The Dedication of a Lamb

Read Luke 2:21-24

Generations of Israelite sons had been brought before the priests in dedication to the Lord. However, the presentation of this particular son is unique. The ceremony represents a family reunion of sorts as God the Son is offered before God the Father as one truly set apart. Consider the joy that must have welled up in the Heavenly Father as he looked upon his boy and considered the delight they had experienced together from eternity past. Perhaps his joy was met with sorrow at the thought of what this baby would ultimately be called upon to endure.

Hebrew law required a sacrifice be made for Mary’s purification following her childbirth. She was to offer a sacrificial lamb at the temple whereby a priest would carry out the act, making atonement for her sins and providing for her cleansing. An exception was made, however, for those individuals unable to afford a lamb. A pair of turtledoves or pigeons would serve as the substitute for the more expensive lamb (see Leviticus 12:1-8). Mary and Joseph’s meager circumstances dictated they make use of this clause for the poor.

What the priest was ignorant of, however, was that Mary and Joseph possessed a sacrificial lamb far greater than any he had ever laid hands on. The very child being dedicated in the temple on this day would be the lamb whose sacrifice would usher in a new covenant. Through him the sacrificial system would be finally and forever fulfilled. This solitary baby boy would bear the full weight of the sins of the entire world for all time.

Starter Prayer:
Father,
I can’t imagine the range of emotions you must have felt as your son was dedicated in your holy temple. You were well aware of what his future held and for what purpose he was ultimately being set apart. At any moment you could have withdrawn this gift of grace being offered. You would have been perfectly justified in doing so. Yet you didn’t. Instead you willingly traded your son’s life for mine. Help me to live every day in response to your overwhelming generosity toward me.
Amen.