CHAPTER 2
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) Luke 2:1-2
This is a very familiar section of scripture for those who have grown up in church. I can remember citing this whole passage from memory (vs. 1-20) in the various Christmas programs of my childhood. When we think of the Christmas story we likely think of this section in the Gospel of Luke. Caird describes it: “Luke’s exquisite nativity story is compounded of three ingredients, prophecy, history, and symbolism, which are so thoroughly intermingled that it is hardly possible to separate them…” 1
Caesar Augustus, better known as Octavian, ruled the Roman Empire from 27 BC to AD 14. During his reign he was intent upon reorganizing the administration in various parts of the country. In order to accomplish this he instituted fresh censuses of the population for the purpose of taxation.2 His decree accomplished much more than he would have suspected or realized. Caird says, “Caesar Augustus too, like Cyrus in earlier days (Isa. 45:1), had become the unwitting coadjutor of a salvation which would one day encompass his whole empire.” 3
Over the centuries there has been much discussion among commentators concerning this decree of Augustus and its relation with Quirinius, the governor of Syria. Historians tell us that Quirinius did not become governor of Syria until AD 6, and that would have obviously been several years too late for our Christmas story. The arguments and explanations of this seeming problem have been myriad, with none of them very satisfactory. We know that Quirinius did hold an official post in Syria from 10 BC until 7 BC.4 It seems entirely possible that Quirinius during this time may have had something to do with instigating the census. As we peek back through two thousand years of history, we have to realize that our knowledge is imperfect. There are many facets of history that we do not understand and of which we are not fully aware. In such complicated matters it is interesting to note how often some commentators are proven wrong and the Bible is proven right.
“And everyone went to their own town to register” (2:3). Marshall says, “The requirement that each person should go to his own native place to be enrolled was contrary to Roman custom (which based tax on residence rather than ancestry) and would also be impractical.” 5 However, in an area where the old tribal ancestries were still acknowledged, such as in Israel, exceptions may have been made.6 Other writers have felt that Joseph must have still held some property in Bethlehem.7 It does appear that he and the family took up residence in Bethlehem for some time. They were still there when the Wise Men visited them, some considerable time after the birth. This event as well as the later flight to Egypt are not mentioned by Luke.
THE TRIP TO BETHLEHEM
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:4-5
The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 80 miles (128 km). It was a lengthy journey for those days, especially for an expectant mother. The journey would have taken somewhat over three days. We cannot know that either Joseph or Mary understood the biblical significance of this journey. Long before, the prophet Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. He had said: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Mic. 5:2 ). Tiny Bethlehem had long been famous for the likes of Boaz and Ruth, (cf. Ruth 4:1-11) as well as the family of Jesse and his illustrious son David (cf. 1 Sam. 17:12). The Messiah had to spring from David’s line (1 Ki. 9:5; 2 Chr. 13:5).
No doubt this was a difficult journey in many ways. It must have been hard on Mary, but it was also difficult for Joseph. The pastor and popular teacher, David Guzik, tries to put Joseph’s feelings into words: “God, I know this is something great but I don’t really understand it and it makes me nervous.” 8 By this time Joseph had apparently accepted Mary as his wife although they chose to continue the betrothal state without consummating their marriage until after the birth.9
Radio preacher and Moody Church pastor, Warren Wiersbe, remarks: “When Mary said ‘Be it unto me according to thy word’ (Lk. 1:38), it meant that from then on, her life would be a part of the fulfillment of divine prophecy.” 10 The angel did not promise an easy road. We think of this great miracle as 1 Timothy 3:16 expressed it: “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.”
