Topical Bible: Mary: Attends the Feast at Jerusalem With Her Husband and Her Son

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Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in the New Testament, known for her faithfulness and devotion to God. One significant event in her life is her attendance at the Feast of Passover in Jerusalem with her husband, Joseph, and her son, Jesus. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke and provides insight into the family life of Jesus and the religious observances of devout Jewish families of the time.

Biblical Account

The account of Mary attending the Feast at Jerusalem is found in Luke 2:41-52. According to the Berean Standard Bible , "Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover" (Luke 2:41). This annual pilgrimage was a customary practice for Jewish families, demonstrating their adherence to the Law of Moses, which required Jewish men to appear before the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem during the major feasts (Exodus 23:14-17).

When Jesus was twelve years old, Mary and Joseph took Him to Jerusalem for the feast, as was their custom. After the feast had ended, Mary and Joseph began their journey home, unaware that Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem. They traveled for a day before realizing He was not with them, prompting a frantic search among their relatives and acquaintances (Luke 2:43-44).

Upon returning to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers (Luke 2:46-47). When Mary saw Him, she expressed her concern, saying, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You" (Luke 2:48).

Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph was profound: "Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?" (Luke 2:49). This statement highlights Jesus' awareness of His divine mission and identity, even at a young age. Although Mary and Joseph did not fully understand His words at the time, Mary treasured all these things in her heart (Luke 2:50-51).

Theological Significance

Mary's participation in the Feast at Jerusalem underscores her piety and commitment to raising Jesus in accordance with Jewish law and tradition. Her presence at the feast, alongside Joseph, reflects the importance of family and religious observance in the life of Jesus. This event also marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' early life, revealing His growing awareness of His unique relationship with God the Father.

Mary's reaction to finding Jesus in the Temple demonstrates her human concerns and maternal instincts. Her question to Jesus reflects the natural anxiety of a mother who has temporarily lost her child. Yet, her willingness to ponder and treasure these events in her heart indicates her openness to the unfolding revelation of Jesus' identity and mission.

Cultural Context

The Feast of Passover was one of the most significant Jewish festivals, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It was a time of pilgrimage, worship, and remembrance, drawing Jews from all over the region to Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph's participation in this feast highlights their adherence to Jewish customs and their role in nurturing Jesus' spiritual development.

In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, it was customary for boys to begin participating more fully in religious life around the age of twelve, as they approached the age of bar mitzvah. Jesus' presence in the Temple, engaging with the teachers, aligns with this cultural practice and foreshadows His future ministry.

Conclusion

Mary's attendance at the Feast in Jerusalem with her family is a testament to her faith and dedication. This event not only provides a glimpse into the early life of Jesus but also emphasizes the importance of religious observance and family in His upbringing. Through her actions and reflections, Mary exemplifies a life of devotion and contemplation, setting a model for believers throughout the ages.

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Luke 2:48-51
And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said to him, Son, why have you thus dealt with us? behold, your father and I have sought you sorrowing.
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The Sinner's Friend
... as the ancestors of the Son of Mary, the sinner's ... the best robe, and inviting him
into the feast, while they ... in the interest of law, the other attends in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the sinners friend.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... There is nothing attends him from bed to board, and ... of Christ with sinners.) But
lest Mary should be ... worshipped, and that proclaimed a religious feast unto it. ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... There is nothing attends him from bed to board, and ... But, lest Mary should be discouraged
with some clownish ... the truth is, they were the Jerusalem sinners, when ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Book ii.
... For, lastly, many who had come to Mary, seeing what had ... come in My sight to worship
in Jerusalem, saith the ... was sought, he gave in addition a feast of pleasure ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... This poverty-stricken, ragged tinker was the son of a ... In his Jerusalem Sinner Saved,
he pleads with great ... of Mrs. Bunyan to reclaim her husband, were attended ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... Community of goods at Jerusalem, [895]512; of goods, benefit of ... note, [1068]443,
[1069]448; became like Virgin Mary was, [1070 ... Feast, conversation at a, [1298]357 ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem" (Isaiah 27 ... makes to God against that sloth
that attends thee in ... There were seven devils in Mary Magdalene, too many for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm