Luke 2:41
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 2:41
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
While the Law only required men to attend the Passover pilgrimage, Luke highlights that Mary and Joseph, as devout parents, always made the journey. This implies that their participation, especially Mary's, went beyond strict obligation, showcasing a deep, habitual reverence for God's appointed feasts.
This verse sets the stage for Jesus's first recorded trip to Jerusalem at age twelve. It highlights the devout habit of Mary and Joseph, who faithfully observed the Law by traveling annually to the Passover feast, even though women weren't strictly required to attend. This ordinary family devotion prepares us for the extraordinary event that unfolds when Jesus, at this significant age, stays behind in the Temple.
Why did Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, make this annual trip to Jerusalem? Was it just a family tradition, or something more?
The Law of Moses commanded all Israelite men to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem three times a year: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread (which included Passover), Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
While this ordinance was specifically for men, many devout Jews, including women, also made the pilgrimage. The commentary highlights that Mary and Joseph's regular attendance, even though women weren't strictly required, shows their deep commitment to honoring God's commands and participating in the religious life of their people. It reflects a pious practice, seen in figures like Hannah in 1 Samuel, who also traveled yearly to worship.
Even with the Jewish diaspora (dispersion of people), many in Palestine still observed these feasts, keeping the national and spiritual connection alive.
Jesus was 12 years old when he stayed behind in Jerusalem. Why is this specific age significant for his journey?
The verse mentions Jesus' parents went when he was twelve years old. This age was a pivotal point in a Jewish boy's life.
At twelve, a boy was considered to be on the cusp of adulthood. He would begin his formal instruction in the Law, participate more fully in religious observances, and be trained in a trade. This annual trip to Jerusalem, starting at this age, marked Jesus' introduction to the deeper responsibilities and learning associated with his faith and heritage. It was the beginning of his formal education in the life and teachings of Israel.
Understand the original words
Hierousalēm · Greek Proper Noun
The capital city of Israel, the site of the Temple, and the center of Jewish religious, political, and spiritual life. It is frequently associated with God's presence, the Davidic covenant, and the place where the Messiah would suffer and be glorified.
pascha · Greek Noun
The annual spring festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marked by the slaughter of a lamb and eating unleavened bread. It prefigures the sacrifice of Christ, the true Lamb of God, who delivers His people from the bondage of sin.
The annual journey of Jesus' family to Jerusalem for Passover highlights their devout adherence to Mosaic Law, even amidst the historical realities of Jewish diaspora and Roman rule. It also underscores the significance of age twelve as a pivotal moment for a Jewish boy's religious education and responsibility.
c. 1440 BC
The Exodus and Passover Instituted
God institutes the Passover feast to commemorate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Law also mandates pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year for all Israelite males.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile Begins
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by Assyria, leading to the exile of many Israelites. This marks the beginning of a significant Jewish diaspora that distances people from Jerusalem.
586 BC
Babylonian Exile and Temple Destruction
The Southern Kingdom of Judah falls to Babylon, its Temple is destroyed, and many Jews are exiled. This event further scatters the Jewish people and disrupts regular pilgrimage.
c. 516 BC
Second Temple Dedicated
Following their return from Babylonian exile, the Jews dedicate the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Religious life and observance of festivals gradually resume, though the diaspora remains.
This passage lays out the original command for Israelite men to appear before God three times a year, establishing the context for Joseph and Mary's yearly pilgrimage.
Deuteronomy 16:16This reinforces the divine instruction for males to celebrate the three major feasts, including Passover, highlighting the religious duty that informed the family's practice.
1 Samuel 1:21This shows a similar devotional practice with Hannah, who also made a yearly journey to Shiloh for the appointed sacrifices, demonstrating that such dedicated pilgrimages were a pattern among the devout.
Matthew 2:23This verse mentions Jesus dwelling in Nazareth after returning from Egypt, providing a chronological marker for the period when these annual trips to Jerusalem would have been occurring.
cambridgeLuke 2:41: "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover."
41–52. The Passover Visit to the Temple 41 . his parents ] The great Rabbi Hillel had recommended women to attend the Passover. It was not enjoined by the Law, but the Jews admired it as a pious practice. ( Mechilta , f. 17. 2 in Schöttgen.) at the feast of the passover ] Exodus 23:15-17 ; Deuteronomy 16:1-16 . The custom of going up three times a year seems long to have fallen into abeyance with most Jews.…
clarkeLuke 2:41: "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover."
His parents went - every year - This was their constant custom, because positively enjoined by the law, Exodus 23:17 . But it does not appear that infants were obliged to be present; and yet all the men-children are positively ordered to make their appearance at Jerusalem thrice in the year, Exodus 34:23 . And our Lord, being now twelve years old, Luke 2:42 , accompanies his parents to the feast. Probably th…
While the Law only required men to attend the Passover pilgrimage, Luke highlights that Mary and Joseph, as devout parents, always made the journey. This implies that their participation, especially Mary's, went beyond strict obligation, showcasing a deep, habitual reverence for God's appointed feasts.
This verse sets the stage for Jesus's first recorded trip to Jerusalem at age twelve. It highlights the devout habit of Mary and Joseph, who faithfully observed the Law by traveling annually to the Passover feast, even though women weren't strictly required to attend. This ordinary family devotion prepares us for the extraordinary event that unfolds when Jesus, at this significant age, stays behind in the Temple.
This verse sets the stage for Jesus's first recorded trip to Jerusalem at age twelve. It highlights the devout habit of Mary and Joseph, who faithfully observed the Law by traveling annually to the Passover feast, even though women weren't strictly required to attend. This ordinary family devotion prepares us for the extraordinary event that unfolds when Jesus, at this significant age, stays behind in the Temple.
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c. 4 BC - AD 6
Herod the Great Rules Judea
Joseph and Mary live in Nazareth during the reign of Herod the Great. His building projects and political machinations shape the landscape of Roman Judea.
AD 6
Archelaus Deposed, Roman Prefects Rule
Judea comes under direct Roman rule after the deposition of Herod the Great's son, Archelaus. This period is marked by Roman governance and occasional unrest.
c. AD 12— this verse
Jesus' First Passover Pilgrimage
Jesus, at twelve years old, accompanies his parents to Jerusalem for Passover. This marks the age when Jewish boys were expected to begin observing the Law and learning.
"Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover." — While the Law only required men to attend the Passover pilgrimage, Luke highlights that Mary and Joseph, as devout parents, always made the journey. This implies that their participation, especia…