Topical Bible: Jesus, the Christ: Circumcision of (At Bethlehem)

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The circumcision of Jesus, the Christ, is a significant event recorded in the Gospel of Luke, marking His first formal introduction into the covenant community of Israel. This event is traditionally understood to have taken place in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.

According to the Mosaic Law, every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth (Leviticus 12:3). This rite was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, symbolizing the child's inclusion in the community of God's chosen people. The Gospel of Luke provides a succinct account of this event: "And when the eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, He was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb" (Luke 2:21).

The circumcision of Jesus holds deep theological significance. It underscores His full identification with the Jewish people and His submission to the Law, even from infancy. This act of obedience prefigures His later fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets, as He Himself stated, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17).

Furthermore, the naming of Jesus at His circumcision is noteworthy. The name "Jesus" (Yeshua in Hebrew) means "The Lord is salvation," reflecting His divine mission to save His people from their sins. This name was divinely appointed, as the angel Gabriel instructed Mary, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus" (Luke 1:31).

The circumcision of Jesus also serves as a reminder of His humanity. Though He is the eternal Son of God, He entered fully into the human experience, subjecting Himself to the customs and laws of His time. This act of humility is a precursor to His ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice on the cross.

In Christian tradition, the circumcision of Jesus is commemorated as a feast day, often observed on January 1st, reflecting its importance in the liturgical calendar. This event invites believers to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine and human natures of Christ are perfectly united.

In summary, the circumcision of Jesus at Bethlehem is a profound event that highlights His obedience to the Law, His identification with humanity, and His divine mission of salvation. It is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the humility of Christ in His redemptive work.

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Luke 2:21
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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Library

The Circumcision of Jesus
... I saw its low rays shining through the open door into the Cave of the Nativity.
2. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. THE NAME JESUS. [Sunday, December 2 ^nd. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm

Table of Contents
... JOSEPHS FETCHS THE PRIESTS FROM BETHLEHEM. 235 2. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST.
THE NAME JESUS. 236 3. ELIZABETH VISITS THE MANGER. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/table of contents.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus ... still revealed by their attitude
toward Christ, the sincere ... Luke omits to tell that Jesus returned to Nazareth ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

Jesus in the Temple.
... The law of mercy was older than either circumcision or the ... than this man does?" It
must be remembered that Jesus did not proclaim himself to be the Christ. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus in the temple.htm

Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... If a man receiveth circumcision on the sabbath, that the ... the Spirit was not yet given;
because Jesus was not ... not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus at the feast of.htm

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
... Circumcision was great because it purified legally a portion of the body ... its citizens
felt sure that the rulers could not accept Jesus as Christ because his ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxviii in the temple at.htm

The Holy Family in Bethlehem after the Departure of the Kings.
... He wept with joy, took the Infant Jesus in his arms ... of praise which he had uttered
at the circumcision of John ... At Christ's birth she must have been six or eight ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiv the holy family in.htm

Christ's Birth
... to the shepherds in the hour of Christ's Birth has ... He greeted Mary and worshipped
the Infant Jesus. ... for the presents and the meal at the circumcision ceremony. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... the new law's grace), after our circumcision with "a ... that He should be called Jesus
as well ... spiritual credentials appropriate, except to Christ; paralleled as ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem.
... If a man receiveth circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses ... Then besides,
they saw the miracles Jesus did, and asked whether the Christ would do ...
/.../xvi jesus discussed in jerusalem.htm