Definition: 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;
Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Luke 2:34. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about Jesus’ future. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God has chosen Jesus to be a significant figure in the future of Israel – a nation, and it's going to have a big impact on the world. It’s predicting a time when people will say bad things about him. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Simeon blessed them…” - This means that Simeon, a man who was already a servant of God, was praising and blessing Mary, Jesus' mother. “…and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this [child] is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel;” – This is the key part. “Behold” means "look" or "see." Simeon says to Mary, “See! This child…” The word “set” suggests that God has chosen him to be a significant role in the future. He’s saying this child will have a huge impact on many people throughout Israel. “And for a sign which shall be spoken against;” – This is where it gets a little more complex. "A sign" means something that will happen to show or illustrate a point. This verse says that this child’s life, and the future events associated with him, will have a negative impact on people who might speak badly about him. It's like a warning or an omen. What does it mean in bigger terms? Jesus is a Key: The verse suggests that Jesus isn’t just a baby; he's a crucial part of God’s plan for the future, and his life will have consequences. The Future is Uncertain: It’s not saying exactly what the bad things will be. It’s more about the possibility of negative attention and judgment directed at him. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about Jesus' future suffering and death, but it's also seen as a message of hope – that even through difficult times, God will ultimately triumph. In short, Luke 2:34 tells us that God has chosen Jesus to be a powerful figure in the future, and that his life will have consequences that could be used against him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide a simpler analogy to help understand the concept? Discuss what the verse might symbolize (e.g., the rise and fall of empires)?