Luke 2

PLUS

2:1 Now it came to pass in those days¹, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus², that all the world should be enrolled³.

Luke 2:1-7

Now it came to pass in those days. The days of the birth of John the Baptist.
There went out a decree from Caesar Augustus. Octavius, or Augustus, Caesar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Caesar. He took thename Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month Augustis named for him; its old name being Sextilis.
That all the world should be enrolled. This enrollment or census was the first step in the process of taxation.

2:2 This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius¹ was governor² of Syria³.

This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius. Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was governor of Syria, A.D. 6-11, and made a census of hisprovince at that time, as Luke well knew ( Acts 5:37 ). We have no otherrecord showing either his governorship or a census made by him at thetime of the birth of Christ. But he was held in high favor by theEmperor, and was, about the time of the birth of Christ, carrying on awar just north of Syria, in Cilicia, and it is therefore easy for us toaccept Luke's statement that as imperial commissioner or as governor ofSyria he made such a census.
Was governor. Quirinius was doubtless twice governor of Syria, his first term being about B.C. 5-1. The Greek word "hegemon", which Lukeuses for governor, would be used for either of the Roman titles, viz.:Propraetor, or senatorial governor; or Quaestor, or imperialcommissioner. Quirinius may have commenced the enrollment as Quaestorand finished it ten years later as Propraetor. He was well-knowncharacter in that age. Harsh and avaricious as a governor, but an ableand loyal soldier, earning a Roman triumph for successes in Cilicia,and being honored by a public funeral in A.D. 21.
Of Syria. A Roman province including all Palestine, and a tract four or five times as large lying to the northeast of Palestine.

2:3 And all went to enrol themselves¹, every one to his own city².

And all went to enrol themselves. The enrollment may have had no reference to taxation. It was more probably to ascertain the militarystrength of the various provinces. The Romans enrolled each person atthe place where he was then residing; but permitted the Jews to thusreturn to their ancestral or tribal cities and enroll themselves ascitizens of these cities.
Every one to his own city. The city where his ancestors had been settled by Joshua when he divided the land. See Joshua 13:1-18:28 .

2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth¹, into Judaea, to the city of David², which is called Bethlehem³, because he was of the house and family of David;

Nazareth. See Luke 1:26.
The city of David. After the lapse of ten centuries the name of David still cast its fragrance over the place of his birth( 1 Samuel 17:12 ).
Bethlehem. Meaning "house of bread". It was the later or Jewish name for the old Canaanitish village of Ephrath, the Ephrath near whichRachel died ( Genesis 35:19 ). It was marked by Micah as the birthplace ofMessiah ( Micah 5:2 ; Matthew 2:5 Matthew 2:6 ).

2:5 to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him¹, being great with child².

Mary, who was betrothed to him. See Matthew 1:18 .
Being great with child. See Matthew 1:25 .

2:6 And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered¹.

And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. The early Christians made no record ofthe date of Christ's birth; we find no mention of December 25 earlierthan the fourth century. The Eastern church celebrated Christ's birthby a feast called Epiphany, which means manifestation. They choseJanuary 6 as the date for this feast, for they reasoned that if thefirst Adam was born on the sixth day of creation, the second Adam musthave been born on the sixth day of the year. The Western churchcelebrated Christ's birth on the 25th of December by a feast calledNatalis, which means Nativity. But Pope Julius I (A.D. 337-352)designated December 25 as the proper day, and the Eastern churches soonunited with the Western churches in observing this day; and the customhas become universal. We do not observe this day because of the Pope'sdecree, but because of the tradition on which the Pope's decree wasfounded.

2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son¹; and she wrapped him² in swaddling clothes³, and laid him in a manger⁴, because there was no room for them in the inn⁵.

And she brought forth her firstborn son. This word in no way implies that the Virgin subsequently has other children. Jesus, the onlybegotten, is also called the firstborn ( Hebrews 1:6 ).
And she wrapped him. Having none to help her, she swathed him in hands with her own hands.
In swaddling clothes. The new-born Jewish child was washed in water, rubbed with salt, and then wrapped in bands or blankets, which confinedthe limbs closely ( Ezekiel 16:4 ).
And laid him in a manger. Justin Martyr, who born about the beginning of the second century and suffered martyrdom A.D. 165, firsttells us the tradition that the stable in which Jesus was born was acavern. Caves, however, were never used for stables except when openedon the sides of hills. The one at Bethlehem is a cellar fourteen feetunder the level surface. Justine must, therefore, be mistaken.
Because there was no room for them in the inn. Eastern inns had landlords like our own. The inn was full at this time because of thenumber who had come to be enrolled. Inns contained rooms for personsand stalls for animals; there was no room in the former, but there wasin the latter.

