Too often, we rush and we fail to slow down to consider the common sense of a Bible passage - in context. Like a learner in a reading class, let's break down a passage to see if we can comprehend it better. | Luke 2 (NASB): 21 And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. |
- Why did it take eight days to perform the practice of circumcision?
- What does Jesus mean?
- Are they living under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant?
- How are all firstborn males holy?
- Is there any significance that Jesus is the firstborn child of Mary?
Let's Think
This short section of Scripture does have a little meat on the bone. By now, it has been established that circumcision is a rite of the Jews. It is a very personal cutting that serves as a sign of obedience to the Law of Moses. The male child is not physically ready for the ritual until the eighth day. In fact only on that day does the body produce enough Vitamin K to allow the procedure to be safe. Not even on the ninth day is this true - only on the eighth. God knows this even if the people of the day do not understand the science of the matter. It is very compelling evidence of the truth of Scripture.
And yes, Joseph, Mary, and now Jesus do live under the Law of Moses - the Old Law. In order for the New Testament to be instated, there requires a death - the death of the Testator - to take place. Only on the death of Jesus does the New Covenant become official.
Jesus is the Boy's Name. It is obviously still important to name the Son appropriately and fulfill what the angels have already said. He is the Firstborn of Mary, indicating that others will follow (in contrast to the teaching of some). The firstborn is traditionally significant, both in society and in sacrifice, so the idea of Jesus becoming a sacrifice is not lost on the reader in Luke 2.