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Then he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female. “But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.” (NASB) Lev. 12:7-8 The offering was an atonement for Mary’s purification, and it was to be performed by a priest. The
atonement was apparently not for a mother’s sin, but was symbolic of a mother’s “uncleanliness” due
to her bleeding.
The Poor. What kind of sacrifice did Joseph and Mary offer at the temple? The
Holy Spirit says that they offered some birds and not a lamb. This means that they were poor. When we look
at the gospel events, we discover that Jesus’ ministry was not primarily to the rich but to the poor.
He healed the poor and warned the rich. He said that it was hard for the rich to enter heaven because they
were content with their riches and themselves. The scriptures indicate that God has great compassion for the
poor. Throughout scripture God encourages us to help the sick, widows, orphans, and those in prison. Is that
why Jesus was born to poor parents? He was born into a poor family. He died as a poor man, and was buried in
a rich man’s tomb. Jesus knows what it is like to be poor. God loves the poor and rejects the cold hearted,
self-righteous rich man. God wants us to care for those who have less than we do. He cares for the poor.
Simeon - A Spirit Filled Man. Next, we are told that while Joseph and Mary were
at the temple, a man named Simeon found them.
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (NASB) Luke 2:25-26 He had been looking for the Messiah or the consolation of Israel. He was full of the Holy Spirit,
and the Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah or the Lord’s Christ.
God loved Simeon! God cared about the man so much that He promised this man that he would live until he saw
Jesus. God is in the business of answering prayers and making promises. Simeon is just one example. God answered
prayers yesterday, and He is answering prayers today of people around the world. He provides greater blessings
than slot machines, gambling casinos, hospitals, and gifts at birthday parties. His blessings are from His
heart to your heart.
Simeon’s Blessing. So Simeon came to the temple not because he thought
it would be a good day to visit but because he was led by the Holy Spirit. |
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