Luke 2:41-51
Summary for Luke 2:41-51: 2:41-51 a Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem when he was twelve is the only account from Jesus’ childhood recorded in the Gospels. Its main theme is Jesus’ early spiritual insight, including his growing awareness both of his unique father-son relationship with God and of his unique mission. 2:41 b Every year ... the Passover festival: Passover, celebrating Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt, was one of three great annual festivals that Jewish men were expected to attend (Exod 23:14-17 c; Deut 16:16 d). Jesus’ family was devout and observant.2:42 e Jesus was twelve years old: A Jewish boy entered into his covenant responsibilities at age thirteen (the bar mitzvah ceremony developed later to express this custom). With this visit, Jesus’ parents were preparing him to fulfill his role in the covenant community.
2:44 f they assumed he was among the other travelers: Joseph and Mary were probably traveling with a large caravan of relatives and friends from Galilee. Jesus probably spent a lot of time with his friends and relatives, so his parents were not worried at first.
2:46 g The three days probably included one day traveling from Jerusalem, one day traveling back, and one day searching.
• in the Temple: He was in the Temple compound, not the sanctuary.
• listening to them and asking questions: Jesus was in the role of a student. In rabbinic instruction, a teacher responded to a student’s question with a series of counter-questions. Jesus’ insightful questions and answers amazed the teachers.
2:47 h amazed at his understanding and his answers: Jesus fulfilled Isa 11:2 i.
2:49 j Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house? Jesus was aware that his greatest loyalty belonged to his Father in heaven.
2:51 k Although Jesus recognized his relationship to his heavenly Father, he was obedient to his earthly parents.
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