Luke 2:39 – “When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.”
Extended Explanation
This verse comes at the conclusion of the story about Jesus being presented at the temple in Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary have fulfilled all the requirements of the Jewish law, which included the purification rites for Mary and the presentation of Jesus as their firstborn son (Luke 2:22-24). Having completed these religious obligations, they return to their hometown of Nazareth, where Jesus will grow up.
This verse highlights Joseph and Mary’s obedience to God’s commands. They faithfully followed the instructions given in the Law of Moses, showing their commitment to living righteously. Although they were caring for the Messiah, they didn’t view themselves as exempt from God’s commands. Instead, they embraced their responsibilities as faithful followers of God.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, the Law of Moses governed many aspects of daily life, including family, worship, and purification rituals. One of these laws required that a woman undergo purification after childbirth (Leviticus 12:1-8) and that the firstborn male be dedicated to God (Exodus 13:2). Joseph and Mary carefully followed these requirements, demonstrating their devotion to God’s law.
Nazareth, the town to which they returned, was a small and relatively insignificant village in Galilee. It wasn’t a place that anyone would expect to produce the Messiah, which is why some people later questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth (John 1:46). However, God often works through humble and unexpected places, and Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth fits this pattern.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of obedience and humility in the life of faith. Joseph and Mary’s willingness to follow God’s law, even in the small details, reflects their trust in Him. Their example teaches us that faith isn’t just about believing in God’s promises—it’s also about living in obedience to His Word.
Additionally, the fact that the Messiah was raised in Nazareth, a humble and ordinary town, reveals a key aspect of God’s character. He often chooses to work through the lowly and the unexpected to accomplish His purposes. Jesus’ humble upbringing in Nazareth is a reminder that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t measured by worldly status but by faithfulness and obedience.
This verse also points to the fulfillment of God’s plan. Although Nazareth seemed like an unlikely place for the Messiah to grow up, it was part of God’s design. The prophets had hinted at this, with some scholars seeing a connection between Jesus being called a “Nazarene” and Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being despised or lowly (Isaiah 53:3).
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often emphasizes themes of obedience, humility, and God’s work through ordinary people. This verse fits into that theme by showing Joseph and Mary’s faithfulness in following the law and by highlighting Jesus’ humble beginnings. The transition from the temple in Jerusalem to the small town of Nazareth contrasts the grandeur of God’s temple with the simplicity of Jesus’ early life.
The phrase “done everything required by the Law of the Lord” reinforces the idea that Jesus’ life was rooted in obedience from the very beginning. This sets the stage for Jesus’ later teachings, where He would emphasize the fulfillment of the law and call His followers to a deeper understanding of God’s will.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 12:1-8 – The purification ceremony after childbirth, which Mary would have observed.
- Exodus 13:2 – God’s command to consecrate the firstborn to Him.
- Matthew 5:17 – Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
- John 1:46 – “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”
- Micah 5:2 – A prophecy about the Messiah’s humble origins, later applied to Bethlehem but connected to Jesus’ overall humble background.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse is a reminder that obedience to God matters, even in the small things. Joseph and Mary’s faithfulness in fulfilling the requirements of the law shows that obedience isn’t about earning salvation—it’s about honoring God and trusting His plan. In the same way, believers are called to live obediently, even when it seems ordinary or insignificant.
This verse also challenges believers to embrace humility. Just as Jesus was raised in a humble town, Christians are called to serve God faithfully, regardless of their social status or the recognition they receive. What matters to God is faithfulness, not worldly success.
Additionally, this verse encourages believers to trust God’s plan, even when it seems unexpected or unconventional. Nazareth wasn’t a place anyone would have chosen for the Messiah’s upbringing, but God’s ways are higher than human understanding. In our own lives, we can trust that God is working, even when His plan doesn’t match our expectations.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His care for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as they faithfully followed His commands. God’s law was given not to burden His people but to guide them and draw them closer to Him. Joseph and Mary’s obedience reflects their trust in God’s love and provision.
God’s love is also seen in His choice to send His Son into humble circumstances. Jesus wasn’t born into wealth or privilege—He grew up in a small town with ordinary parents. This shows that God values humility and that His love reaches down to the lowliest places. Through Jesus, God identifies with the humble and the ordinary, demonstrating that His salvation is for everyone.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ early connection to the law and His humble beginnings, both of which are central to His mission. Jesus’ life was characterized by obedience to the Father, and His parents’ adherence to the law set the foundation for His later ministry.
By being raised in Nazareth, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan to bring salvation through humble and unexpected means. His upbringing in an ordinary town foreshadows His teaching that greatness in God’s kingdom comes through humility and service (Matthew 23:11-12). Jesus would later embody this humility by serving others and ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Joseph and Mary’s obedience to God’s law challenge you to be more faithful in the small details of your faith?
- What does Jesus’ humble upbringing in Nazareth teach you about God’s values and priorities?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God’s plan didn’t match your expectations? How did you learn to trust Him?
- How can you practice humility and obedience in your daily life, even when it doesn’t bring recognition or reward?
- In what ways can you remind yourself that God often works through ordinary people and situations to accomplish extraordinary things?