Was Christ Redeemed with Five Shekels of Silver?

It is unlikely Christ was redeemed for five shekels of silver. The ceremony for the redemption of the firstborn son for five shekels of silver is called the Pidyon HaBen and hearkens back to ancient biblical practices.¹ Pidyon HaBen means “redemption of the son” whereby “a firstborn son is redeemed from a Kohen in order to release him from his obligation to serve in the Temple”.

In William J. Hamblin’s recent interview with Margaret Barker, she pointed out that Christ was the “unredeemed sacrifice” because the New Testament record is silent about this ceremony when Jesus was presented at the temple (see Luke 2:22-39).

Of course this fact is significant for a number of reasons. For one, the Savior said “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18).

If the Savior fulfilled the law, and assuming Joseph and Mary did not pay the redemption money to the priest, the Savior’s ministry in relationship to the temple priesthood takes on added significance.

Perhaps Paul had reference to these things when he wrote to the Hebrews, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14).

Sources:

1. See for example, Berrol, Ronn. Coinage for Redeeming the First Born: An Ancient and Modern Jewish Ritual. John Jencek Ancient Coins & Antiquities. 8 Aug 2008.↩

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