The confirmation of Jesus' identity occurred when He was 40 days old. In some denominations, confirmation often takes place during middle school through a special ceremony. However, Jesus had a moment at just 40 days old when His identity was confirmed. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, “On the evidence of two or three witnesses, a matter shall be confirmed.”

Last week, we explored perhaps the greatest miracle of all time—God drawing near to humanity by being born as a helpless baby. We looked at Galatians 4:4, which says that in the fullness of time, God sent His Son, born of a woman. When Paul wrote those words, he also noted something we didn’t highlight last week—Jesus was born under the law.

Later, in Matthew 5:17, Jesus declared, “Do not think I came to abolish the law or the prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” While we live in the age of grace and often emphasize it, the Bible doesn’t teach that the law is bad. Instead, it describes the law as a tutor that leads us to the Savior. Jesus didn’t disregard the law in favor of grace alone; rather, He lived a life that perfectly fulfilled it.

Today’s lesson shows that even as a helpless baby, Jesus perfectly adhered to the Jewish law through His parents’ actions. Luke 2:21-24 describes three ceremonial rituals His family carried out in the first weeks of His life:

1. Jesus was circumcised.
2. Mary underwent purification after childbirth.
3. Jesus was dedicated as the firstborn son.

The first action, circumcision, was outlined in Leviticus 12:1-3. Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after His birth, a requirement for all Jewish male infants dating back to the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant. While a deep discussion about its history and significance could be had, the key point is His parents’ diligence in obeying the law.

Jesus’ circumcision likely took place before a local rabbi in Bethlehem. The ritual would have included an opening benediction, the procedure itself, and a closing prayer, often recited over a glass of wine. This day was also when the child received His formal name. Following the instructions of the angel Gabriel to Mary and the dream given to Joseph, the baby was named Jesus. His Hebrew name, Yeshua (Joshua), means “Jehovah saves,” clearly sums up His life’s mission.

At 40 days old, in continued obedience to the law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple for Mary’s purification and to dedicate their firstborn son to the Lord, as required by Exodus 13:1. For Mary, Leviticus 12:8 outlines the offering for purification. If the she could not afford a lamb, she could bring either two turtledoves or two young pigeons instead. Luke 2 records that Mary and Joseph offered birds, suggesting they had modest means.
If I were God the Father, I might have ensured my Son was born into a wealthy family who could afford a lamb. But God valued the character and heart attitude of Jesus’ parents over their financial status. Jesus later taught in Luke 12:15, "A man’s life does not consist of his possessions."

Now, imagine the day of His dedication. Mary and Joseph likely traveled six miles from Bethlehem to Jerusalem the day before, arriving in time to enter the vast Temple early on the appointed day. This enormous complex, as large as 35 football fields, buzzed with activity. They likely entered the Court of Women with their bird offerings. After Mary’s purification offering, they dedicated their firstborn son to the Lord.

Luke tells us that at that very moment it just so happened that a man named Simeon walked up. Simeon means “hearken” or “one who hears.” Scripture tells us Simeon was righteous and devout, eagerly awaiting the consolation of Israel—the Messiah. The Holy Spirit revealed he would not die before seeing the Lord’s Christ. Imagine Simeon waiting through the years, uncertain how this promise would be fulfilled. Then, the Spirit led him to the Temple on this specific day. Seeing Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, Simeon instantly recognized the child as the Messiah.

Simeon took the baby in his arms, blessed God, and said he could now die in peace, having seen the Messiah with his own eyes. He declared, “He will be a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel.” Simeon’s words echoed God’s covenant with Abraham—that his seed would bless all nations.

Mary and Joseph were amazed. To them, Jesus was still their baby, needing feeding and care. Yet Simeon saw who He truly was. Simeon blessed them and then turned to Mary with a solemn expression, saying, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel and for a sign to be opposed.” He explained that Jesus would bring division—some would respond and believe, while others would oppose and resist. Even today, Jesus is appointed for the fall and rise of many. Even today, He brings division.

Simeon also gave Mary a personal prophecy: “A sword will pierce even your own soul, to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” On that day, Mary, who must have been filled with happiness, may have wondered and struggled to understand what this meant—that a sword would pierce her soul. Years later, as she stood at the foot of the cross, that very sword pierced her heart. She may have thought back to the day Simeon first spoke those words and realized that, painful as the piercing was, God had known it would happen. All of it was part of His plan.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves. On that day, Mary probably set those words aside, placing them on the proverbial shelf—or, in the words of the Gospel writers, Mary pondered and treasured these things in her heart.

At that moment, another prophetic figure, Anna, approached. Anna, an 84-year-old widow, had devoted decades of her life to serving in the Temple through fasting and prayer. She gave thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to all who were looking for Jerusalem's redemption. Her words, though not recorded in detail, must have also affirmed Jesus as the Messiah. Together with Simeon, Anna fulfilled the requirement in Deuteronomy 19:15—that a matter be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

Once again, Mary had much to treasure and ponder in her heart. Speaking one after the other, two prophetic figures confirmed her Son’s destiny and identity. What would it mean for Him to be the Messiah? For now, those questions remained, waiting to unfold in God’s perfect timing.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the confirmation of Jesus’ identity as our Savior and the fulfillment of Your promises through Him. We are in awe of Your perfect timing and faithfulness, revealed even in the smallest moments of His early life. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when we cannot see it fully. Open our hearts, like Simeon and Anna, to recognize Your work in our lives. Grant us the courage to walk in obedience and the faith to follow Your will each day.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.