2:8 And there were shepherds in the same country¹ abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock².

Luke 2:8-20

And there were shepherds in the same country. They were in the same fields from which David had been called to tend God's Israel, or flock.
Abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. When the flock is too far from the village to lead it to the fold atnight, these shepherds still so abide with it in the field, even in thedead of winter.

2:9 And an angel of the Lord stood by them¹, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid³.

And an angel of the Lord stood by them. He stood upon the earth at their side, and did not float above them in the heavens, as he isusually pictured. His standing upon the earth shows a fuller fellowshipand sympathy with men. Compare Acts 1:10 .
And the glory of the Lord shone around about them. The Shekinah, or bright cloud, which symbolizes the divine presence ( Exodus 24:16 ; 1 Kings 8:10 Isaiah 6:1-3 ; Romans 9:4 ). It was seen by the three apostles upon the mountof transfiguration ( Matthew 17:5 ), by Stephen ( Acts 7:55 ), and by Paul( Acts 22:6-11 ).
And they were sore afraid. See Luke 1:13.

2:10 And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid¹; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people²:

Be not afraid. See Luke 1:30.
For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: Christianity is a religion of present joys, and leadsonward to joy eternal.

2:11 for there is born to you¹ this day in the city of David a Saviour², who is Christ the Lord.

For there is born to you. Born as a gift to us ( John 3:16 ).
A Saviour. The angel omits the name of Jesus, but gives the meaning of his name. See Matthew 1:21.
Who is the Christ. Messiah is the Hebrew and Christ is the Greek for our English word meaning "anointed". Prophets, priests, and kingswere anointed. Jesus held all three offices for all our race for alleternity.

2:12 And this [is] the sign unto you¹: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger².

And this [is] the sign unto you. The token by which to identify the child. A babe in a manger was not ordinary sight.
Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.
"What fearful odds! What a strange contrast! Idolatry on the throne (in the person of Augustus Caesar), and the founder of a new religion and a new empire lying in a manger!"

2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude¹ of the heavenly host² praising God, and saying,

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude. The event was too important to be heralded by any one angel. All heaven was interested inthe departure of its Prince, and marveled at the grace of the Fatherwho sent him ( 1 Peter 1:12 ).
Of the heavenly host. God's army ( 1 Kings 22:19 ; Psalms 103:20 Psalms 103:21 ). The Deity is called "God of Sabaoth", that is, God of hosts or multitude( Romans 9:29 ; James 5:4 ; Daniel 7:10 ; Revelation 5:11 Revelation 5:12 ); but at this time God's armyappeared to announce the coming of eternal peace.

2:14 Glory to God in the highest¹, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased².

God in the highest. In the highest heavens ( Job 16:19 Psalms 148:1 ).
And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased. The angels invoke blessing on God and peace upon man. Peace between God and man,and ultimately peace between man and man. The love of God is shedabroad upon all, even the vilest of sinners ( Romans 5:8 ; 1 Timothy 1:15 ); buthis peace comes upon those who have accepted his Son, and in whom he istherefore especially well pleased ( Romans 9:11 ). Peace is the unfailingapostolic salutation toward Christians ( Romans 1:7 ; 1 Corinthians 1:3 ; 2 Corinthians 1:2 ) andis attainable in the highest degree by Christians only ( John 14:27 John 16:33 ; Colossians 3:15 ; Philippians 4:7 ).

2:17 And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child¹.

And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child. They were the first evangelists.Among the heralds of Christ we note one great prophet, John theBaptist, and one learned Pharisee, Paul; the rest are shepherds,fishermen, and publicans, yet their gospel has triumphed over thewisdom of men ( 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 ; 2 Corinthians 4:7 ). The shepherds were moved topublish by the same spirit which actuated the lepers at Samaria( 2 Kings 7:9 ).

2:18 And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds¹.

And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds. The gospel story excites wonder; the more weponder it the more wonderful it becomes.

