Scripture: Luke 2:22-35
Swords in the Bible
Swords are literal and figurative
Gen 3:24 – Angel w/ flaming sword
2 Sam 12:10 – Sword means strife
Mic 4 – Swords into plowshares
Heb 4:12 – God’s Word is a sword
Rev 19:15 – Words of judgment
Simeon’s Proclamations
Ex 13:2 – First-born consecrated
Simeon is righteous & devout
Nunc Dimittis – now dismissed
Simeon believes by faith
Conflict between People
Your child is appointed
He will not be accepted
Matt 10:34 Jesus brings a sword
Christians are opposed
Jesus’ family opposed Him
Conflict inside People
Gospel is a soul-piercing message
Is 8:14 – He will be a stumbling block
Matt 21:42-45 Religious leaders
1 Cor 1:23-24 Gospel is stumbling block
2 Cor 2:14-16 Some accept & others reject
John 16:8 – Holy Spirit convicts
Sword will pierce Mary’s soul
John 3:16 God loved the world
Book Recommendation
Hidden Christmas by Tim Keller