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7
Christian Church commentator, James Burton Coffman says, “This was the central event in world history, apparently of the most ordinary significance to anyone who might have been aware of it, but actually the pivot upon which the future of mankind turned, the cornerstone and foundation of all mortal hopes.” 11 Bock says of the event, “If ever there was an opportunity for God to enact his plan with a majestic flourish, it was at Jesus’ birth. But God did not presume upon humanity when he stepped in to redeem it…The story of Jesus’ birth in Luke mixes praise with simplicity…Jesus arrives in rural anonymity.” 12
The Lord was not born in one of the great mansions or palaces of that era. He was rather born in a stable because there was no room for him even in the inn. He shared his birthday with the lowly farm animals. Traditions going back to Justin Martyr (AD 150) tell us that Jesus was born in a cave, a place to house the family’s animals.13 Indeed, the Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem supposedly displays this very cave in its lower level today. How tragic that there was no room for the King. The same thing would likely be the case today, and tragically, it might be the case even among some so-called Christians.
At his birth Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes as many babies were. These were strips of cloth designed to keep the baby warm but somewhat rigid. The child was then laid in a manger. This was no doubt a feeding trough. Some of these feeding troughs were made of stone. Examples of these stone feeding troughs can be seen around Israel today at certain archaeological sites.
In verse 7 we read that Jesus was Mary’s firstborn son (Gk. prōtotokon). This word in itself is witness that Mary had other sons and daughters after Jesus (Matt.12:46; 13:55; Mk. 3:31; 6:3; Lk. 8:19-21). This clearly disputes later church doctrine that Mary maintained a perpetual virginity after the birth of the Lord. Had Jesus been her only child, the Greek word monogenes (only born) would have been used.14
ANGELS APPEAR TO THE SHEPHERDS
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8
Luke has set out to show that Jesus came to the lowly and even to the outcasts of society. In that day shepherds held a very low position in the community. They were despised by the religious leaders because supposedly they could not keep the ceremonial law with all its meticulous requirements.15 Interestingly, Jesus did not come to the religious leaders but to the lowly shepherds. Barclay even suggests that these shepherds were in charge of the flocks that were set aside for temple offerings. He notes how it might have been the shepherds who looked after the temple lambs who first welcomed the Lamb of God.16
Now the fact that these shepherds were out in the open with their sheep seriously questions our December date for Christmas. In Israel, the worst of the rainy season comes in the months of December and January. It seems that around Christmas in the Jerusalem and Bethlehem areas is the time of the year’s most severe weather. This can come with hard wind-driven rains and even with snows. It is not the time of the year to be outside with sheep. Actually, our December date for Christmas cannot be traced further back than the fourth century.17 We really do not know the time of year when Jesus was born.
“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (2:9). At first a single angel appeared to them but that was enough to totally alarm them. We are reminded how angelic appearances generally terrified those who witnessed them (cf. 1:13, 30). The glory of God shown around them as it must have shown around Saul (Paul) much later (Acts 9:3).
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’” (2:10). To these outcasts, the angel was announcing good news. The Greek of this word is euaggelizō, from which we get our words like evangelize and evangelism. The angel was preaching the gospel to the shepherds. Barker and Kohlenberger say, “The angel’s announcement includes several of the most frequently used words in Luke’s gospel: ‘bring…good news,’ ‘joy,’ ‘today,’ ‘Savior,’ and ‘Lord.’” 18 If the good news could reach out to the shepherds who were the social outcasts, then it could reach out to Luke’s Gentile readers.19
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (2:11). The word Savior (Gk. sōtēr) means a deliverer.20 Sometimes even the rulers of nations were called by this title. Jesus is also Messiah (Christos or anointed one) and Lord (Kurios). Utley says of Kurios, “It can mean ‘mister,’ ‘sir,’ ‘master,’ ‘owner,’ ‘husband’ or ‘the full God-man’ (cf. John 9:36, 38). The Old Testament (Hebrew, adon) usage of this term came from the Jews’ reluctance to pronounce the covenant name for God, YHWH, which was from the Hebrew verb ‘to be’ (cf. Exod. 3:14).” 21
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (2:12). Morris says, “In Bethlehem that night there might be one or two babies wrapped in swaddling clothes, but surely only one lying in a manger.” 22 Since Bethlehem was a rather small town the shepherds were soon able to locate the babe spoken of by the angel.
