What does Luke 2:43 mean?

"And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it." - Luke 2:43

Luke 2:43 - "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it."

Luke 2:43 - "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it."

Luke 2:43 in the King James Version reads, "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it."

This verse is part of the story of Jesus' childhood, as told in the Gospel of Luke. It takes place when Jesus is twelve years old and has traveled with his family to Jerusalem for the annual feast of the Passover. After the feast, they head back home, assuming Jesus is among their traveling group. However, they soon realize that he is not with them and become worried, eventually finding him in the temple, speaking with the teachers.

The passage is significant as it's one of the few glimpses into Jesus' childhood and, more importantly, it lays the groundwork for Jesus' understanding of his divine calling. This event foreshadows the eventual separation between Jesus and his earthly family, as well as his growing understanding of his unique relationship with God.

A key theme of this verse is the concept of Jesus' identity and mission. Jesus' actions in this passage demonstrate his unique divine nature and purpose. By staying in Jerusalem and speaking with the teachers, he shows a deep understanding of his relationship with God and the work he was sent to do. This event marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' life, as it is one of the first times he publicly asserts his divine mission.

Additionally, this passage highlights the theme of obedience and submission to God's will. Even at a young age, Jesus demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his calling, despite causing his parents distress. His actions in the temple show his obedience to God's will, and set the stage for his future ministry of teaching and serving others.

The passage also serves as a reminder of the human experience of the Holy Family. Joseph and Mary's concern and subsequent relief upon finding Jesus in the temple illustrates their loving and caring nature as parents. It also emphasizes the very human aspect of Jesus' upbringing and the real-life challenges his family faced, despite his divine nature.

The story also provides an important lesson about the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. Jesus, being only twelve years old, is depicted as engaging in deep conversations with teachers in the temple. This shows the value of seeking knowledge and understanding, even from a young age, and sets an example for continuous learning and spiritual growth.

Symbolically, this passage can be seen as foreshadowing Jesus' eventual separation from his earthly family as he pursues his divine mission. It represents the idea that Jesus' true family is not of earthly origin, but rather those who do the will of God. This sets the stage for his future teachings on the importance of spiritual kinship and the bond between believers and God.

In context, this verse is part of the larger story of Jesus' early life and sets the stage for his eventual ministry. It provides important insights into Jesus' understanding of his divine purpose, his obedience to God's will, and his unique relationship with both his earthly family and his Father in heaven. It also offers valuable lessons about the importance of seeking wisdom and the value of spiritual kinship.

In conclusion, Luke 2:43 is a pivotal verse in the Gospel of Luke that provides important insights into Jesus' early life and sets the stage for his future ministry. It explores themes of identity, obedience, and the human experience of the Holy Family, while also serving as a symbolic foreshadowing of Jesus' divine mission. This passage continues to inspire and teach believers about the nature of Jesus and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in their own spiritual journeys.

Luke 2:43 Artwork

Luke 2:43 - "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it."

Luke 2:43 - "And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it."

Luke 24:43 - "And he took it, and did eat before them."

Luke 24:43 - "And he took it, and did eat before them."

Luke 1:43 - "And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

Luke 1:43 - "And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

Luke 20:43 - "Till I make thine enemies thy footstool."

Luke 20:43 - "Till I make thine enemies thy footstool."

Luke 22:43 - "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."

Luke 22:43 - "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him."

Luke 12:43 - "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

Luke 12:43 - "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

Luke 11:43 - "Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets."

Luke 11:43 - "Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets."

Luke 23:43 - "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Luke 23:43 - "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

Luke 6:43 - "For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Luke 6:43 - "For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."

Luke 4:43 - "And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."

Luke 4:43 - "And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."

Ezra 2:43 - "¶ The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,"

Ezra 2:43 - "¶ The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,"

1 Chronicles 2:43 - "And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema."

1 Chronicles 2:43 - "And the sons of Hebron; Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema."

Luke 7:43 - "Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

Luke 7:43 - "Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged."

Luke 18:43 - "And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."

Luke 18:43 - "And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God."

Luke 19:43 - "For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,"

Luke 19:43 - "For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,"

Luke 8:43 - "¶ And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,"

Luke 8:43 - "¶ And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,"

Luke 9:43 - "¶ And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,"

Luke 9:43 - "¶ And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,"

1 Kings 2:43 - "Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?"

1 Kings 2:43 - "Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the LORD, and the commandment that I have charged thee with?"

Acts 2:43 - "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."

Acts 2:43 - "And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles."

Luke 2:2 - "(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)"

Luke 2:2 - "(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)"

Ezekiel 43:2 - "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."

Ezekiel 43:2 - "And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory."

Luke 24:2 - "And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre."

Luke 24:2 - "And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre."

Luke 9:43-45 - "And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it."

Luke 9:43-45 - "And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it."

Psalms 43:2 - "For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

Psalms 43:2 - "For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

2 Samuel 22:43 - "Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad."

2 Samuel 22:43 - "Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad."

Luke 2:30 - "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"

Luke 2:30 - "For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,"

Luke 2:50 - "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."

Luke 2:50 - "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."

Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Luke 23:39-43 - "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”"

Luke 23:39-43 - "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”"

Luke 7:41-43 - "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”"

Luke 7:41-43 - "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more? Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.”"