Purification Of Baby Jesus Series

Introduction

The text explained what happened after the birth of Jesus Christ.

I. Jesus Receives Circumcision (v. 21)

Jesus, after being born into this world, received circumcision like any other Jewish child, on the eighth day. It was likely Joseph who performed the circumcision. Being in a foreign place, unlike John, there might not have been relatives or neighbors present. He was named Jesus as the angel had instructed (v. 21). Circumcision wasn't just a ritual; it was a sign of the covenant God made with Abraham for all male descendants of Israel. Circumcision was a sign of being accepted into God's people by cutting the foreskin. Being descendants of Israel didn’t automatically make them God's people by birth; they had to receive circumcision to become God's people.

Even when Gentiles converted to Judaism, they received circumcision. Hence, circumcision was seen as a sign of accepting non-God's people into God's people. This was why when the Apostle Paul preached the gospel that faith in Jesus Christ made one a child of God, Jewish legalists emphasized that even if one believes in Jesus Christ, one must be circumcised to become God's people. However, Paul argued that those receiving circumcision were obliged to observe the entire law, while Jesus Christ fulfilled and completed the law, thus faith in Jesus Christ alone was enough.

However, Jesus, being the Son of God, didn’t need circumcision. Yet, He obeyed the law from the beginning by undergoing circumcision. Regarding Jesus' circumcision, Paul explained, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus underwent circumcision to free those under the curse of law, placing Himself under the yoke of law to liberate those bound by it.

II. Purification Ceremony (vv. 22-24)

Joseph and Mary diligently followed all of God's laws. When the time came, according to Moses' law, they went to the Jerusalem temple to perform two ceremonies (v. 22). One was for Mary's purification after giving birth. Leviticus 12 outlines the purification ceremony for mothers. Women who gave birth were considered ritually unclean due to the flow of blood: 40 days after giving birth to a son and 80 days after giving birth to a daughter, they were restricted from contact with others. This practice aimed to protect the mother and baby from infections. After the designated period, the mother went to the temple, offering a lamb as a burnt offering and either a dove or a young pigeon for a sin offering for her purification. However, if the mother couldn't afford a lamb, she could offer two doves or tow young pigeons - one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. Due to their poverty, Joseph and Mary could only afford doves as their offering (v. 24).

The second ceremony was the dedication of the firstborn male child, as mentioned in Exodus 13:12 (v. 23). Baby Jesus, being a descendant of David, belonged to the tribe of Judah, not the Levitical tribe. Therefore, according to Numbers 3:47, Joseph and Mary had to pay five shekels as a redemption price for Jesus.

If Jesus had been born in Galilee, it's possible that they might not have been able to fulfill all these rituals. However, because Jesus was born in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem, they were able to observe all the rituals prescribed by the Law. This, too, indicates God's providence in fulfilling every aspect of the Law.

III. Simeon's Praise (vv. 25-32)

It was during the time of the purification ceremony that Joseph and Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple. There they encountered a man named Simeon. Simeon was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him (v. 25). He was a blameless follower of all God's laws and a humble worshiper of God. The consolation of Israel refers to the coming of the Messiah. Simeon awaited the comfort that the Messiah would bring by delivering them from suffering.

And it is said that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. The Holy Spirit resting upon him didn't mean dwelling within him as it does in believers today but indicated that the Holy Spirit came upon Simeon, moving him to share God's message. Through the Holy Spirit's presence, Simeon received a revelation that he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ (:26). 'Lord's Christ' refers to the anointed Messiah by God.

Perhaps the Holy Spirit gave Simeon a strong desire to enter the temple at that moment. Then he entered the temple and met Jesus' parents coming into the temple holding the baby (v. 27). Finally recognizing God's Son in the world through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Simeon took the baby in his arms. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, he began to praise God (v. 28). Look at verses 29~32. “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Simeon addressed God as Sovereign Lord, recognizing His authority. He felt ready to die in peace now because what the Holy Spirit had said to Simeon, that he would not die until he saw the Messiah, had come true. Simeon had not only seen the salvation of the Lord, the Savior, but also enjoyed the honor of embracing the Messiah.