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (2:13-14). Suddenly it must have seemed that the sky was full of spiritual beings, who were giving glory to God for his great miracle and proclaiming peace to those who had received his favor. It is generally felt that the angels were singing that night although the passage says nothing about singing. Coffman says that the morning stars sang together and the sons of God shouted for joy in that first creation (Job 38:7), and he has no doubt the same thing happened here.23 After all, this was the beginning of the new creation of humankind and of the natural order as well. We are told that the Christ was seen of angels (1 Tim. 3:16) and that the angels desire to look into the things of this salvation (1 Pet. 1:12).24
It is of note that God’s peace is never extended to those who insist on being wicked (Isa. 48:22). It is freely extended to those who are willing to humbly accept the Lord Jesus and receive his salvation. The Greek word for peace (eirene) means a lot more than a mere cessation of strife. It involves the full blessings that are associated with the coming Messiah.25 The Hebrew equivalent shalom also indicates a full measure of peace, blessing and wholeness.
In the first century the Stoic philosopher Epictetus lamented: “…while the emperor may give peace from war on land and sea, he is unable to give peace from passion, grief and envy. He cannot give peace of heart, for which man yearns more than even for outward peace.” 26 As we can see, the world just before the coming of the Messiah was a world greatly in need of his peace.
THE SHEPHERDS HURRY TO BETHLEHEM
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:15-16
The shepherds were not commanded to go to Bethlehem by the angels. They just seemed to have a great excitement to see the one spoken to them from heaven. They hurried off to Bethlehem. They probably checked one stable after another until they found the babe in the feeding trough. Sometimes I have heard readers who, without proper punctuation, have had Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus all lying in the manger.
It must have been a great assurance to the shepherds to find things exactly like the angel had described them. Once Samuel the prophet had given Saul an exact description of all those whom he would meet on his journey home. He would meet two men by Rachel’s Tomb who would tell him his father’s donkeys that he was seeking had been found. He would meet three men going up to worship and they would give him two loaves of bread. Then at Gibeah he would meet a company of prophets and he himself would begin prophesying (1 Sam. 10:2-6). All these things happened as was prophesied. God certainly knows what will happen to us and he sometimes shares that information with us.
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (2:17-18). Barker and Kohlenberger say of them, that they “spread the word: and became the first evangelists of the Christian era.” 27 We can imagine that all the common folks were amazed at this story. However, the religious elite, if they heard at all, probably gave the report no attention.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (2:19-20). It seems that Mary was very faithful to store the things about Jesus in her heart and to meditate upon them and ponder them. As time went on she became thoroughly convinced that her son was the Christ and in the end she joined with the Christian movement in Jerusalem. After their heavenly vision, the shepherds needed no convincing but went everywhere telling what they had experienced.
JESUS’ FAMILY IN THE TEMPLE
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Luke 2:21
If we did not have Luke’s store of information we would not know much about the baby Jesus.28 We readily see that he was brought up with the strictest Jewish devotion. Devotion in those days was a costly thing, both in the value of offerings and in the time spent in journeying to Jerusalem.
We know from scripture that circumcision was required of every Jewish male child (Gen. 17:10). Circumcision took place on the eighth day after birth and it was considered so important that a child was circumcised even on the Sabbath. Jesus as a babe would not break even a jot or tittle of the law.29 We note that Jesus was born under the law that he might redeem those under the law (Gal. 4:4f). Circumcision symbolized the removal of the body of sin (Col. 2:11, 13; Rom. 2:29).30 It no doubt had further significance, that Israel would no longer reproduce just after the flesh.
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves or two young pigeons.’” (2:22-24). While it is not obvious in the NIV, it is clear in many other translations that it was “their purification” that was involved here, seemingly including baby Jesus. This has bothered Bible students who feel that this somehow indicates that Jesus was impure. We might point out that the best and most ancient manuscripts have the reading of “their” at this point. 31
This should not trouble us since we know that Jesus was born under the law (cf. Lk. 2:21-22, 27; Gal. 4:4-5). We should probably see this in the same light that we see Jesus’ baptism. He came to fulfill all righteousness and to completely identify with sinful humanity.
