July 24, 2025 • 14 mins
Welcome to the Christmas series! Mary and Joseph take the newborn Jesus to be dedicated to the temple. There, they meet a prophet who gives blessings and warnings of things to come.
Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com.
As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel.
They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history.
For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.
To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall
run and not be weary. They shall walk and not
faint Isaiah forty thirty one. Dear Heavenly Father, in our
weariness and in times of exhaustion, this verse is a
(00:23):
beacon of hope. Help us to continually place our trust
and hope in you, knowing that it is only through
you that we can find renewed strength and vitality when
we feel like we can't go on. Remind us to
look and wait upon you and to rely on your
(00:45):
boundless strength. Teach us to soar like eagles, with a
perspective that rises above our present circumstances, focusing on your
eternal promises. May we run the race before us with endurance,
knowing that you are with us every step of the way,
(01:06):
empowering us to press forward. Thank you, Father for the
assurance that, no matter how tired we may feel, you
are our source of strength and renewal. In the powerful
and loving name of Jesus, we pray, Amen. Thank you
(01:27):
for praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another
episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Jesus was eight days old, and as was the custom,
he was circumcised and dedicated to the Lord. When it
was time for him to be dedicated at the Temple,
Mary and Joseph traveled with their sacrifices to Jerusalem. The
journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem was not far. In fact,
Mary and Joseph found joy in traveling without turmoil and danger.
(02:04):
They slowly walked the path with anticipation in faith. Joseph
led Mary and Jesus to the temple gates, his eyes
wide with reverence as they approached the majestic structure. Its
walls were vast and magnificent, arrayed with gold, ivory, and cedar,
standing as a testament to the glory and majesty of God.
(02:25):
The descendants of David approached the Temple, their hearts filled
with surreal awe, their footsteps echoing with the weight of
both history and prophecy.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Welcome to another Christmas episode of Stories of the Messiah.
I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus. Today's episode
is taken from Luke chapter two, verse twenty one through
thirty five. Mary and Joseph as was the custume of
the day, took Jeus to be circumcised and dedicated in
the Temple. As they enter the temple, they will meet
(02:57):
a stranger with a profound message of hope, salvation, and warning.
Before we begin today's story, let's talk about the significance
of circumcision on the eighth Day. As you already know,
my ministry is dedicated to showcasing the message of Christ
and the Old and New Testaments. This act of circumcision
(03:17):
on the eighth Day is a significant Jewish custom with
deep meaning and spiritual weight. Jesus's circumcision on the eighth
Day was more than a cultural custom. It was an
act of obedience to God's command and a symbol of
the covenant relationship between God and his people Israel. Circumcision
in the Old Testament represented an external sign of an
(03:41):
eternal commitment to follow God's ways. By following this command,
Mary and Joseph align Jesus with the traditions of Israel
and the promise God made to Abraham. In Jesus, this
covenant finds its fullest expression. The God Man. Jesus Christ
embodies the perfect obedience, and we failed to attain through
(04:02):
faith in Him, we enter to a new covenant, where
the sign is not physical circumcision, but the circumcision of
our hearts. Paul made that very claim in Colossians two
eleven when he said, in him you also were circumcised
with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the
body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Through Christ,
(04:27):
we are all brought into the promise of Abraham. With
that knowledge, let's immerse ourselves in this story and meet
a man named Simeon, who was waiting for the fulfillment
of a promise made by God. After this story we
will mind the depths of Simeon's prophetic statements.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Sitting under the shadow of the temple gates was a
man named Simeon. His face was etched with the lines
of age and wisdom. His eyes were filled with a
patient longing. He sat there quietly every day watching his
new Some born children were brought in to be dedicated.
The thought of new life being raised in the love
of the Lord enlivened him a spark that sustained him
(05:09):
through the long, slow march of time. Yet there was
one child in particular he was waiting to see For years,
Simeon had waited to see the Messiah enter the temple gates.
The Lord had told him long ago that he would
witness his coming, so he waited patiently, his spirit attuned
to the heartbeat of Eternity, his soul resonant with the
(05:30):
whispers of the Lord. Age had fought against Simeon's will
for quite some time, but he was determined to see
God's promise fulfilled. He prayed in the shade of the
temple walls, his voice a soft murmur, his mind filled
with visions and dreams of redemption, until the Holy Spirit
tugged on his heart. Simeon opened his eyes and his
(05:51):
breath caught in his throat as he saw Mary and
Joseph entering the temple courtyard with a baby. Simeon's old
heart fluttered in his chest a while, hope igniting within him.
