What does Luke 2:51 mean?

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Luke 2:51

Explanation

The verse Luke 2:51 describes a moment in the childhood of Jesus Christ. It suggests a return to normalcy after an incident in Jerusalem, where Jesus, at the age of twelve, was found in the temple conversing with the teachers of the law. The verse indicates that Jesus obeyed His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. The phrase “was subject unto them” denotes Jesus’ submission to parental authority, aligning with the Jewish customs of honoring one’s parents. Furthermore, it highlights that Mary, His mother, treasured the experiences and words about Jesus in her heart, suggesting a deep contemplation and recognition of the significance of the events surrounding Jesus’ life.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the Gospel of Luke, written approximately in A.D. 60-70, primarily addressed to a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience. The verse follows the story of Jesus’ family visiting Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, which was an essential celebration for Jews, commemorating their liberation from Egypt. After the feast, Jesus inadvertently stays behind in Jerusalem without His parents’ knowledge. When they find Him, Jesus expresses His need to be in His Father’s house, indicating His divine mission. The context of this event and the subsequent return to Nazareth are within a Jewish setting where obedience to one’s parents was a significant societal value.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, Luke 2:51 can be seen to serve several purposes:

• Christ’s Example of Obedience: Jesus serves as a model for obedience to God and to earthly authorities, here shown in His obedience to His parents.
• The Human Experience of Jesus: The verse underscores Jesus’ humanity, as He grows and lives within a family structure.
• Mary’s Contemplation: Mary’s reflections could be seen as pondering the mystery of the Incarnation and Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
• Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this passage. For example, Catholic teaching often uses this verse to discuss Mary’s role in salvation history as someone who meditated deeply on the events of Jesus’ life.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Luke 2:51 can inspire several applications:

• Respect for Authority: This verse encourages respect for parental and authoritative figures.
• Value of Reflection: It affirms the importance of meditative reflection on life experiences, especially those that involve spiritual growth or insight.
• Integration of Faith and Life: It suggests that faith and the mundane aspects of life, like family dynamics, are interconnected.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:12: “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”
• Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
• Colossians 3:20: “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”

Language Study

• Was subject unto them (ὑποτάσσω – hypotassō): This Greek word conveys the meaning of placing oneself under the authority of someone else, indicating obedience and submission.
• Kept all these sayings (συντηρέω – syntēreō): The Greek implies to preserve carefully or hold close. Mary did not merely hear, she preserved the meaning and implications of what was happening.
• In her heart (καρδία – kardia): The heart is often seen as the center of physical and spiritual life, encompassing thoughts, passions, desires, and understanding.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse can be compared to stories in other religious traditions where figures demonstrate submission or respect to their parents, such as in Confucianism, which emphasizes filial piety, or in Hindu traditions where respect for parents is a key virtue. The introspection of Mary can be contrasted with the silent reflection advocated in many Eastern traditions, including Buddhism.

Scientific Perspectives

While the behavioral aspects of parent-child relationships have been extensively studied in psychology, the practice of meditation or reflection has been studied in neuroscience. Modern science supports the notion that reflective practices, akin to Mary considering these events deeply, can have significant benefits for cognitive and emotional health.

Commentaries

• Robertson’s Word Pictures: A.T. Robertson points out that Jesus’ submission to His parents is a perfect example of obedience to all Christians.
• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: He comments on Mary’s reflections as an example of a thoughtful and contemplative heart, something to be emulated for spiritual growth.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: This commentary suggests that the scene emphasizes Christ’s true humanity and the obedience rendered thereof, being a necessary part of His earthly experience.