Revealing the One who Reveals (Part II) – “What Can I Give Him?”
Sermon Title: “What Can I Give Him?”
Good News Statement: Jesus encourages us to give what we can
Preached: Sunday, January 19th, 2025 at Dogwood Prairie UMC & Seed Chapel UMC
Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.
Scripture (NRSVUE): Luke 2:22-35 Today’s scripture reading comes from the Gospel of Luke who introduces us to a man named Simeon who not only presents the new born Christ to the Lord, but reveals him to all people. May we find ways in 2025 to reveal who Jesus is in our life. Our scripture reading is Luke Chapter Two, Verses Twenty-Two thru Thirty-Five. May the hearing and understanding of this scripture add a blessing to your life.
Jesus Is Named
21 When the eighth day came, it was time to circumcise the child, and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
This is the Word of God for the People of God; And all God’s people said, “Thanks be to God.”
Introduction:
The announcement has been made, Mary has given birth to her firstborn son and has wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger. The heavenly host of angels have sung, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace among those whom he favors” (Luke 2:14). The shepherds have received “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10), they have traveled to Bethlehem to witness what took place, and they shared with Mary, before “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen” (Luke 2:20), news that she treasured and pondered in her heart (Luke 2:19). Now the Magi have arrived and left gifts of gold, frankincense, myrrh, and have travelled home going a different way and avoiding King Herod. Christ has been born, in the city of David, to a people that need to be transformed.
To commemorate that special day, we lit the Christ Candle. That candle is more than just a symbol of hope, peace, joy, and love: it represents a source of light that no amount of darkness can prevail over nor cover. Through this Candle, Christ has entered our life: “And the Word became flesh and lived among us…” (John 1:14). With this candle we have been given a gift, a name above all names. With Christ now fully present in our life, we must not wait to reveal who Christ is to us. We must not wait to reveal who Christ is to our church. We must not wait to reveal what Christ is calling us to do. We must not wait to find ways to keep his light shining as we enter a New Year: a year filled with accomplishments, successes and failures, joy and pain, new beginnings and setbacks, and good news and doubt. We must not wait to pass along the “good news of great joy to all people” through what we do and what we say.
Today, we look forward to the future as individuals and as a church. Today, we find ways to reveal who Jesus is and what Jesus does for us and the church. Today, we think about how we will reveal Jesus Christ in 2025 by spending time with Simeon—actually several weeks—with a priest who waited his entire career for the day when he would bless the one who would in turn bless him. Luke is the only Gospel writer—writing about the year 85 CE, approximately 50 years after the death of Christ—to mention this moment in Jesus’ life. A moment that revealed the one who reveals us. We continue the story be simply asking ourselves, “What can I give him?”
Body:
The first recording of this song took place in 1951 by the Austrian Trapp Family, and the song was further popularized by a 1958 recording by the Harry Simeone Chorale. Although recorded in 1951, this popular Christmas song was written by American composer Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941, who when asked about her inspiration for the song said, “[One day], when I was trying to take a nap, I was obsessed with this song that came into my head and it was supposed to have been inspired by a French song, “Patapan.” And then, ‘patapan’ translated in my minid to ‘pa-rum-pum-pum’, and it took on a rhythm.”[1] The song that Davis drummed up in her mind was originally titled “Carol of the Drum.” Today, the song is better known as “The Little Drummer Boy.”
Being a drummer, and having played the part of the little drummer boy in my pre-school Christmas Program, this Christmas song has become one of my favorite holiday songs. Its catchy and simplistic rhythm, its calm demeanor and tone, and its message seem to put me in the Christmas Spirit. Now, what I just said stems from the version sung by Bing Crosby and David Bowie. The contemporary Christian group King and Country have put some energy and excitement into this old Christmas classic; however, the message is still the same as it was back in 1941.
In the lyrics, the singer relates how, as a poor young boy, he was summoned by the Magi to the Nativity of Jesus. Without a gift for the Infant, the little drummer boy played his drum with approval from Jesus’ mother, Mary. The little drummer boy recalls, “I played my best for him” and “He smiled at me.”[2] The little drummer boy thought he had nothing to give to the newborn King. The Magi gave gifts of value and worth and of promised fortune. What could the little drummer boy give that would be in comparison to gold, frankincense, and myrrh? All he could give was the gift of a song.
Davis composed this song to invite her listeners to consider what they are willing and able to give to Jesus. What are you giving to Jesus? Are you waiting to give him the perfect gift, something expensive and of great value? Or are you giving what you have rather than what you don’t have?