2:19 But Mary kept all these sayings¹, pondering them in her heart².

But Mary kept all these sayings. The silence of Mary contrasts with the talkativeness of the shepherds ( Luke 2:17 ). But is the duty ofChristians both to ponder and to publish.
Pondering them in her heart. Only Mary could know the fact here stated; and the statement indicates that Luke got the opening parts ofhis Gospel from the mother of our Lord. She had much to think about.The angelic messages to Zacharias, to herself, and to the shepherdswere full of significance, and her mind would search diligently tocomprehend the fullness of their meaning. In her quiet thoughtfulnessthe beauty of the Virgin's character shines forth ( 1 Peter 3:4 ).

2:20 And the shepherds returned¹, glorifying² and praising God³ for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them⁴.

And the shepherds returned. They did not make this glorious occasion an excuse for neglecting their humble duties.
Glorifying. Because of the greatness of that which had been revealed.
And praising God. Because of the goodness of that which he revealed.
Even as it was spoken unto them. Jesus came in exactly the same manner in which his coming had been spoken of or described by theangels a few hours before; and also just as his coming had been spokenof or described by the prophets centuries and centuries before. God'sword holds good for eternity as truly as for one day. The shepherdsdoubtless passed to their reward during the thirty years which Jesusspent in seclusion prior to his entering upon his ministry. But therest of their commonplace life was now filled with music of praise, andtheir night watches lit by the glory of God, which could never entirelyfade away.

2:21 And when eight days¹ were fulfilled for circumcising him, his name was called JESUS³, which was so called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

(The Temple at Jerusalem, B.C. 4)

Luke 2:21-39

Eight days. See Luke 1:59 ; Genesis 17:12 .
For the circumcising. The rite was doubtless performed by Joseph. By this rite Jesus was "made like unto his brethren";( Hebrews 2:16 Hebrews 2:17 ).that is, he became a member of the covenant nation, and became adebtor to the law.( Galatians 5:3 ).
His name was called JESUS.

2:22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled¹, they brought him up to Jerusalem², to present him to the Lord³

And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled. Purification took place on the fortieth dayafter the nativity in the case of males, and eighty days in the case offemales ( Leviticus 12:1-5 ). Until it was performed the mother was notpermitted to go to the temple, take part in any public service, or evento leave her house. It seems that the members of the family were alsoceremonially unclean, because they came in daily contact with her.
They brought him up to Jerusalem. To the temple.
To present him to the Lord. When God slew the firstborn of Egypt he spared the firstborn of Israel. For this reason all the firstborn ofIsrael were regarded as being peculiarly the Lord's ( Exodus 12:29 Exodus 12:30 Exodus 13:2 ); and the firstborn male child of each family had to beredeemed with money ( Exodus 13:11-15 ; Numbers 18:15 Numbers 18:16 ). Originally thefirstborn or eldest son was priest of the household after his father'sdeath; but God chose the Levites to serve in his sanctuary in the placeof these firstborn or household priests ( Numbers 3:11-13 ; Numbers 8:14-19 ); butthis choosing did not annul the statute which required the payment ofredemption money. The redemption money for a male was five shekels ofthe sanctuary, or about $3.75 ( Leviticus 27:6 ).

2:23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord¹, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord),

As it is written in the law of the Lord. For additional passages, see Exodus 22:29 ; Exodus 34:19 Exodus 34:20 .

2:24 and to offer a sacrifice¹ according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons³.

And to offer a sacrifice. By redemption money and sacrifice the life of Jesus was ceremonially redeemed from God the Father, that hisconsecration of it to the will of the Father might be perfect. Welikewise are redeemed by the blood of Christ, but are expectednevertheless to be more consecrated than ever.
According to . . . the law of the Lord. See Leviticus 12:6-8 .
A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. The required offering was a yearling lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon for a sin-offering. But the law allowed a poor mother to substitute doves orpigeons for the lamb. We see here an early trace of the poverty of Himwho had not where to lay his head. Knowing the greatness of the child,Joseph and Mary would never have used the lesser sacrifice if theycould have afforded the regular and more costly one. Poverty is notdishonorable in God's sight; for Mary was honored of him above allwomen.

2:25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon¹; and this man was righteous and devout², looking³ for the consolation of Israel⁴: and the Holy Spirit was upon him⁵.