His bones egched as he limped over, his voice trembling
with emotion. Could this be? He shouted towards Mary and Joseph.
Tears fell down his cheeks as he hobbled over to
(06:13):
the child, his body quivering with a joy that defied description. Startled.
Mary stepped back, holding Jesus close. She recoiled with surprise
until she caught a glimpse of the man's eyes, much
like the shepherd's. She could sense that this man knew
exactly who Jesus was. God had whispered it to him
in the quietness of his heart. The man who trembled
(06:36):
before her was not a stranger in a sense. He
had known of this child for far longer than her.
His eyes were like glassy pools, reflecting in them the
joy of the Lord. Overwhelming and honest joy could be
seen in those ancient, knowing eyes. Simeon extended his reach
for the new born Jesus. Instead of recoiling again, Mary
(06:57):
rested him in Simeon's trembling arms. He held the baby,
tears of joy streaming down his gray beard, his hands
cradling the child like someone would a chest of gold.
In Simeon's gaze was the look of someone who had
found his life's purpose. He held the boy up, his
voice filled with wonder and gratitude.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Oh my God, now I'm rest in peace, for I
have seen your salvation and held it in my arms.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
He is the radiance of your glorious grace. Simeon leaned
down and whispered something into the boy's ear. He kissed
Jesus's forehead and gently handed him back to his mother.
The old man put a hand on his chest and
sighed a breath of relief. The weight was over. Simeon
had seen salvation. Mary was speechless. How could this man
(07:54):
know so much about Jesus. Simeon fixed his eyes on Mary,
his hands holding his shoulders, his gaze piercing her very soul.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Be worn, my child. This baby is destined to make
many four and rise. Nations will be built on his shoulders,
and many will stumble because of him. He will expose
the deep darkness of the heart and restore light to
(08:24):
those who love him. However, many will seek his life,
and a sword will cut straight through his very soul
at the sight of it.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
His words were a prophecy, a blessing, and a warning,
all woven into one, a tapestry of destiny that would
unfold across time and space. After dedicating Jesus in the temple,
Mary and Joseph departed back to Bethlehem. They remained there
in a small home near the very inn that showed
the mercy. It was a sanctuary where they could to
(09:00):
their child and build a place of love, tenderness, and
honor towards the Lord. Joseph worked in town, thriving despite
his family's rejection. They remained there while Mary recovered, awaiting
God's next prompting. In the quiet bliss of Bethlehem, with
its green, rolling hills and lush open fields, they found
(09:21):
solace and strength, their hearts filled with the knowledge that
they were a part of something greater than themselves. They
were the guardians of a promise, the bearers of a
hope that would ignite the world, And in the soft
cooing of their baby, they saw the reflection of eternity.
As night draped over the horizon, Joseph and Mary cradled
(09:42):
the babe in their arms as they looked out at
the stars. A peculiar star fixed above them like a
guardian angel. Its light was radiating brighter than the others,
pulsing with light like a beating heart. Little did they
know this star was a signal beckoning a group of
nobles men from the East. They were masters of astronomy
(10:03):
and prophecy. Some called them alchemists, others called them kings.
Legends would herald them as.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Magi Simeon's patience is a beautiful illustration of what it
means to wait on the Lord. Waiting is often associated
with inactivity, but biblically, waiting is an act of trust
in God's timing, plans and promises. Simeon was not idle.
He was in the temple every day, waiting and watching,
(10:32):
fully confident in God's faithfulness. Psalm twenty seven fourteen says,
wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart
take courage. Wait for the Lord. Isaiah forty verse thirty
one says, but those who wait for the lords are
renew their strength. They shall mon up with wings like eagles.
(10:53):
They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk
and not faint. These scriptures remind us that waiting on
the Lord is a process of renewing, strengthening, and hopeful anticipation.
Simeon's waiting culminates in a profound statement of revelation, pointing
to a God who keeps his promises. When Simeon finally
(11:14):
beholds Jesus, he gives a prophetic encouragement and warning. Simeon's
prophecy is rich with significance. He describes Jius as God's
salvation and the light for revelation to the gentiles. This
highlights Jius's universal mission, extending grace and redemption to all nations.
