 Speaker 3: the depths of Simeon's prophetic statements. 67 00:04:58,240 --> 00:05:00,500 Speaker 2: Sitting under the shadow of the temple gates was a 68 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:03,800 Speaker 2: man named Simeon. His face was etched with the lines 69 00:05:03,860 --> 00:05:06,680 Speaker 2: of age and wisdom. His eyes were filled with a 70 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:11,350 Speaker 2: patient longing. He sat there quietly every day. watching as 71 00:05:11,430 --> 00:05:14,850 Speaker 2: newborn children were brought in to be dedicated. The thought 72 00:05:14,890 --> 00:05:17,390 Speaker 2: of new life being raised in the love of the 73 00:05:17,450 --> 00:05:21,529 Speaker 2: Lord enlivened him, a spark that sustained him through the long, 74 00:05:21,650 --> 00:05:25,050 Speaker 2: slow march of time. Yet there was one child in 75 00:05:25,110 --> 00:05:28,789 Speaker 2: particular he was waiting to see. For years Simeon had 76 00:05:28,870 --> 00:05:32,359 Speaker 2: waited to see the Messiah enter the temple gates. The 77 00:05:32,420 --> 00:05:35,000 Speaker 2: Lord had told him long ago that he would witness 78 00:05:35,060 --> 00:05:39,320 Speaker 2: his coming, so he waited patiently, his spirit attuned to 79 00:05:39,339 --> 00:05:42,830 Speaker 2: the heartbeat of eternity his soul resonant with the whispers 80 00:05:42,890 --> 00:05:45,990 Speaker 2: of the Lord. Age had fought against Simeon's will for 81 00:05:46,029 --> 00:05:48,990 Speaker 2: quite some time, but he was determined to see God's 82 00:05:49,089 --> 00:05:52,570 Speaker 2: promise fulfilled. He prayed in the shade of the temple walls, 83 00:05:53,240 --> 00:05:56,420 Speaker 2: his voice a soft murmur, his mind filled with visions 84 00:05:56,480 --> 00:05:57,820 Speaker 2: and dreams of redemption. 85 00:05:58,440 --> 00:06:00,200 Speaker 1: Until the Holy Spirit. 86 00:05:59,900 --> 00:06:02,980 Speaker 2: Tugged on his heart. Simeon opened his eyes and his 87 00:06:03,040 --> 00:06:05,460 Speaker 2: breath caught in his throat as he saw Mary and 88 00:06:05,500 --> 00:06:09,100 Speaker 2: Joseph entering the temple courtyard with a baby. Simeon's old 89 00:06:09,160 --> 00:06:13,219 Speaker 2: heart fluttered in his chest, a wild hope igniting within him. 90 00:06:13,779 --> 00:06:17,700 Speaker 2: His bones ached as he limped over, his voice trembling 91 00:06:17,760 --> 00:06:21,990 Speaker 2: with emotion. Could this be? He shouted towards Mary and Joseph. 92 00:06:22,620 --> 00:06:25,310 Speaker 2: Tears fell down his cheeks as he hobbled over to 93 00:06:25,330 --> 00:06:30,390 Speaker 2: the child, his body quivering with a joy that defied description. Startled, 94 00:06:30,830 --> 00:06:35,470 Speaker 2: Mary stepped back, holding Jesus close. She recoiled with surprise 95 00:06:35,870 --> 00:06:38,430 Speaker 2: until she caught a glimpse of the man's eyes. Much 96 00:06:38,490 --> 00:06:40,990 Speaker 2: like the shepherds, she could sense that this man knew 97 00:06:41,050 --> 00:06:44,539 Speaker 2: exactly who Jesus was. God had whispered it to him 98 00:06:44,620 --> 00:06:47,599 Speaker 2: in the quietness of his heart. The man who trembled 99 00:06:47,660 --> 00:06:50,680 Speaker 2: before her was not a stranger. In a sense, he 100 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:53,280 Speaker 2: had known of this child for far longer than her. 101 00:06:53,700 --> 00:06:56,960 Speaker 2: His eyes were like glassy pools, reflecting in them the 102 00:06:57,020 --> 00:07:00,700 Speaker 