As we worship our Lord on this Lord’s Day, it is important for us to remember that Jesus made it His custom to worship with others who were seeking God. Joseph and Mary also worshiped God and took Jesus to the Temple on two different occasions before the family fled to Egypt. Joseph and Mary followed the Law of Moses and carried out its commands for newborn children.

Luke 2:21-24 describes those visits to the Temple. These verses give us insight to the future work of Jesus and the family itself.

First, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple on the eighth day after His birth for the circumcision. God gave circumcision to Abraham as the sign and seal of the covenant God made with him (Genesis 17). While circumcision was a physical act, it represented a spiritual reality. Circumcision showed that God chose Israel to be the people of God. God made the people of Israel His own people. “The Lord set his affection on [Israel’s] forefathers and loved them” (Deuteronomy 10:15). He chose them above all the nations.

On their part, God wanted the people to love Him and follow Him. Moses called on the people to circumcise their hearts and to no longer be stubborn and proud (Deuteronomy 10:15-20). Circumcision proclaimed an important spiritual truth.

At the same time, they named Him Jesus, a word meaning salvation. The angel had given them this name because the child would save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21)..

Second, Joseph and Mary returned when Jesus was forty days old to carry out the purification rite called for in Leviticus 12. They also “redeemed” the firstborn as described in Exodus 13. Redeem means to “buy back.” Every firstborn son belonged to the Lord. This act of worship showed that God loved and provided for His people. They brought a sacrifice to give to the Lord, acknowledging that their child was a gift from God.

Third, notice the significance of these actions. Jesus’ death on the cross allowed all people to change their hearts, and He became the Redeemer for us. Through Him we have salvation for all eternity.

He certainly is to be worshiped and praised for his atoning work. Let us adore Him today.

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