Luk 2:51, Joh 19:25-27 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 51. Went down with them . Down from Jerusalem, which was in a high, mountainous region. Was subject unto them . Performed the duty of a faithful and obedient child, and not improbably was engaged in the trade of Joseph--- that of a carpenter. Every Jew was required to learn some trade, and there is every reason to think that our Saviour followed that of his reputed father. And from this we learn-- 1. That obedience to parents is a duty. Jesus has set an example in this that all children should follow. Though he was the Son of God, and on proper occasions was engaged in the great work of redemption, yet he was also the son of Mary , and he loved and obeyed his mother, and was subject to her. 2. It is no dishonour to be a mechanic, or to be brought up in an obscure employment. Jesus has conferred honour on virtuous industry, and no man should be ashamed of industrious parents, though poor, or of a condition of life that is far from ease and affluence. Industry is honourable, and virtuous poverty should not be regarded as a matter of reproach. The only thing to be ashamed of, in regard to this matter, is when men are idle, or when children are too proud to hear or speak of the occupation of their parents, or to follow the same occupation. (a) "his mother kept all these sayings"

Luke 2:51

Verse 51. Went down with them. Down from Jerusalem, which was in a high, mountainous region.

Was subject unto them. Performed the duty of a faithful and obedient child, and not improbably was engaged in the trade of Joseph--- that of a carpenter. Every Jew was required to learn some trade, and there is every reason to think that our Saviour followed that of his reputed father. And from this we learn--

1. That obedience to parents is a duty. Jesus has set an example in this that all children should follow. Though he was the Son of God, and on proper occasions was engaged in the great work of redemption, yet he was also the son of Mary, and he loved and obeyed his mother, and was subject to her.

2. It is no dishonour to be a mechanic, or to be brought up in an obscure employment. Jesus has conferred honour on virtuous industry, and no man should be ashamed of industrious parents, though poor, or of a condition of life that is far from ease and affluence. Industry is honourable, and virtuous poverty should not be regarded as a matter of reproach. The only thing to be ashamed of, in regard to this matter, is when men are idle, or when children are too proud to hear or speak of the occupation of their parents, or to follow the same occupation.

(a) "his mother kept all these sayings" Dan 7:28, Lk 2:19

John 19:25-27

Verse 25.

(2) "Cleophas" or, "Clopas" (v) "and Mary Magdalene" Lk 24:18 Verse 26. The disciple--whom he loved. See Jn 13:23.

Woman. This appellation certainly implied no disrespect. Jn 2:4.

Behold thy son! This refers to John, not to Jesus himself. Behold, my beloved disciple shall be to you a son, and provide for you, and discharge toward you the duties of an affectionate child. Mary was poor. It would even seem that now she had no home. Jesus, in his dying moments, filled with tender regard for his mother, secured for her an adopted son, obtained for her a home, and consoled her grief by the prospect of attention from him who was the most beloved of all the apostles. What an example of filial attention! What a model to all children! And how lovely appears the dying Saviour, thus remembering his afflicted mother, and making her welfare one of his last cares on the cross, and even when making atonement for the sins of the world!

(x) "Woman" Jn 13:23 Verse 27. Behold thy mother! One who is to be to thee as a mother. The fact that she was the mother of Jesus would secure the kindness of John, and the fact that she was now intrusted to him demanded of him affectionate regard and tender care.

From that hour, &c. John seems to have been in better circumstances than the other apostles. See Jn 18:16. Tradition says that she continued to live with him in Judea till the time of her death, which occurred about fifteen years after the death of Christ.

(y) "thy mother" 1Timm 5:2