Topical Bible: Temple: Herod the Great's Temple: Jesus Brought To, According to the Law and Custom

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Herod the Great's Temple, often referred to as the Second Temple, was a grand reconstruction of the original temple built by Zerubbabel. Herod's ambitious project began around 20-19 BC and was not fully completed until decades after his death. This temple served as the religious and cultural heart of Jewish life during the time of Jesus Christ.

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

According to Jewish law and custom, as outlined in the Torah, every firstborn male was to be consecrated to the Lord. This practice is rooted in the Mosaic Law, specifically in Exodus 13:2, which states, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." Additionally, Leviticus 12:2-8 prescribes the purification rites for a woman after childbirth, which includes presenting an offering at the temple.

In accordance with these laws, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of this event: "When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses was complete, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: 'Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to the Lord')" (Luke 2:22-23).

Simeon and Anna

During this visit to the temple, two significant encounters occur, highlighting the recognition of Jesus' divine mission. Simeon, a devout and righteous man, had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, declaring, "For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).

Additionally, Anna, a prophetess and widow who spent her days worshiping in the temple, recognized Jesus as the promised Redeemer. She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38).

Significance of the Temple Visit

The presentation of Jesus at the temple underscores His fulfillment of the Law and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. It also marks the beginning of His public recognition as the Messiah. This event, deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, highlights the intersection of the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, as Jesus is both the fulfillment of the Law and the embodiment of God's promise of salvation to all nations.

Herod's Temple, therefore, serves as a significant backdrop for this pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, symbolizing both the continuity and the culmination of God's redemptive plan through His Son.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:21-39
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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Library

Book 18 Footnotes
... repairs or other uses of the temple, Mark 12 ... thousand pounds sterling, was Agrippa
the Great's yearly income ... three quarters of his grandfather Herod's income; he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 18 footnotes.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... must have done, that charges would be brought against himself ... Next, he turns to the
great subject of the day ... Every one framed his confession according to his own ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm