The Presentation of a King

Introduction

Read Luke 2:22-40

Jesus, even in the first weeks of his life, begins to turn the world upside down.

These is something about a new life. We have had several little ones who have been born in the last few months here at VBC.

Great joy comes with a new little life. There is nothing like it.

One of the most common things we heard was, “You’re life is going to chance FOREVER!”

Now, some people meant this well.

Others… not so much.

Today, we see Jesus presentation at the temple, and

Explanation

Mary and Joseph’s presentation of Jesus at the temple. (If you have wondered why it is important to read the book of Leviticus, here’s your answer)

In Leviticus 12 (remember our Bible reading this week), that when a woman had a male child, she was ritually unclean for 33 days. Add the seven days after Jesus birth, they are at 40 days out.

Ritual uncleanliness doesn’t mean that she did anything wrong, but rather, it was a ceremonial designation.

After the period designated for her uncleanliness, she was to present herself before the temple to offer a sacrifice to God.

The sacrifice was a year old lamb and a turtledove (or pigeon).

Mary, Joseph, and Jesus appear at the temple with two turtledoves. The irony of this fact may be lost on us, but the irony is not lost upon a Jewish audience.

In Leviticus 12, a woman is only to bring a turtledove to replace the lamb for sacrifice at her child’s consecration IF she cannot afford a one year old lamb.

This fact is important for two reasons:

Firstly, Jesus, the king who would set Israel free from her sins, was born into a family that was incredibly poor.

Jesus, the sustainer of the universe and the author of that law, was born into a family that could not afford to consecrate Him.

Jesus did not come as the richest but among the poorest. Jesus does not need money, wealth, or fame to complete His mission.

Revelation 5:12 tells us that the angels sing around the throne“saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!””

Secondly, Mary and Joseph did bring a lamb.

Invitation