THE SACRIFICE

In Luke 2:22, we read: “Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

“But I thought Jesus is God.” Grandfather nodded. “Then why present Him to the Lord in Jerusalem?”

“Timmy, the law stated every male who opens the womb or firstborn, would belong to and be holy to the Lord. His parents fulfilled the law by presenting Him to the Lord.”


“So the sacrifice was for Him?” As Grandfather shook his head, Timmy sighed, “This is hard to understand.”

“The sacrifice was for the new mother. She would offer a pair of turtledoves and be declared ceremonially clean again.”

“Wait, Grandfather. I thought the Lord Jesus was the sacrifice for sin.”

“You’re right. But this was before He died on the cross as a sacrifice. Think about it. Mary had to offer a sacrifice for her sins. All she could afford were two turtledoves, while in her arms, she held the Lamb of God that would take away the sins of the world.”

Silence.

“Mighty quiet, Timmy.”

“I’m thinking. It’s awesome when you think about it. A whole lot to understand.”

Grandfather nodded, put his arm around Timmy’s shoulders. “We don’t have to understand to offer Him the Gift of Praise and Thankfulness. He knows our hearts.”

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus has provided the way by offering Himself as our sacrifice. He loves us with an everlasting love and He has promised never to leave nor forsake us. He loves you.  Won’t you come to Him?