Dec 9, 2018
In the Law, every firstborn male belonged to God as he was the ‘strength’ of the herd or family (Ex. 13:2). As Israelites that loved God, Joseph and Mary came from Nazareth to Jerusalem to redeem Jesus from service to the Lord at the Temple forty-one days after his birth. Because they were poor, instead of a lamb, Mary gave two turtledoves—one for her purification and one for her sin offering as she recognized her need for a Savior (Lev. 12:3-6; Luke 1:47). Finances have nothing to do with being faithful (Hab. 3:17-19)! This was the first of many trips that Jesus would make to the Temple. Even God-in-the-flesh was shown the importance of honoring his heavenly Father by his earthly father. Joseph set an example for his family by following God’s laws and leading his family in worship to God (Deut. 6:6-9). Families often follow the priorities of the father!