Luke 2.34: And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (35) (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (ESV)
After Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph he continues speaking to them by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and confirms to them that Jesus is going to be a pivotal person in Israel. Jesus would become THE pivotal person not only for Israel, but for the whole of the world. And in so being, Jesus would be opposed and this would not only produce sorrow for Jesus himself, but also for Mary. And this sorrow for her will hurt like the figurative expression of a sword.
Simeon also spoke that Jesus would be the reason for the fall and rising of many in Israel. Thinking about this from a literal standpoint, there are instances in Jesus’ ministry where he raises up sick people and raises Lazarus from the dead. And on the other hand Judas’ betrayal and opposition to Jesus produced Judas’ downfall and destruction.
But the sense in which Simeon is speaking doesn’t strike me as in a literal emphasis, even though there is a component of literalness being spoken. Rather, it appears to me that Simeon is speaking in a spiritual meaning. People will either accept Jesus and this will produce their well being and benefit, or people will reject Jesus, which will bring about spiritual decline and loss. There are no neutral zones with Jesus. As Jesus told his disciples in Luke 11.23: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (ESV)