The sign of the covenant between the Lord God and Abraham was circumcision. Luke states the Law, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord.” (Exodus 13:2, 12) God Almighty said He would be Abraham’s God, as well as the God of his descendants. Abraham and his descendants were to keep their part. “This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.” (Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3)
When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be circumcised, Jesus entered the covenant. Thus, he was required to keep the law given through Moses. Jesus became fully human and fully Israelite. Galatians 4:4-5 states, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.”
The significance of Jesus being under the covenant law and keeping the law perfectly cannot be understated. Jesus needed to be perfect in every way. If he was not perfect, including being perfect before God by means of keeping the covenant, I nor anyone would be redeemed.
My ancestors were never part of the Mosaic Covenant. Yet, I now received the benefits of one who was under the Mosaic Covenant and remained blameless. As Hebrews 4:15-16 states, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
