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what happened when jesus was dedicated ?

**The Dedication of Jesus: A Significant Event in Christian Tradition**

The dedication of Jesus, also known as the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, is a pivotal event in the life of Jesus Christ that holds great significance in Christian tradition. This event is described in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-38) and is still celebrated by Christians around the world today.

**The Jewish Tradition of Dedication**

In Jewish tradition, the firstborn son was required to be dedicated to God, as a way of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and ownership over all things. This tradition was based on the biblical instruction in Exodus 13:1-2, which states that every firstborn, whether of man or beast, belongs to God. The dedication ceremony took place when the child was 40 days old, a period of ritual purification for the mother.

**The Event of Jesus’ Dedication**

According to Luke 2:22-38, when Jesus was 40 days old, his parents, Mary and Joseph, took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be dedicated to God. The ceremony took place in the presence of two elderly figures, Simeon and Anna. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, had been waiting for the coming of the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Christ. When Simeon saw Jesus, he took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Now, Lord, you are releasing your servant to depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Anna, a prophetess who had been a widow for 84 years, also recognized Jesus as the Messiah and gave thanks to God, speaking of Jesus to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

**The Significance of Jesus’ Dedication**

The dedication of Jesus marked several significant events:

1. **Recognition as the Messiah**: Simeon and Anna’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry.
2. **Presentation to God**: Jesus’ dedication to God signified his parents’ acknowledgment of God’s ownership and sovereignty over their child.
3. **Purification of Mary**: The ceremony also provided an opportunity for Mary’s ritual purification, as she had given birth to a son.

**Conclusion**

The dedication of Jesus is a significant event in Christian tradition, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and his recognition as the Messiah. This event highlights the importance of acknowledging God’s sovereignty and ownership over all things. Today, Christians around the world continue to celebrate this event, reflecting on the significance of Jesus’ life and ministry.