A Sign That Is Opposed

In Simeon's prophetic word to Mary, the “falling and rising of many” and the “sign that is opposed” are both governed by the main verb “appointed.” While people are certainly responsible for their reaction to Jesus, these things have been ordained by God's sovereign hand. Sharing the main verb also indicates an integral relationship between the two declarations. In establishing Jesus as the foundation stone God was providing a sign that would be opposed by men. The word “oppose” means to speak against. And all people will, at one point or another, oppose Christ as the sign of God's salvation. This opposition would not be the same from everyone. Christ's enemies would vehemently oppose Him. They would deny altogether that Jesus is, in any way, the sign of God's salvation. In fact, they would attribute Christ's wondrous words and deeds to the power of Satan. But even Jesus' followers would oppose Him. They believed Jesus was the Messiah, but, as in Peter's case, they tried to correct His mission. As Peter would later declare, Jesus was indeed the stone that the builders rejected. The Jews wanted to be the architects of God's kingdom and they did not appreciate the kind of foundation stone God had set in Christ. However, man will not build the kingdom. That is Christ's prerogative. The term “sign” and “miracle” are often used synonymously in Scripture. However, while “miracle” emphasizes the power to accomplish such wonders, “sign” focuses on the meaning of those wonders. As God's sign, Jesus performed many wonders. But not one of them was for the purpose of impressing men. Each and every miracle affirmed that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.