Now when the days of her [Mary’s] purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him [Jesus] 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 2:22-24
At the time appointed in the law, Mary and Joseph took the Baby Jesus to the temple, to offer a sacrifice for the newborn child.
Just consider the scene: Mary and Joseph went to offer a sacrifice for the Great Sacrifice. Turtledoves were offered for the Unblemished Lamb of God. Turtledoves were allowed as a sacrifice for people who could not afford a lamb. (Leviticus 12:8) They brought the very best of what they had, and that was sufficient. What a beautiful picture of how our lives should be lived for Him.
We are to bring our very best to the Lord as a sacrifice today. Some of us can bring more than others, in terms of material possessions. Some of us are willing to bring more of ourselves, in terms of our emotions, our talents, our time. But, if we are bringing the best that we can bring, with a willing heart, it will be accepted by the Father.
After all, what more could we really do to gain His favor? Can we do more than what Christ did for us? Can we live a sinless life? In fact, we probably cannot even live a sinless day. Are we willing to die for someone who rejects us, abuses us, hates us? Even if we could do these first two things, are we able to overcome death and rise to heaven to seat ourselves at the right hand of the Father?
The answer on all three counts is no. But, Jesus did these things. He lived a perfect life without sin. He died not for one man, but for every man who will believe on Him. And, He rose from the grave and defeated death. Today, He sits at the right hand of God, making intercession for the very people for whom He died.
Our sacrifices, no matter how much we give, will never match this Great Sacrifice.
But, the Bible comforts us by reminding us that the Lord does not desire sacrifice and burnt offerings, as the ultimate Sacrifice has been made through Jesus: “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—These, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51: 16-17)
The Lord does not desire sacrifice from us, because He has sent the perfect Sacrifice in Christ. He desires a broken and contrite spirit that allows us to see our need for a Savior. This is what the Lord desires.
Mary and Joseph brought the best that they could for the sacrifice, and they were obedient to the call of the Lord through the Law He established. Today, the Messiah has abolished the Law and has called us to Him through accepting His sacrifice on the cross.
May we bring the best of ourselves, recognizing that nothing can match the sacrifice of Christ. May we accept His perfect sacrifice for ourselves, and with joy for what He did for us, may we offer Him the sacrifice of a life completely consecrated to Him.
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