LUKE 02:39-40
RETURN OF HOLY FAMILY TO NAZARETH
INTRODUCTION
Luke 2:39-40 marks a significant transition in the Gospel narrative, encapsulating the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth after fulfilling the requirements of the Jewish law in Jerusalem. These verses highlight the beginning of Jesus’ hidden years, a period characterized by growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and humanity. This passage emphasizes the obedience and piety of Mary and Joseph, as well as the humble and ordinary environment in which Jesus was raised. It sets the stage for understanding the divine and human aspects of Jesus’ development, reflecting the Catholic belief in the hypostatic union and the importance of family life in God’s salvific plan.
Luke 2:39 “When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.”
This verse follows the events of Jesus’ presentation at the temple and the purification rites as prescribed by Jewish law. The Holy Family’s adherence to these laws underscores their piety and obedience to God’s commandments.
This verse highlights several key themes:
1. Obedience to the Law:
The Holy Family’s adherence to the law of the Lord highlights their faithfulness and righteousness. According to Jewish law, after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph presented Him at the temple in Jerusalem, offering sacrifices as prescribed in Leviticus 12:6-8. This act symbolizes their complete submission to God’s will and their respect for religious traditions. They fulfilled all the requirements, including Jesus’ circumcision and Mary’s purification, showing their commitment to God’s covenant with Israel (Lev 12:2-8).
2. Humility and Simplicity:
Nazareth, a modest and unassuming town, becomes the backdrop for Jesus’ upbringing. This choice underscores the virtues of humility and simplicity. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus’ earthly life begins in a humble setting, aligning with the teachings in Philippians 2:6-7, which speak of Christ’s humility in taking human form. The return to Nazareth signifies a return to normalcy and the beginning of Jesus’ hidden life. Nazareth, a humble and seemingly insignificant town, becomes the setting for Jesus’ growth and preparation for His public ministry. This aligns with the prophecy that the Messiah would be despised and humble (Isa 53:3).
3. The Role of the Family:
The return to Nazareth signifies the importance of family life in God’s plan. The Holy Family becomes a model for Christian families, emphasizing the value of love, support, and faith within the household. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2204) states that “The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial communion, and for this reason, it can and should be called a domestic church.”
4. Preparation for Ministry:
Jesus’ hidden years in Nazareth are a period of growth and preparation. This time emphasizes the significance of spiritual and personal development before undertaking public ministry. It reflects the necessity of a strong foundation in faith and virtue, as seen in the preparation of prophets like Samuel (1 Sam 2:26) and John the Baptist (Lk 1:80). Although not explicitly mentioned in verse 39, the subsequent verses (Lk 2:40, 52) indicate that Jesus grew in wisdom and grace. This growth is both human and divine, reflecting the Catholic understanding of the hypostatic union – Jesus as fully God and fully man.
Reflection
The Holy Family’s life in Nazareth is a powerful example of humility, obedience, and the sanctity of everyday life. Despite their extraordinary roles in salvation history, Mary and Joseph lived a simple, devout life, fulfilling their duties and raising Jesus in a loving, faith-filled environment. This teaches us that holiness can be found in the ordinary aspects of our lives and that faithfulness in small things is essential.
As Christians, we are called to emulate the Holy Family’s obedience to God’s commandments and embrace a life of humility and simplicity. The example of Jesus growing up in Nazareth reminds us that greatness often begins in humble circumstances and that every aspect of our lives, especially family life, should be grounded in faith and devotion to God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the Holy Family. Help us to emulate their obedience, humility, and devotion in our own lives. May we find holiness in our daily routines and seek to grow in wisdom and grace as Jesus did. Grant us the strength to follow Your commandments faithfully and to trust in Your divine plan, even in the simplicity of our everyday tasks. Guide us in our journey, preparing us for the work You have called us to do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Luke 2:40 “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”
In Luke 2:40, we observe the early years of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His growth in both physical and spiritual dimensions. This verse succinctly captures the essence of Jesus’ development, highlighting three key aspects: His physical growth, His increasing wisdom, and the favor of God resting upon Him.
1. Physical Growth: The phrase “the child grew and became strong” indicates that Jesus, though divine, experienced the natural process of human growth. This underscores the Catholic teaching of the Incarnation, where Jesus is fully God and fully man (Jn 1:14). His physical development was like that of any other child, signifying His true humanity.
2. Filled with Wisdom: Jesus’ growth in wisdom points to His human intellect and understanding, which developed over time. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus possessed both divine and human knowledge. While He had the fullness of divine wisdom, His human intellect grew and learned through experience and education, reflecting His genuine human nature (CCC 472-474).
3. Favor of God: The “favor of God” upon Jesus signifies the special grace and love of the Father towards His Son. This divine favor is evident throughout Jesus’ life and ministry. It also serves as a model for us, showing that living in accordance with God’s will brings His grace and favor upon us.
Biblical References:
– Isaiah 11:2: “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD.”
– Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
– Colossians 2:3: “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Reflection
In Luke 2:40, we witness the early growth of Jesus, who embodies both humanity and divinity. This verse highlights His development in wisdom and stature, showing that even the Son of God had to grow and learn in the world. For us, this is a reminder that our journey of faith is a continual process of growing in wisdom and understanding God’s will. As Jesus grew in favor with God, so must we seek to do, walking in humility and obedience.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example set by Your Son, Jesus. May we too grow in wisdom and grace, seeking to fulfill Your will in our lives. Help us to remain humble and open to learning from You and those around us. Guide us as we seek Your favor in all that we do. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Luke 2:39-40 encapsulates the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth, marking the beginning of Jesus’ hidden years. These verses highlight key themes of obedience, humility, and the significance of family life. Mary and Joseph’s adherence to Jewish law demonstrates their piety and faithfulness, while the humble setting of Nazareth underscores the virtues of simplicity and humility. This period of Jesus’ life, characterized by growth in wisdom and grace, emphasizes the importance of spiritual and personal development. The Holy Family serves as a model for all Christian families, showing that holiness can be found in the ordinary and that faithfulness in small things is essential for living a life in accordance with God’s will.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of the Holy Family. Help us to emulate their obedience, humility, and devotion in our own lives. May we find holiness in our daily routines and seek to grow in wisdom and grace as Jesus did. Grant us the strength to follow Your commandments faithfully and to trust in Your divine plan, even in the simplicity of our everyday tasks. Guide us in our journey, preparing us for the work You have called us to do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.