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. The name means "Hearing". Some think that it was Rabbi Simeon, the son of the greatteacher Hillel; but the context forbids such an idea.
And this man was righteous and devout. Right in outward and devout in his inward life. The first prophet to tell the world that itsMessiah had come was a thoroughly good man.
Looking. Waiting like Jacob ( Genesis 49:18 ), and Joseph of Arimathea ( Mark 15:43 ), he realized the truth of God's promise ( Isaiah 49:23 ).The Jews waited for a coming Prince, local, carnal, finite, temporal;we wait for a KING universal, spiritual, infinite, eternal, the Son ofGod. Hence the magnitude of our expected consolation is to theirs as anocean is to a drop of water.
For the consolation of Israel. A common name for the era of the Messiah, which was so called because the advent of the Christ wouldbring comfort to his people ( Isaiah 40:1 ). Jews swore by the consolationof Israel, and the phrase, "May I see the consolation of Israel", wascommon among them. A prayer for the coming of the Messiah was dailyused by them.
And the Holy Spirit was upon him. See Luke 1:68 .

2:26 And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit¹, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ².

And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit. Probably in a dream.
That he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. A remarkable favor, a notable blessing. See Luke 10:23 Luke 10:24 .

2:27 And he came in the Spirit¹ into the temple²: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law,

And he came in the Spirit. Moved by the impulses of inspiration ( Matthew 22:14 ; Revelation 1:10 ).
Into the temple. Those who go to church perfunctorily see little; those who go in the Spirit--according to the measure in which He isgiven them--see and hear much.

2:29 Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord¹, According to thy word², in peace³;

Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord. This hymn of Simeon is called the "Nunc Dimittis", from the two words with which the Latintranslation of it begins. Simeon regards his death as now near, sincehe had seen that for which God had kept him alive. He represents as asentinel who, seeing the rising of the day- star which is the signalthat his watch is relieved, knows his weary waiting is at an end.
According to thy word. God keeps his word, and never disappoints.
In peace. To the living the Jews said, "Go in peace" ("Leshalom"), as Jethro said to Moses ( Exodus 4:18 ); to the dying they said, "Go inpeace" ("Beshalom"), as the Lord said to Abram ( Genesis 15:15 ).

2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation¹,

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Only the eye which sees Christ is satisfied with seeing ( Ecclesiastes 1:18 ). To one who has Christ inhis arms and salvation before his eyes the world looks poor indeed, andthe loss of it appears gain ( Philippians 2:21 ).

2:31 Which thou hast prepared¹ before the face of all people²s;

Which thou hast prepared. God prepared the gospel in his counsels before Christ came into the world ( Acts 2:23 ), and foretold it by theprophets ( Acts 3:18 ).
Before the face of all people. The Jewish Scriptures were then scattered among all nations, and all people were acquainted with theHebrew expectations of a Messiah. Simeon saw in the Babe the initialstep of God toward fulfilling all these prophecies.

2:32 A light for revelation to the Gentiles¹, And the glory² of thy people Israel³.

A light for revelation to the Gentiles. A reference to Isaiah 49:6 . Christ's light has revealed the Father to the Gentiles.That Simeon should prophesy this is an evidence of the large spiritualknowledge given him, since even the apostles were slow to grasp thefullness of Christ's world-wide mission. See Psalms 98:2 Psalms 98:3 ; 52:10 ; 42:6 .
And the glory. See Isaiah 45:25 . Israel is doubly glorified in Jesus, in that God chose this people to receive the Word, or divineSon, in that Jesus, as a Jew, presented to the world the picture of theperfect manhood. In his divinity and his humanity Jesus glorifiedIsrael
Of thy people Israel. The Gentiles and Israel are here contrasted. The Gentiles refused the knowledge of God ( Romans 1:28 ), and Israelabused it ( Romans 3:1-9 ).

2:33 And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him¹;

And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him. Not because they heard anything which wasreally new, but because the words caused them to see the truth in a newway. They were also doubtless surprised to find that an utter strangershould speak thus about the child. Such manifestations of inspirationwere no more common then than now.

