Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.
- Look up Leviticus 12 and Numbers 18:15,16. What do you make of these Scriptures and how they connect with our passage?
- What can we learn from the Old Testament religious ‘rites’ for the birth of children, and how might this be helpful to us in the church today?
- Why do we not regard the firstborn in the same way today as they did in past generations? Is there any good reason why we should celebrate the firstborn child with special honour?
Topics covered by this text
- Circumcision and the naming of children
- The rite of purification and its meaning in Scripture
- The rite of the redemption of firstborn and its meaning in Scripture.
Personal comments by author:
Bravery is something which is only required of us in rare moments of crisis, and we sometimes call people ‘brave’ when they have done something incredible. In this story, Joseph was exceptionally brave, establishing his family in the face of social conventions. Mary was also brave in standing firm despite the air of scandal that would have surrounded her presentation of Jesus for the rites of circumcision and purification. I sincerely hope that I would have the same bravery if it was required of me.
Ideas to explore discipleship
- Are you aware of anything that the Lord is specifically asking of you at the moment? If not, pray and check out whether you have fully understood what the Lord is asking of you. If you are, then ask for the bravery to follow through what the Lord requires of you.
- Were you dedicated to the Lord when a child, and what does this mean to you? If you were baptised, what does this mean to you, and do you agree with what your parents did for you? If you were not brought to church when you were born, does this mean that you have lost out on anything, and if not, why not?
Your love, Lord God, surprises us. In the midst of circumstances in which we do not know what to do, You can bring out the best in us, inspire us to great things, and even lead us to acts of bravery. You do all of this because You love us; You want the best for us and You will do everything You can for us. Thank You. Lord Jesus: AMEN
Please refer to the general advice on the page ‘discipleship challenges’
The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!