Notes on Luke 2:38-3:20

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.

Luke 2:48

Despite all that they had been told about their son (1:32, 35), Joseph and Mary did not fully understand his identity or mission (v. 50; ). treated us this way? Jesus did not sin against his parents, nor is blame laid at their feet.

Luke 2:49

Did you not know. Not a rebuke of his parents. Jesus simply expected his parents to know where he would be. The Spirit led Jesus to understand his basic identity as God's Son and possibly his role as the Christ (see 4:43; John 5:30; 6:38). Father's business. The temple, which was a place of teaching and learning about the scriptures (see 19:47-48). Unlike the group expressions of God as Father in the Old Testament (1 Chron. 29:10; Isa. 64:8), Jesus uniquely claimed him as my Father.

Luke 2:51

obedient. When specifically asked to leave, Jesus responded as he should with submission to his parents (Exod. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-3). treasured. See note on v. 19.

Luke 2:52

See notes on 1:80; 2:40.

John's Identification of Jesus - Luke 3:1-20

Luke grounded John's ministry in history (3:1-2). He also contrasted John with the political and religious leaders of the day. This showed that his message was meant to confront average people (3:7-14) as well as ruling powers (3:19-20). John's ministry was one of preparation. He pointed beyond himself and made ready the way for the Christ (3:3-6, 15-18).

Related Resources

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.