THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST IN LUKE 2:41–52
THE IMAGE OF JESUS CHRIST IN LUKE 2:41–52

Summary/Abstract: The pericope Lk 2:41–52, which is commonly called “The Boy Jesus in the Temple”, is unique in the Gospels. In this fi nal episode of the infancy narrative, Jesus, the major fi gure in Luke’s Gospel, occupies an active role for the fi rst time. This study argues that the portrait of Jesus which is sketched out in Lk 2:41–52 contains the main specifi c characteristics of his person which are then elaborated and expanded in the whole Lucan narrative. The episode in Lk 2:41–52 presents Jesus at the precocious age of twelve years old when according to the ancient classical and Jewish literature outstanding personalities displayed their later extraordinary qualities and which was an age when a person was old enough to express in word and in deed his self-consciousness. At this age Jesus is depicted in his fi rst deeds (Lk 2:46–47) and in his first words (Lk 2:49) which reveal both his understanding/wisdom (Lk 2:47) and his divine sonship (Lk 2:49). The portrait of Jesus in Lk 2:41–52, who is presented primarily as the Son of God and who in his wisdom and understanding echoes the prophesy about the expected Messiah (Isa 11:2), corresponds to the overall design of Luke’s Gospel which presents Jesus mainly as the Son of God and promised Messiah (cf. Lk 1:31–37; 2:11; 4:41; 22:66–71; 23:33–38).

• Details
• Contents