Where does the Bible say Jesus was 40 days old when he was presented in consecration to the heavenly Father by his parents? Is this the basis for the custom observed by some in presenting their children to the Lord?

As narrated in Luke 2:21-23, the mother of Jesus, in conformity with the Law given to the Israelites by God through Moses, presented him in consecration to the heavenly Father. (See Exodus 13:12,15) This presentation could not take place until the time of the mother’s purification had been fulfilled, which according to the Law (Leviticus 12:1-4) would require 40 days. All of the firstborn of the children of Israel are represented as belonging unto the Lord, and to redeem these from sacrificial service, the Law required a substitute should be offered, either a lamb, or two doves, and these must be sacrificed (Exodus 13:12-15). We believe it is this Jewish custom that is largely responsible for the consecration services observed by some of the Lard’s saintly people of the present day (1 Samuel 1:22-28).