Today’s passage shows Mary and Joseph bringing their child to the Jerusalem Temple. This would have been at least 33 days after the circumcision of their child on the 8th day (according to Leviticus 12:1-8). In presenting their child at the Jerusalem Temple they are offering sacrifices as a form of prayer and dedication of their child. Luke notes the parents do not offer the required lamb sacrifice but the exception to the poor of doves and pigeons. They gave what they could, something simple and something they could afford. Today, I invite you to consider what you are giving to Jesus? It’s through your giving that the ways of Jesus are revealed.
Movement One: What Mary and Joseph Give
Luke 2:22-24 suggests that the child, Jesus, is the human son to poor parents: “[Mary and Joseph] brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’” The Book of Leviticus states this law, “These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl. But if she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering” (Leviticus 12:7-8). Mary and Joseph simply offered what they could afford, what they had.
Remember, they left Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem—about 90 miles—because a census was ordered. They didn’t know when they would return; however, they didn’t pack everything. Then they travelled from Bethlehem to Jerusalem—about 6 miles—to the Temple: only taking what they had. And above all else, Joseph was a simple carpenter while Mary was mostly a teenager. Financial wealth was not something that they were blessed with.
Luke notes the parents do not offer the required lamb sacrifice but the exception to the poor of doves and pigeons. Obviously, Mary and Joseph had not received the gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) of the Magi yet. So, they gave what they could, something simple and something they could afford, but yet something that proved their devout trust in God.
To Mary and Joseph, there was nothing really extraordinary or miraculous about what needed to be done. They didn’t have fancy clothes or expensive gifts or even made plans to host a meal after this event. (Later on we read that after the blessing, Mary and Joseph travel back to Nazareth (Luke 2:39).) They were simply following the laws of the day. Other people were in the Temple as well, seeking a blessing upon their newborn child. This was just another day in the city of Jerusalem; but it was a day that changed their heart. It was a day that healed them. You see, Mary and Joseph didn’t expect God to respond so quickly as He did, confirming that God did, indeed, have plans for Jesus –plans to accomplish the incredible rescue God had prepared and proclaimed through the prophets. It’s profound, really. Mary and Joseph present Jesus to the Lord, giving what they had, on a normal day in Jerusalem. And the Lord gives him right back as a Savior, everything that they need. They gave what they had and God gave them everything they needed.
What Mary and Joseph received was more than a son. They received a savior. Needless to say, we have received the same thing. Jesus, the Word made flesh, came to dwell among us as a human. He identifies and empathizes with us in every way (Philippians 2:4-7; Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus took on flesh to endure the problems and pains of this world, just like we do every day of our life. He understands sorrow and grief over the death of a parent and loved one, the hurt caused by friends, the heartache of rejection of enemies, the agony of unjust mistreatment, and disbelief when something doesn’t go our way. He also understands the worry and doubt that you feel when something changes last minute. The incarnation reminds us God cares for every person and every problem in our life. Jesus is with you every step of the way. Jesus gives himself to us because he gets us. He knows what you need. He knows what you are going through. He knows you because he gets you. You may question him at times, you may be disappointed with him at times, and you may even get angry with him at times; but remember he is always there. He is everything that we need.
Church, friends, Mary and Joseph gave what they had and in return, God gave them exactly what they needed. They needed Jesus. They needed healing. They needed comfort, courage, and confidence. They needed to be saved. God isn’t asking you to give the most valuable things in your life to Him. Rather, He is asking you to give Him what you can so that He can fill in the missing pieces and give you everything that you need. And the act of giving is not only what God does and what Jesus teaches, but it is what we are called to do.
Movement Two: Four Means of Giving in the Bible
The Bible mentions giving on several occasions. The Apostle Paul notes when writing to the people of Corinth, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). In the Gospel of Matthew, we receive this message from Jesus, “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4). The physician Luke informs the people, “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Luke 6:30). James mentions in his epistle, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15-16).
In the Old Testament, the theme of giving is also prevalent. Deuteronomy 15:11 states, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” Proverbs offers this wisdom about giving: “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10) and “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want” (Proverbs 11:24). In the last book of the Old Testament, we read these words from Malachi “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need” (Malachi 3:10).
