Topical Encyclopedia The circumcision of Jesus Christ is a significant event that underscores His genuine human nature. According to Jewish custom and the Law of Moses, every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This rite was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17:10-12). By undergoing circumcision, Jesus fully identified with His Jewish heritage and humanity.Biblical Account The Gospel of Luke provides a clear account of Jesus' circumcision: "And when 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). This passage highlights that Jesus' parents adhered to the Jewish law, emphasizing His participation in the human experience from infancy. Theological Significance 1. Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus' circumcision is a testament to His submission to the Law. As stated in Galatians 4:4, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law" . By being circumcised, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law, which He later perfectly upheld throughout His life. 2. Identification with Humanity: Circumcision was a physical mark of belonging to the Jewish people. By receiving this mark, Jesus demonstrated His full participation in human life, sharing in the cultural and religious practices of His people. This act affirms the doctrine of the Incarnation, where the Word became flesh (John 1:14). 3. Prefiguration of Redemption: The act of circumcision, which involves the shedding of blood, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Colossians 2:11-12 speaks of a spiritual circumcision in Christ, "In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands" . This points to the redemptive work of Jesus, who would later shed His blood for the salvation of humanity. Historical Context In the first-century Jewish context, circumcision was not merely a physical act but a deeply spiritual one, signifying inclusion in the covenant community. Jesus' circumcision would have been a public affirmation of His identity as a Jew, aligning Him with the faith and traditions of His ancestors. Christological Implications The circumcision of Jesus is a profound affirmation of His true humanity. It serves as a reminder that the Savior was not only divine but also fully human, experiencing the same rites and customs as His contemporaries. This event is a crucial aspect of the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus, though fully God, embraced the fullness of human life, including its religious obligations. In summary, the circumcision of Christ is a vital testimony to His human nature, His obedience to the Law, and His identification with the people He came to save. Through this act, Jesus not only fulfilled the requirements of the Law but also foreshadowed the greater work of redemption He would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 2:21And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Trinity. Book i. When I was Seeking an Employment Adequate ... On the Incarnation of Christ. His Gospel The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. Proofs that the Union was Without Confusion. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Homilies on the Gospel of John. The Five Books Against Marcion The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Resources What is the Christian view of human cloning? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the human soul? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be human? | GotQuestions.org Human: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being a Man of Sorrows The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Buffeted The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Nailed to the Cross The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Scourged The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Subject to Weariness The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Birth The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Burial The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Circumcision The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Conception in the Virgin's Womb The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Death The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Enduring Indignities The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Having a Human Soul The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Hungering The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Increase in Wisdom and Stature The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Partaking of Flesh and Blood The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Resurrection The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Side Being Pierced The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Sleeping The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Thirsting The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Weeping The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Human Nature of Christ was Necessary to his Mediatorial office The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of Abraham The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of David The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of The Woman The Human Nature of Christ was Submitted to the Evidence of the Senses The Human Nature of Christ was Without Sin The Human Nature of Christ: Acknowledged by Men The Human Nature of Christ: Attested by Himself The Human Nature of Christ: Confession of, a Test of Belonging to God The Human Nature of Christ: Denied by Antichrist The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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