j4782

This is in response to tigerwookie's first comment (12-15-2011 @ 3:23pm).

As a scholar, I must respectfully disagree with your comment that Joseph and Mary were not poor.

It is indicated in a different section of the Bible. Luke 2:22-24.  When Jesus was taken to the Temple at 8 days old, Joseph and Mary sacrificed a pair of birds. Leviticus 12:8 is referenced.  If Joseph and Mary were well off, they were required by custom to sacrifice a spotless 1 year old lamb and a bird (Lev. 12:6). The exception is 'if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or pigeons."

Joseph is described as a righteous man (Matt. 1:19). He would not skimp on giving God and his priests (for the food priests got to eat was taken from the sacrifices) their due. Don't forget, Joseph was related to a priest (Zechariah, John the Baptist's father) through Mary (Luke 1:36).