Luke 2:33-35 (ESV)
And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] 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 [35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
And a sword will pierce through your own soul also. I haven’t experienced it, but of all grief I see in my occupation, a mother’s grief for the premature passing of a son seems to be the deepest, it must be as if a sword pierces their soul. It is most definitely the hardest to deal with as a pastor, the hardest to try and console. Mary must have been taken aback by this harsh and cruel prophecy to come on the heels of such a joyous song of praise and thanksgiving. A sword will pierce her soul “also.” Simeon knows and prophecies the death of this young child, a young death, his heart will be pierced. It will happen because this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many. Some will not believe, some will. Those who do not believe will fall, those who do, will rise. Jesus will cause controversy, and it doesn’t end with his death, no it will continue until he appears again.
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