Episode Summary: "Simeon – Real Men of Christmas: Week 5"

Podcast: The Church of Eleven22
Date: December 28, 2025
Series: Real Men of Christmas (Week 5)
Speaker: Pastor Joby Martin

Episode Overview

In the concluding message of the "Real Men of Christmas" series, Pastor Joby Martin examines the often-overlooked figure of Simeon in the Christmas narrative and explores what Simeon's life teaches us about being a "real man" according to the Bible. The sermon draws deeply from Luke 2:21-35, focusing on the characteristics that set Simeon apart—his righteousness, hope, devotion, and Christ-centered life—and ultimately points to Jesus as the only true "real man." The message is an invitation to both men and women to stop striving in their own strength and instead place their trust fully in Jesus Christ.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Honoring Church Planters and Opening the Series (00:05 - 03:01)

• The episode begins with a celebration and prayer for the Cash family, who have launched the Gathering Jacks church in Mayport.
• A tradition is shared about gifting doorstops to new church planters:

  "You do whatever it takes to keep the door open for people to come to Jesus.” (Host, 01:05)

• Psalm 84:10 is quoted to emphasize the honor in being a 'doorkeeper' in God's house.

2. Reading of Simeon's Story (03:01 - 06:14)

• Pastor Joby reads Luke 2:21-35, recounts Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the temple, and introduces Simeon, described as righteous, devout, and awaiting Israel's consolation.

3. Breaking Down Simeon’s Qualities – What Makes a Real Man? (06:15 - 37:00)

Contextual Background (06:15 - 10:00)

• The events occur 41 days after Jesus’ birth, aligning with Jewish law from Leviticus 12.

Simeon's Characteristics

A. Righteousness

• "Righteous doesn't mean perfect…it means in a right relationship with God." (Pastor Joby, 09:01)
• We attain righteousness not by works, but by faith; Christ's perfection is imputed to believers.
• Analogy: Frequent flyer status; the benefits earned by one are shared by companions, just as Christ shares His righteousness with us. (10:00)

B. Devotion & Worship

• Simeon is devout—intentional in worship, prayer, and Scripture.
• Challenge: "Are you devout or are you casual in your faith?” (12:13)
• Pastor invites the church to commit to a year-long journey with Jesus (12:30).

C. Active Waiting and Hope

• Simeon was "waiting for the consolation of Israel."

• Pastor Joby relates this to active waiting, like fly-fishing or tracking a loved one’s arrival:

  “That’s what this waiting is like—active, hopeful, expectant.” (14:30)

D. Spirit-Filled

• Threefold emphasis: The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon, revealed things to him, and led him.
• “If you are a follower of Jesus, you have the Spirit of God in you...You don’t need more of the Spirit.” (17:30)
• Listen to the Spirit through God’s Word: “If you want to listen to the Spirit, you listen to this [the Bible].” (18:00)

E. Christ-Centered Life (21:00+)

• Simeon’s greatest desire: to see Jesus.
• "A real man is Christ-centered… Simeon had one thing on his bucket list—see Jesus.” (22:15)

F. God-Glorifying & Peaceful

• "A real man is God-glorifying…Are you self-glorifying or God-glorifying?" (23:25)
• Peace is not just an emotion, but a state of rightness with God.
• "When you walk into the room, does chaos walk in with you—or does peace?" (24:40)

G. Biblically Based

• "A real man is biblically based…Six times in just these handful of verses, it’s repeated: according to your word." (25:51)

H. Others-Focused / A Blessing (27:25+)

• Simeon blesses Mary and Joseph, focused outward.
• “A real man is a blessing to others…It’s not the thought that counts…but what you do and say.” (28:00)
• The congregation’s Compassion Sunday effort to sponsor 3,700 children is held up as an example.

4. The Source of True Strength and Righteousness: Jesus as the Real Man (37:01 - 51:00)

We All Fall Short

• "So how are you doing on these eight? Failing. Me too." (Pastor Joby, 29:40)
• The power to be a 'real man' does not come from self-effort, but from faith in Jesus.