You see, giving is essential for one’s faith: it is a biblical teaching, along with a practice, that helps us begin to think about what we are called to do on earth as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus. As Christians, we are called to give, to be that cheerful giver. We give in many ways: we give our time, we give through our offerings and tithes to the church and to other organizations, we give by sharing our gifts and talents, we give through our presence, we give by checking in with another, we give by offering donations of clothes and food in a time of need, and we give of ourselves in certain situations. We also give advice and suggestions and offer ideas. Giving is part of who Christ needs us to be. And it’s so essential to our faith, that Biblical Scholars suggest that there are four means of giving presented in the Bible in which we are called to observe.
First, is tithing. Tithing is a fancy word for “offering.” Tithes are a type of giving in the Bible that entails offering a tenth of one’s income or produce to God. Scriptures state that the Old Testament is the source of tithing. God taught the Israelites to give a tenth of their grain and cattle to the priestly tribe, the Levites. The Levites were obligated to present the Lord with a tenth of their tithes as an offering. The practice supported the community’s needy and oppressed while attending to the needs of the Levites and honoring God’s gift. Tithing symbolizes loyalty, obedience, and trust in God’s providence. It represents the belief that all blessings ultimately originate from God and that people honor Him by returning a portion of what they manage as stewards of His resources. Tithing is another way people honor God with their finances and show their dedication to Him.
Today, you will hear of some churches having a stewardship campaign which invites those attending the church to pledge a certain amount of money to the church during the year. Now, there are some positives and negatives to this method. One positive is that it allows the church to better understand how much money has been pledged to the church, and this allows the church to make ministry plans based upon what the income will be. One negative is that it doesn’t take into account unexpected circumstances related to the giver. Life happens, and sometimes what is pledged can’t be met because something has occurred. The ability to not live up to what is pledged may lead the giver into a state of panic and worry. Therefore, some churches avoid making people complete pledge cards and simply ask that the people give what they can. So, financial tithing is a form of giving.
Second, is first fruit. The first fruit is the initial part of a crop, or other produce set apart and given to God, according to the Bible. The practice highlights the idea that as God is the Creator and Owner of everything, He must be given priority over all other entities. The Old Testament contains several verses that emphasize the religious practice of offering first fruits. For example, Exodus 23:19 emphasizes the significance of dedicating the best part of the harvest to God, saying, “The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” Offering first fruits involves delivering the best parts of cattle, fruits, or harvests to the priest or temple. It was a pledge of confidence in God’s ongoing provision for the rest of the crop. A physical expression of gratitude, the offering of first fruits showed the people’s reliance on God and their acknowledgment of His faithfulness in meeting their necessities.
Simply put, the practice of giving “first fruits” stems from the idea of giving to God what God deserves: giving of yourself in the best possible ways. Don’t just give because you feel obligated; give because you want to give. Give to God what God deserves not what you think He deserves.
Third, is alms giving. Alms are freely given money or food to the poor as a symbol of compassion and generosity intended to assist needy people. The Bible emphasizes almsgiving as an essential component of a Christian’s life. Jesus underlined the significance of giving without expecting anything, encouraging Christians to show unselfish generosity. This is why Jesus says, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Our alms giving to those in need should be an act of giving that says, “This is for you. I don’t need nor do I want anything in return.”
Almsgiving helps individuals who need necessities by giving them food, clothing, or cash support. It is a common practice among Christians. Almsgiving is a mark of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility because it aligns people’s hearts with the selfless love demonstrated by Jesus. Helping individuals in need is a way to show faith and respect for God. Almsgiving, in simple terms, is what you give to others without seeking something in return.
Although it is focused on helping those in need with food, clothing, and with other needs, it is about being a resource, about being willing to serve those in need, about being present with them and for them. Needless to say, almsgiving is echoed in the words of Jesus who stated to the people, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” (Matthew 25:35-36). Almsgiving is an act of giving by which you extend a helping hand to those in need.
Fourth, and lastly, is seed. Seed is an essential notion in the Bible, indicating an act of giving in the hope of growth, multiplication, and blessing. Seed stands for trust in God, giving, and following His instructions. The Bible states in Genesis 1:29 that God has provided seeds for human sustenance. People eat and survive off these seeds, which come from plants that produce seeds and trees that bear fruit that contains seeds. Leviticus 23:15–21 tells of the Feast of Weeks, when the Israelites sent fresh grain offerings to the Lord, symbolizing a seed-giving ceremony by bringing the first products of their harvest. Seeds have symbolic meanings related to growth, plenty, and harvest. Giving brings blessings into people’s lives, fostering spiritual growth, much like a seed grows into a plant. Sowing seeds requires trust, and believers must believe that God abundantly multiplies and blesses their efforts.
