Why is it important to follow God's commands as seen in Luke 2:21? The moment described “When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived.” (Luke 2:21) Key observations from the verse • Mary and Joseph obeyed the Law’s requirement: “On the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.” (Leviticus 12:3) • They also obeyed the angel’s earlier instruction about the Child’s name (Luke 1:31). • Their obedience occurred promptly—“when the eight days were completed.” Obedience and the covenant • Circumcision marked entrance into God’s covenant, first given to Abraham (Genesis 17:9-12). • By submitting Jesus to that sign, His earthly parents affirmed God’s longstanding covenant faithfulness and their own place within it. • Their actions foreshadowed Jesus’ future fulfillment of the whole Law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17). What their example teaches about following God’s commands 1. Demonstrates trust – Obedience says, “God, Your way is best.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) 2. Aligns us with God’s purposes – Mary and Joseph’s compliance ensured every promise about the Messiah remained intact. (Galatians 4:4-5) 3. Invites God’s blessing – Blessing follows obedience: “If you carefully obey… the LORD will set you high above all the nations.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) 4. Models faith for others – Their newborn Son would grow up seeing active faith lived out. Our obedience likewise influences family and community (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). 5. Confirms love for God – “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) How this applies today • We no longer keep ceremonial laws for salvation (Galatians 3:23-25), yet God still calls us to obey His moral commands. • Obedience showcases genuine faith (James 2:17). • It keeps the believer in close fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7). • It points an unbelieving world to the reliability and goodness of God’s Word (Philippians 2:15-16). A concise takeaway Luke 2:21 shows that immediate, wholehearted obedience honors God, aligns us with His covenant plan, and sets a living pattern for faithfulness that continues to bless and witness to others. |
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