2: joy of the Lord. Overwhelming and honest joy could be 103 00:07:00,790 --> 00:07:05,210 Speaker 2: seen in those ancient knowing eyes. Simeon extended his reach 104 00:07:05,270 --> 00:07:09,820 Speaker 2: for the newborn Jesus. Instead of recoiling again, Mary rested 105 00:07:09,870 --> 00:07:13,890 Speaker 2: him in Simeon's trembling arms. He held the baby, tears 106 00:07:13,970 --> 00:07:17,890 Speaker 2: of joy streaming down his grey beard, his hands cradling 107 00:07:17,930 --> 00:07:21,090 Speaker 2: the child like someone would a chest of gold. In 108 00:07:21,170 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 2: Simeon's gaze was the look of someone who had found 109 00:07:23,980 --> 00:07:27,640 Speaker 2: his life's purpose. He held the boy up, his voice 110 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:30,080 Speaker 2: filled with wonder and gratitude. 111 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:36,020 Speaker 4: Oh my God, now I may rest in peace, for 112 00:07:36,190 --> 00:07:41,030 Speaker 4: I have seen your salvation and held it in my arms. 113 00:07:41,790 --> 00:07:46,809 Speaker 2: He is the radiance of your glorious grace. Simeon leaned 114 00:07:46,870 --> 00:07:50,830 Speaker 2: down and whispered something into the boy's ear. He kissed Jesus' 115 00:07:50,890 --> 00:07:54,430 Speaker 2: forehead and gently handed him back to his mother. The 116 00:07:54,530 --> 00:07:57,370 Speaker 2: old man put a hand on his chest and sighed 117 00:07:57,410 --> 00:08:01,130 Speaker 2: a breath of relief. The wait was over. Simeon had 118 00:08:01,250 --> 00:08:05,790 Speaker 2: seen salvation. Mary was speechless. How could this man know 119 00:08:05,930 --> 00:08:09,620 Speaker 2: so much about Jesus? Simeon fixed his eyes on Mary, 120 00:08:10,000 --> 00:08:14,040 Speaker 2: his hands holding her shoulders, his gaze piercing her very soul. 121 00:08:14,840 --> 00:08:20,140 Speaker 2: Be warned, my child. This baby is destined to make 122 00:08:20,620 --> 00:08:26,620 Speaker 2: many fall and rise. Nations will be built on his shoulders, 123 00:08:27,420 --> 00:08:31,550 Speaker 2: and many will stumble because of him. He will expose 124 00:08:31,610 --> 00:08:36,070 Speaker 2: the deep darkness of the heart and restore light to 125 00:08:36,130 --> 00:08:40,140 Speaker 2: those who love him. However, many will. 126 00:08:40,030 --> 00:08:44,380 Speaker 4: Seek his life, and a sword will cut straight through 127 00:08:44,760 --> 00:08:47,740 Speaker 4: his very soul at the sight of it. 128 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:52,240 Speaker 2: His words were a prophecy, a blessing, and a warning, 129 00:08:52,720 --> 00:08:55,980 Speaker 2: all woven into one, a tapestry of destiny that would 130 00:08:56,179 --> 00:09:01,780 Speaker 2: unfold across time and space. After dedicating Jesus in the temple, 131 00:09:02,210 --> 00:09:05,800 Speaker 2: Mary and Joseph departed back to Bethlehem. They remained there 132 00:09:05,870 --> 00:09:08,510 Speaker 2: in a small home near the very inn that showed 133 00:09:08,550 --> 00:09:11,790 Speaker 2: them mercy. It was a sanctuary where they could nurture 134 00:09:11,830 --> 00:09:15,670 Speaker 2: their child and build a place of love, tenderness and 135 00:09:15,830 --> 00:09:20,470 Speaker 2: honour towards the Lord. Joseph worked in town, thriving despite 136 00:09:20,510 --> 00:09:25,070 Speaker 2: his family's rejection. They remained there while Mary recovered, awaiting 137 00:09:25,110 --> 00:09:29,080 Speaker 2: God's