“Temple Visit“
Mary and Joseph were at last ready to return home to Nazareth.
By Jewish custom, Mary remained secluded until her time of ritual purification was complete.
As the twenty-eighth day approached, Joseph made preparations to return home to Nazareth.
The beautiful temple at Jerusalem would be their first stop;
Mary, to receive a blessing from the priest; and Jesus, their firstborn male child, would be dedicated to the Lord.
Afterward, they would begin the journey to Nazareth.
But Father God had prepared a surprise.
Two of his faithful servants, had been promised a meeting at the temple; but not before they had a disturbing encounter.
Joseph, carried the small container with the pair of turtle doves for the sacrifice.
Leading the way, he steered the little party towards the broad steps of the temple mount; unaware a helmeted Roman soldier, his blood red crest waving above the crowd, moved to intercept them.
Throngs of pilgrims parted, like the bow wave of a ship, before the soldiers purposeful stride.
As Joseph arrived at the foot of the steps, just beyond the ritual baths used by pilgrims; a leather-braced arm thrust itself before him.
The menacing eyes, peering from the shadow of the polished steel helmet and crimson crest, fell to the bundle in Mary’s arms.
“In what city was this infant born?”
It was a surly demand. Joseph was taken back, momentarily confused by the interruption and threatening tone of the request.
“We are Nazarenes.” He managed to stammer, before continuing.
“We have come to offer our first born to Jehovah’s service and to sacrifice a pair of turtle doves in obedience to the law of Moses.”
He paused, briefly shifting his glance to the soldier’s face; then back to his feet, he continued.
“We seek not to trouble you sir, only Yahweh’s blessing.”
Normally quiet, given to few words, Joseph surprised himself.
His words had flowed off his tongue as though propelled by an unseen force.
He realized as he finished speaking, he had been careful not to answer the soldiers question.
He had not disclosed that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem and not in Nazareth.
The soldier, seemingly satisfied, nodded as he turned his gaze to the crowds around them, as if seeking someone. He withdrew his arm,
“Very well. Go.”
He abruptly turned and made his way back into the crowd.
Mary shuddered involuntarily, as she tracked the receeding crest. Transfixed, she whispered “What was that about, Joseph?”
Her eyes remained fastened on the scene as roman crests moved about near the steps leading to the front portico of the temple. Their swaying shapes felt menacing. They stood out above the heads of pilgrims gathered to climb the steps leading to the courts of the temple.
“Joseph!” her voice trailed off as she turned to face him. Her beautiful eyes, normally demur, were wide, tinged with fear.
He paused for a moment to consider, “That was strange indeed,” he said quietly, with an air of uncertainty.
“I don’t know its meaning;”
“I’ve not felt or seen this before. Romans at the temple mount?”
He shifted uneasily, aware he felt on edge, but unsure why. He dismissed the question, not having an answer.
“We have the sacrifice, let us present ourselves to the priest for a blessing.”
He turned, leading the trio up the steps, onto the temple mount.
