61. FATE IN THE HANDS OF A BABY?An old man tells that baby Jesus would grow up to change the fate of every human being. Would he?
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Our government has wisely dedicated several large pieces of land in Çanakkale to the memory of those who died there. All would agree that it would be wrong for someone to build a casino or factory on that sacred land. It would be wrong because the land is dedicated to the single purpose of remembering the lives and valor of our soldiers. “To dedicate,” means, “to set aside for special use.” In this lesson we will read about the dedication of Jesus who was eight days old when his parents took him to be circumcised. At his circumcision and dedication, several things happened that left Mary and Joseph in awe. Before we nd out what happened, let’s read a story.
In 1582, Sultan Murat III was making plans on a grand scale for his son’s circumcision party. His son, Prince Mehmet, was 16 years old and long overdue for a circumcision. Sultan Murat ended up devising what many historians have called the most expensive and grand festival ever held in the entire history of Turkey.
The public celebrations began on June 7 with the procession of Sultan Murat from Topkapi Palace to Ibrahim Paşa Palace and then to the Hippodrome. The Hippodrome was designated to be the center of the festival. On the third day of the festival, the games started. On that day, Prince Mehmet went to the Old Palace to kiss his mother; an act that symbolically ended his childhood and dependence on her. He then returned to pay homage to his father who was watching the events from an elevated pavilion.
Today many parents are pushed to their nancial limits when they pay for a ride in a red convertible and buy pide and ayran for their neighborhood friends at a street party. But for Sultan Murat there was no limit to the amount of effort or expense it would take to celebrate his son’s step into manhood.
Each day opened with foreign dignitaries presenting gifts to the sultan, and in turn the sultan bestowing gifts on them and ordering that feasts be given in their honor. The variety of foods that were at the daily banquets was beyond description. Various shows, dancers, jugglers, and groups of soldiers paraded and performed in the afternoons. Singing, dancing, and tight rope walking continued into the night. Every two or three days, the sultan distributed silver coins from his window or ordered bowls of food to be brought from the imperial kitchen. Part of the entertainment was watching the poor people scramble and ght over the meat that was brought out.
They also staged elaborate, mock battles and reenacted real ones; the most elaborate being the conquest of Cyprus. Wooden castles built for these battle scenes were set on fire much to the delight of all the people. But the reworks were most likely the highlight of these nightly performances.
This royal sunnet party lasted fifty-two days, almost two months! It is because of the eight European eye witnesses’ and two Ottoman historians’ written accounts, not to mention hundreds of miniature gurines made to remember the details of the event, that we are able to know what happened during those days and weeks.
The week before the actual circumcision took place, an event described as “the climax” of the festivities happened. In an act of mercy and compassion, the Sultan ordered the prison guards to bring into his presence several prisoners who had been jailed for not paying their debts. When they arrived, tired from dragging the chains clamped onto their ankles, he surprised them by paying their debts and releasing them from prison. How happy they must have been for that boy’s circumcision!
The circumcision of Prince Mehmet was, however, a private affair that took place in the Topkapi Palace. The fifth vizier, Mehmet Paşa in the presence of only three people, performed the operation. Though not recorded, it is certain someone must have pinned a bit of gold on the prince’s clothes!
Now, let's go back in history over 1500 years before Sultan Murat III to see what happened during the circumcision of another boy. Although the event was not celebrated on the scale of Prince Mehmet's, it was nonetheless a signi cant event. The boy was Jesus and we can read about him in Luke chapter 2 verse 21:
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
Jesus’ circumcision was done according to the command God gave Abraham nearly two thousand years earlier. Let’s review God’s command in Genesis chapter 17 verses 9-12:
9 Then God said to Abraham, As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner- those who are not your offspring.
