Luke 2:33 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

NIV: The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

NASB: And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.

CSB: His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.

NLT: Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him.

KJV: And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

NKJV: And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

Joseph is Jesus' adoptive father, and Mary is His earthly mother (Luke 1:34–35). The couple has brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem for required purification rites (Luke 2:22–24). There, they encountered a devout man, Simeon (Luke 2:25–27), who held Jesus and praised God for the arrival of the Messiah (Luke 2:28–32).

Prior to this, both Mary (Luke 1:26–27) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20) had angelic encounters about Jesus. Still, they "marvel" at what Simeon says. This is from a Greek term which means being "amazed" or "astonished." Some of that impression might be the messenger; Simeon is impressively influenced by the Holy Spirit (Luke 2:27).

Another reason for their amazement may be Simeon's references to the scope of Jesus' ministry. Simeon's celebration included references to Jesus' ministry influencing "all peoples" (Luke 2:31) and even "the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32). Old Testament prophecies about Christ's role in rescuing Israel were well-known and often repeated (Isaiah 9:6–7). It was common for Jews to miss—or even be offended by—the idea that non-Jews would be saved, as well (Isaiah 49:6; 52:10; Acts 22:21–22). It's possible Mary and Joseph hadn't fully realized that Jesus would be the Savior of the entire world.

The encounter with Simeon won't be all positive, however. Before leaving the temple, Simeon will predict the controversy associated with Jesus' ministry. He will also warn Mary about the pain she will experience as she watches these events unfold (Luke 2:34–35).

Luke 2:22–38 contains several interesting events. The infant Jesus is brought to the temple for purification and dedication, as commanded in Mosaic law. There, a devout man speaks through the Holy Spirit to celebrate the arrival of Messiah. Luke also mentions a prophetess named Anna, who likewise praises God for fulfilling His promises.

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.

Luke began his well-organized account by explaining the conceptions of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist, in chapter 1. In chapter 2, he briefly summarizes Jesus' birth and the arrival of shepherds directed by angels. Prophecies and prayers celebrate His dedication at the temple. After briefly losing track of a twelve-year-old Jesus in the temple, Jesus' parents take Him home to Nazareth. There, He grows up relatively normally. Chapter 3 leaps forward many years to the beginning of John the Baptist's preaching. This is followed by Jesus' genealogy. Chapter 4 relates Jesus' temptations by Satan and the start of His public ministry.

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.