20131103 Sunday, November 3 2013
Leviticus 12: The Messiah's Levitical Birth

by Wayne Blank
See also 1 Year Holy Bible Reading Plan

"When they had performed all things according to the Law of the LORD, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth"

The LORD God was and is Jesus Christ (see Genesis 1: In The Beginning Was The Word and The Kingdom Of The LORD God). The LORD established "Israel" as a family (see Genesis 32: The Origin Of Israel) and as a kingdom (see the entire series, beginning with Israel In History and Prophecy: Roots and Branches).

The LORD also established the Tabernacle (see Exodus 26: The First Christian Tabernacle) and the Levitical Priesthood (see Leviticus 9: The Beginning Of The Levite Ministry) - both of which were prophetic of the Messiah and the salvation that He offers to those who obey Him (see Christ Died For Repentant Sinners).

It was always entirely about Jesus Christ. Even the LORD's human birth was fulfilled within the Law that He gave to His human ancestors.

"12:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. 12:3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 12:4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled. 12:5 But if she bear a maid child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation: and she shall continue in the blood of her purifying threescore and six days.

12:6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: 12:7 Who shall offer it before the LORD, and make an atonement for her; and she shall be cleansed from the issue of her blood.

This is the law for her that hath born a male or a female. 12:8 And if she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons; the one for the burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean." (Leviticus 12:1-8 KJV)

When the Messiah was born, his parents did everything required according to the Law of the LORD, even "to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." There was no infant baptism (see Why Isn't Infant Baptism Valid?). His baptism would be fulfilled, according to the Word of God, when He was an adult, by John (see The Ministries Of The Two Greatest Prophets; also The Mothers Of The Two Greatest Prophets)

"2:21 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.

2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:21-24 KJV)

There were many witnesses to the infant Messiah's presentation at the Temple. Nearly all were unaware that it was the Messiah - except for "a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon."

"2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:25-35 KJV)

Another devout believer of the LORD (keep in mind that there was no "Christianity" yet) who was able to recognize the Messiah was "Anna, a prophetess."

"2:36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:36-38 KJV)

So it was then, "when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord," that Joseph and Mary "returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth."

"2:39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." (Luke 2:36-40 KJV)

Fact Finder: (a) What does the Holy Bible actually say about the mother of the Messiah? (b) What does the Holy Bible actually say about Joseph of Nazareth?
(a) See What Does The Bible Really Say About Mary?
(b) See Joseph Of Nazareth