Notes on Luke 2:30-47

Luke 2:30-32

God's salvation would come through Jesus and be for all peoples — Jews and Gentiles alike. This saving light would shine into the spiritual darkness of the Gentiles (Acts 26:17-18; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 5:8; 1 Pet. 2:9). As people came to faith in Jesus, Israel would also receive glory. They were privileged to receive God's revelation and be the people from whom God sent the Christ (Rom. 9:1-5; Gal. 3:8).

Luke 2:34-35

Simeon told Mary the means by which Jesus would bring salvation and cause the world to be divided. The division comes between those who put their faith in him as Christ and those who reject him (see 4:29; 6:20-26; 20:17-18; Rom. 9:33; 1 Pet. 2:6-8). Though some may look righteous outwardly (see Isa. 29:13; Matt. 23:27; Mark 7:6), he will make known their hearts before God. sword. This would be painful for Mary because it would mean the rejection and death of her son (see 2:49; Mark 3:21, 31; John 19:25-27).

Luke 2:36

Anna. From Asher, one of the ten Northern tribes of Israel (Gen. 49:20; Deut. 33:24-25). prophetess. Like Deborah (Judg. 4:4) and Huldah (2 Kgs. 22:14), she had a special anointing of the Spirit and conveyed God's revealed truth.

Luke 2:37

Anna was widowed at a young age. Yet she lived with evident devotion to the Lord for an unusually long time (see 1 Tim. 5:5). serving. Normally the word for Old Testament priestly service. Anna lived a life of dedicated service, interceding for Israel regularly.

Luke 2:38

God revealed Jesus's identity to Anna. She responded with public praise and witness to those longing for the redemption of Jerusalem (see v. 25; 23:51). Alongside Simeon, Anna can be seen as a second witness authenticating Jesus's ministry (Deut. 19:15).

Luke 2:40

A statement that connects this section to what follows and reinforces Jesus's full humanity (see John 1:14; Phil. 2:7). It is similar to Luke's summary about John (1:80). grew . . . strong. The normal growth process of a child. wisdom. In his humanity, Jesus grew in his understanding in the fear and will of God (Ps. 111:9-10; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; Isa. 11:2). grace. Like Mary, Jesus was the object God's special blessing (1:30).

Luke 2:41-42

The Law only required that Joseph go up to the capital for the feast (Exod. 23:14-17). They went above and beyond and travelled together as a family to celebrate Passover. Passover. One of Israel's annual pilgrim feasts (Exod. 23:14–19). It celebrated their redemption from slavery in Egypt (see Exod. 12:1-30; Lev. 23:4-8; Num. 28:16-25).

Luke 2:43-44

The custom of the day meant that the entire village would have likely travelled together to Jerusalem. This made the journey safer, as bandits were far less likely to attack such a large group. Given the size of the group Mary and Joseph were not negligent in losing Jesus. They travelled with trusted friends and loved ones. It was not unusual for them to assume he was with others from their village. They likely noticed he was missing when the camp was established for the night after the day's travel.

Luke 2:46-47

three days. Probably the total time to travel one day from Jerusalem, then return to Jerusalem, and a day of searching. sitting . . . listening . . . asking. The position and attitude of a student. Jesus wanted to know more of God's word. He was still growing and learning. Yet even at twelve years of age (v. 42), he still amazed Israel's teachers by his knowledge of God's word and ways.

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