I was reading the account of Simeon blessing the baby Jesus. A line in the blessing grabbed my attention - Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (I added the emphasis). Jesus' life would be a sign that would be spoken against that the hearts of many may be revealed.
What an interesting statement! Who would speak against the Son of God? Why would someone speak against the Son of God? Interestingly, the immediate context of these words indicates that they apply to Israel. But why would God's chosen people speak against God's revelation of Himself? Perhaps we could understand that the Gentiles, the sinners, would reject the revelation of God. Yet earlier in Simeon's prophecy we find that Jesus would be a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles.
As I reflect further on this, it makes more sense. Even today, those who consider themselves as "God's chosen" frequently speak against the life of Jesus. When one follows Jesus in a practical way, when one patterns their life after Jesus life, it does not take long until the verbal attacks begin. Something about the untamed and unpredictable pattern of Jesus threatens those whose security is found in the confines of a religious, self-centered mindset. Jesus and His followers threaten the status quo.
Interestingly, Simeon's prophetic word indicates that the attacks on Jesus would reveal the heart of those doing the attacking. Jesus was not killed by sinners, rather it was those who purported to be doing the work of God who clamored for His death. Their actions revealed that their pious facade hid an unregenerate heart. Even today, Jesus and His life lived through us still reveals the thoughts of the heart.
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