2:34 and Simeon blessed them¹, and said unto Mary his mother², Behold, this [child] is set³ for the falling and the rising of many in Israel⁴; and for a sign⁵ which is spoken against⁶;

And Simeon blessed them. While blessing the parents, he refrained from blessing the child, lest it might appear that he did it as asuperior. He could bless God in the heavens without fear of beingmisunderstood ( Luke 2:28 ); but to bless this little Babe might seem tobe presumptuous.
And said unto Mary his mother. Thus distinguishing between Mary the real parent, and Joseph the supposed one.
Behold, this [child] is set. Either as a stone of stumbling ( Isaiah 8:14 ; Romans 9:32 Romans 9:33 ; 1 Corinthians 1:23 ), or a precious cornerstone( 1 Peter 2:7 1 Peter 2:8 ; Acts 4:11 ; 1 Corinthians 3:11 ). Jesus is the cornerstone of truereligion. Those who reject him fall over him and are broken; those whoaccept him, build upon him, and are lifted up and edified.
For the falling and the rising of many in Israel. Jesus has always wrought changes which were like fallings and risings. In his own earlylifetime Pharisees, Herodians, Sadducees, Nazarenes, Gadarenes, etc.,sank down before his example and teaching; while fishermen, publicansand outcasts were elevated and encouraged by his sympathy. In theecclesiastical field Jesus has brought down the powers of superstitionand priestcraft, and exalted the common worshiper, giving him libertyof conscience. In the political field, Jesus has brought down the prideof kings and lifted up the common people, and given them sovereignpowers.
In the spiritual realm this work of Jesus is most clearly displayed.Not only did he bring down the pride of Judah and lift up the despisedGentiles ( Romans 9:25 ); but he has worked a leveling and a lifting workin the life of each of his followers. Those proud of their manhood, hehas made as children, that they might become truly men ( Matthew 18:3 );those wise in their own conceit, he approaches with the foolishness ofpreaching, that they might be instructed in true learning( 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ); those strong in self-confidence, he makes weak, thathe may fill them with the divine power ( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ; Philippians 4:13 ). LikePaul, we fall and rise in Christ ( Acts 9:4-6 ).
And for a sign. Something which challenges attention and is full of significant meaning. Signs were intended to allay controversy, andto exclude contradiction, but Jesus provoked both. When he was thusfirst in the temple, opposition was prophesied; when he was last thereit was fully realized ( Matthew 23:38 ).
Which is spoken against. During his earthly lifetime Jesus was called "deceiver", "Samaritan," "demoniac," etc., and subsequently hisfollowers were abused ( Acts 28:22 ); later the Jews wrote of him as "thedeceiver", "that man," and "the hung". Early Christians were charged bythe pagans with committing cannibalism, incest, and every conceivableatrocity, and in this day "Christian" is--after Jew--the most stringingterm of reproach known to the Eastern tongue.

2:35 yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul¹; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed².

A sword shall pierce through thine own soul. Simeon had read and understood the prophecies which told of the suffering Messiah( Isaiah 42:14-43:12 ). Hence, to prepare the soul of Mary, he touchesthis minor chord. By as much as the prophecies and annunciationsconcerning Jesus, led Mary to expect honor, and glory for her son; byso much did the rejection, persecution and cruel death of Jesusoverwhelm her with piercing anguish and disappointment. It is alsoprobable that at the time of the crucifixion Mary shared with theapostles the doubts as to the mission of Jesus, and these doubts musthave been unspeakably bitter to her.
That thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. The Greek word "dialogismos" here translated "thoughts" is generally used to signifybad or evil thoughts See definition 1261|. Jesus often revealed such( John 9:16 ); but the context shows that Simeon had in mind the evilthoughts which were revealed by the sufferings inflicted on Christ. Thehuman heart is desperately wicked ( Jeremiah 17:9 ); but its wickednesswas never more manifest than when it chose a murderer and crucified itsCreator ( Acts 3:14 Acts 3:15 ). Men are still revealed by their attitudetoward Christ, the sincere being drawn to him, and the hypocrites beingrepelled from him. But at the judgment he shall shine forth as theperfect revealer of all thoughts and actions ( Matthew 10:26 ).

2:36 And there was one Anna¹, a prophetess², the daughter of Phanuel³, of the tribe of Asher⁴ (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

And there was one Anna. The same name as Hannah, meaning "He was gracious" ( 1 Samuel 1:20 ).
A prophetess. Like Miriam ( Exodus 15:20 ), Deborah ( Judges 4:4 ), Huldah ( 2 Chronicles 34:22 ).
The daughter of Phanuel. The same as Peniel, meaning "Face of God" ( Genesis 32:30 ).
Of the tribe of Asher. Asher was the second son of Jacob and Zilpah ( Genesis 30:12 Genesis 30:13 ). The name means "happy". Though the ten tribes werelost and scattered, many individuals belonging to them remained inJudah ( Acts 26:7 ; James 1:1 ).