(11:35):
His prophecy also foretells division and opposition. Jius will become
a sign that has spoken against, causing many to fall
and rise in Israel. The Gospel message, while a source
of joy to many, will also expose hidden sins and
lead to rejection by others. This emphasizes the polarizing impact
(11:56):
of Jesus's message and the choices people must make in
response to him. Simeon's words to marry are both poignant
and prophetic. He foresaw that a sword would pierce her soul.
This spoke of the pain Mary would endure, particularly as
she witnessed the rejection and crucifixion of her son. Mary's
(12:17):
maternal heart will bear the weight of the world's salvation,
a joy mingled with immense sorrow. In a broader sense,
the piercing of Mary's soul symbolizes the cost of discipleship.
Following Jesus entails joy and fulfillment, but also suffering and sacrifice.
This passage, beautifully portrayed in the Biblical adaptation, offers timeless
(12:41):
lessons for our walk with God. It speaks to our
covenant relationship with Him, the importance of patient trust, the
universal reach of Christ's redemption, and the deep and sometimes
painful love that follows faith. As we celebrate Christmas, let
us embrace these truths, holding them close, allowing them to
(13:02):
shape our lives, and sharing them with others, as the
shepherds did with reverence, joy, and humility. In the face
of the Christ Child, we find all the promises of
God fulfilled, a hope that anchors our souls, and a
love that compels us to worship and witness. May the
story of Jus's dedication and Simeon's prophecy inspire us to
(13:24):
dedicate ourselves afresh to God, to wait on Him with hope,
to embrace the mission of Christ with courage, and to
love Him with the love that pierces our very souls.
In our next episode, we will travel east across deserts
and open plains. Some Wise, men of power and influence
notice an anomaly in the stars, leading them on a
(13:46):
journey to meet the Prophesiede King of the Jews, to
dwell deeper into Jesus's Old Testament appearances and prophecies. You
can visit discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. I'd also
like to recommend my new book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing
Messiah in the Pages of the Hebrew Bible if you
want to learn more about Christ's redemptive story told in
(14:08):
the Old Testament. If this podcast impacted you, please take
a moment to leave a comment and review. Doing so
will make sure others discover these life changing truths and stories,
and be sure to download the Prey dot coment to
make prayer priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall
run and not be weary. They shall walk and not
faint Isaiah forty thirty one. Dear Heavenly Father, in our
weariness and in times of exhaustion, this verse is a
(00:23):
beacon of hope. Help us to continually place our trust
and hope in you, knowing that it is only through
you that we can find renewed strength and vitality when
we feel like we can't go on. Remind us to
look and wait upon you and to rely on your
(00:45):
boundless strength. Teach us to soar like eagles, with a
perspective that rises above our present circumstances, focusing on your
eternal promises. May we run the race before us with endurance,
knowing that you are with us every step of the way,
(01:06):
empowering us to press forward. Thank you, Father for the
assurance that, no matter how tired we may feel, you
are our source of strength and renewal. In the powerful
and loving name of Jesus, we pray, Amen. Thank you
(01:27):
for praying with me today. Stay tuned now for another
episode of Stories of the Messiah with Rabbi Schneider.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
Jesus was eight days old, and as was the custom,
he was circumcised and dedicated to the Lord. When it
was time for him to be dedicated at the Temple,
Mary and Joseph traveled with their sacrifices to Jerusalem. The
journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem was not far. In fact,
Mary and Joseph found joy in traveling without turmoil and danger.
(02:04):
They slowly walked the path with anticipation in faith. Joseph
led Mary and Jesus to the temple gates, his eyes
wide with reverence as they approached the majestic structure. Its
walls were vast and magnificent, arrayed with gold, ivory, and cedar,
standing as a testament to the glory and majesty of God.
(02:25):
The descendants of David approached the Temple, their hearts filled
with surreal awe, their footsteps echoing with the weight of
both history and prophecy.
Speaker 3 (02:36):
Welcome to another Christmas episode of Stories of the Messiah.
I'm Rabbi Schneider from Discovering the Jewish Jesus. Today's episode
is taken from Luke chapter two, verse twenty one through
thirty five. Mary and Joseph as was the custume of
the day, took Jeus to be circumcised and dedicated in
the Temple. As they enter the temple, they will meet
(02:57):
a stranger with a profound message of hope, salvation, and warning.
