ACC ~ Luke 2 v46 - 50

THE THREE DAYS REFER TO THE RESURRECTION

AMBROSE: The beginning of the Lord’s disputation is taken from his twelfth year. This number of the evangelists was intended for the preaching of the faith. [1] Nor is it idly that, forgetful of his parents according to the flesh, he who according to the flesh assuredly was filled with the wisdom and grace of God is found after three days in the temple. It is a sign that he who was believed dead for our faith would rise again after three days from his triumphal passion [2] and appear on his heavenly throne with divine honor. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 2.63. [3]

[1] See Mt 10:1-2, 7.

[2] See Mt 26:61; 27:63.

[3] EHG 61**.

JESUS TEACHES THROUGH QUESTIONS

ORIGEN: Because he was a small child, he is found “in the midst of teachers,” sanctifying and instructing them. Because he was a small child, he is found “in their midst,” not teaching them but “asking questions.” He did this because it is appropriate to his age, to teach us what befits boys, even if they are wise and learned. They should rather hear their teachers than want to teach them and not show off with a display of knowledge. He interrogated the teachers not to learn anything but to teach them by his questions. From one fountain of doctrine, there flow both wise questions and answers. It is part of the same wisdom to know what you should ask and what you should answer. It was right for the Savior first to become a master of learned interrogation. Later he would answer questions according to God’s reason and Word. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 19.6. [1]

[1] FC 94:82-83**.

MARY CALLS JOSEPH JESUS’ FATHER

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: If, from the fact that some are called brothers of our Lord, people think that these are sons of Mary, take note that he was called son of Joseph. Not only did Jews call him the son of Joseph, but also Mary called him Joseph’s son. For “I and your father have been seeking you with much anxiety.” If the angel commanded Joseph to take Mary into his care, [1] this was to eliminate any suspicion from her slanderers, and especially so that he might protect her in case those who were scandalized in thinking that it was from the angel that she was pregnant might kill her. It was a great source of scandal to them that a virgin should give birth, because they were convinced that through her giving birth their city would be destroyed and that their kingdom, priesthood and prophecy would be abolished. It was for this reason too that they also killed the prophet Isaiah who announced these things, that a virgin would give birth to a child. [2] COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 2.7. [3]

[1] Mt 1:20.

[2] Is 7:14.

[3] ECTD 63-64**.

IN THE TEMPLE OF HIS FATHER

ORIGEN: Surely Jesus was in the temple that Solomon had built. He confesses that it is the temple of his Father, whom he revealed to us, and whose Son he said he was. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 18.5. [1]

[1] FC 94:78-79.

COETERNAL WITH THE FATHER

BEDE: Clearly the abode in the hearts of the elect of the holy Trinity, the nature of whose divinity is one and indivisible, cannot be disparate. Therefore, when he was sitting in the temple, the Lord said, “I must be about my Father’s business,” and this is a declaration of his power and glory which are coeternal with God the Father’s. However, when he returned to Nazareth, he was subject to his parents, and this is an indication of his true humanity as well as an example of humility. He was subject to human beings in that human nature in which he is less than the Father. Hence he himself said, “I go to the Father because the Father is greater than I.” [1] In that human nature, he was made a little less than the angels. [2] In that other nature, however, in which he and the Father are one, [3] and in virtue of which he does not go to the Father only now and then but is always in him, [4] all things were made through him, [5] and he is before all things. [6] HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.19. [7]

[1] Jn 14:28.

[2] Ps 8:5 (8:6 LXX); Heb 2:9.

[3] Jn 10:30.

[4] Jn 14:10-11.

[5] :1–24:53 PRELIMINARY REMARKS | ON THE GOSPEL

[6] Col 1:17.

[7] CS 110:191**.

Lk