2:37 and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years¹), who departed not from the temple², worshipping with fastings and supplications³ night and day⁴.

And she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years. She had been married seven years, and was now 84 years old. Her longwidowhood is mentioned, because young widows who did not remarry wereheld in especial honor. Anna was about 24 years old when Jerusalem wasconquered by Pompey, and came under the power of Rome.
Who departed not from the temple. This may simply mean that she was unusually assiduous in her attendance at all the temple services( Acts 2:46 ); or it may be taken literally, in which case we maysuppose that her prophetic talents had secured for her the right ofliving in one of the temple chambers. Those who patiently frequentGod's house will sooner or later obtain a blessing.
Worshipping with fastings and supplications. Moses appointed one yearly fast, viz.: that on the day of Atonement; but the Phariseesintroduced the custom of fasting twice a week to commemorate the dayswhen Moses was supposed to have ascended and descended Mt. Sinai, viz.:on Monday and Thursday. They had also otherwise multiplied the fasts( Luke 5:33 ).
Night and day. In Hebrew idiom, night is mentioned before day, following the example of Moses ( Genesis 1:5 ). The Hebrew theory that"God made the world in six days and seven nights", may have given birthto this idiom. For instances of this idiom, see Acts 26:7 ; 1 Timothy 5:5 .There were probably night services of sacred music held in the temple,at which priests sung anthems ( Psalms 134:1 Psalms 134:2 ; Psalms 119:62 ).

2:38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks unto God, and spake of him¹ to all them that were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And spake of him. Of Jesus.

2:39 And when they¹ had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee², to their own city Nazareth³.

Matthew 2:19-23

Luke 2:39

And when they. The parents of Jesus.
They returned into Galilee. Luke omits to tell that Jesus returned to Nazareth by way of Bethlehem and Egypt. Such omissions are common inall biographies, and this one is paralleled by Luke himself in his lifeof Paul. Compare Acts 9:19-26 ; Galatians 1:17 Galatians 1:18 .
To their own city Nazareth. This town lies on a hillside, girt in by fifteen higher hills. It is a secluded nook. Here Jesus grew up inobscurity till he reached his thirtieth year. Here he spent about nine-tenths of his earthly life. Sweet humility! Lowliness is as rare andprecious a virtue as pride is a plentiful and repugnant vice.
( 39,

2:40 And the child grew¹, and waxed strong², filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him³.

Luke 2:40-52

And the child grew. This verse contains the history of thirty years. It describes the growth of our Lord as a natural, human growth;see Luke 1:80 . For, though Jesus was truly divine, he was also perfectlyman. To try to distinguish between the divine and human in Jesus, is towaste time upon an impracticable mystery which is too subtle for ourdull and finite minds.
And waxed strong. His life expanded like other human lives. He learned as other boys; he obeyed as other children. As he used meansand waited patiently for growth, so must each individual Christian, andso must the church. Though the latter is a mystical body, and animatedby the Holy Spirit, it must nevertheless make increase of itself beforecoming to the perfect man ( Ephesians 4:16 ).
Filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. These words describe briefly the life of Christ during the preparatory period atNazareth. It was a quiet life, but its sinless purity made the Baptistfeel his own unworthiness compared to it ( Matthew 3:14 ), and its sweetreasonableness inspired in Mary, the mother, that confidence which ledher to sanction, without reserve, any request or command which Jesusmight utter ( John 2:5 ).

2:41 And his parents¹ went every year to Jerusalem² at the feast of the passover³.