Before we begin today's story, let's talk about the significance
of circumcision on the eighth Day. As you already know,
my ministry is dedicated to showcasing the message of Christ
and the Old and New Testaments. This act of circumcision
(03:17):
on the eighth Day is a significant Jewish custom with
deep meaning and spiritual weight. Jesus's circumcision on the eighth
Day was more than a cultural custom. It was an
act of obedience to God's command and a symbol of
the covenant relationship between God and his people Israel. Circumcision
in the Old Testament represented an external sign of an
(03:41):
eternal commitment to follow God's ways. By following this command,
Mary and Joseph align Jesus with the traditions of Israel
and the promise God made to Abraham. In Jesus, this
covenant finds its fullest expression. The God Man. Jesus Christ
embodies the perfect obedience, and we failed to attain through
(04:02):
faith in Him, we enter to a new covenant, where
the sign is not physical circumcision, but the circumcision of
our hearts. Paul made that very claim in Colossians two
eleven when he said, in him you also were circumcised
with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the
body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. Through Christ,
(04:27):
we are all brought into the promise of Abraham. With
that knowledge, let's immerse ourselves in this story and meet
a man named Simeon, who was waiting for the fulfillment
of a promise made by God. After this story we
will mind the depths of Simeon's prophetic statements.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
Sitting under the shadow of the temple gates was a
man named Simeon. His face was etched with the lines
of age and wisdom. His eyes were filled with a
patient longing. He sat there quietly every day watching his
new Some born children were brought in to be dedicated.
The thought of new life being raised in the love
of the Lord enlivened him a spark that sustained him
(05:09):
through the long, slow march of time. Yet there was
one child in particular he was waiting to see For years,
Simeon had waited to see the Messiah enter the temple gates.
The Lord had told him long ago that he would
witness his coming, so he waited patiently, his spirit attuned
to the heartbeat of Eternity, his soul resonant with the
(05:30):
whispers of the Lord. Age had fought against Simeon's will
for quite some time, but he was determined to see
God's promise fulfilled. He prayed in the shade of the
temple walls, his voice a soft murmur, his mind filled
with visions and dreams of redemption, until the Holy Spirit
tugged on his heart. Simeon opened his eyes and his
(05:51):
breath caught in his throat as he saw Mary and
Joseph entering the temple courtyard with a baby. Simeon's old
heart fluttered in his chest a while, hope igniting within him.
His bones egched as he limped over, his voice trembling
with emotion. Could this be? He shouted towards Mary and Joseph.
Tears fell down his cheeks as he hobbled over to
(06:13):
the child, his body quivering with a joy that defied description. Startled.
Mary stepped back, holding Jesus close. She recoiled with surprise
until she caught a glimpse of the man's eyes, much
like the shepherd's. She could sense that this man knew
exactly who Jesus was. God had whispered it to him
in the quietness of his heart. The man who trembled
(06:36):
before her was not a stranger in a sense. He
had known of this child for far longer than her.
His eyes were like glassy pools, reflecting in them the
joy of the Lord. Overwhelming and honest joy could be
seen in those ancient, knowing eyes. Simeon extended his reach
for the new born Jesus. Instead of recoiling again, Mary
(06:57):
rested him in Simeon's trembling arms. He held the baby,
tears of joy streaming down his gray beard, his hands
cradling the child like someone would a chest of gold.
In Simeon's gaze was the look of someone who had
found his life's purpose. He held the boy up, his
voice filled with wonder and gratitude.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Oh my God, now I'm rest in peace, for I
have seen your salvation and held it in my arms.
Speaker 2 (07:30):
He is the radiance of your glorious grace. Simeon leaned
down and whispered something into the boy's ear. He kissed
Jesus's forehead and gently handed him back to his mother.
The old man put a hand on his chest and
sighed a breath of relief. The weight was over. Simeon
had seen salvation. Mary was speechless. How could this man
(07:54):
know so much about Jesus. Simeon fixed his eyes on Mary,
his hands holding his shoulders, his gaze piercing her very soul.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
Be worn, my child. This baby is destined to make
many four and rise. Nations will be built on his shoulders,
and many will stumble because of him. He will expose
the deep darkness of the heart and restore light to
(08:24):
those who love him. However, many will seek his life,
and a sword will cut straight through his very soul
at the sight of it.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
His words were a prophecy, a blessing, and a warning,
all woven into one, a tapestry of destiny that would
unfold across time and space. After dedicating Jesus in the temple,
Mary and Joseph departed back to Bethlehem. They remained there
in a small home near the very inn that showed
the mercy. It was a sanctuary where they could to
(09:00):
their child and build a place of love, tenderness, and
honor towards the Lord. Joseph worked in town, thriving despite
his family's rejection. They remained there while Mary recovered, awaiting
God's next prompting. In the quiet bliss of Bethlehem, with
its green, rolling hills and lush open fields, they found
(09:21):
solace and strength, their hearts filled with the knowledge that
they were a part of something greater than themselves. They
were the guardians of a promise, the bearers of a
hope that would ignite the world, And in the soft
cooing of their baby, they saw the reflection of eternity.
