Joseph And Mary

Joseph And Mary

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Luke 2:33

What are the amazing words that were said? Who said them about Jesus? Of course the amazing words were Simeon’s. He took the baby Jesus in his arms and said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32). Mary and Joseph were amazed that the baby was going to be a light to the whole world, a Savior to all people, and the glory of Israel. They also were amazed that Simeon himself thought so much of the child that he would gladly die after seeing him.

Now, it was remarkable for such a great man to praise this child in a public and holy place, for Jesus was only a poor, unimportant baby. His mother was poor and humble, and his father Joseph wasn’t wealthy. How could such a child be looked upon as the Savior of all people, the Light to the nations, and the glory of Israel? Today, now that we know the entire story, it doesn’t seem so amazing. But back then, no one knew anything about it, and it sounded very strange. The poor child was so very different from the great and mighty person whom Simeon spoke about. But Joseph and Mary believed him anyway, and that is why they were amazed. If they hadn’t believed, they would have disregarded Simeon’s words. What he said would have seemed false and useless rather than amazing. So the simple fact that Joseph and Mary were amazed shows us their great faith.