Simeon blesses God and calls Jesus God’s salvation, prepared in the presence of all peoples. He describes him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and “for glory to your people Israel.” Simeon also tells Mary that the child is appointed for the fall and rising of many, and that a sword will pierce her soul (Luke 2:29–35).
In Jerusalem, Simeon—described as upright, devoted, and guided by the Holy Spirit—meets the infant Jesus in the temple and publicly blesses God. He says he can now die in peace because he has seen what God has prepared for all peoples: illumination for the nations and honor for Israel. Jesus’ parents are astonished. This scene sits within Luke’s early birth-and-infancy narratives, where multiple witnesses interpret who Jesus is before his public ministry begins. Just before this, Jesus is brought to the temple in keeping with Jewish custom, and immediately after, Luke moves to the episode of Jesus as a boy in the temple.
Simeon is presented as a faithful Israelite in Jerusalem whose hope is focused on “the consolation of Israel.” The text explicitly links his insight and timing to the Holy Spirit: the Spirit is on him, the Spirit reveals a promise to him, and he comes into the temple “in the Spirit.” Simeon’s words interpret the infant Jesus before Jesus’ public ministry.
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Luke 2:29-35, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
29"Now let you your servant depart, Lord, According to your word, in peace;
30For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
32A light for revelation to the Gentiles, The glory of your people Israel."
33Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,
34and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.
35Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."