Luke 2:51

Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

Study Bible

Then He went down with them
This phrase marks a transition in the narrative, indicating Jesus' movement from the temple in Jerusalem back to Nazareth with His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. The Greek word for "went down" is "κατέβη" (katebē), which often implies a descent from a higher place to a lower one, both geographically and symbolically. Jerusalem, situated on a hill, represents a place of spiritual significance, while Nazareth is a humble town. This movement signifies Jesus' humility and obedience, choosing to return to a life of obscurity after being in the temple, a place of learning and divine presence.

and came to Nazareth
Nazareth, a small town in Galilee, is where Jesus would grow up and spend most of His early life. The name "Nazareth" is derived from the Hebrew "netzer," meaning "branch" or "shoot," which is significant in prophetic literature (Isaiah 11:1). This connection underscores Jesus as the prophesied branch from the line of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Historically, Nazareth was a town of little repute, emphasizing the humility and simplicity of Jesus' upbringing.

and was subject to them
The Greek word "ὑποτασσόμενος" (hypotassomenos) is used here, meaning "to be subject" or "to submit." This is a profound statement about Jesus' character, as it highlights His willing submission to His earthly parents. Despite His divine nature, Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience and respect for parental authority, setting a model for all believers. This submission is not out of compulsion but a voluntary act of humility and love, aligning with the biblical principle of honoring one's father and mother (Exodus 20:12).

But His mother treasured up all these things
The phrase "treasured up" comes from the Greek "διετήρει" (dietērei), meaning to keep or preserve carefully. Mary, having witnessed the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus' birth and early life, reflects deeply on these experiences. This introspection indicates her awareness of the significance of Jesus' identity and mission. The act of treasuring these memories suggests a meditative and contemplative faith, encouraging believers to ponder and cherish God's work in their lives.

in her heart
The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. The Greek word "καρδίᾳ" (kardia) is used here, symbolizing the depth of Mary's reflection and understanding. This internalization of divine mysteries points to a personal and intimate relationship with God. It serves as an invitation for believers to internalize and meditate on God's word and works, allowing them to transform their hearts and lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure of the passage, who, despite being the Son of God, demonstrates humility and obedience to His earthly parents.

2. Mary
The mother of Jesus, who reflects on the events and treasures them in her heart, showing a deep, contemplative faith.

3. Joseph
The earthly father of Jesus, who, along with Mary, raises Jesus in Nazareth.

4. Nazareth
The town where Jesus grew up, symbolizing His humble beginnings and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah's upbringing.

5. The Event
This passage follows the incident where Jesus, at twelve years old, stays behind in the temple, engaging with the teachers, and then returns home with His parents.

Teaching Points

The Humility of Christ
Jesus, though divine, chose to submit to His earthly parents, teaching us the value of humility and obedience in our own lives.

The Role of Parents
Mary and Joseph's role in Jesus' life underscores the importance of parental guidance and the responsibility of parents to nurture their children's spiritual growth.

Reflective Faith
Like Mary, we should treasure and reflect on God's work in our lives, allowing it to deepen our faith and understanding.

Obedience as a Virtue
Jesus' obedience to His parents serves as a model for us to follow, highlighting the virtue of obedience in our relationship with God and others.

Growth in Wisdom
This passage is part of the larger account of Jesus growing in wisdom and stature, reminding us of the importance of continual growth in our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' obedience to His parents in Luke 2:51 challenge our understanding of humility and submission in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Mary, treasure and reflect on God's work in our hearts, and how might this practice impact our faith journey?

3. How does the example of Jesus' relationship with His parents inform our understanding of the biblical command to honor our father and mother?

4. What lessons can parents learn from Mary and Joseph's role in Jesus' life, and how can these lessons be applied in raising children today?

5. How does the theme of obedience in Luke 2:51 connect with other biblical teachings on obedience, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate this virtue in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Philippians 2:5-8
This passage highlights Jesus' humility and obedience, paralleling His submission to His earthly parents with His ultimate obedience to the Father.

Proverbs 1:8-9
These verses emphasize the importance of listening to and respecting parental guidance, which Jesus exemplifies.

John 2:1-5
At the wedding in Cana, Jesus again shows respect and obedience to His mother, Mary, indicating a consistent pattern of honoring His parents.

Colossians 3:20
This verse instructs children to obey their parents, aligning with Jesus' example in Luke 2:51.

Psalm 119:11
Mary's treasuring of events in her heart can be related to the idea of treasuring God's word and works within us.