Jesus Is the Same Forever – Luke 2:21-24

Luke’s detailed account of Jesus’ infancy proves that the baby born in the manger is- as it is written in the Nicene Creed- the very God of very God. It is evidence against the ancient heresies that persist today which deny either Jesus’ deity or human nature. Luke’s narrative include Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna as four righteous witnesses who behold Jesus as a baby. Their actions and reactions towards Jesus testify to the fact that this infant is indeed the Son of God who came to die for sinners.

How did Mary and Joseph testify of Jesus?
Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day. Circumcision is significant to the Jewish nation. Not only is it a law, but it is a sign of God’s covenant with His people- all who belong to Him are to be circumcised. (Lev 12:3) Jesus’ circumcision shows that he is a historical, physical human being. The Son of God took on humanity in order to be identified with us by being born of a woman, under the law. Moreover, the blood that was shed due to circumcision foreshadowed Jesus’ death on the cross, where He shed His blood for the cleansing of our sin- by the blood of Christ, we are made new.

Circumcision is not merely a physical matter, but it is more importantly a matter of the heart. One must first be saved by faith in Christ in order for any outward obedience to the law to be acceptable to God. The law is fulfilled in Christ alone because He alone kept the law both inwardly and outwardly. When He died for us on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sins to appease God’s wrath and His righteousness was imputed to us for our justification. This is the only means of being circumcised in the heart. (Matt 5:17; Eph 2:8-9)

Mary and Joseph named Him Jesus. Before Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph were instructed by God to name the baby “Jesus,” (Hebrew, Yeshua) which means, God saves. Jesus came to the world to die. Whether through miracles or sermons, He lived to prove that His death would satisfy God for our sin. Jesus’ God-given name testifies to the fact that Jesus is the Savior of the world.

What kind of savior is Jesus? Jesus is the merciful savior. He promises to never turn away whoever comes to Him. No matter what you have done, Jesus is ready to welcome sinners who are contrite and broken over their sin. All of us are spiritual lepers, and Christ is the only one who is able to heal. He breaks the power of sin and reconciles us to God. How glorious our God is! This is God’s mercy, and it is for you. Now is the time to realize your need for Jesus’ salvation.