Knowing The Word in Luke 2:21

The Circumcision of Jesus

2:21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Comments

In accordance with the God’s mark of the covenant he made with Abram in Genesis 17:12, and made part of the law of Moses at Mount Sinai, Jesus was circumcised and named most likely in the temple. Paul says in Galatians 4:4-5 that Jesus was born under the law to redeem those who were under the law to make them sons like himself. He fulfilled the requirements of the law for us to make us children of God. Jesus as the Messiah was the embodiment of who a Jew was supposed to be. He was the destiny and fulfilment of Israel. However, the emphasis in this verse is on his name. God’s purpose for his Son is in his name, meaning “Yahweh, or, the Lord saves.” Salvation is in Jesus’ very name.

Application

Do you know what your mark is as a Christian? It is baptism. You enter the New Covenant through baptism, the washing away of your sins and old life as you die to them and rise to new life in Jesus. God had said in the Old Covenant that he wanted our hearts circumcised, meaning brought to new life in communion with him through the Holy Spirit. Now you are marked as Christ’s own forever. Does that bring comfort to you?

Prayer

Jesus, your name is life to me. Help me to understand that I am in you and you are in me because you have saved me. Grant me wisdom to live for you and the other sheep you call to yourself, knowing my location and sure foundation in you. And grant me the obedience to walk in your ways all the days of my life.