What Jesus Did! 'His Place in His World' — Luke 2:21-24

Monday, January 30, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Eight days [after his birth], when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord." So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord — "either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

— Luke 2:21-24 NLT

Key Thought

Even though Jesus had created this world, [1] he came here and lived within the world's boundaries. His parents followed the requirements of the Old Testament law and had him circumcised. [2] After Mary's 40-day wait of purification, [3] she and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple where they went through the ceremony of dedication for him since he was the firstborn and male. [4] Their offering of birds rather than a lamb indicates their status as poorer folks. [5] Luke makes clear that these people were poor, devout, obedient, and faithful, although the hope of all the world came through them. And to this day when people recognize they are not above God's call to obedience and when they are faithful, God works to bring salvation. This story is not about the power of the high and mighty of Jesus' day, but about poor devout folks who were faithful to the Almighty!

[1] John 1:10.
[2] Leviticus 12:3.
[3] Leviticus 12:1-4.
[4] Exodus 13:1-2 NIV.
[5] Leviticus 12:8.

Today's Prayer

O God, Master of the universe and ruler of my heart, give me a heart of faithful obedience like I see in Zechariah, Elizabeth, Joseph, and Mary in this account of Jesus' birth. Help me raise my children with examples of faithfulness and obedience. Banish arrogance and self-seeking, not only from my heart but also from all in my influence for generations to come. Use us as a place to give birth to hope through your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 4:4-5
  • Matthew 5:17
  • Philippians 2:5-8

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:21-24 NLT — "If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord." —— "either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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