Every yearThis phrase indicates a consistent and faithful observance of Jewish law and tradition by Jesus' family. The annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover was a significant religious duty for devout Jews, as prescribed in the Torah (
Exodus 23:14-17;
Deuteronomy 16:16). This regularity underscores the piety and dedication of Jesus' earthly parents, Joseph and Mary, to their faith.
His parents
Joseph and Mary are referred to as Jesus' parents, highlighting their role in His upbringing and adherence to Jewish customs. This also emphasizes the humanity of Jesus, who was raised in a typical Jewish family setting, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah coming from the line of David (Isaiah 11:1;Jeremiah 23:5).
went to Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the spiritual and cultural center of Jewish life, home to the Temple, where sacrifices and major religious festivals were held. The city's significance is rooted in its history as the site of King David's capital and Solomon's Temple. This pilgrimage reflects the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish worship and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's connection to the city (Zechariah 9:9).
for the Feast of the Passover
Passover commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as described inExodus 12. It is one of the three major Jewish feasts requiring pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The Passover lamb is a type of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This event foreshadows Jesus' own sacrificial death during Passover, fulfilling His role as the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus' Parents (Mary and Joseph)Devout Jews who adhered to the religious customs and laws of their time, demonstrating their faithfulness and obedience to God.
2.
JerusalemThe central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, where significant religious festivals, including the Passover, were celebrated.
3.
Feast of the PassoverAn important Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian slavery, as described in the Book of Exodus. It was a time of pilgrimage and worship for Jewish families.
Teaching Points
Faithful ObservanceJesus' parents exemplify the importance of faithfully observing religious practices and traditions. This commitment to worship and community can strengthen our faith and family bonds.
Spiritual PilgrimageJust as Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem, we are called to make spiritual journeys in our lives, seeking deeper communion with God through worship and reflection.
Family WorshipThe annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem underscores the value of family worship and shared spiritual experiences, encouraging families today to prioritize collective faith practices.
Obedience to God's CommandsThe adherence to the Passover festival reflects obedience to God's commands, reminding us of the blessings that come from living in accordance with His will.
Cultural and Spiritual HeritageUnderstanding and participating in our spiritual heritage can enrich our faith journey, just as the Passover connected Jesus' family to their cultural and religious roots.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 2:41?
2.Why did Jesus' family go to Jerusalem every year, according to Luke 2:41?
3.How does Jesus' obedience to Jewish customs in Luke 2:41 inspire our faith?
4.What Old Testament laws connect to the family's annual journey in Luke 2:41?
5.How can we prioritize spiritual traditions in our family life today?
6.What does Jesus' participation in Passover teach us about honoring God's commands?
7.Why did Jesus' parents go to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of the Passover?
8.How does Luke 2:41 reflect Jewish customs and traditions of the time?
9.What significance does the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem hold in Luke 2:41?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11.What defines a pilgrimage to Jerusalem?
12.What are the Songs of Ascent in the Bible?
13.How did Jesus interpret and fulfill the Law?
14.Why is the Temple Mount significant?What Does Luke 2:41 Mean
Every yearLuke 2:41 opens with, “Every year His parents went to Jerusalem…”. That simple phrase spotlights consistency:
• Faithfulness woven into the calendar.Deuteronomy 16:16 commands Israelite men to appear before the LORD three times annually, and1 Samuel 1:3 shows Elkanah doing the same. Joseph and Mary embrace that rhythm without fail.
• A home patterned after obedience.Hebrews 10:25 later urges believers not to “forsake assembling,” echoing this model of steady worship.
• God’s plan unfolding in ordinary repetition.Galatians 4:4 says the Son came “in the fullness of time”; that fullness is built, in part, on countless faithful trips like these.
His parentsThe verse continues, “His parents…”—a reminder that the incarnate Son grew up under real parental authority.
• Joseph’s leadership (Matthew 1:24-25) and Mary’s devotion (Luke 1:38) create a household where the Messiah is nurtured.
•Luke 2:33 highlights both parents “marveling” at Simeon’s words; here, they’re still walking in obedient wonder.
• Parental faith shapes the next generation.Proverbs 22:6 teaches “train up a child,” and Joseph and Mary embody that with Jesus, fulfillingExodus 12:26-27 by living the story they will later explain.
went to JerusalemJerusalem is more than geography; it is the heart of covenant worship.
•Psalm 122:1 captures the pilgrim’s joy: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’”
• The journey underscores submission to God’s chosen place (1 Kings 8:29). Jesus’ future ministry will revolve around this city—He will teach (Luke 19:47), die, and rise here—so even His childhood is oriented toward it.
• Their travel affirms the historicity of Luke’s account; real roads, real festivals, real people.
for the Feast of the PassoverPassover commemorates deliverance (Exodus 12:13) and foreshadows the ultimate Lamb.
• The yearly feast looks back to Israel’s rescue and ahead to Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
•John 2:13 records an adult Jesus attending Passover, cleansing the temple; His parents’ example paved the way.
• Paul connects the dots plainly: “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).Luke 2:41 therefore drips with prophetic meaning—Passover is not merely background; it is Jesus’ destiny.
summaryLuke 2:41 captures steady obedience: year after year, Mary and Joseph pack up their growing Son and head to Jerusalem for Passover. Their faithfulness fulfills God’s law, models parental devotion, centers life on God’s chosen city, and positions Jesus within the very feast that prophesies His redemptive mission. What looks like an ordinary line in a narrative is actually a window into covenant loyalty and a signpost pointing straight to the Lamb who will one day lay down His life at another Passover in the very same city.
(41)
His parents went toJerusalem.--The law of Moses required the attendance of all males at the three feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (
Exodus 23:17;
Deuteronomy 16:16). The dispersion of the Jews had, of course, relaxed the obligation for those who lived at a distance; but it was still more or less generally recognised by those who dwelt in Palestine, and the school of Hillel held the Passover to be binding upon women as well as men. The yearly journey to Jerusalem may therefore be taken as an indication of devout obedience, not without its bearing on the thoughts of the child who, during those visits, remained behind in the home at Nazareth.
Verses 41-52. -
The Child Jesus at Jerusalem.
Verse 41. -
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. The Law required the attendance of all men at the three great Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (
Deuteronomy 16:16). The dispersion and subsequent residence of so many Jews in distant lands had much broken up the regular observance of these directions. Still, many devout Jews were constantly present at these feasts. This Mosaic ordinance was only binding upon men, but R. Hillel recommended women always to be present at the Passover. The constant yearly presence of Joseph the carpenter and Mary at this feast is another indication of the rigid obedience of the holy family of Nazareth to the ritual of the Law of Moses.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Everyκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).yearἔτος(etos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2094:A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.parentsγονεῖς(goneis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1118:A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent.wentἐπορεύοντο(eporeuonto)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.JerusalemἸερουσαλὴμ(Ierousalēm)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419:Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.for theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Feastἑορτῇ(heortē)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1859:A festival, feast, periodically recurring. Of uncertain affinity; a festival.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Passover.πάσχα(pascha)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3957:The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover.
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem (Luke Lu Lk)