Why Jesus Is "The Real Man"

• Jesus is the Savior:

  "You and I are not mistakers in need of some tips and tricks. We are sinners and we need a savior." (32:37)

• Jesus is Salvation:

  "He isn’t just the Savior who gives salvation, He is Himself salvation." (33:22)

• Savior for Every Kind of Sinner: Jesus’ salvation covers all—rebellious, self-righteous, every “kind and quantity” of sin.
• God’s Promised Plan: Jesus is not Plan B; God prepared Him before creation.
• Resurrected and Miraculous:

  "If the tomb is empty, anything is possible. That's hope." (35:18)

• Revealer of Our Hearts:

  "Jesus isn’t a sword just hacking away—He’s like a good surgeon…to carve out and cut out the cancer so that you can live whole and healed." (36:35)

• Strong, Wise, Full of Grace: The real man is defined by these qualities through Christ.

5. Invitation and Call to Action (51:01 - end)

• "To be a real man, quit trying to be 'the man.' Place your faith in the real, only, true God-man—Jesus."

• Practical application: In moments of need (failure, uncertainty, chaos, condemnation), "hide behind Jesus," rest in His strength, wisdom, resurrection, and grace.

• Pastor offers a gospel invitation:

  "If for the first time you want to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, raise your hand up high…declare, ‘I’m receiving you Jesus, I place my faith and trust in you.’" (52:40)

• Closing invitation: Worship, respond, and bring needs to Jesus.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Righteousness:

  “Righteous doesn't mean perfect…you and I are declared righteous. What is true of Jesus becomes true of you and me.” (09:01)

• On Devotion:

  “What would it be like if you devoted yourself to a year of walking with Jesus from his birth, his life, his death, and his resurrection?” (12:30)

• On Waiting:

  “He has this hope and he's waiting for it…an active waiting…that’s what this waiting is like.” (14:25)

• On Blessing Others:

  “It's not the thought that counts…It's actually saying the thing out loud. Like, bless them, encourage them, speak it over them.” (28:10)

• On Jesus the Savior:

  “You and I are not mistakers in need of some tips and tricks…We are sinners and we need a savior.” (32:37)

• On Condemnation and Grace:

  “When you feel condemned, you know that feeling, right?...You hear Jesus say, 'It is finished,' because he’s the saving God man.” (53:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:05 – Honoring new church planters, doorstop tradition, opening prayer
• 03:01 – Reading Luke 2:21-35 (Simeon’s passage)
• 06:15 – Introducing and unpacking Simeon’s story and characteristics
• 11:00 – Explanation of righteousness; the “frequent flyer” analogy
• 13:00 – Challenge to devotion and invitation to year-long study of Jesus
• 14:25 – Illustration of active, hopeful waiting
• 17:30 – The threefold mention of the Holy Spirit’s work in Simeon
• 22:15 – Christ-centered living, Simeon’s “one thing”
• 24:40 – On peace and what we bring into a room
• 25:51 – Emphasis on living biblically (“according to your word”)
• 28:00 – Focus on being a blessing to others, practical examples
• 31:40 – Admitting we all fall short; shifting to Jesus as the source
• 32:37 – Jesus as Savior, not merely a helper
• 33:22 – Jesus is salvation; moving beyond forgiveness to adoption
• 35:18 – The hope of resurrection (“If the tomb is empty, anything is possible”)
• 36:35 – Jesus as the loving revealer of our hearts
• 52:40 – The invitation to receive Christ, call to respond in worship

Summary Table: Simeon's Qualities and Christ's Fulfillment

| Simeon’s Qualities | Source in Christ | |------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Righteous | Jesus’ righteousness | | Devout | Jesus reveals our hearts, redeems | | Hopeful | Jesus’ resurrection | | Spirit-filled | Jesus pours out His Spirit | | God-glorifying | Jesus is salvation | | Biblically based | Jesus is God’s plan | | Peaceful | Jesus is our peace and strength | | Others-focused | Jesus gave His life for many |

Episode Takeaway

The life of Simeon points not only to model virtues for Christian men and women but ultimately draws all attention and hope toward Jesus Christ—the only truly “real man,” the God-man who is Savior, Salvation, Resurrection, and Miracle. True strength, peace, and blamelessness do not arise from within ourselves but are gifts to be received by faith in Christ. The invitation is open to trust Him, to hide behind Him, and to make His glory and grace the center of our lives.