Luke 2:21
French (La Bible expliquée)
Le huitième jour après la naissance, le moment vint de circoncire l'enfant; on lui donna le nom de Jésus, nom que anges avait indiqué avant que sa mère devienne enceinte. L'évangéliste Luc situe la venue de Jésus dans la continuité de l'ancienne alliance tout en relevant les différences et l'espérance nouvelle qu'elle suscite. Comme il se doit, dans ce contexte biblique, tous les rituels se déroulent au temple de Jérusalem, en conformité avec la loi de Moïse, et semblent avoir lieu en même temps: circoncision, purification de l'accouchée (Lév 12.1-8), présentation du premier-né (Ex 13.2 12). L'offrande de Joseph et Marie est celle des pauvres (Lév 12.8). Siméon est un homme inspiré par l'Esprit Saint, littéralement « l'Esprit du Saint » (v. 25) c'est-à-dire le souffle créateur de Dieu (Gen 2.7). Le cantique de reconnaissance de Siméon (v. 29-32) souligne la dimension universelle du salut accompli en Jésus tout en mentionnant la place particulière d'Israël. La prophétie des v. 34-35 lève le voile sur l'action future de Jésus: son œuvre libératrice. La prophétesse Anne exprime sa reconnaissance au Seigneur pour l'enfant. En effet, Jésus suscite l'enthousiasme de son entourage au grand étonnement de ses parents.
What Does This Mean?
This verse tells us that when Jesus was eight days old, he was circumcised as required by Jewish law and named 'Jesus' just as the angel had instructed before his birth. It highlights the importance of following divine instructions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're getting ready for a special event. Just like how we prepare, baby Jesus got a name on the eighth day, which was 'Jesus.' This name came from an angel long before he was born, kind of like planning your birthday party months in advance!
Historical Background
Luke wrote this verse as part of his Gospel account around 60-85 AD. He addressed both Jewish and Gentile Christians, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and rituals in Jesus' life.
Living It Out Today
Today, we can apply this by ensuring our actions align with God's will as revealed through scripture, much like how the naming of Jesus followed divine instruction rather than human preference.
Topics
faithfulnessdivine instructioncircumcisionnamingangelic communicationfulfillment of prophecy
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of circumcision in Luke 2:21?
Circumcision was a covenant sign in Judaism, symbolizing a person's commitment to God. For Jesus, it marked his inclusion in this covenant and fulfilled religious law.
Why does the verse mention that Jesus' name was given by an angel before conception?
This emphasizes the divine plan behind Jesus’ birth and highlights the importance of following divine instructions over human expectations or decisions.
How did Luke's audience understand this event in their cultural context?
For both Jewish and Gentile Christians, it would have underscored that Jesus fulfilled all religious requirements while also being uniquely chosen by God from before his conception.
What practical lessons can we take from Luke 2:21 in our daily lives?
We should strive to align our actions with divine will, as seen in how the naming and circumcision of Jesus followed specific instructions given beforehand by God through angels.