Strictly speaking, there is no requirement in old covenant law for firstborn children to be taken to the temple. Though the law stipulated that the firstborn male should be redeemed
from priestly service with the payment of five shekels (Exodus 13:13; Numbers 18:15–16),1 this could be done without the child being present.2 The presentation of Jesus was thus an action that went beyond the requirements of God’s law. It parallels Hannah’s presentation of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:22–24, 1 Samuel 1:28)3 and reflects Mary’s expectations of her child (Luke 1:46–55). She knows that he will be used by God to do great things and so she wants to visibly recognize that he has been set apart for special service. His presentation also confirms that he is superior to John.4
22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord