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  • The Child Who Was Promised
    Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life
    • More than a month passes, and Jesus is 40 days old. Where do his parents now take him? Up to the temple in Jerusalem, which is only a few miles from where they are staying. The Law says that 40 days after giving birth to a son, a mother is required to present a purification offering at the temple.​—Leviticus 12:4-8.

      Mary does that. As her offering, she brings two small birds. This tells us something about the economic situation of Joseph and Mary. According to the Law, a young ram and a bird should be offered. But if the mother cannot afford a ram, two turtledoves or two pigeons will suffice. That is Mary’s situation and what she offers.

      “THE TIME CAME FOR PURIFYING THEM”

      Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus to the temple for the purification sacrifice

      When Israelite women gave birth, they were considered ceremonially unclean for a time. At the end of that time, a burnt offering as a cleansing sacrifice was to be presented. All were thus reminded that imperfect, sinful life had been passed on. The infant Jesus was perfect and holy. (Luke 1:35) Still, Mary and Joseph “brought him up to” the temple “for purifying them” as required by the Law.​—Luke 2:22.

  • The Child Who Was Promised
    Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life
English Publications (1950-2026)
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