Luke 2:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The turtledoves, along with the dove chicks, were offered as sacrifices, symbolizing the One who bore physical death for the salvation of the world (Jn. 6:51). He Himself is the melodious turtledove, the pure dove. Thus, when He stood before the Lord, doves and their young were presented, revealing the Truth alongside the symbols. Consequently, Christ presented Himself as a pleasing aroma (Eph. 5:2), that through Him and in Him we might be reconciled with God the Father, thereby addressing our separation due to Adam's transgression and the sin that ruled over all humanity. We are those who have been led back to God the Father, for we have long cried out, "Look upon me and have mercy on me" (Psalm 24:16), as the Psalmist notes. God's gaze rests upon the righteous (Ps. 33:16), as He does not focus on those enveloped in sin but on the humble and reverent who tremble at His divine words (Is. 66:2). Thus, it was vital that we first be purified to be worthy of divine care; we have attained this through Christ, the Savior of all, who was born of a woman and subjected Himself to the law (Gal. 4:4).

He also paid the temple tax required by the collectors (Matt. 17:24-27), though He was not obligated to do so in truth as He is the Son; instead, He did so because He was under the law (Gal. 4:4). It was fitting for Him to complete the household duties He embraced for our sake. In the act of paying the tax, He is again portrayed as our Savior and Redeemer. The didrachma represents a coin with a royal likeness and, by law, served as payment for two individuals. Thus, in the didrachma, Christ is again symbolically represented. He is the heavenly coin, the very image of the Father and the representation of His essence (Heb. 1:3), having offered Himself for the redemption of both Jews and Gentiles.

This does not refer to physical age but illustrates the essence of purity. To express meekness and humility, Christ invites us to learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29).

If one wonders why He commanded the offering of two animals, two of perfect quality, and two chicks, the answer lies in the dual nature of humanity—soul and body. Thus, God expects from us both a dual purity and dual meekness. If I refrain from physical indulgence yet entertain desires in my soul, I am not pure but, in fact, an adulterer. The scripture states, “He who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Similarly, if someone presents a façade of meekness while harboring irritation within, they are not genuinely gentle but rather hypocritical and resentful; their outward kindness masks hidden malice. In this context, the Prophet remarks: “with their lips they bless, but their heart is set on iniquity” (Psalm 61:5), and again, “they speak peace with their neighbors, but malice is in their hearts” (Psalm 27:3).

By instructing the offering of two perfect animals and two chicks, He leads us to understand that in wisdom and purity we should strive for perfection, yet in regards to malice, as the Apostle says, we ought to be like infants (1 Corinthians 14:20).

Following this wondrous birth, when they brought Him into the temple, the Spirit prepared other turtledoves and young pigeons, far more deserving. Who were they? Simeon and Anna, whom one might liken to either pigeons, due to their innocence concerning sin, or turtledoves, owing to their profound purity, and such a comparison would be fitting.

On the fortieth day after His birth, His parents adhered to two commandments: first, the law of purification for a mother who had given birth to a son, involving the offering of a burnt sacrifice and a sin offering (Leviticus 12:2, etc.), and second, the command regarding the dedication or redemption of the firstborn to God through an offering of five shekels of silver (Ex. 13:2, 13; Num. 8:16, 17; Num. 18:16).

Thus, every firstborn son was to be viewed as belonging to the Lord and was intended to serve in the temple. However, since the law recognized a distinct priesthood comprised of the tribe of Levi, firstborn males from other tribes had the option of redemption from temple service, meaning their dedication to God served as a reminder of their belonging to the Lord. Consequently, when the time of purification arrived, the Blessed Virgin Mary, accompanied by her Child and under Joseph's rightful guardianship, went to the temple. Joseph traveled to Jerusalem and presented himself before the priest. Given the circumstances, this rite held little significance, for Mary, having conceived and given birth to her Son by divine means, was free from all ceremonial uncleanness, and the Child, being the only-begotten Son of God, required no special offering. However, the virtues of humility, a sacred reticence regarding the divine act, and a profound respect for the law were consistent with the character of the Blessed Virgin, leading her to the temple in the manner of an ordinary woman. On such occasions, the law mandated the offering of a year-old lamb as a burnt offering, alongside a young dove and a turtledove for a sin offering (Leviticus 12:1-8). The Mosaic law, however, displayed particular compassion for those unable to afford such a valuable sacrifice; thus, individuals of modest means were permitted to offer two turtledoves or two young pigeons, which could be purchased in the outer courts from designated sellers, along with other sacrificial animals. The demand for pigeons among the impoverished became so lucrative that unscrupulous high priests exploited this opportunity, significantly inflating prices—despite objections from zealous adherents to the law. Being poor, Mary brought forth an offering reflective of her humble means. Additionally, a financial contribution for the redemption of the firstborn son was required, set by law at five shekels of the sacred currency (Numbers 18:16), equivalent to more than four silver rubles.

The husband of the mother had a role in observing the latter, which Joseph fulfilled. By virtue of this command (Ex. 13:2, 12, etc.), in remembrance of the night before the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt when the destroying angel struck down all firstborn in Egypt, all Israelite firstborn were to be consecrated for God’s service, specifically for the sanctuary. Eventually, only the tribe of Levi was chosen for this sacred duty, and a redemption price of five shekels of silver was established for the firstborn (Num. 18:16). The Lord Jesus, being the firstborn (and only Son), was also to be dedicated to the Lord according to this law—a dedication that occurred alongside the purification sacrifice that every new mother was required to present at the temple upon completing her days of purification. - The dedication of firstborn children to the Lord did not necessitate specific rites; however, the mother who had given birth was required to offer a sacrifice after her days of purification: a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering, and either a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. For those of modest means who could not afford a lamb, the law allowed for a pair of turtledoves or young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering (Leviticus 12:6-8). Mary, as revealed in this Gospel, provided the sacrifice designated for the poor. - Why was it necessary for the Lord, whose conception and birth were free from sin, to undergo circumcision, and for His pure Mother to comply with the purification law? - 1) To fulfill all righteousness (Matt. 3:15) and to exemplify complete obedience to the law, reflecting the holy will of God. 2) For the future ministry of the Messiah among His people: an uncircumcised individual could not engage with the community of God, nor could He enter the temple or synagogues; uncircumcised, He would lack influence over the people and recognition as the Messiah. Likewise, His sanctified mother could not be viewed as a true Israelite by the priests and the populace without undergoing purification. The mystery of the Immaculate Conception and birth remained unknown to all except Joseph and Mary at that time, necessitating strict adherence to all legal requirements.