Shameless Popery #223 Does Luke 2 DISPROVE Mary’s Sinlessness? - Joe Heschmeyer
Nov 11, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Joe examines claims that Luke 2 suggests Mary sinned due to her ritual offering at the Temple. He clarifies the difference between purification sacrifices and guilt offerings, arguing that the hatat represents physical purity, not moral failure. Using examples from Jewish law, Joe highlights that Mary’s observance was an act of humility, not evidence of sin. He also touches on early Christian beliefs regarding Mary's unique status, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of her role.
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The 'Sin Offering' Puzzle
- Luke 2:22-24 records Mary offering a hatat described in Leviticus 12, often translated as a "sin offering."
- The passage superficially suggests Mary sinned, which fuels Protestant objections to her sinlessness.
Hatat Means Purification
- The Hebrew term hatat is better rendered as a purification offering rather than strictly a sin offering.
- Scholars like Rabbi Jacob Milgram argue the term and context point to ritual purity, not moral guilt.
Ritual Impurity ≠ Moral Guilt
- Levitical hatat addresses ritual impurity that blocks temple access, not necessarily moral transgression.
- The guilt offering (asham) serves for moral forgiveness, distinct from hatat's cleansing role.