Similar to our Turkish custom, a specific number of days were set- aside for women as a special time of purification. This was a direct
command to Israel during the time of Moses.7 The woman who gave birth to a boy was ceremonially unclean for seven days. On the eighth day, the boys were to be circumcised. However, women had to wait an additional 33 days before they were allowed to resume religious participation at the temple.
In ancient times the life of a woman was not easy. She did much of the hard work that would ordinarily belong to a man. In fact this is largely the case even today in some places where women work in both the house and field. Therefore God made provision for the mothers, a prescribed period of rest and isolation, so they could regain their strength. Fortunate for them, we still enjoy that tradition today.
Jesus’ parents made every effort to be obedient to the commands of the Lord. So after Mary’s time of puri cation was ended, they took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated. Let’s continue reading in Luke chapter 2 verses 22-24:
22 When the time of their puri cation according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every rstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
In those days, every firstborn male was to be dedicated to God and the parents were to offer a sacrifice. God’s instruction was that a lamb, pigeon, or turtledove be offered according to the parent’s financial means. Which of these do you think would be more expensive? Correct, lambs are more expensive. What did Mary and Joseph offer as a sacrifice? Right again, they sacrificed two young pigeons.
In other words, Mary and Joseph weren't wealthy enough to offer a lamb. They were poor, working class people. Never forget that God
doesn't look at a person's economic status to determine their worth. He knew their hearts. He knew that they were humble and their family would be the ideal environment for Jesus to grow up in.
Now the story takes an interesting twist. Let’s continue in Luke chapter 2 verses 25-35:
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Perhaps you have known an elderly, devout, and faithful man like Simeon who was faithful in his daily prayers. One day “moved by the Spirit,” he went to the temple courts and found this poor family holding an infant in their arms. Taking the baby in his own arms, he was moved by the Holy Spirit and started praising God and prophesying about the infant Christ.
Remember, “to dedicate,” means, “to set aside for special use.” This is exactly what Simeon said about Jesus. He said Jesus was set apart for a holy purpose. Let’s reread Simeon’s interesting comments in verses 30-32:
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Here we get our rst glimpse into the truth that Jesus’ ministry was not just intended for Israelites. Simeon’s mention of the Gentiles signi ed that Jesus’ work and impact was to extend to both Jew and non-Jew. In other words Jesus’ work was for the whole world, including us!
We can be sure that Simeon’s words warmed Mary’s heart. But one of his statements was perplexing. When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, he didn’t say anything bad would happen. But now, with this newborn baby in her arms, the word "sword" sent a shiver down her spine. More speci cally, Simeon said:
“And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
What did he mean “your soul too?” Was he implying that something bad would happen to Jesus? The fact is this is the first mention of Jesus’ future suffering.
As Mary and Joseph thanked Simeon for dedicating their baby, their minds must have been full of wonder at the full meaning of his prophecy. On their way out of the temple courtyard their exit was suddenly interrupted again as an elderly woman approached them. Let’s read what happened next in Luke chapter 2 verses 36-40:
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
God uses the consecrated individual, whether they are old or young, male or female, rich or poor. Isn’t it interesting that a female prophet would con rm Jesus’ young life as holy and special? Though there are only a few female prophets mentioned in the Bible, it is appropriate that God should use one of them to bless and dedicate the baby Jesus. Little did they know that this baby would grow into a man who would completely shatter every cast and class prejudice in society! He was a revolutionary. Jesus would show that the Spirit of God was freely available to anyone who wanted it: educated and uneducated, free and slave, male and female.
Did you notice this sentence from the scripture passage?
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Once again, Jesus is linked with salvation. Why?
Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth from the dedication with a lot to think about! God had again confirmed to them that their child was no ordinary boy. Their minds must have been full of questions. But they would have to be patient and wait to learn the answers.
