Advent2025_Dec18

Born Under the Law
Luke 2:21–24

Jesus enters the world in humility and perfect obedience so that He might redeem us completely.

Eight days after His birth, Jesus is circumcised. Forty days after His birth, He is brought to the temple. At first glance, this looks like simple tradition . . . simply the ordinary rhythms of Jewish family life. But behind these little details stands a massive truth: Jesus enters His mission in humility and obedience from the very first days of His earthly life.

Luke wants us to see both things together.

First, Mary and Joseph demonstrate a quiet, steady obedience. They do exactly what the Law commands; not reluctantly, not partially, but faithfully. They bring their Son to be circumcised. They travel to the temple for purification. They offer the prescribed sacrifice. They are not powerful, wealthy, or influential. But they walk with God in the fear of the Lord. Their faithfulness is small, simple, and real.

Second, Jesus Himself enters His mission under the very Law He came to fulfill.

Paul later writes, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.” (Gal. 4:4–5)

That phrase, “born under the law”,  means Jesus placed Himself under every requirement God had given to Israel. He obeyed perfectly where we have failed entirely. From His circumcision on the eighth day to His presentation in the temple, Jesus identifies fully with His people so that He might redeem them fully.

And there is still more happening in this quiet moment.

Mary and Joseph bring the offering of the poor: “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” The One who owns “the cattle on a thousand hills” (Ps. 50:10) enters the world in poverty, welcomed by parents who can only afford the smallest sacrifice. The King of glory begins His earthly life in a home where the budget didn’t stretch very far.

This is the humility of Christ. This is the gentleness of God. The Savior arrives not with earthly privilege, but with a life fully submitted to God’s Word.

Advent reminds us that the One who saves us is the One who obeyed for us—from cradle to cross, from first breath to final cry. Jesus is not only the Lamb who dies; He is the faithful Son who obeys.

In His obedience, we find our hope. In His humility, we see the heart of God. And in His poverty, we discover the riches of grace.
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For Young Ones: Why did Jesus’ family go to the temple? What does it show about Mary and Joseph?

For Older Ones: How does Jesus’ humility and obedience shape the way you follow Him, especially when obedience is quiet, costly, or unseen by others?

Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for obeying the Father perfectly, even from Your earliest days. Teach us to walk in humble obedience as Mary and Joseph did.

Family Practice: Take a moment tonight to talk about what it means for Jesus to be “born under the law.” How does His obedience become our hope?

Dig Deeper Text Note

Circumcision, Purification, and Redemption

There is a great deal happening in these verses beneath the surface.

1. Circumcision (v. 21):  The Sign of the Covenant

Circumcision was the sign God gave Abraham to mark His covenant people (Gen. 17:10–14). By receiving this sign, Jesus:

• identifies fully with Israel,
• enters the covenant people as one of them,
• and begins His mission of perfect obedience.

Amazingly, the One who wrote the Law now submits Himself to it.

2. The Name “Jesus”

Luke notes the name again at this moment because naming in Scripture is deeply significant. “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves.” The sign of the covenant and the name of the Savior arrive together, promise and fulfillment in one tiny child.

3. Purification and Presentation (vv. 22–24)

Mary’s purification followed Leviticus 12. The presentation of the firstborn followed Exodus 13. Both laws serve as reminders:

• God redeems His people at a cost.
• Every firstborn belongs to Him by right.
• Redemption requires sacrifice.

Mary and Joseph bring the offering available to the poor (Lev. 12:8). They may not have been wealthy, but they remained faithful.

4. Born Under the Law

Luke is showing what Paul will later teach: “God sent forth His Son . . . born under the law, to redeem those under the law.” (Gal. 4:4–5)

Jesus enters the world not as a Law-breaker but as a Law-keeper. He obeys for us so that He may save us.