Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

Luke 2: 34-35

The people of Israel expected a Messiah that would restore the greatness of David’s kingdom and throw off the oppressive rule of Rome. Even his disciples expected as much, and so it seems that Joseph and Mary would have expected nothing less after the birth of the Christ child.

So, Simeon’s final words were probably more than a little unexpected. In just two sentences Simeon outlined the conflict that would result from Jesus’ ministry and the pain Mary would suffer as well as she would later see the Son of God crucified.

Jesus is the most influential person to ever walk on the face of the earth, but it is easy to forget what a polarizing figure Jesus was and still is today. Many people find his teaching helpful, citing his thoughts on loving your neighbor and having compassion for the poor and the needy. On the other hand, Jesus made exclusive claims about being God and many reject His ideas about sin and judgment.

Simeon spoke of the falling and rising of many in Israel and Jesus spoke of the two kinds of people who encounter His message – those who receive it and those who reject it.

Nothing about the Christmas story or the life of Christ is how most would expect from the Savior of the world. Let’s embrace our place in His story – there’s only one other option, according to Him.