Luke 2.22-24
In addition to circumcision, Jewish law also required that
parents consecrate their firstborn sons, that is, present their firstborn to
the Lord for His purposes. This act of consecration took place at the same time
that the mother was to present an offering at the Temple for her own
purification. Mary and Joseph, still living in Bethlehem, made the six-mile
journey to Jerusalem to perform these rites about forty days after Jesus’
birth. There at the Temple, Mary presented her purification offering. Her
offering, a pair of doves or pigeons, indicates that Mary and Joseph were
considered to be among the poor in the land, since only the poor could present
such meagre offerings for purification. Although Mary and Joseph were poor in
material possessions, they were rich in faith. Carrying the infant Jesus to the
Temple must have been a joy for this devout couple. Incidentally, this was
Jesus first visit to the Temple, but it would not be His last! One day years
later Jesus would march through that same Temple area, overturning the tables
of moneychangers and upholding the holiness of worship. The Temple would indeed
see Jesus again and again.
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