But they did not understandThis phrase highlights the lack of comprehension by Mary and Joseph regarding Jesus' words. Despite their unique experiences with angelic announcements and miraculous events surrounding Jesus' birth, they still struggled to grasp the full scope of His divine mission. This reflects a common theme in the Gospels where even those closest to Jesus often misunderstand His purpose and teachings. It underscores the mystery of the Incarnation and the gradual revelation of Jesus' identity and mission.
the statement
The "statement" refers to Jesus' earlier declaration in the temple, where He expressed His need to be in His Father's house. This statement is significant as it reveals Jesus' awareness of His divine sonship and mission at a young age. It also foreshadows His later teachings about His relationship with the Father, which would become a central theme in His ministry. The use of "statement" suggests a profound truth that requires spiritual insight to fully comprehend.
He was making to them
Jesus' communication was directed specifically to Mary and Joseph, indicating a personal and intimate revelation. This interaction in the temple is one of the few glimpses into Jesus' childhood and His growing understanding of His identity and mission. It also highlights the unique role of Mary and Joseph as His earthly parents, tasked with raising the Son of God. The phrase suggests that Jesus was beginning to articulate His divine purpose, which would later be fully revealed through His public ministry, death, and resurrection.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusAt this point in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is a young boy, approximately twelve years old, who has just been found in the temple by His parents after being missing for three days. He is engaging with the teachers, demonstrating His wisdom and understanding.
2.
Mary and JosephThe earthly parents of Jesus, who are perplexed by Jesus' response when they find Him in the temple. They do not fully grasp the significance of His words and actions.
3.
The Temple in JerusalemThe central place of Jewish worship and learning, where Jesus is found discussing with the teachers. It symbolizes the presence of God and the heart of Jewish religious life.
4.
The TeachersJewish religious leaders and scholars who are amazed by Jesus' understanding and answers. They represent the established religious authority of the time.
5.
The Journey to JerusalemThis event occurs during the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, highlighting the family's adherence to Jewish customs and traditions.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's WaysGod's plans and purposes often transcend human understanding. Like Mary and Joseph, we may not always grasp what God is doing in our lives, but we are called to trust Him.
The Importance of Spiritual GrowthJesus' time in the temple highlights the value of seeking wisdom and understanding. We should prioritize spiritual growth and learning, engaging with Scripture and godly teaching.
Parental Guidance and FaithMary and Joseph's experience reminds parents of the importance of guiding their children in faith, even when they do not fully understand God's plans for them.
The Role of the Church CommunityThe temple setting underscores the importance of being part of a faith community where believers can learn, grow, and support one another in understanding God's Word.
Embracing Mystery in FaithFaith involves embracing the mystery of God's work in our lives. We are called to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when we do not have all the answers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 2:50?
2.How can we trust God's plan when we don't fully understand it?
3.What does Luke 2:50 teach about Jesus' divine mission and purpose?
4.How does Luke 2:50 connect to Proverbs 3:5 about trusting God?
5.How can parents today respond when they don't understand their children's spiritual journey?
6.What steps can we take to grow in understanding God's will for us?
7.Why did Mary and Joseph not understand Jesus' words in Luke 2:50?
8.How does Luke 2:50 challenge our understanding of Jesus' divine nature?
9.What does Luke 2:50 reveal about Jesus' relationship with His earthly parents?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 2?
11.If God wants to protect His people, why does He allow the righteous to suffer at the hands of the wicked?
12.What does it mean to emulate Jesus?
13.What was the wording on the cross in the Gospels? Matthew: 'This is Jesus the King of the Jews,' Mark: 'The King of the Jews,' Luke: 'This is the King of the Jews,' John: 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.'
14.Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Matthew 11:14 vs. John 1:21)What Does Luke 2:50 Mean
But they did not understandLuke 2:50 opens with, “But they did not understand…”. Mary and Joseph had just heard their twelve-year-old Son claim, “Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” (v. 49). Yet comprehension escaped them.
• Scripture often records the faithful being puzzled by God’s ways—Abraham (Genesis 22:2), Gideon (Judges 6:13), even the apostles (Luke 18:34;Mark 9:32).
• Human perspective is limited; only God sees the end from the beginning (Isaiah 55:8-9).
• Faith precedes full insight: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Mary and Joseph obeyed what they did know—returning to Nazareth—while waiting for clarity.
• The verse reassures believers today that moments of confusion are not failures of faith but invitations to deeper dependence (1 Corinthians 13:12).
the statementThe “statement” refers back to verse 49: “I must be in My Father’s house.”
• Jesus clearly identifies God as His Father, revealing His divine Sonship (John 5:17-18).
• The word “must” speaks of divine necessity—He is governed by the Father’s will (John 4:34;Hebrews 10:7).
• By situating Himself in the Temple, He signals that the true meeting place between God and man is ultimately His own person (John 2:19-21).
• At twelve, Jesus is conscious of His mission, yet He submits to earthly parents (Luke 2:51), modeling both authority and humility (Philippians 2:5-8).
He was making to themJesus spoke directly to Mary and Joseph, but the truth He was “making” or ongoingly declaring would echo far beyond that day.
• The imperfect tense of the narrative shows Jesus continuing to reveal Himself over time—culminating in His public ministry (John 8:28).
• Mary “treasured all these things in her heart” (Luke 2:51), indicating God’s long-term plan to move them from confusion to understanding (John 13:7).
• The journey mirrors how Christ patiently teaches His followers—through Scripture, circumstances, and the Spirit (John 14:26).
• His personalized approach (“to them”) reminds believers that revelation is relational; God speaks so we may know and love Him (Jeremiah 31:34).
summaryLuke 2:50 shows devoted parents baffled by a divine Son whose words outstrip their grasp. Their lack of understanding spotlights humanity’s finite view, the necessity of faith, and the progressive unveiling of Christ’s identity and mission. As Mary and Joseph would learn, God’s statements sometimes bewilder before they bless, but every word He speaks—then and now—is true, timely, and ultimately made clear in His perfect way.
(50) They understood not the saying.--We are apt to think that they should have understood, and sceptical criticism has seen in this a contradiction to the previous history of the Annunciation and the Birth. Twelve years, however, of the life of childhood after the outward pattern of that of other children, may have dulled the impressions that had then been made; and even if they, in part, understood the words as referring to the marvel of His birth, they were still in the dark as to what He meant by being "about His Father's business." As it was, though it was the first flash of a greatness more than human, it was but momentary. It faded into "the light of common day," and life went on in its quiet and simple fashion as before. It is clear, at any rate, that the writer of the Gospel was not conscious of any inconsistency between the later and the earlier narratives of the childhood of the Christ.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theyαὐτοὶ(autoi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.did not understandσυνῆκαν(synēkan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4920:To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative 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.statementῥῆμα(rhēma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4487:From rheo; an utterance, ; by implication, a matter or topic; with a negative naught whatever.He was makingἐλάλησεν(elalēsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.to them.αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.
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NT Gospels: Luke 2:50 They didn't understand the saying which he (Luke Lu Lk) 
