Luke 2:29
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
LUKE 2:29
Luke 2:29 quotes Simeon’s prayer: “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.” This expresses a Christ-centered sense of completion: Simeon has seen God’s salvation and can die in peace. The phrase “according to thy word” highlights the trustworthiness of God’s promises. Simeon’s life reflects patient faithfulness and a vocation that culminates in a fulfilled hope—not in worldly achievement but in the presence of the promised Messiah. The immediacy of Simeon’s blessing after the act of taking Jesus into his arms underscores a personal, intimate encounter with God that informs his farewell. Theologically, it echoes biblical themes of rest and fulfillment found throughout Luke and Acts: true peace comes from God’s redemptive work through Christ.
The prayer is a model of faith-filled confidence in God’s promises. It points to the ultimate peace that Christ brings—the reconciliation of humanity with God, even in the face of mortality. Simeon’s words lay the groundwork for Luke’s gospel-wide mission: peace comes through the Messiah, and those who trust in Him can face death with assurance. This verse also underscores a theocentric perspective on life’s end: true departures are not fearful but blessed when aligned with God’s revealed plan.
This verse invites believers to evaluate what would constitute peace at the end of life. How is your relationship with God and others? Practically, invest in reconciliation, reconciliation with estranged family members, friends, or colleagues. Seek integrity in daily life, generous living, and faithfulness in small things, so that when the final day comes, you can echo Simeon’s trust. Consider keeping a “peace journal” in which you record moments of God’s faithfulness and prayers answered, building a treasure of peace that sustains you when trials arise. The verse encourages a posture of readiness to meet God, not through fear but through hopeful trust in His promises.
Cross-References: Psalm 37:37; Job 14:14; John 14:27; Philippians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:7