Let’s conclude with a short story from northern Turkey. For years, a village outside of Samsun had enjoyed fresh water owing from a natural fountain at the entrance to their village. The cold water owed strongly year round and villagers came daily to the spot to fill their bottles with the sweet, fresh water. The fountain by the road's edge had no special beauty or attraction other than the good water. Old plastic bottles and litter were strewn around the area. It was a muddy mess. People had to walk on random stepping-stones, to get in a position to ll their bottles. The original, 1950’s white marble decorating the fountain had fallen apart long ago.
After being elected the new village leader, the chief (muhtar) decided to make the fountain the centerpiece of the village’s revitalized entrance. He poured a nice concrete oor, added several benches, installed a drain system, and covered the fountain with a roof. After the project was completed, the village was very proud. The principle of the school suggested they invite all the villagers to a special dedication of the new fountain.
“The students could recite poetry, perform several songs, and you could give a speech. Of course we could serve rice and garbanzos too.” He said.
Everything was going as planned, but during the village leader's (muhtar) long speech an old woman stepped forward. She passed the stage and went over to the running water. She pulled an old dented tin cup from her bag, filled it, took a deep drink, and then, noticing that there was not a cup anywhere on the new fountain, shrugged her shoulders, and set her old cup on a ledge above the beautiful new fountain. She turned to walk away, and as she was passing the village leader (muhtar), she said in a loud voice,
“It’s a real fine roof, but people come to a fountain to drink. You forgot the cup?”
Everyone burst into laughter, but it was the perfect climax to the dedication. It was a grand moment that reminded everyone, that though the beauty of the place had improved significantly, the water hadn’t changed at all.
Everyone enjoyed the rice and garbanzos at the dedication that day, but interestingly no cola was served. Just water. Good, clean, cold water.
Just as the dedication service at the fountain hadn’t changed the water, but only gave recognition to something that was always there; so too Jesus’ dedication was an early af rmation of his unique qualities, which were the same in infancy and manhood. He was pure and destined to change the world!
Discussion Questions
1. Consider the unusual experience of the prisoners at Prince Mehmet’s circumcision. Why did one man’s circumcision set another
man free from his debts?
2. Why did Jesus’ parents take him to the temple?
3. What did the old man Simeon say about Jesus?
4. Simeon’s words and the Prophetess Anna’s words helped Joseph and Mary understand the baby Jesus’ unique mission. What can
we learn from their encounter?
7 Leviticus 12: 2-8
In 1582, Sultan Murat III was making plans on a grand scale for his son’s circumcision party. His son, Prince Mehmet, was 16 years old and long overdue for a circumcision. Sultan Murat ended up devising what many historians have called the most expensive and grand festival ever held in the entire history of Turkey.
The public celebrations began on June 7 with the procession of Sultan Murat from Topkapi Palace to Ibrahim Paşa Palace and then to the Hippodrome. The Hippodrome was designated to be the center of the festival. On the third day of the festival, the games started. On that day, Prince Mehmet went to the Old Palace to kiss his mother; an act that symbolically ended his childhood and dependence on her. He then returned to pay homage to his father who was watching the events from an elevated pavilion.
Today many parents are pushed to their nancial limits when they pay for a ride in a red convertible and buy pide and ayran for their neighborhood friends at a street party. But for Sultan Murat there was no limit to the amount of effort or expense it would take to celebrate his son’s step into manhood.
Each day opened with foreign dignitaries presenting gifts to the sultan, and in turn the sultan bestowing gifts on them and ordering that feasts be given in their honor. The variety of foods that were at the daily banquets was beyond description. Various shows, dancers, jugglers, and groups of soldiers paraded and performed in the afternoons. Singing, dancing, and tight rope walking continued into the night. Every two or three days, the sultan distributed silver coins from his window or ordered bowls of food to be brought from the imperial kitchen. Part of the entertainment was watching the poor people scramble and ght over the meat that was brought out.
They also staged elaborate, mock battles and reenacted real ones; the most elaborate being the conquest of Cyprus. Wooden castles built for these battle scenes were set on fire much to the delight of all the people. But the reworks were most likely the highlight of these nightly performances.
