Read Luke 2:21-24

MARY AND JOSEPH BRING JESUS TO THE TEMPLE
Jewish families went through several ceremonies soon after a baby’s birth: 1)Circumcision. Every boy was circumcised and named on the eighth day after birth. Circumcision symbolized the Jew’s separation from Gentiles and their unique relationship with God. 2) Redemption of the first born. A firstborn son was presented to God one month after birth. The ceremony included buying back (redeeming) the child from God through an offering. Thus, the parents acknowledged that the child belonged to God who alone has the power to give life. 3) Purification of the mother. For 40 day after the birth of a son and 80 days after the birth of a daughter, the mother was ceremonially unclean and could not enter the Temple. At the end of her time of separation, the parents were to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a dove or a pigeon for a sin offering. The priest would sacrifice these animals and declare her to be clean. If a lamb was too expensive, the parents could bring a second pigeon or dove instead. This is what Mary and Joseph did.
Jesus was God’s Son, but his family carried out these ceremonies according to God’s law. Jesus was not born above the law; instead He fulfilled it perfectly..