at 40 days old was
taken to Jerusalem
Why?

JESUS 40 days old

Jesus was taken to the temple in Jerusalem for a Jewish religious ritual when he was 40 days old.

Background Reading:

Luke 2:22-24

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every first born male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons." See - Leviticus 12.1-8

More Information:

Jesus

There were two rituals that were preformed at the Temple:

1.The redemption of the first born Exodus 3:2, Numbers 8:17, Numbers 18:15-16 cost 5 shekels

2. The purification after child birth this was for the woman:
a pair of doves or two young pigeons were used by the poorer class and a lamb was used by the rich. see Leviticus 12:1-8; Exodus 13:2; Numbers18:15-16