Doing God’s Will

Doing God’s Will

Luke 2:21-24, 39-40, NLT

Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. 22Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 23The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the LORD.” 24So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” . . . 39When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. 40There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.

Setting the Scene

According to Leviticus 12:3, every Jewish boy was to be circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, and by custom he was given his name at that ceremony. Circumcision set Jews apart from Gentiles and was a sign of their unique, covenantal relationship with God (Genesis 17:9-14). Careful to obey Moses’ law, Mary and Joseph took their son to the local priest to be circumcised, and there they named him Jesus, just as the angel had instructed Mary (Luke 1:31).

For forty days after the birth of a son and eighty days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was “unclean” according to the law and could not enter the Temple. After that time, the mother would make a purification offering. So Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for this ceremony. They were to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare the woman to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the law said that the parents could sacrifice “either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

In addition, a firstborn son was to be presented to God one month after birth (Exodus 13:2, 11-16; Numbers 18:15-16). The ceremony included buying back—“redeeming”—the child from God through an offering. Through this, the parents would publicly acknowledge that the child belonged to God, who alone has the power to give life.

Although Jesus was the Son of God, his earthly parents fulfilled everything God’s law required regarding the birth of firstborn sons.

Eventually Mary and Joseph returned home to Nazareth, from where they had come to register for the census. A gap of several years separates verses 38 and 39 during which the family found a place to live in Bethlehem, fled to Egypt, and returned to Nazareth after Herod’s death.

Getting Personal

What does this passage tell you about Mary and Joseph’s values in bringing up Jesus?

When you face life’s unknowns, what helps you choose to live God’s way?

What an unusual introduction to parenting, beginning with angels’ announcements, a divine conception, birth in a stable, and shepherds praising God. The Lord had revealed some of what would happen in the years to come, but like all parents, Mary and Joseph had a limited perspective. They couldn’t see the future, and they must have wondered how they could possibly raise and parent the Son of God, their Messiah. Luke reports that they “fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord” (2:39, NLT). Instead of worrying, wondering, and wavering, they took life one day and one decision at a time and obeyed God with each step.

Talking to God

Give the Lord your anxieties about the uncertain future months, years, and decades. Ask him to lead you, step by step, into strong day-to-day decisions and holy living.