Jesus Presented in the Temple

'When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24


The Jews of old were devoutly religious people and as such they followed their customs and traditions, and their laws as specified in their Scriptures.

This involves circumcision and purification and specific offerings they need to perform.

And as the bible tells us, even Mary, Joseph and Jesus Himself followed these practices. [Jesus was to later on be baptised by His older cousin, John the Baptist and He went to their meeting places or their temples on sabbath days].

Luke gives us much of the details of these things Mary and Joseph did and significantly they travelled from Bethlehem to Jerusalem (which is very much in the news as of late) to present themselves and their newborn to the temple there.

It is also worthy to note that Mary and Joseph offered two turtle doves, yes as in the song '12 Days of Christmas' and that this offering was an allowance made to people who cannot afford to offer a lamb, as written in their leviticus laws.

Now if we continue to read this passage, we will read about a righteous and devout man named Simeon who went to the temple at the same time to see the baby Jesus because it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the messiah.

And also we will read about a prophet named Anna who never left the temple and who worshiped there night and day (fasting and praying), who along with Simeon praised God because of the birth of the messiah and blessed the baby Jesus.

Today, these traditions are still very much alive, as we continue to dedicate our newborns to our Heavenly Father and to meet with the Lord Jesus when we come together at least once a week, worshipping God, blessing one another and offering a sacrifice of praise and our gifts to the Lord on Sundays.