A brother texted the following passage and question: “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” Luke 2:21 NKJV “What’s the importance of this scripture?” My answer: Circumcision was commanded under only two Jewish covenants: the Abrahamic (A) and the Mosaic (M). Under A, it was a sign of the covenant and of Jewishness and mandatory for all Jews and permanent residences (slaves) in Jewish households. See Gen. 17:9-14. Under M, it was a sign of submitting to the Law and mandatory for Jews and also for Gentiles who desired to join the commonwealth of Israel. When Jesus died, M’s Law became ineffective for believers. But, A’s covenant is everlasting (Gen. 17:7-8). Therefore, Jews are still required to be circumcised. The significance of the name “Jesus” is that (a) it was given before His birth, (b) it testifies of His humanity, being His human name, and (c) its meaning is “salvation” (Matt. 1:21). There are more profound thoughts in this passage, but I hope the above is sufficient for now. Consider buying “Yeshua The Life Of Messiah” by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. It’s a great resource from a Messianic Jewish (saved) perspective.
Blessings!
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