Day 29 – Confirmation and affirmation

“You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22c

In the Jewish community, adolescence marked a profound spiritual transition for a young boy as he approached his 𝘉𝘢𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘵𝘻𝘷𝘢𝘩. Literally translating to “son of the commandment,” this milestone signified his official religious coming-of-age. While the elaborate public celebrations we see today developed much later in history, the spiritual roots of this transition run deep. Ancient Jewish tradition and the priests formally recognized age thirteen as the threshold of accountability – the exact moment a young boy became personally responsible for keeping God’s Covenant and its laws.

These ceremonies would be held at big feasts where families would travel from far and would already be present for this big step. Proud fathers would present their sons to the priests in the temple, affirming their “sonship” to the community. It is also at this ceremony where it would be decided if they would follow in their father’s footsteps as trade or eligible for priestly duties.

There is no record that Jesus underwent the 𝘉𝘢𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘵𝘻𝘷𝘢𝘩 when He was 12, but we do find Him in His Father’s house teaching. As His earthly father, Joseph could not affirm Jesus, nor present Him to the priests as his son. But at Jesus’ baptism, God the Father, affirmed Jesus as His beloved Son – affirming and presenting Him to the world.

Pray with me: Thank You Father, that even when we feel we miss important milestones, or that we are not worthy to step into an appointed role according to the world, You are the One who affirms us as Your children. You have a beautiful plan for our future’s, and You have laid the foundation of our Kingdom ministry. Today I accept that I am affirmed and presented to the world as a child of the Most High and that I am worthy. Amen. ©

Love, Pastor Iriza