"And He went down with them (Mary and Joseph), and came to Nazareth, and was subject into them: but his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (v.51)
Luke 2 is best known for the written record of the birth of Jesus. How Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem, and all the events that followed the birth of the Christ child (vv.4-38). Scripture then tells us that, "when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth" (v.39). Noting more is said about Jesus expect that, "The child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" (v.40).
Then, when Jesus was twelve years old His story picks up again when his family had traveled from their home in the city of Nazareth, back to Jerusalem (as was their custom) for the feast of Passover (v.41). Once Passover was completed, they (Mary and Joseph) started the journey back to Nazareth thinking Jesus was traveling in the company of those returning - they did not realize He was still in Jerusalem (v.43). When they could not find him among the group traveling back to Nazareth, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him (v.45). After three days of “sorrowful searching” they found him in the temple listening, asking and answering questions of the Rabbis – all that heard Him were amazed, even his mother and father (v.46-48).
Now comes the question from his mother, “Son, why have you dealt with us this way? We were worried about you (v.48). Jesus said, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?” (v.49) This brings us to a point, a line drawn in the sand. Is Jesus going to stay and continue in His calling or, will He submit to his earthly father, who has less understanding of the big picture and His purpose in life (at this point), and return to Nazareth.
Submission is not about how much one knows but how mature one is. Clearly Jesus, even at the age of twelve, knew infinitely more than Mary and Joseph and could have easily stood firm and not returned. However, His maturity in His future allowed Him to return with His earthly parents. Submission is something He would continue to do His entire life at the will of His Heavenly Father, even to the death of the cross. We would all do well to take His humble example to heart.
The Truth: “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
