LUKE 2:21
What was the point of circumcision?
In understanding why Jesus was circumcised, it is helpful to investigate the law under which the Jews lived at that time. As a part of the covenant made with Abraham when he was 99 years old, recorded in Genesis 17, infant boys were to be circumcised when eight days old. Though over the age of eight, he and his male offspring including his 13 year old son, Ishmael, as well as men and boys of his household bought from strangers were, according to this commandment, to be circumcised. At this time, Abram's name, meaning "noble father", was changed to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude". Interestingly, his wife's name was also changed, from Sarai (my princess) to Sarah (mother of nations). This was when circumcision began, and it continued through the ages among the Hebrew people, with the exception of when the Israelites were in the wilderness after being rescued from bondage in Egypt. However, their neglect was later corrected. Circumcision did not bring about salvation, but was an outward sign and reminder that one was of the Abrahamic Covenant, which included Abraham's seed, or descendants.
What was the point of circumcision?
In understanding why Jesus was circumcised, it is helpful to investigate the law under which the Jews lived at that time. As a part of the covenant made with Abraham when he was 99 years old, recorded in Genesis 17, infant boys were to be circumcised when eight days old. Though over the age of eight, he and his male offspring including his 13 year old son, Ishmael, as well as men and boys of his household bought from strangers were, according to this commandment, to be circumcised. At this time, Abram's name, meaning "noble father", was changed to Abraham, meaning "father of a multitude". Interestingly, his wife's name was also changed, from Sarai (my princess) to Sarah (mother of nations). This was when circumcision began, and it continued through the ages among the Hebrew people, with the exception of when the Israelites were in the wilderness after being rescued from bondage in Egypt. However, their neglect was later corrected. Circumcision did not bring about salvation, but was an outward sign and reminder that one was of the Abrahamic Covenant, which included Abraham's seed, or descendants.
The Abrahamic Covenant and the Law of Moses in the New Testament...
By the time the New Testament events took place, circumcision was a dual purpose ritual, which included the circumcision itself as well as the recipient being officially named. It was still consistently done on the 8th day of an infant boy's life, even if that day fell on the Sabbath. If this occurred, regular Sabbath strictness was relaxed to include the ceremony. Thus, we see that it was a very important thing to the Jews at that time. It signified commitment, and a reminder of the person's inclusion with God's covenant people. However, it was not only an outward sign, but was intended to include also a change within, toward God, obedience and humility.
The first mention of it in the New Testament is when John the Baptist was circumcised. "And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John." (Luke 1:59-60)
By the time the New Testament events took place, circumcision was a dual purpose ritual, which included the circumcision itself as well as the recipient being officially named. It was still consistently done on the 8th day of an infant boy's life, even if that day fell on the Sabbath. If this occurred, regular Sabbath strictness was relaxed to include the ceremony. Thus, we see that it was a very important thing to the Jews at that time. It signified commitment, and a reminder of the person's inclusion with God's covenant people. However, it was not only an outward sign, but was intended to include also a change within, toward God, obedience and humility.
The first mention of it in the New Testament is when John the Baptist was circumcised. "And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John." (Luke 1:59-60)
Jesus was also circumcised and named at eight days of age. His circumcision is mentioned almost in passing, before an accounting of Mary's purification and the presentation of baby Jesus. It is written in the context of following the law of Moses. So, it would seem that Jesus was circumcised for this purpose. It also stands to reason that, had He not been circumcised, He would been less accepted by those around Him when He went about His work later in life. It was frowned upon to commune with those who were uncircumcised.
His circumcision as an infant was recorded in Luke 2:21, immediately after the story of the shepherds. "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." Surely, Joseph and Mary, both direct descendants of Abraham, sought to strictly observe the law of their forefathers in getting baby Jesus circumcised. It was, doubtless, a special day in which they were, in effect, dedicating Him to be humble and obedient. Perhaps they even shed a tear or two for the baby's physical pain, yet surely they felt joy in knowing that they were fulfilling this ancient command.
Did Jesus teach the continued importance of circumcision?
As one reads on, it becomes increasingly apparent that circumcision itself was not so important as the inward change of heart which came when one turned to the Lord. We have only one record of Jesus, himself, mentioning circumcision. This can be found in John 7:22-24, and is given in the context of exposing the hypocrisy of the Jews of His time in judging Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." I know of nowhere that Jesus actually states that circumcision is necessary, even when pointedly asked what one must do to obtain eternal life. He only mentioned circumcision once that I am aware of, and it was only in the context of something else. The Jews still thought it was important, but obviously the Lord did not.
Is circumcision no longer needed?
When Gentiles began to be converted, it became a matter of great confusion and debate whether they should be circumcised and encouraged to live the law of Moses. Peter informed those present that there was no need to burden them with this, but that God knew their hears and that they were purified by faith. He went on to say that he believed they were saved by grace. (Acts 15:1-11) In Galatians 6:15 is stated, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." Acts and Galatians, both written only a few years after the Lord's death and resurrection, thus indicated that one's faith and resulting actions were of more importance. After all, one could be circumcised and yet have no faith and obey none of the laws of God. From a spiritual standpoint, what would it gain him or her, then, to have been circumcised?
It appears that, with the Lord's suffering, death and resurrection, came an end to the need for circumcision and the law of Moses. The Lord was, after all, the ultimate sacrifice. What need was there for a continuation of the old law? The law of Moses kept them in remembrance of the coming Messiah, but He had now come among them.
His circumcision as an infant was recorded in Luke 2:21, immediately after the story of the shepherds. "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." Surely, Joseph and Mary, both direct descendants of Abraham, sought to strictly observe the law of their forefathers in getting baby Jesus circumcised. It was, doubtless, a special day in which they were, in effect, dedicating Him to be humble and obedient. Perhaps they even shed a tear or two for the baby's physical pain, yet surely they felt joy in knowing that they were fulfilling this ancient command.
Did Jesus teach the continued importance of circumcision?
As one reads on, it becomes increasingly apparent that circumcision itself was not so important as the inward change of heart which came when one turned to the Lord. We have only one record of Jesus, himself, mentioning circumcision. This can be found in John 7:22-24, and is given in the context of exposing the hypocrisy of the Jews of His time in judging Him for healing a man on the Sabbath. "Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." I know of nowhere that Jesus actually states that circumcision is necessary, even when pointedly asked what one must do to obtain eternal life. He only mentioned circumcision once that I am aware of, and it was only in the context of something else. The Jews still thought it was important, but obviously the Lord did not.
Is circumcision no longer needed?
When Gentiles began to be converted, it became a matter of great confusion and debate whether they should be circumcised and encouraged to live the law of Moses. Peter informed those present that there was no need to burden them with this, but that God knew their hears and that they were purified by faith. He went on to say that he believed they were saved by grace. (Acts 15:1-11) In Galatians 6:15 is stated, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." Acts and Galatians, both written only a few years after the Lord's death and resurrection, thus indicated that one's faith and resulting actions were of more importance. After all, one could be circumcised and yet have no faith and obey none of the laws of God. From a spiritual standpoint, what would it gain him or her, then, to have been circumcised?
It appears that, with the Lord's suffering, death and resurrection, came an end to the need for circumcision and the law of Moses. The Lord was, after all, the ultimate sacrifice. What need was there for a continuation of the old law? The law of Moses kept them in remembrance of the coming Messiah, but He had now come among them.