The Life of Christ

Therefore, the sin offering!

•

• A more plausible suggestion considers this sacrifice to atone for the Genesis 3 curse upon women in childbirth.

Within the Catholic church is the belief that Mary, herself, was without sin, even as Jesus.

• It’s even believed that Mary’s mother had an immaculate conception, as Mary did. This would mean that Mary did not have Adamic blood flowing within her.

• However, right here in Lk. 2:24 we find Mary offering a sacrifice for her sin, thus proving that she, herself, was of sinful flesh.

Lk. 2:24 “…and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES, OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”

In Lev. 12:6 we learn that a lamb and a turtledove or pigeon were to be offered for this sin offering.

• “ When the days of her purification are fulfilled, whether for a son or a daughter, she shall bring to the priest a lamb of the first year as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting” (Lev. 12:6)

• However, Lev. 12:8 said that if the person was too poor to offer a lamb, a pair of pigeons or turtledoves would suffice.

• “And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she may bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons — one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. So, the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean’” Lev. 12:8).

• Lev. 5:11 states that if they could not afford the bird offering, then a meal offering was acceptable.

“But if he is not able to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he who sinned shall bring for his offering one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, nor shall he put frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering” (Lev. 5:11).

• Joseph and Mary ’s offering of the pair of birds fell between the upper and lower standards, indicating they were middle class.

▪ When considering each different culture throughout the world, knowing that they greatly differ from one another, most people on the planet fall somewhere in the category of being “middle class.”

Lk. 2:25-35 And behold, 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. 26 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. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, let your bond- servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel.” 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed

28