This royal sunnet party lasted fifty-two days, almost two months! It is because of the eight European eye witnesses’ and two Ottoman historians’ written accounts, not to mention hundreds of miniature gurines made to remember the details of the event, that we are able to know what happened during those days and weeks.
The week before the actual circumcision took place, an event described as “the climax” of the festivities happened. In an act of mercy and compassion, the Sultan ordered the prison guards to bring into his presence several prisoners who had been jailed for not paying their debts. When they arrived, tired from dragging the chains clamped onto their ankles, he surprised them by paying their debts and releasing them from prison. How happy they must have been for that boy’s circumcision!
The circumcision of Prince Mehmet was, however, a private affair that took place in the Topkapi Palace. The fifth vizier, Mehmet Paşa in the presence of only three people, performed the operation. Though not recorded, it is certain someone must have pinned a bit of gold on the prince’s clothes!
Now, let's go back in history over 1500 years before Sultan Murat III to see what happened during the circumcision of another boy. Although the event was not celebrated on the scale of Prince Mehmet's, it was nonetheless a signi cant event. The boy was Jesus and we can read about him in Luke chapter 2 verse 21:
21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.
Jesus’ circumcision was done according to the command God gave Abraham nearly two thousand years earlier. Let’s review God’s command in Genesis chapter 17 verses 9-12:
9 Then God said to Abraham, As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner- those who are not your offspring.
Similar to our Turkish custom, a specific number of days were set- aside for women as a special time of purification. This was a direct
command to Israel during the time of Moses.7 The woman who gave birth to a boy was ceremonially unclean for seven days. On the eighth day, the boys were to be circumcised. However, women had to wait an additional 33 days before they were allowed to resume religious participation at the temple.
In ancient times the life of a woman was not easy. She did much of the hard work that would ordinarily belong to a man. In fact this is largely the case even today in some places where women work in both the house and field. Therefore God made provision for the mothers, a prescribed period of rest and isolation, so they could regain their strength. Fortunate for them, we still enjoy that tradition today.
Jesus’ parents made every effort to be obedient to the commands of the Lord. So after Mary’s time of puri cation was ended, they took Jesus to the temple to be dedicated. Let’s continue reading in Luke chapter 2 verses 22-24:
22 When the time of their puri cation according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, Every rstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: a pair of doves or two young pigeons.
In those days, every firstborn male was to be dedicated to God and the parents were to offer a sacrifice. God’s instruction was that a lamb, pigeon, or turtledove be offered according to the parent’s financial means. Which of these do you think would be more expensive? Correct, lambs are more expensive. What did Mary and Joseph offer as a sacrifice? Right again, they sacrificed two young pigeons.
In other words, Mary and Joseph weren't wealthy enough to offer a lamb. They were poor, working class people. Never forget that God
doesn't look at a person's economic status to determine their worth. He knew their hearts. He knew that they were humble and their family would be the ideal environment for Jesus to grow up in.
Now the story takes an interesting twist. Let’s continue in Luke chapter 2 verses 25-35:
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. 33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.
Perhaps you have known an elderly, devout, and faithful man like Simeon who was faithful in his daily prayers. One day “moved by the Spirit,” he went to the temple courts and found this poor family holding an infant in their arms. Taking the baby in his own arms, he was moved by the Holy Spirit and started praising God and prophesying about the infant Christ.
Remember, “to dedicate,” means, “to set aside for special use.” This is exactly what Simeon said about Jesus. He said Jesus was set apart for a holy purpose. Let’s reread Simeon’s interesting comments in verses 30-32:
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Here we get our rst glimpse into the truth that Jesus’ ministry was not just intended for Israelites. Simeon’s mention of the Gentiles signi ed that Jesus’ work and impact was to extend to both Jew and non-Jew. In other words Jesus’ work was for the whole world, including us!
