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 NKJV
Bridging the Gap
Circumcision
Jesus’ life represents movement from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. He lived, died and was resurrected to usher in a new way for us to have forgiveness of our sins. The temple curtain will be torn, the veil between God and man destroyed. The law of Moses is fulfilled through Jesus. His participation in Mosaic legal requirements is the beginning of this role. Now, reigning at the right hand of the Father, the risen Jesus completely fulfills the role of high priest, see Hebrews 8.
As new parents, Mary and Joseph observed all the religious requirements as stated in the law of Moses for their baby. They were observant Jews who were serious about their faith. Jewish boys were circumcised at 8 days of age. At that time, they were named. Mary remembered the instruction of the angel Gabriel, to name her Spirit-conceived baby Jesus.
Presentation
According to the law of Moses, a Jewish woman was considered ritually unclean for forty days after she gave birth. She was not able to enter the temple during this time. Once this time period was over, sacrifice for the firstborn child were required to be made at the temple in Jerusalem. Luke includes the detail that the sacrifice made was “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” From this we learn that Mary and Joseph were of meager means so the required sacrifice was not very costly.
In our next lesson, we will see how Jesus is received in the temple and who comes to worship him.
Key Verse
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. Luke 2:21
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for sending Jesus to fulfill the law for us. It was too heavy a burden for us to bear so in your mercy and love you sent us a Savior. Because of Jesus, no more animal sacrifice is needed. He who knew no sin became sin for us and we thank you for that. Through Jesus, we are purified and made holy as you continue to conform us to his image. We praise your holy name! Amen.
Victoria Carrington 