People often grimace when circumcision comes up, but it’s truly beautiful. It’s painful, yet beautiful.
In Genesis 17, after establishing His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, God makes another covenant: He will be the God of His people, and they will be His people.
He promises Abraham countless descendants, nations, and kings from his lineage.
Circumcision serves as both the sign and entry point into this covenant.
To join God’s people, circumcision was required. That day, Abraham circumcised his entire household.
This visual sign carried profound meaning. It was a reminder to Israelites that they belonged to God and had been bought by the Lord.
Yes, this was even a reminder for women, even though women were not circumcised.
This connects us to Luke 2, where Jesus is circumcised on the eighth day, which is also traditionally when Jewish boys received their names.
Though Jesus didn’t need circumcision for salvation, He perfectly fulfilled what Israel failed to do, and he took our place in all requirements.
Jesus’ circumcision foreshadowed His cross as it is the first shedding of his blood.
It also connects to baptism: as circumcision initiated people into the old covenant, baptism brings us into the new covenant through Christ’s blood.
We no longer need circumcision, but the good news remains: through holy baptism, we join God’s household, which is a gift given for you.
Steve Andrews Jr is pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO.
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