We can be sure that Simeon’s words warmed Mary’s heart. But one of his statements was perplexing. When the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, he didn’t say anything bad would happen. But now, with this newborn baby in her arms, the word "sword" sent a shiver down her spine. More speci cally, Simeon said:
“And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
What did he mean “your soul too?” Was he implying that something bad would happen to Jesus? The fact is this is the first mention of Jesus’ future suffering.
As Mary and Joseph thanked Simeon for dedicating their baby, their minds must have been full of wonder at the full meaning of his prophecy. On their way out of the temple courtyard their exit was suddenly interrupted again as an elderly woman approached them. Let’s read what happened next in Luke chapter 2 verses 36-40:
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
God uses the consecrated individual, whether they are old or young, male or female, rich or poor. Isn’t it interesting that a female prophet would con rm Jesus’ young life as holy and special? Though there are only a few female prophets mentioned in the Bible, it is appropriate that God should use one of them to bless and dedicate the baby Jesus. Little did they know that this baby would grow into a man who would completely shatter every cast and class prejudice in society! He was a revolutionary. Jesus would show that the Spirit of God was freely available to anyone who wanted it: educated and uneducated, free and slave, male and female.
Did you notice this sentence from the scripture passage?
38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Once again, Jesus is linked with salvation. Why?
Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth from the dedication with a lot to think about! God had again confirmed to them that their child was no ordinary boy. Their minds must have been full of questions. But they would have to be patient and wait to learn the answers.
Let’s conclude with a short story from northern Turkey. For years, a village outside of Samsun had enjoyed fresh water owing from a natural fountain at the entrance to their village. The cold water owed strongly year round and villagers came daily to the spot to fill their bottles with the sweet, fresh water. The fountain by the road's edge had no special beauty or attraction other than the good water. Old plastic bottles and litter were strewn around the area. It was a muddy mess. People had to walk on random stepping-stones, to get in a position to ll their bottles. The original, 1950’s white marble decorating the fountain had fallen apart long ago.
After being elected the new village leader, the chief (muhtar) decided to make the fountain the centerpiece of the village’s revitalized entrance. He poured a nice concrete oor, added several benches, installed a drain system, and covered the fountain with a roof. After the project was completed, the village was very proud. The principle of the school suggested they invite all the villagers to a special dedication of the new fountain.
“The students could recite poetry, perform several songs, and you could give a speech. Of course we could serve rice and garbanzos too.” He said.
Everything was going as planned, but during the village leader's (muhtar) long speech an old woman stepped forward. She passed the stage and went over to the running water. She pulled an old dented tin cup from her bag, filled it, took a deep drink, and then, noticing that there was not a cup anywhere on the new fountain, shrugged her shoulders, and set her old cup on a ledge above the beautiful new fountain. She turned to walk away, and as she was passing the village leader (muhtar), she said in a loud voice,
“It’s a real fine roof, but people come to a fountain to drink. You forgot the cup?”
Everyone burst into laughter, but it was the perfect climax to the dedication. It was a grand moment that reminded everyone, that though the beauty of the place had improved significantly, the water hadn’t changed at all.
Everyone enjoyed the rice and garbanzos at the dedication that day, but interestingly no cola was served. Just water. Good, clean, cold water.
Just as the dedication service at the fountain hadn’t changed the water, but only gave recognition to something that was always there; so too Jesus’ dedication was an early af rmation of his unique qualities, which were the same in infancy and manhood. He was pure and destined to change the world!
Discussion Questions
1. Consider the unusual experience of the prisoners at Prince Mehmet’s circumcision. Why did one man’s circumcision set another
man free from his debts?
2. Why did Jesus’ parents take him to the temple?
3. What did the old man Simeon say about Jesus?
4. Simeon’s words and the Prophetess Anna’s words helped Joseph and Mary understand the baby Jesus’ unique mission. What can
we learn from their encounter?
7 Leviticus 12: 2-8