Luke 2:21

Reading 4

Luke 2:21

“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.”

The Bible speaks much of circumcision, why? (Gen. 17:9-14; Lev. 12:3)  There are three primary reasons.  

First, along with other sanitary and dietary regulations there are health benefits.  Second, as a sign of the Abrahamic covenant circumcision was the mark of Israel’s national identity.  Third, circumcision was a spiritual objective lesson reflecting the need of cleansing from the stain of sin that is passed from generation to generation though procreation.  In summary circumcision holds specific reasons and overall serves as a physical symbol of the spiritual cleansing of the heart that takes place at salvation.  (Det. 10:16; 30:6; Jer. 4:4)      

Luke’s record of Jesus’ circumcision is important because Jesus came to fulfill the law and through both His circumcision and also later baptism His life served to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matt.3:15). 

I am thankful that Luke records this small but crucially significant detail for Theophilus and as a result for you and I.  If Jesus’ life challenges us in anyway it is to this reality.  Nothing in Jesus’ life was performed with the attitude that it was simply ‘good enough’.  The details we are provided of Jesus’ life include a commitment to excellence.  In other words if it was done it was done intentionally and well.

Mary and Joseph would have been greatly challenged just 8 days after Jesus’ birth and I personally have questions Luke and other gospel authors don’t answer.  Were these two able to settle in a more permeant structure during this time?  Had they fulfilled the census obligations they had traveled to preform?  Had Jospeh formally married Mary during this time? These are just a few of the questions they would have been facing however despite the “busyness” of life Luke records their faithfulness.        

It’s Thursday, that point in my week where my proverbial tank is empty.  It’s the day I have to be more intention to not just get by but to do the day well.  

I’m thankful my King, Jesus, lived the life He was birthed to live.  He did what you and I could not do in living life “righteous”.  I suspect I’ll make some mistakes today however with a focus and trust on Him combined with this text in mind, I’m going to do the best I can today in the details allowing His work in me to reflect to a greater degree.  How about you?  What will the details of your life look like today?