Luke 2:33

The Child's father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him.

Study Bible

The Child’s father and mother
This phrase refers to Joseph and Mary, the earthly parents of Jesus. In the cultural and historical context of first-century Judea, family lineage and parental roles were of utmost importance. Joseph, though not the biological father of Jesus, is recognized as His earthly father, fulfilling the legal and protective role within the family. Mary, chosen by God to bear the Messiah, is central to the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14). The Greek word for "father" here is "πατήρ" (patēr), which can denote a paternal figure, emphasizing Joseph's role in Jesus' upbringing. The term "mother" is "μήτηρ" (mētēr), highlighting Mary's unique role in salvation history.

were amazed
The Greek word used here is "θαυμάζω" (thaumazō), which conveys a sense of wonder, astonishment, or marvel. This reaction is significant as it reflects the human response to divine revelation and the unfolding of God's plan. Joseph and Mary, despite their unique roles, continue to experience awe at the divine nature and mission of Jesus. This amazement is a recurring theme in the Gospels, where the miraculous and the fulfillment of prophecy often leave witnesses in a state of wonder.

at what was spoken about Him
This phrase refers to the prophetic words spoken by Simeon in the temple, as recorded earlier in Luke 2. Simeon's declaration recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the "salvation" prepared for all people, a "light for revelation to the Gentiles," and the "glory of [God's] people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32). The Greek word for "spoken" is "λαλέω" (laleō), which means to speak or to utter words. This emphasizes the power and authority of prophetic speech in the biblical narrative. The amazement of Joseph and Mary underscores the profound impact of these revelations, affirming Jesus' divine mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This moment in the temple is a pivotal confirmation of Jesus' identity and purpose, setting the stage for His future ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Joseph
The earthly father of Jesus, a righteous man who obeyed God's commands and took Mary as his wife.

2. Mary
The mother of Jesus, chosen by God to bear the Messiah, known for her faith and obedience.

3. Jesus
The central figure of Christianity, the Son of God, whose birth and life fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.

4. Simeon
A devout man in Jerusalem who was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located, a significant place for Jewish worship and prophecy fulfillment.

Teaching Points

Amazement at God's Work
Just as Joseph and Mary were amazed, we should remain in awe of God's work in our lives and His fulfillment of promises.

Faithful Obedience
Joseph and Mary's response to God's plan demonstrates the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when His plans are beyond our understanding.

Recognizing Fulfillment of Prophecy
Understanding how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies can strengthen our faith and deepen our appreciation for God's redemptive plan.

The Role of Parents in God's Plan
Joseph and Mary were chosen to nurture and protect Jesus, reminding us of the significant role parents play in God's purposes for their children.

Witnessing to Others
Simeon's proclamation about Jesus encourages us to share the truth of Christ with others, recognizing the impact of our testimony.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the amazement of Joseph and Mary at Simeon's words reflect their understanding of Jesus' identity and mission?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of amazement and wonder at God's work in our own lives?

3. How do the prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament enhance our understanding of His role as the Messiah?

4. What can we learn from Joseph and Mary's obedience and faithfulness in the face of God's extraordinary plan for their lives?

5. How can we, like Simeon, be faithful witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ in our daily interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 7:14
This prophecy about a virgin bearing a son named Immanuel connects to the amazement of Joseph and Mary, as they witness the fulfillment of God's promises.

Matthew 1:20-21
The angel's message to Joseph about Jesus' divine mission reinforces the amazement and understanding of Jesus' role.

Luke 1:46-55
Mary's Magnificat reflects her deep understanding and amazement at God's work through her and her child.

John 1:14
The Word becoming flesh highlights the divine nature of Jesus, which would naturally cause amazement.

Hebrews 1:1-2
God's communication through His Son underscores the significance of Jesus' life and the amazement of His parents.