next prompting. In the quiet bliss of Bethlehem, with 138 00:09:29,140 --> 00:09:32,720 Speaker 2: its green rolling hills and lush open fields. They found 139 00:09:32,800 --> 00:09:36,540 Speaker 2: solace and strength, their hearts filled with the knowledge that 140 00:09:36,559 --> 00:09:40,540 Speaker 2: they were a part of something greater than themselves. They 141 00:09:40,610 --> 00:09:43,569 Speaker 2: were the guardians of a promise, the bearers of a 142 00:09:43,650 --> 00:09:46,849 Speaker 2: hope that would ignite the world. And in the soft 143 00:09:46,929 --> 00:09:50,250 Speaker 2: cooing of their baby, they saw the reflection of eternity. 144 00:09:50,950 --> 00:09:54,370 Speaker 2: As night draped over the horizon, Joseph and Mary cradled 145 00:09:54,390 --> 00:09:56,459 Speaker 2: the babe in their arms as they looked out at 146 00:09:56,520 --> 00:10:00,390 Speaker 2: the stars. A peculiar star fixed above them. like a 147 00:10:00,490 --> 00:10:04,270 Speaker 2: guardian angel. Its light was radiating brighter than the others, 148 00:10:04,730 --> 00:10:08,110 Speaker 2: pulsing with light like a beating heart. Little did they know, 149 00:10:08,590 --> 00:10:11,790 Speaker 2: this star was a signal beckoning a group of noblemen 150 00:10:11,840 --> 00:10:15,390 Speaker 2: from the east. They were masters of astronomy and prophecy. 151 00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:20,510 Speaker 2: Some called them alchemists, others called them kings. Legends would 152 00:10:20,570 --> 00:10:22,510 Speaker 2: herald them as magi. 153 00:10:24,429 --> 00:10:27,900 Speaker 3: Simeon's patience is a beautiful illustration of what it means 154 00:10:27,980 --> 00:10:32,900 Speaker 3: to wait on the Lord. Waiting is often associated with inactivity, 155 00:10:33,300 --> 00:10:37,620 Speaker 3: but biblical waiting is an active trust in God's timing, plans, 156 00:10:38,080 --> 00:10:41,990 Speaker 3: and promises. Simeon was not idle. He was in the 157 00:10:42,050 --> 00:10:47,050 Speaker 3: temple daily, waiting and watching, fully confident in God's faithfulness. 158 00:10:48,730 --> 00:10:52,709 Speaker 3: Psalm chapter 27 verse 14 says, Wait for the Lord, 159 00:10:53,130 --> 00:10:56,630 Speaker 3: be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for 160 00:10:56,650 --> 00:11:01,650 Speaker 3: the Lord. Isaiah chapter 40 verse 31 says, But those 161 00:11:01,710 --> 00:11:04,880 Speaker 3: who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They 162 00:11:04,900 --> 00:11:07,940 Speaker 3: shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run 163 00:11:08,120 --> 00:11:11,260 Speaker 3: and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. 164 00:11:14,780 --> 00:11:17,950 Speaker 3: These scriptures remind us that waiting on the Lord is 165 00:11:17,990 --> 00:11:24,510 Speaker 3: a process of renewing, strengthening, and hopeful anticipation. Simeon's waiting 166 00:11:24,630 --> 00:11:28,900 Speaker 3: culminates in a profound moment of revelation, pointing to a 167 00:11:28,980 --> 00:11:34,860 Speaker 3: God who keeps his promises. When Simeon finally beholds Jesus, 168 00:11:35,280 --> 00:11:39,480 Speaker 3: he gives a prophetic encouragement and a warning. Simeon's prophecy 169 00:11:39,600 --> 00:11:44,290 Speaker 3: is rich with significance. He describes Jesus as God's salvation 170 00:11:44,490 --> 00:11:49,449 Speaker 3: and the light for revelation to the Gentiles. This highlights Jesus' 171 00:11:49,730 --> 00:11:55,620 Speaker 3: universal mission, extending grace and redemption