We really see two distinct offerings here. According to Leviticus 12:3-8, when a woman bore a male child she was unclean for a period of 40 days. During this time she was not permitted to attend temple services or other meetings of the congregation. At the end of this period of impurity the woman was required to bring an offering to the temple. The normal offering at this time was a lamb, but if a family was too poor they could offer a couple of pigeons or doves. Mary apparently, brought pigeons or doves and this tells us something about the financial status of Jesus’ family.
The second offering involved here was the redemption of the firstborn. This practice derived from the death of the firstborn of Egypt (Exo. 13). The firstborn of animals were sacrificed, but the firstborn of men were redeemed by a payment of five shekels when the male was one month old (Exo. 13:13; Num. 18:15f).32 It was this offering that had to be made in the redemption of the baby Jesus. Barclay remarks here: “Of all God’s gifts there is none for which we shall be so answerable as the gift of a child.” 33
THE MEETING WITH SIMEON
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. Luke 2:25
Regardless of how defiled a people might become, God always has his holy ones. We must never forget this. Simeon was one of these, and as we shall see, he was not the only one. Wiersbe says of Simeon: “… He was a man who was led by the Spirit of God, taught by the Word of God, and obedient to the will of God, and therefore he was privileged to see the salvation of God.” 34 He had eyes to see the Messenger of the Covenant as he came suddenly into his temple (Mal. 3:1). Barclay comments: “…there were some few people who were known as the Quiet in the Land. They had no dreams of violence and of power and of armies with banners; they believed in a life of constant prayer and quiet watchfulness until God should come.” 35
We read that Simeon was looking for the consolation of Israel (Isa. 40:1; 61:2). This is another way of saying that he was waiting for the coming of the Messiah.36 The Holy Spirit was upon Simeon to enlighten and direct him.
“It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,” (2:26-27). In Old Testament times the Holy Spirit moved upon many men and women. Unfortunately, the Spirit did not always remain on them (Psa. 51:11). It was in this manner that the Spirit came upon Simeon. When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came to remain upon him (Jn. 1:33). Now as believers in the Lord the Spirit has come to remain upon us forever (Jn. 14:16). The Spirit has wonderful timing and he brought Simeon to the temple at exactly the moment that Jesus appeared there.
“Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace” (2:28-29). Through the Holy Spirit Simeon had learned that he would not die without seeing the Lord’s redemption. Now he had seen the Messiah and he was ready to die peacefully.
“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:” (2:30-31). Bible scholars, Jamieson, Fausset and Brown remark: “How many saw this Child, nay the full-grown ‘Man, Christ Jesus,’ who never saw in him ‘God’s Salvation!’” 37 Simeon, like the Virgin Mary and like Anna in the coming verses was a part of the righteous remnant in Israel – those who looked for the consummation of Israel.
He continues: “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (2:32). Israel was originally called to be a light to the Gentiles, but the nation had miserably failed at that task. In the Servant Songs of Isaiah the True Servant Messiah had to come and rescue the servant Israel. We see in the Second Servant Song that it was too small a task for the Messiah just to rescue Israel, but that he would rescue the Gentiles as well (Isa. 49:6). Simeon who was led by the Spirit picks up on this wonderful bit of information. Indeed, this is in line with many things said about the Gentiles in scripture (e.g. Psa. 98:3; Isa. 60:3).
“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him” (2:33). This was more information that Mary could ponder in her heart. For Joseph, this prophecy must have been a great encouragement, verifying the things the Lord had already told him. As we go along life’s bumpy road it is nice for us to have an occasional confirmation from the Lord.
I well remember that before our family went on ministry to Israel a prophet who did not know us called us out and had us stand in a fairly large meeting. He then from the word of the Lord confirmed that we were to have a productive ministry in the Lord’s land. His words still comfort us and our children several decades later.
