The Life and Ministry of Jesus
And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:21–24
The couple was required by the Law not only to have Jesus circumcised, but also to present their firstborn to God 33 days later and to bring an offering for Mary’s purification after childbirth.
The offering which they presented for her purification showed that they were a poor couple. They could not afford a lamb, so they bought a pair of doves or pigeons, which were all they could afford. They traveled the short distance from Bethlehem to Jerusalem for the presentation and purification at the temple. 1
Personal Encouragement
The sinless Son of God could not, in his humanity as a son of Mary, exempt her from enduring the normal shame of being unclean, impure. What offering was made by Jesus in order to purify your life? How often do you apply that purifying gift to your life?
But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15–16
His offering of Himself for me, allows me to offer myself to Him.
A Prayer
Lord, thank you for being my sacrificial Lamb.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
