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THE CHRIST-CHILD AT THE TEMPLE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Luke 2:22-38

Genesis 17:9-14

 

“His name shall be called Jesus.”

 

THE CHRIST-CHILD AT THE TEMPLE
 
When Jesus was eight days old, He was circumcised according to the covenant that God made with Abraham (Gen 17:9-12). It was at that time that He was officially given the name Jesus (Luke 2:21).
 
Thirty-three days after the circumcision of the Christ-child, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple. There He was dedicated to the Lord as commanded by the Law (Exod 13:2). At that time, a sacrifice was made by Mary as required by the Law of new mothers. We notice her sacrifice was that of a poor person. The law allowed the poor to sacrifice a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons since they could not afford a lamb (Lev 12:8). So, we see Jesus Christ, the God of glory, in a family that was very poor. We are reminded of the words of Scripture: “…though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor…” (2 Cor 8:9).
 
While at the Temple, Jesus was brought into the presence of a man named Simeon. He had placed his faith in the coming Messiah and lived a holy life before God. The Holy Spirit had assured him that he would not die until he saw the promised Saviour. When he saw the child Jesus, he took Him in his arms and proclaimed Him to be the Messiah. Using the words of Isaiah, he prophesied that Christ would bring salvation to the Gentiles. He further prophesied the pain of Mary as she saw Jesus crucified (Isa 42:6; Luke 2:34-35). Another numbered among the faithful was a widow named Anna. When she saw Jesus she gave thanks to God. She then spent the rest of her life announcing to those who came to the Temple that Jesus was the Christ (Luke 2:36-38).
 
The world rushed on and few heard the announcement of the birth of the Christ. But there were a faithful few who passed on the message. Are we numbered among the faithful few who are living for God and actively looking for His return?
 
THOUGHT: Why did Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple?

PRAYER: I thank Thee, Father, for the joy of walking with Jesus.

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