Meaning of Luke 2:39

This verse marks a significant point in the early life of Jesus, detailing the return of the Holy Family to their hometown after fulfilling specific religious obligations in Jerusalem following Jesus' birth and presentation. The phrase "everything required by the Law of the Lord" primarily refers to two distinct Mosaic laws: the purification rite for the mother after childbirth and the redemption of the firstborn son. Mary, as a mother, would have undergone a period of ritual impurity, requiring a sacrifice for her purification forty days after giving birth to a son. Simultaneously, the law stipulated that the firstborn male child was to be presented to the Lord and subsequently redeemed, a practice symbolizing God's ownership and the child's dedication to Him, often involving a specific sum of money paid to the priests. Joseph and Mary, as devout Jews, meticulously adhered to these commandments, demonstrating their deep respect for the Law and their commitment to raising Jesus within the framework of their religious heritage. Their subsequent return to Nazareth underscores the humble beginnings of Jesus' earthly life, establishing his upbringing in a commonplace Galilean town, a detail that later becomes a point of astonishment for those who knew his origins.

Context and Background

The immediate context for Luke 2:39 is the preceding narrative of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the shepherds, the circumcision and naming of Jesus on the eighth day, and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem. This presentation involved two key rituals: Mary's purification and the redemption of the firstborn. The encounter with Simeon and Anna in the Temple, which occurs during this visit, highlights the prophetic significance of Jesus, foretelling his role as a light to the Gentiles and a cause for the rise and fall of many in Israel. After these sacred duties were completed, and likely after a period of about forty days following Jesus' birth, the family departed from Jerusalem.

Key Themes and Messages

• Obedience to the Law: The verse emphasizes the exemplary obedience of Joseph and Mary to the Mosaic Law. This highlights their piety and their intentionality in raising Jesus according to Jewish tradition.
• Humility and Normalcy: The return to Nazareth, "their own town," emphasizes the humble and ordinary circumstances of Jesus' upbringing. This contrasts sharply with the divine nature of his birth and the prophetic pronouncements made about him.
• Fulfillment of Religious Duty: The phrase "everything required" underscores the thoroughness of their adherence to religious statutes. This was not a perfunctory observance but a complete fulfillment.
• The Journey of the Holy Family: This verse marks the transition from the extraordinary events of Jesus' birth and presentation to the more prolonged period of his childhood and youth in Nazareth.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that even the Son of God, in his human infancy, was subject to and obedient to the established religious and civil laws of his people. This demonstrates the incarnational principle: Jesus entered fully into human experience, including its legal and religious requirements. For believers, it serves as a powerful example of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life. It teaches that religious devotion is not confined to grand occasions but is woven into the fabric of daily life and adherence to established practices.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits within the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan unfolding through ordinary means and humble beginnings. The Messiah, destined for a divine mission, was born and raised in an unassuming Galilean village, fulfilling prophecies that spoke of his humble origins (e.g., Isaiah 11:1, "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse"). The meticulous obedience of Joseph and Mary sets the stage for Jesus' own life of perfect obedience, which would ultimately lead to his atoning sacrifice. It underscores the biblical theme of God working through the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Analogies

One analogy is that of a highly skilled artisan meticulously preparing their tools and workspace before undertaking a masterpiece. Joseph and Mary, as faithful stewards, ensured all ritual and legal preparations were completed before returning to their home to continue the upbringing of the most precious gift from God. Another analogy could be that of a royal heir, though destined for a throne, being raised with proper education and adherence to the laws of the land during their formative years. This demonstrates the seriousness with which his upbringing was approached, even within the context of his future divine purpose.

Relation to Other Verses

• Luke 2:21-24: This passage directly precedes 2:39, detailing the circumcision, naming, purification, and redemption rituals that Joseph and Mary fulfilled.
• Matthew 2:23: This verse speaks of Jesus dwelling in Nazareth, fulfilling a prophecy that he would be called a "Nazarene," though the exact Old Testament source for this specific designation is debated among scholars, it points to his upbringing in this town.
• Galatians 4:4-5: This passage speaks of Jesus being born under the law, "to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons." Luke 2:39 exemplifies this theme of Jesus' submission to the Law.
• Hebrews 4:15: This verse states that Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. His upbringing under the Law, as depicted in Luke 2, is part of his complete humanity and his sinless life.