Read Luke 2:22-52

The end of Chapter 2 shows the commitment that Joseph and Mary had to the Law of the Lord. They made sure to offer for purification and present their first born to the Lord as required in the Law. A quick check of Exodus 13:2,12,15, shows the importance of presenting the first born. In the last plague over Egypt, the first born were lost to those who didn’t have the blood sprinkled on the doorpost. God saved his people and will redeem the first born as a reminder.

The interaction with Simeon and Anna are unique and little is know about either. It appears that they had been given information about the arrival of the Savior and his birth brought them great joy. It also served to reinforce to Joseph and Mary the unique and special nature of their child.

They will return to Jerusalem for the Passover each year. When Jesus was 12 their visit was very different. They probably traveled together in groups so it is not unusual for a parent not to have their child right by their side. He could have been with different family or friends as they made the trip home. Jesus had stayed behind and was at the temple asking questions of the teachers at the temple. Jesus astonished the teachers with his questions and answers.

We can certainly understand the fear and dismay they must have felt as the searched for Jesus. The joy they must have felt when they located him must have been incredible. As they questioned him about these events, Jesus told them he must be in his Father’s house. They didn’t understand this at the time. Jesus would ultimately grow to challenge everything about the current state of the temple and it’s worship practices during his ministry. This event served as a foreshadowing that Jesus would not except the status quo over the truth.

Jesus would return with his parents and live in submission to them. He grew in wisdom and stature with God and man. Jesus respected his earthly parents and lived with integrity among the people. The creator the world would be subject to others and live peaceably with them. It is hard to completely understand the humility that Jesus displayed while on earth.