As night draped over the horizon, Joseph and Mary cradled
(09:42):
the babe in their arms as they looked out at
the stars. A peculiar star fixed above them like a
guardian angel. Its light was radiating brighter than the others,
pulsing with light like a beating heart. Little did they
know this star was a signal beckoning a group of
nobles men from the East. They were masters of astronomy
(10:03):
and prophecy. Some called them alchemists, others called them kings.
Legends would herald them as.
Speaker 3 (10:10):
Magi Simeon's patience is a beautiful illustration of what it
means to wait on the Lord. Waiting is often associated
with inactivity, but biblically, waiting is an act of trust
in God's timing, plans and promises. Simeon was not idle.
He was in the temple every day, waiting and watching,
(10:32):
fully confident in God's faithfulness. Psalm twenty seven fourteen says,
wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart
take courage. Wait for the Lord. Isaiah forty verse thirty
one says, but those who wait for the lords are
renew their strength. They shall mon up with wings like eagles.
(10:53):
They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk
and not faint. These scriptures remind us that waiting on
the Lord is a process of renewing, strengthening, and hopeful anticipation.
Simeon's waiting culminates in a profound statement of revelation, pointing
to a God who keeps his promises. When Simeon finally
(11:14):
beholds Jesus, he gives a prophetic encouragement and warning. Simeon's
prophecy is rich with significance. He describes Jius as God's
salvation and the light for revelation to the gentiles. This
highlights Jius's universal mission, extending grace and redemption to all nations.
(11:35):
His prophecy also foretells division and opposition. Jius will become
a sign that has spoken against, causing many to fall
and rise in Israel. The Gospel message, while a source
of joy to many, will also expose hidden sins and
lead to rejection by others. This emphasizes the polarizing impact
(11:56):
of Jesus's message and the choices people must make in
response to him. Simeon's words to marry are both poignant
and prophetic. He foresaw that a sword would pierce her soul.
This spoke of the pain Mary would endure, particularly as
she witnessed the rejection and crucifixion of her son. Mary's
(12:17):
maternal heart will bear the weight of the world's salvation,
a joy mingled with immense sorrow. In a broader sense,
the piercing of Mary's soul symbolizes the cost of discipleship.
Following Jesus entails joy and fulfillment, but also suffering and sacrifice.
This passage, beautifully portrayed in the Biblical adaptation, offers timeless
(12:41):
lessons for our walk with God. It speaks to our
covenant relationship with Him, the importance of patient trust, the
universal reach of Christ's redemption, and the deep and sometimes
painful love that follows faith. As we celebrate Christmas, let
us embrace these truths, holding them close, allowing them to
(13:02):
shape our lives, and sharing them with others, as the
shepherds did with reverence, joy, and humility. In the face
of the Christ Child, we find all the promises of
God fulfilled, a hope that anchors our souls, and a
love that compels us to worship and witness. May the
story of Jus's dedication and Simeon's prophecy inspire us to
(13:24):
dedicate ourselves afresh to God, to wait on Him with hope,
to embrace the mission of Christ with courage, and to
love Him with the love that pierces our very souls.
In our next episode, we will travel east across deserts
and open plains. Some Wise, men of power and influence
notice an anomaly in the stars, leading them on a
(13:46):
journey to meet the Prophesiede King of the Jews, to
dwell deeper into Jesus's Old Testament appearances and prophecies. You
can visit discovering the Jewish Jesus dot com. I'd also
like to recommend my new book, Messianic Prophecy Revealed Seeing
Messiah in the Pages of the Hebrew Bible if you
want to learn more about Christ's redemptive story told in
(14:08):
the Old Testament. If this podcast impacted you, please take
a moment to leave a comment and review. Doing so
will make sure others discover these life changing truths and stories,
and be sure to download the Prey dot coment to
make prayer priority and experience the Bible in new ways.
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