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too’” (2:34-35). “This passage also provides the first hint that all will not go well.” 38 Clearly the “falling” prophesied here was the falling in unbelief of Israel, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple and much of the nation in AD 70. The rising again is still future for most of Israel, but is somewhat displayed in the present restoration of the nation. The essence of the future time will be when the nation at last welcomes the Messiah. Until that time Israel would trip over Jesus as a stone of stumbling and one rejected by the builders (Isa. 8:14; 28:16; Matt. 21:42, 44 Lk. 20:17-18; Rom. 9:33; 1 Cor. 1:23; 1 Pet. 2:6-8).39
Spence adds concerning the sign spoken against: “…The name of Jesus was spoken against, not only by the Roman writers such as Tacitus, Suetonius, and Pliny…but the great rabbinical schools which flourished in the first three centuries of Christianity, commonly used such names of Christ as ‘That Deceiver,’ ‘That Man,’ and ‘The Hung.’” 40 The thoughts of many hearts would be revealed. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown say, “…for men’s views and decisions regarding Christ are a mirror in which the very thoughts of their hearts are seen.” 41
Simeon knew that it would not go well for Jesus’ mother. A sword would pierce her soul. No doubt, this is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus which she was to witness. Sword here is the Greek rhomphaia, which denotes a very large sword.42 It was a sword not unlike that of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:51 LXX).
THE VISIT WITH ANNA
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Luke 2:36-37
It is interesting that Anna represented the dispersed tribe of Asher. This tribe was carried away by the Assyrians in 722 BC. This might be seen as a sign that the Messiah would gather and restore both houses of Israel (Isa. 11:12). The age of Anna has been often debated by commentators. We cannot really tell from the Greek just how old she was. As Morris says, “It is not clear whether she was eighty-four years old or whether she had been a widow for the length of time. If the latter she would have been a very old lady…” 43
An outstanding thing about her is that she never left the temple but worshipped the Lord continually. She was another one of the Quiet Ones and a part of that righteous remnant in Israel. Generally, widows did not have an easy time in ancient Israel. They were often neglected or exploited.44 But this woman had chosen the good path, the holy path.
Israel had been blessed by a number of women who were prophetesses. We think of Miriam (Exo. 15:20); Deborah (Judg. 4:4); and Huldah (2 Ki. 22:14). In the New Testament we see the four daughters of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:9). Although women were generally put down, we realize how God chose to lift them up even in ancient times.
The story of Anna should be an inspiration to Christians today. We too should fast, pray and look forward to the Lord’s kingdom. Barclay says, “We rob ourselves of a priceless treasure when we neglect to be one with his worshipping people.” 45
“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (2:38). Again, we have to marvel at the timing of the Holy Spirit. Anna came at precisely the right moment to confirm what had been said by Simeon. We are told that Anna gave thanks and it is entirely possible that she had other comforting and encouraging words. As an evangelist she then went forth speaking about this event to all who were looking forward to redemption. These were the ones who had ears to hear (cf. Matt. 11:15).
“When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him” (2:39-40). Here we note that Joseph, Mary and Jesus returned to Nazareth. As we have indicated earlier, Luke does not deal with the visit of the Magi (Matt. 2:1ff) or with the flight to Egypt (Matt. 2:13ff).
While Nazareth was spurned by many and by the religious leaders (cf. Jn. 1:46; 7:52), the Messianic connection with Galilee and Nazareth was strong. Through the centuries scholars have wondered if Nazareth was spelled with a “tz” or a “z.” That question was solved by a 1962 archaeological discovery in favor of “tz.” The root of the city’s name would be netzer, meaning shoot or branch, and aligning the city with the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch [Heb. Netzer] will bear fruit.” 46 Until this discovery scholars had wondered about the verse in Matthew 2:23 which read, “and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.” It was never possible for scholars to find the prophecy mentioned in this verse. Now they could easily connect it with Isaiah 11:1.
Here we are told that Jesus grew up. This verse is much akin to verse 52 which also tells how Jesus grew. He became strong physically, as is evident by the many walking trips across the land with his disciples. He also grew in wisdom as much grace was poured out upon him. In his later contests with the religious leaders he was able to shame and disgrace them with his wisdom.
