Podcast Summary: "The Fall and Rising of Many"
Cornerstone Chapel – Audio Podcast
Host: Austin (Bible Teacher)
Episode Date: December 7, 2025
Overview
In this sermon-style episode, Austin unpacks Luke 2:25–35, focusing on Simeon’s prophetic encounter with the infant Jesus at the temple. The main theme is how Jesus is "destined for the fall and rising of many," representing a point of division and decision for all people. The teaching highlights the nature of Jesus as a rock (division), a sign (target), and a sword (revealer), emphasizing the personal and spiritual implications of Christ’s arrival and calling listeners to wholehearted devotion.
Main Points & Insights
1. Context and Setting
- (00:17–05:00)
- The story takes place 40 days after Jesus’ birth, as Joseph and Mary bring Him to the temple for dedication, fulfilling requirements from Leviticus 12.
- Their offering of turtle doves or pigeons (not a lamb) indicates their modest financial condition.
- Audience prompted to “imagine this scene,” highlighting the humanity and humility of Jesus’ earthly beginnings.
2. Introducing Simeon: A Man of Expectation
- (06:11–07:52)
- Simeon, possibly 113 years old, is described as “just and devout,” waiting for the “consolation of Israel” (the Messiah).
- The Greek word for consolation, "paraklisis," connects to Jesus as comforter even today, especially for those struggling during the Christmas season.
- Notable Quote:
"Jesus desires still today to be your consolation, your comfort... God is much closer than you think. God is near. God is the paraklisis, the one who comes alongside us." (08:02, Austin)
3. The Nearness and Involvement of God
- (08:49–12:03)
- God is depicted as a loving father deeply interested in the details of our lives, not a distant deity.
- The analogy of a parent’s love for their child points to God’s even greater care.
4. Simeon as a Model of Faithful Anticipation
- (12:07–13:23)
- Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit, prefiguring the indwelling of the Spirit post-resurrection.
- His anticipation of Messiah’s first coming is paralleled with today’s believers awaiting Christ’s return.
- Notable Quote:
"The disposition of Simeon here in Luke 2 should be no different than believers today." (13:06, Bible Teacher)
5. Living in Expectation: The Call to Purity
- (13:23–15:23)
- Eagerness for Jesus’ return should motivate holy and pure living.
- References Titus 2:13 and Philippians 3:20 about “eagerly awaiting” Christ.
- Notable Quote:
"The idea that Christ could come at any moment should motivate the believer to holy living, to purity." (13:42, Bible Teacher)
- Apathetic or "lukewarm" living is contrasted with the call to be ready.
6. The Song of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis): A Declaration of Fulfillment
- (17:21–19:11)
- Simeon sings upon seeing Jesus, expressing readiness to “depart in peace”—the Greek word ‘apoluo’ meaning to be set free.
- Death for the believer is described as release and entry into eternal life.
- Notable Quote:
"Death for the believer is just being set free from the pain and the burden, the sin, the trials, the temptation of this world." (18:39, Bible Teacher)
7. Jesus: Salvation for All People
- (19:14–21:47)
- Simeon recognizes, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, that Jesus is salvation “for all peoples”—Jews and Gentiles alike.
- The net of salvation is “cast wide.”
- God’s ongoing plan for Israel is also affirmed.
- Notable Quote:
“Doesn’t matter how weird you are, how weird you look, how sinful you are. The Bible says He cast the net out wide for all people.” (19:56, Bible Teacher)
8. Simeon’s Prophecy: Stone, Sign, and Sword
a. The Stone: Division and Decision
- (23:12–25:37)
- Jesus is “destined for the fall and rising of many”; He is a rock of refuge for some but a stumbling block for others.
- 1 Peter 2:7–8 and 1 Corinthians discussed: belief brings salvation; rejection brings judgment.
- Notable Quote:
“He is either going to be your rock of refuge or he’s going to be this stone of rejection.” (25:22, Bible Teacher)
- Living "on the fence" is emphasized as a dangerous, impossible position; “Satan owns the fence.”
- Notable Quote:
“You cannot live on the fence when it comes to Jesus Christ. It is impossible. Satan owns the fence.” (27:30, Bible Teacher)
b. The Sign: The Target of Opposition
- (31:43–36:17)
- “A sign which will be spoken against” means Jesus would be a target of opposition.
- Following Jesus makes believers targets in spiritual warfare; “you have just entered the battlefield.”
- Connection made to Ephesians 6 regarding the spiritual armor.
- Notable Quote:
“When you desire to be conformed to the image of Christ, you have just entered a war zone.” (34:50, Bible Teacher)
c. The Sword: Revealing and Convicting
- (36:20–40:51)
- Simeon prophesies the coming sword that will “pierce Mary’s soul” and “reveal the thoughts of many hearts.”
- The Word and Spirit of God reveal and convict sin for the purpose of redemption, not condemnation.
- Hebrews 4:12 and Acts 2:37 cited: the Word of God as a double-edged sword, “cutting to the heart.”
- Notable Quote:
“The Word of God and the Spirit of God, they have this cutting effect on our lives, revealing the deepest parts of our soul, bringing to the surface all the junk of who we are...” (37:14, Bible Teacher)
9. Personal Application and Invitation
- (41:41–end)
- The episode closes with an invitation for listeners to make a decisive commitment to Christ, and not remain “on the fence.”
- Assurance that repentance and faith lead to God’s eager forgiveness and spiritual transformation.
- Notable Quote:
“You come to know him, follow him, and walk in his grace and forgiveness... Come to him and he will blow your mind at what he can do in your life.” (42:13, Austin)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the Nearness of Jesus:
“Jesus desires still today to be your consolation, your comfort... God is much closer than you think. God is near. God is the paraklisis, the one who comes alongside us.” (08:02, Austin) -
On Living with Expectation and Purity:
“The idea that Christ could come at any moment should motivate the believer to holy living, to purity.” (13:42, Bible Teacher) -
On Choosing Between Christ and the World:
“You cannot live on the fence when it comes to Jesus Christ. It is impossible. Satan owns the fence.” (27:30, Bible Teacher) -
On the Sword of the Word:
“The Word of God and the Spirit of God, they have this cutting effect on our lives, revealing the deepest parts of our soul, bringing to the surface all the junk of who we are.” (37:14, Bible Teacher) -
On God’s Invitation:
“You come to know him, follow him, and walk in his grace and forgiveness... Come to him and he will blow your mind at what he can do in your life.” (42:13, Austin)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Jesus’ Temple Dedication and Context – 00:17–05:00
- Introduction and Character of Simeon – 06:07–07:52
- God’s Nearness and Fatherly Care – 08:02–12:03
- Parallels for Modern Believers: Expecting Jesus’ Return – 13:06–15:23
- Simeon’s Song (“Nunc Dimittis”) and Meaning of Death for the Believer – 17:21–19:11
- Jesus as Salvation for All – 19:14–21:47
- Simeon’s Prophecy: Stone, Sign, and Sword – 23:12–40:51
- Appeal for Commitment and Closing Prayer – 41:41–end
Conclusion
With warmth and pastoral urgency, Austin explores how Jesus’ arrival demands a response from every heart, echoing Simeon’s prophecy: He will be the cause of many falling and rising. The message calls on listeners to receive Christ fully—casting aside apathy and indecision—so as to experience the deep consolation, freedom, and purpose found in Him. The heartbeat of the episode is both comfort for the brokenhearted and challenge for the complacent, urging all to be “Spirit-filled, Spirit-led” and ready for Christ’s return.