Essentially, when we give—whether financially, providing food, clothes, and other necessities, or the giving of ourselves—we should give knowing that what we do, what we give, is a seed that is waiting to grow. What you give plants something today that hopefully will grow into something tomorrow. This, besides the giving of the first fruits, is the giving that we see when Mary and Joseph arrive at the Temple just a month after Jesus’ birth. They give Jesus, the seed, and in return the seed is given back in the form of faith and growth—a seed that will be scattered to every heart and nation, a seed that will grow and grow and grow, and a seed that will produce exactly what is needed to serve those in need.
Church, how are you giving? In what ways are we spreading our seed? Friends, what and how do you give? Could your giving be better? Is there something that God has laid on your heart that requires your willingness to give? Whether giving through tithes, the giving of yourself, the giving to those in need, or the giving of seed, we are called to give because it’s through our giving that lives are changed and quite possibly saved.
Movement Three: “What Can I Give Him?”
The hymn In the Bleak Midwinter, asks a question that was probably on the heart of the little drummer boy and possibly pondered in thoughts of Mary and Joseph. The hymn asks in its chorus, “What can I give Him poor as I am? If I were shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part.” What can I give Him? Have you ever asked yourself that question before? Have you ever found yourself, examining a situation, and wondering, “What can I give them? What can I do to help?” Have you ever thought, “Jesus, is there something more I should be doing? Jesus, is there someone who needs me help? Jesus, what can I give you?”
When was the last time you stopped what you were doing to fulfill a need? Maybe that need was volunteering somewhere, maybe that need was simply giving someone a gift, maybe that need was just checking in with someone you know and making plans to get together, or maybe that need was taking time to think about what you need in your life. The question of “What can I give?” should be something that we think about every day. And the question of “What can I give Jesus?” should be a question that we strive to answer every day.
The composer of In the Bleak Midwinter answers the question for us by stating, “I give Him my heart.” Jesus doesn’t ask for much but what he does ask for is everything we need in life. He asks for our heart. It’s our heart where Jesus lives; it’s our heart which we are told to follow; it’s our heart that motivates us to be the cheerful giver; it’s our heart that sees a need and fills a need; it’s our heart that we give to Jesus and Jesus gives back full of love and grace; and it’s our heart by which we can say with confidence, “I played my best for him.”
In the Gospel of Mark, we read this story: “[Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on’” (Mark 12:41-44). She gave all that she had and nothing less. She gave her heart. She played her best, just like Mary and Joseph did.
Whether you believe this or not, through your giving Jesus is revealed. Church, how are we giving so that we can reveal who Jesus is? Have we given Jesus our heart? Have we been playing our best for him or is there more by which we can do? And friends, how are you giving so that you are revealing who Jesus is in your life? Could you be giving a little bit more? Are their needs in this church, in our community, that are making you ask, “What can I give?” Giving is part of our faith and it should be part of our life.
Conclusion:
Church, friends, Mary and Joseph gave what they had and in return, God gave them exactly what they needed. They needed Jesus. They needed healing. They needed comfort, courage, and confidence. They needed to be saved. God isn’t asking you to give the most valuable things in your life to Him. Rather, He is asking you to give Him what you can so that He can give you everything that you need. He is asking that you give him your heart and that you play your best.
In conclusion, I leave you with this invitation: be the giving person that God knows you can be. When you give with a grateful heart, God will give you everything you need. You don’t have to give gold, frankincense, or even myrrh to be recognized and blessed by God. You can give pigeons and turtledoves and God will still give to you what you need to have in order to have an abundant life. Are you given him your heart? Are you playing your best for him? Let it be so…
Closing Prayer:
Let us pray: Dear God, I humbly ask that you grant us faith that is full of giving, full of reaching out to others, and full of being recognized as a cheerful giver. May we give with a full heart as we give our best and give what we can. In your precious name we pray, Amen.
Benediction:
This week, until we meet again, invite Jesus to help you become a cheerful giver—a person who sees a need and fulfills a need, who plays their best, and who gives with a grateful heart. May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit go forth seeking ways to reveal Jesus Christ in your life. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen.
[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Drummer_Boy#:~:text=In%20the%20lyrics%2C%20the%20singer,%22He%20smiled%20at%20me%22.
[2] “Is the little drummer boy in the Bible?”. Got Questions?. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
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