YOUNG JESUS AND THE PASSOVER AT JERUSALEM
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. Luke 2:41-42
If it were not for this incident that Luke relates we would know nothing of Jesus’ boyhood.47 The three major pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles), were very important to the Jewish people. They were called regalim, taken from the Hebrew word for “feet,” because people normally walked up to Jerusalem for the festivals. That presented a problem for folks who lived in the far-away Galilee, where a journey to Jerusalem could mean a hundred- mile walk. People in such far-away places were not commanded to come for the festivals on a regular basis. Those who came displayed impressive religious devotion. However, those who lived within a fifteen mile radius were commanded to appear.48
Children were not expected to make pilgrimage to Jerusalem. However, it was thought to be helpful for a boy Jesus’ age to attend. At age thirteen he would become a son of the covenant.49 At that point he would shoulder the responsibility of manhood and that of defender of the faith. Fitzmyer does note that the later custom of bar mitzvah for thirteen year-old boys was not in place at this early time.50
“After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends” (2:43-44). In those days it was customary for long journeys to be made in caravan with other members of the extended family and community. This was done for companionship and for security against robbers.51 We can imagine that Mary and Joseph just assumed that Jesus was with the boys of the other families. Unfortunately he was not.
I remember an occasion when our youngest son was seven. He was showing evidences of diabetes at the time, although we were not yet aware of it. We were traveling across the state with several friends and we had stopped at a certain establishment. When the cars prepared to pull out for the long journey home I asked my wife “Where is Tim?” She assured me that he was with one of the other families. I was not satisfied and began to ask the other families if Tim was in their cars. We were all shocked when we discovered that he was not present. The trip home was several hours non-stop. Probably we would not have missed Tim until we were home. What a hazard it would have been for a young already sick boy to be left behind by his parents. In a few more minutes Tim came wandering out totally oblivious to the grave danger that he had almost faced.
JESUS WITH THE ELDERS
When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” Luke 2:45-47
Can we even imagine the horror this Jewish mother must have felt at having lost the son who was to be the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world? She had been trusted by heaven with this child and now she had lost him by her carelessness. The trip back to Jerusalem must have been an anxious one.
After three days they found young Jesus. The days involved here likely included the first day of the journey, the trip back to Jerusalem and a frantic day’s searching in the city.52 It seems that the last place they looked was the temple, and that should have been the first place they looked.
They found Jesus discussing religious matters with the great doctors of the temple. Guzik says that this would have been like a Junior High student discussing physics with Einstein.53 Keener tells us that some of the Jewish teachers at this time conducted classes out in the temple courts.54 The method of instruction was often the question and answer style, where both the rabbis and the students asked questions of each other. Although Jesus was only twelve years of age he left the teachers amazed at his wisdom.
“When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, ‘Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you’” (2:48). The great Greek scholar A. T. Robertson says of the word “astonished” (exeplagēsan), that it means to be struck by a blow. It is like they were “struck out.” 55 It seems that mother Mary had to relieve a little of her frustration by giving Jesus a mild rebuke. The word “Son” (Gk. teknon) is actually the word for child. We can understand by this that Mary still considered Jesus as a child. In this regard, this will be the last reference to Joseph as the father of Jesus in the gospel.56
“‘Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’” But they did not understand what he was saying to them” (2:49-50). There has been some discussion as to how “my Father’s house” should be translated. Most modern versions have it as is here in the NIV. However, the KJV and NKJ translate it “my Father’s business.” We realize that Jesus had a keen realization of his relationship and responsibility to God. It should be noted that these are the first recorded words of Christ and thus should have special significance for us.57
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (2:51-52). The law had a great deal to say about the obedience of children (Deut. 20:12). As we have said before, Jesus was obedient to every detail of the law both as a youth and as an adult.
Coffman sees that Jesus’ development was along four lines; mentally, physically, socially and spiritually.58 He was apparently a model son and model citizen of Nazareth.