Mary would not have attended the momentous event of Jesus’ circumcision, which marked a son’s movement from being a son of mankind to a son of Abraham. Not only would it have violated custom, she would not yet have been allowed in public. She would have still been secluded because of the forty-day purification ritual that followed childbirth. Thus, the first public event in which she participated would have been the dedication of Jesus. This was in Jerusalem—only about six miles away—when Jesus was about six weeks old (late-October, 2 BC—if our assumptions are correct). 

​

In the temple, two elderly devout people met the family and confirmed that Mary’s child was a child of destiny. Little did she comprehend the magnitude of his pending greatness.

​

Text

Return to Preparation Years