And his parents. Males were required to attend the Passover ( Exodus 13:7 ); but women were not. The great rabbi, Hillel (born aboutB.C. 110; died A.D. 10), recommended that they should do so, and thepractice was esteemed an act of admirable piety.
Went every year to Jerusalem. Regular attendance upon worship is likewise enjoined upon us ( Hebrews 10:25 ).
At the feast of the passover. The Passover, one of the three great Jewish feasts, commemorated the mercy of God in causing his angel to"pass over" the houses in Israel on the night that he slew all thefirstborn of Egypt. It took place at the full moon which occurred nextafter the vernal equinox. At it the firstfruits of the harvest wereoffered ( Leviticus 23:10-15 ). The second feast, Pentecost, occurred fiftydays later, and commemorated the giving of the law. At it thefirstfruits of the wheat harvest, in the form of bread were offered( Leviticus 23:17 ). The third feast, or Tabernacles, occurred near the endof September, or beginning of October, and commemorated the days whenIsrael dwelt in tents in the wilderness. It was observed as athanksgiving for the blessings of the year. Every adult male Jewsdwelling in Judea was required to attend these three feasts. Josephustells us that the members assembled at them in Jerusalem often exceededtwo million.

2:42 And when he was twelve years old¹, they went up² after the custom of the feast³;

And when he was twelve years old. The incident which Luke here reports is the only one given in the period between the return fromEgypt and Jesus' thirtieth year. It shows that Jesus did not attend theschool of the rabbis in Jerusalem ( Mark 6:2 ; John 6:42 ; John 7:15 ). But welearn that he could write ( John 8:6 ), and there is little doubt butthat he spoke both Hebrew and Greek.
They went up. The altitude of Jerusalem is higher than that of Nazareth, and the distance between the two places is about seventymiles.
After the custom of the feast. The custom was that the feast was celebrated annually in Jerusalem.

2:43 and when they had fulfilled the days¹, as they were returning, the boy Jesus² tarried behind in Jerusalem³; and his parents knew it not⁴;

And when they had fulfilled the days. Eight days in all; one day for killing the passover, and seven for observing the feast ofunleavened bread which followed it ( Exodus 12:15 ; Leviticus 23:6 ).
The boy Jesus. Luke narrates something about every stage of Christ's life. He speaks of him as a babe ( Luke 2:16 ), as a little child( Luke 2:40 ), here as a boy, afterwards as a man.
Tarried behind in Jerusalem. To take advantage of the opportunity to hear the great teachers in the schools.
And his parents knew it not. As vast crowds attended the Passover, it was easy to lose sight of a boy amid the festal throng. Indeed, theincident is often repeated even to this day during the feast seasons atJerusalem.

2:44 but supposing him to be in the company¹, they went a day's journey²; and they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance³:

But supposing him to be in the company. We see here the confidence of the parents, and the independence of the child. The sinlessness ofJesus was not due to any exceptional care on the part of his parents.Jews going to and from their festivals traveled in caravans forpleasure and safety. In the daytime the young folks mingled freelyamong the travelers, and sought out whatever companionship they wished.But in the evening, when the camp was formed, and the tents werepitched, the members of each family came together.
They went a day's journey. They probably returned by the way of Jericho to avoid passing through Samaria, because of the hatredexisting between Jews and Samaritans. In more moderns times the firstday's journey is a short one, and it was probably so then. It was madeso in order that the travelers might return to the city whence they haddeparted, should they discover that they had forgotten anything--shouldthey find that they had forgotten a sack of meal, a blanket, or achild.
And they sought for him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Those with whom he was most likely to have traveled during the day.

2:45 and when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him¹.

And when they found him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. Parents who have temporarily suffered the loss of their childrencan easily imagine their feelings. Christ, though a divine gift tothem, was lost. So may we also lose him, though he be God's gift to us.

2:46 And it came to pass, after three days¹ they found him in the temple², sitting³ in the midst⁴ of the teachers⁵, both hearing them, and asking them questions⁶:

And it came to pass, after three days. Each part of a day was reckoned as a day when at the beginning and ending of a series. Theparents missed Jesus on the evening of the first day, returned toJerusalem and sought for him on the second day, and probably found himon the morning of the third day. The disciples of Jesus also lost himin the grave for part of one day, and all of the next, and found himresurrected on the morning of the third day ( Luke 24:21 ).
They found him in the temple. Probably in one of the many chambers which tradition says were built against the walls of the temple and itsenclosures, and opened upon the temple courts. The sacred secret whichthey knew concerning the child should have sent them at once to thetemple to seek for him.
Sitting. Jewish scholars sat upon the ground at the feet of their teachers.
In the midst. The teachers sat on semi-circular benches and thus partially surrounded by their scholars.
Of the teachers. These teachers had schools in which they taught for the fees of their pupils, and are not to be confounded with thescribes, who were mere copyists.
Both hearing them, and asking them questions. He was not teaching. The God of order foes not expect childhood to teach. He was among themas a modest scholar, and not as a forward child. The rabbinical methodof instruction was to state cases, or problems, bearing upon theinterpretation or application of the law, which cases or problems wereto be solved by the pupils. For typical problems, see ( Matthew 22:15-46 ).

