Luke 2:51

“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.”

Context:This verse is a part of the narrative describing Jesus’ childhood and an incident that took place when He was twelve years old.

Luke 2:41-52 provides the account of Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem with His parents during the time of the Passover feast. After the feast was over, Mary and Joseph began their journey back home to Nazareth. However, they realized that Jesus was not with them and had stayed behind in Jerusalem.

Concerned, Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to search for Him and found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. The people who heard Jesus were amazed at His understanding and answers.

In Luke 2:51, we see the aftermath of this incident. Jesus, having been found by His parents, obediently went back with them to Nazareth. The verse emphasizes His submissiveness and obedience to His earthly parents. It says that Jesus was “subject unto them.” Despite His divine nature and unique relationship with God the Father, Jesus submitted Himself to the authority and guidance of His parents as a young boy.

Additionally, the verse highlights Mary’s response to these events. It states that she “kept all these sayings in her heart.” This phrase suggests that Mary treasured and pondered upon the things she had witnessed, including Jesus’ wisdom and the amazement of those who heard Him speak.