“And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).” Luke 2:22-24 It is interesting that Luke makes reference to the Law five different times in verses22-40 (verses 22, 23, 24, 27, and 39). Even though Jesus was born so that He could deliver people from the bondage of the Law, He was “born under the law” (Galatians4:4). Jesus would later address this issue when He said that He came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (see Matthew 5:17-18). This means that Jesus fulfilled every aspect of the law, including being circumcised on the eighth day (see Luke2:21). The law also stated that a woman would come to Jerusalem 33 days after her son was circumcised in order to be purified under the law (see Leviticus 12:4). The law also required the first-born male child to be consecrated back to God, and a sacrifice had to be offered to God in exchange for the male child. Instead of the child being offered as a sacrifice, the law stated that a lamb could be sacrificed as a substitute for the male-child (see Exodus13:2 and Numbers 18:15). The law did make provision that if a couple was not able to afford a lamb, they could substitute a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons (see Leviticus 12:8). Since Joseph and Mary brought in the two birds as a sacrifice, we know that they were financially poor. I find this to be amazing. Jesus, who is higher than the highest thing in the universe and the Creator of the universe, not only willingly left the glory and splendor of Heaven, but He willingly allowed Himself to be placed in a family that was so poor that they couldn’t afford one lamb. Jesus’ love for you and me is so great that He was willing to become one of the financially poorest people on earth. He did this to help Himself identify with the people He came to save; which is everyone. If Jesus was born to a highly exalted, rich, and powerful family, He would not be able to understand the trials and difficulties of the poor. This is why the author of Hebrews wrote that Jesus is able “to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). As a follower and servant of Christ where you identify yourself? Do you walk with the poor? Do you feel their pain and sorrow? Be blessed for He is God!
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 06:42:33 +0000