Luke 2:51

Luke 2:51 describes the return of Jesus with Mary and Joseph from Jerusalem to their hometown of Nazareth after the significant event where Jesus, at age twelve, was found teaching in the temple. This verse marks the conclusion of Luke's account of Jesus' childhood and provides a glimpse into the "silent years" before His public ministry.

Context

This verse directly follows the narrative of Jesus' first recorded words and actions as a twelve-year-old. After being lost for three days during the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple courts, astonishing the teachers with His understanding and answers (Luke 2:41-50). Despite His profound spiritual insight and divine awareness, Jesus humbly returned with His earthly parents to Nazareth, embracing the ordinary life of a Jewish boy.

Key Themes

• Jesus' Obedience and Humility: The phrase "was subject unto them" is a powerful testament to Jesus' perfect obedience, even as the Son of God. He willingly submitted to the authority of His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, for nearly two decades. This exemplifies the humility of Christ, who, though equal with God, took on the form of a servant.
• Mary's Contemplative Faith: Luke repeatedly highlights Mary's reflective nature. Her act of "kept all these sayings in her heart" echoes an earlier passage (Luke 2:19), demonstrating her deep spiritual discernment and her role as a keeper of God's unfolding revelation concerning her son. She pondered and treasured the extraordinary events and words, internalizing their profound significance.
• The "Hidden Years" of Jesus: This verse encapsulates approximately 18 years of Jesus' life, from age 12 until His public ministry began around age 30. During this period, He lived a seemingly ordinary life in Nazareth, growing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "was subject unto them" is hupotasso (ὑποτάσσω). It literally means "to place under" and implies a voluntary submission to authority, a deliberate act of obedience. This term is used throughout the New Testament to describe submission to governing authorities, church leaders, and within various relationships, always implying a respectful and willing alignment under another's rightful authority. Here, it underscores Jesus' perfect human example of honoring His parents.

Practical Application

Luke 2:51 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

• Honoring Authority: Jesus' example teaches us the importance of respecting and submitting to legitimate authority, particularly within the family. Children are called to honor and obey their parents.
• Humility in Service: Even with divine knowledge and purpose, Jesus chose a path of humility and quiet obedience. This reminds us that true greatness often lies in humble service and submission, as seen in Christ's ultimate act of humility.
• Reflective Faith: Mary's example encourages us to be contemplative, to "keep" and "ponder" God's Word and His workings in our lives. A deep, reflective faith allows us to internalize spiritual truths and grow in understanding.
• Valuing Preparation: The "hidden years" of Jesus remind us that periods of quiet growth, learning, and preparation are valuable and necessary, even before significant public ministry or impact.