TWO TURTLEDOVES AND A SAVIOR!

“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.”  (Luke 2:22. NKJV)

“But isn't Jesus God?” Grandfather nodded. “Then why present Him to the Lord in Jerusalem?”

“The law stated every firstborn male is holy to the Lord. His parents fulfilled the law when they presented Him at the Temple.”

“So the sacrifice was for Him?” Grandfather shook his head. Timmy sighed. “I don’t get it." 

“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. 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, who would take away the sins of the world.”

Silence.

“Timmy?”

“Umm, it’s awesome when you think about it,” his eyebrows dipped. “But hard to understand.”

Grandfather put his arm around Timmy’s shoulders. “We don’t have to understand to praise Him and be thankful. He knows our hearts, son, and we need Someone perfect to offer Himself in our place.” 

"To think He loves us that much. Still think it's hard to understand."

"Totally agree," Grandfather said as he hugged his grandson.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus provided the way by offering Himself as my sacrifice. He loves me and promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Think about it!