The Picture is Bigger than You Think—Luke 4:34-35

Russ Ramsey

Life is filled with unexpected surprises and unfolding truths that remind us just how little of the “big picture” we actually see. The prophet Simeon held the infant Jesus in his arms, something he had longed to do and asked God for the opportunity to do before his death. When that day came, Simeon spoke to Mary and Joseph words which pulled the curtain back just a little bit more for them, showing them more of the picture of what God was doing in their family. Simeon, after blessing Jesus, told his parents, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 4:34-35). He was telling Mary and Joseph that their hearts were bound to break over this son of theirs. And why? Think about this. We’re asking the question of how we shall be made pure in heart? Simeon pulled the curtain back just a little bit to testify of mercy—to testify of how the Lord would purify His people.

God is about the business of making his people Holy—this is not because you and I are just that wonderful, but because He is! And yet we see that the way He intends to glorify Himself is by reconciling His wayward people to Himself. He never condescends to accept anything less than perfect righteousness. And in pulling back the curtain to show more of the picture, we see that the One calling us to be pure in heart is the very same One who shall make us pure in heart—giving to us His perfect righteousness. And in so doing, He pierced the hearts of his mother and father and disciples. He pierces our hearts because in God’s view our sin against Him required the death of Jesus, His son.