to all nations. His 172 00:11:55,660 --> 00:12:01,240 Speaker 3: prophecy also foretells division and opposition. Jesus will become a 173 00:12:01,300 --> 00:12:04,860 Speaker 3: sign that is spoken against, causing many to fall and 174 00:12:04,960 --> 00:12:09,530 Speaker 3: rise in Israel. The gospel message, while a source of 175 00:12:09,630 --> 00:12:13,709 Speaker 3: joy to many, will also expose hidden sins and lead 176 00:12:13,730 --> 00:12:19,150 Speaker 3: to rejection by others. This emphasizes the polarizing impact of Jesus' 177 00:12:19,210 --> 00:12:22,949 Speaker 3: message and the choices people must make in response to him. 178 00:12:23,790 --> 00:12:28,130 Speaker 3: Simeon's words to Mary were both poignant and prophetic. He 179 00:12:28,170 --> 00:12:31,929 Speaker 3: foresaw that a sword would pierce her soul. This spoke 180 00:12:31,960 --> 00:12:35,280 Speaker 3: of the pain that Mary would endure, particularly as she 181 00:12:35,340 --> 00:12:41,040 Speaker 3: witnessed the rejection and crucifixion of her son. Mary's maternal 182 00:12:41,100 --> 00:12:44,300 Speaker 3: heart will bear the weight of the world's salvation, a 183 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:49,550 Speaker 3: joy mingled with immense sorrow. In a broader sense, the 184 00:12:49,590 --> 00:12:54,790 Speaker 3: piercing of Mary's soul symbolizes the cost of discipleship. Following 185 00:12:54,850 --> 00:12:59,980 Speaker 3: Jesus entails joy and fulfillment, but also suffering and sacrifice. 186 00:13:01,150 --> 00:13:06,540 Speaker 3: This passage, beautifully portrayed in the biblical adaptation, offers timeless 187 00:13:06,620 --> 00:13:10,200 Speaker 3: lessons for our walk with God. It speaks to our 188 00:13:10,280 --> 00:13:14,380 Speaker 3: covenant relationship with Him, the importance of patient trust the 189 00:13:14,500 --> 00:13:19,020 Speaker 3: universal reach of Christ's redemption, and the deep and sometimes 190 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:24,780 Speaker 3: painful love that follows faith. As we celebrate Christmas, let 191 00:13:24,850 --> 00:13:28,750 Speaker 3: us embrace these truths, holding them close, allowing them to 192 00:13:29,190 --> 00:13:32,410 Speaker 3: shape our lives, and sharing them with others, as the 193 00:13:32,470 --> 00:13:38,090 Speaker 3: shepherds did, with reverence, joy, and humility. In the face 194 00:13:38,130 --> 00:13:41,329 Speaker 3: of the Christ child, we find all the promises of 195 00:13:41,390 --> 00:13:45,579 Speaker 3: God fulfilled. a hope that anchors our souls, and a 196 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:50,580 Speaker 3: love that compels us to worship and witness. May the 197 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:54,960 Speaker 3: story of Jesus' dedication and Simeon's prophecy inspire us to 198 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:59,230 Speaker 3: dedicate ourselves afresh to God, to wait on Him with hope, 199 00:13:59,950 --> 00:14:03,190 Speaker 3: to embrace the mission of Christ with courage, and to 200 00:14:03,270 --> 00:14:06,550 Speaker 3: love Him with a love that pierces our very souls. 201 00:14:08,570 --> 00:14:12,179 Speaker 3: In our next episode, will travel east across deserts and 202 00:14:12,360 --> 00:14:16,760 Speaker 3: open plains. Some wise men of power and influence notice 203 00:14:17,000 --> 00:14:20,030 Speaker 3: an anomaly in the stars, leading them on a journey 204 00:14:20,350 --> 00:14:22,470 Speaker 3: to meet the prophesied King of the Jews.