What does Luke 2:47 mean?
Luke makes it clear that Jesus' mental and physical development occurred in the same natural way as would any other child (Luke 2:40, 52). His life was entirely free from sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22), but it was also fully human. This means Jesus grew and learned over the course of His life. That He would ask questions, for the purpose of learning (Luke 2:46), is entirely consistent with His incarnate divinity and sinless nature.At the time of this incident, Jesus is twelve years old, yet His depth of wisdom is noteworthy. This profound insight will continue into His adult ministry—to the frustration of Jerusalem's religious leaders (Mark 1:22; 12:34). In the moment, however, His mother, Mary, will be more frustrated than impressed (Luke 2:48).
Luke 2:39–52 relates Scripture's only record of an event in Jesus' life occurring between His infancy and adulthood. His family travels to Jerusalem for a feast. When returning, Mary and Joseph lose track of Jesus, assuming He is with others in their large group. Once they realize He's missing, they find Him in the temple having a deep discussion with the teachers there. Jesus refers to the temple as His "Father's house," and the family returns to Nazareth. After this, Jesus grows and develops much the same as any other young boy.
The early part of this chapter is famously read at Christmas, while celebrating the birth of Jesus. Luke gives a relatively brief description of how Mary came to give birth in a stable, laying Jesus in a feeding trough. Nearby shepherds are informed of the news by multiple angels. Two people speak in praise of God at Jesus' circumcision. Years later, Joseph and Mary lose track of Jesus on the way back from Jerusalem, only to find Him astounding teachers in the temple with His wisdom.
