Luke 2:51

Subject. [Youth and Young Manhood, Luke 2:51, 52. See Childhood and Youth of Jesus; Synopsis of the Life of Christ.] Or, “obedient” to them. Though clearly disclaiming sonship to Joseph, Jesus nevertheless dutifully submitted to him, as a son should be expected to submit to his father so long as he remains under the paternal roof. For 18 years before He left home Jesus realized that He was the Son of God, yet during those 18 years He remained dutiful as a son to those who were His earthly guardians. As the Son of God He might have considered Himself exempt from parental jurisdiction, but as an example to all youth He was “obedient” to His human parents. It is therefore evident that Jesus’ reply in v. 49 was in no sense a repudiation of the authority of Joseph and Mary.

During these 18 years Jesus became known to His fellow townsmen as “the carpenter” of Nazareth (Mark 6:3) and “the carpenter’s son” (Matt. 13:55). At some time during these 18 years, Joseph died, for at the close of this period of time the shop is spoken of as “the carpenter shop that had been Joseph’s” (DA 109; cf. 145). Luke 2:51 is the last indirect Scripture reference to Joseph in the narrative of Christ’s life (see on v. 48).

Kept. Gr. diate’reo’, “to keep carefully.” Mary held onto these “sayings,” or “things,” and kept them vividly in her memory (see on v. 19).