2:48 And when they saw him¹, they were astonished²; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us³? behold, thy father⁴ and I sought thee sorrowing⁵.

And when they saw him. His parents.
They were astonished. Mary and Joseph stood as much in awe of these renowned national teachers as peasants do of kings, and were thereforeastonished that their youthful son presumed to speak to them.
And his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Her language implies that Jesus had been fully instructed as to thetime when his parents and their caravan would depart for Galilee, andthat he was expected to depart with them. Obedience to his higherduties constrained him to appear disobedient to his parents.
Behold, thy father. As legal father of Jesus, this expression would necessarily have to be used when speaking of Joseph. But Jesus does notaccept Joseph as his father, as we see by his answer.
And I sought thee sorrowing. Because they thought him lost.

2:49 And he said unto them¹, How is it that ye sought me²? knew ye not that I must³ be in my Father's⁴ house⁵?

And he said unto them. What follows are the first recorded words of Jesus; he here speaks of the same being--the Father--to whom hecommended his spirit in his last words upon the cross ( Luke 23:46 ).His last recorded words on earth are found at Acts 1:7 Acts 1:8 ; his lastrecorded words in heaven are found in Revelation 22:10-20 , but these lastwords are spoken through the medium of an angel.
How is it that ye sought me? Mary, knowing all that had been divinely revealed to her concerning Jesus, should have expected to findhim in the temple.
Knew ye not that I must. In this oft-repeated phrase, "I must", Jesus sets forth that devotion to the will of the Father by which hiswhole life was directed.
Be in my Father's. Literally "the father of me", and invariably omitted the article, and said, "Father of you", whenspeaking of his disciples. His relationship to the Father differed fromours, and God, not Joseph, was his father.
House. See John 2:16 John 2:17 ; John 8:35 .

2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them¹.

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. It may seem strange that Mary, knowing all that she did concerning the birthof Jesus, etc., did not grasp the meaning of his words, but we are allslow to grasp great truths; and failure to be understood was thereforea matter of daily occurrence with Jesus ( Luke 9:45 ; Luke 18:34 ; Mark 9:32 comprehend his wonderful sayings. We need to be watchful lest our earsbe censured for a like slowness.

2:51 And he went down with them¹, and came to Nazareth²; and he was subject unto them⁴: and his mother kept all [these] sayings in her heart⁵.

And he went down with them. Jerusalem was among the mountains, Nazareth among the hills.
And came to Nazareth. A beautiful and healthful town, but so lacking in piety and learning as to form the "dry ground" out of which it wasprophetically predicted that the glorious and fruitful life of Jesuswould spring. Here Christ rose above all times and schools and revealedto man that "life more abundant" than all kings, lawgivers, or sagesever discovered. His character, like the New Jerusalem, descended fromGod out of heaven, and no education obtained in Nazareth will explainit. The struggle of self-made men with their early environment isnoticeable to the last, but it is not so with him. The discourses ofJesus are the outpourings of divine knowledge, and not the result ofstudy or self-culture.
And was subject. Our example in all things, he here set before us that pattern of obedience which children should observe toward theirparents. In these years Jesus learned the trade of his supposed father( Mark 6:3 ). Christ was a laborer, and thereby sanctified labor, andshowed that dignity and glory belong to inward and not to outwardconditions.
Unto them. His parents, Joseph and Mary. We find no mention of Joseph after this, and the probability is that he soon died.
And his mother kept all [these] sayings in her heart. She had many treasured sayings of angels, shepherds, wise men, and prophets. She nowbegan to add to these the sayings of Christ himself.

2:52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men¹.

And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. He did not "literally" grow in favor with God. This is aphenomenal expression. The favor of God and man kept company for quiteawhile; but the favor of God abode with Jesus when man's good will wasutterly withdrawn. Men admire holiness until it becomes aggressive, andthen they fell an antagonism against it as great, or intense, as theirprevious admiration.

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