William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Luke 2:41

Observe here, the persons making this yearly journey to Jerusalem; our Saviour's parents and himself.

1. Joseph, who is called Christ's father, not that he was his natural father, for Christ had no father upon earth: but Joseph was his reputed and supposed father, his nursing father, who by the appointment of God took. fatherly care of him.

2. Mary, the mother of Christ, went up to Jerusalem, with her husband and her son: God commanded only the males to go up to Jerusalem, the weaker sex were excused; but the Holy Virgin, well knowing the spiritual profit of that long journey, would not stay at home. Such as will go no farther than they are dragged in religious exercises, are strangers to the Virgin's piety and devotion.

But, 3. The child Jesus in his minority goes up with his parents to this holy solemnity, thereby no doubt intending our instruction, when we are young to give God an early possession of our souls, to consecrate the virgin operations of our minds to him, and in our youth to keep close to the worship and service of God, when we are so importunately courted by the world.

Observe farther, this holy family came not to look at the feast and be gone, but they duly staid out all the appointed time. Joseph's calling, and the Virgin's household business, could neither keep them at home, nor hasten them home before the public duties in the temple were despatched and ended.

All worldly business must give place to divine offices, and we must attend God's services to the end, except we will depart unblest.

Observe, lastly, the constant returns of their devotion: They went up to Jerusalem every year. No difficulties, no discouragements, could hinder their attendance. Though it is no certain evidence of the truth of grace to frequent the public assemblies, yet it is an infallible sign of the want of grace customarily to neglect them.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Luke 2:41

Old Testament

New Testament