Praise the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let's continue our study of the book of Luke, where we find ourselves in Chapter 1, specifically in Verse 21. Here, we witness a pivotal event - the circumcision of the child. When eight days had passed since the child's birth, he was named Jesus, in accordance with the name given to Joseph and Mary by the angel even before his conception. The circumcision, a significant ritual, was performed when the child was eight days old. This tradition also included the naming of the child, and there was no confusion as to the chosen name, given the angel's clear instructions.
In Verse 22, we read that, after the days of Mary's purification, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, had been completed, they journeyed to Jerusalem to present the child before the Lord. Moses had laid down stringent laws regarding purification, which were specific for both boy and girl children. The number of days of purification for the mother varied according to the gender of the child. After these days of purification had elapsed, Joseph and Mary embarked on their journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.
This travel marked one of the many journeys in the life of the infant Jesus, although not all of them are documented in the book of Luke. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew provides additional information on Jesus' early travels. It's noteworthy that in those times, people predominantly walked as there were no vehicles. The travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem took approximately 34 hours on foot. Eight days after his birth, Jesus was taken to Jerusalem, which would have taken around 2 hours to travel on foot. After this, as recounted in the book of Matthew, an angel of the Lord warned Joseph of a threat to the child's life, prompting a journey to Egypt. The distance from Bethlehem to Egypt covered 690 kilometers and would have taken around 6 days and 12 hours. Following their stay in Egypt and upon hearing of King Herod's death, they intended to return to Bethlehem. However, learning that Herod's son had succeeded him, they redirected their journey to Nazareth, which involved a 784-kilometer trek thould would take approximately 7 days and 10 hours on foot.
In Verse 23, as dictated by the Law of the Lord, every male child, as the firstborn, was dedicated to God. This dedication included circumcision, purification rituals for the mother, and an offering to the Lord. These customs and sacrifices were adhered to, and the family traveled to Jerusalem for this purpose.
Verse 24 specifies the offerings to be made according to the Law of the Lord, involving a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. These offerings were made in order to redeem and take back the child that had been consecrated to the Lord.
In Verse 25, we are introduced to Simeon, a man in Jerusalem known for his righteous and devout life. Although he is not explicitly referred to as a prophet in this text, he lived in a manner deeply devoted to God. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord's Christ before his own death.
Verse 26 reiterates the revelation made to Simeon by the Holy Spirit, confirming that he would not experience death until he witnessed the arrival of the promised Messiah.
In Verse 27, we find Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, entering the temple. At the same time, Jesus' parents arrived with Him in accordance with customary rituals, including circumcision and dedication to God.
Verse 28 describes Simeon taking Jesus in his arms and offering a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging that he could now depart in peace, having seen the salvation of the Lord.
Verse 29 continues with Simeon's prayer, expressing his readiness to leave this world, for his eyes have seen God's salvation.
Verse 30 underscores that Jesus is the embodiment of salvation, prepared by God for all people.
Verse 31 emphasizes that this salvation is meant for all nations, in fulfillment of the divine plan.
Verse 32 reveals Jesus as a light, bringing revelation to the Gentiles and bringing glory to the people of Israel. This debunks the notion that Jesus' mission was exclusive to the Jews, as His revelation extended to the Gentiles, most notably through the ministry of the Apostle Paul.
We will continue with the study in the next post.
All Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let's continue our study of the book of Luke, where we find ourselves in Chapter 1, specifically in Verse 21. Here, we witness a pivotal event - the circumcision of the child. When eight days had passed since the child's birth, he was named Jesus, in accordance with the name given to Joseph and Mary by the angel even before his conception. The circumcision, a significant ritual, was performed when the child was eight days old. This tradition also included the naming of the child, and there was no confusion as to the chosen name, given the angel's clear instructions.
In Verse 22, we read that, after the days of Mary's purification, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, had been completed, they journeyed to Jerusalem to present the child before the Lord. Moses had laid down stringent laws regarding purification, which were specific for both boy and girl children. The number of days of purification for the mother varied according to the gender of the child. After these days of purification had elapsed, Joseph and Mary embarked on their journey from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.
This travel marked one of the many journeys in the life of the infant Jesus, although not all of them are documented in the book of Luke. For instance, the Gospel of Matthew provides additional information on Jesus' early travels. It's noteworthy that in those times, people predominantly walked as there were no vehicles. The travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem took approximately 34 hours on foot. Eight days after his birth, Jesus was taken to Jerusalem, which would have taken around 2 hours to travel on foot. After this, as recounted in the book of Matthew, an angel of the Lord warned Joseph of a threat to the child's life, prompting a journey to Egypt. The distance from Bethlehem to Egypt covered 690 kilometers and would have taken around 6 days and 12 hours. Following their stay in Egypt and upon hearing of King Herod's death, they intended to return to Bethlehem. However, learning that Herod's son had succeeded him, they redirected their journey to Nazareth, which involved a 784-kilometer trek thould would take approximately 7 days and 10 hours on foot.
In Verse 23, as dictated by the Law of the Lord, every male child, as the firstborn, was dedicated to God. This dedication included circumcision, purification rituals for the mother, and an offering to the Lord. These customs and sacrifices were adhered to, and the family traveled to Jerusalem for this purpose.
Verse 24 specifies the offerings to be made according to the Law of the Lord, involving a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. These offerings were made in order to redeem and take back the child that had been consecrated to the Lord.
In Verse 25, we are introduced to Simeon, a man in Jerusalem known for his righteous and devout life. Although he is not explicitly referred to as a prophet in this text, he lived in a manner deeply devoted to God. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Lord's Christ before his own death.
Verse 26 reiterates the revelation made to Simeon by the Holy Spirit, confirming that he would not experience death until he witnessed the arrival of the promised Messiah.
In Verse 27, we find Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, entering the temple. At the same time, Jesus' parents arrived with Him in accordance with customary rituals, including circumcision and dedication to God.
Verse 28 describes Simeon taking Jesus in his arms and offering a prayer of gratitude, acknowledging that he could now depart in peace, having seen the salvation of the Lord.
Verse 29 continues with Simeon's prayer, expressing his readiness to leave this world, for his eyes have seen God's salvation.
Verse 30 underscores that Jesus is the embodiment of salvation, prepared by God for all people.
Verse 31 emphasizes that this salvation is meant for all nations, in fulfillment of the divine plan.
Verse 32 reveals Jesus as a light, bringing revelation to the Gentiles and bringing glory to the people of Israel. This debunks the notion that Jesus' mission was exclusive to the Jews, as His revelation extended to the Gentiles, most notably through the ministry of the Apostle Paul.
We will continue with the study in the next post.
All Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.