Definition: And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 2:51. It’s a really interesting and subtle moment in the story of Jesus’ birth. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus wasn't just born – he was immediately introduced to the people who were living in Nazareth. He went down with them, and he stayed with them for a while. And, crucially, his mother kept these sayings – these important messages – all locked away in her heart. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he went down with them…” : This tells us Jesus was present at the birth of someone in Nazareth. It's a significant event because Nazareth was a small, quiet town and wasn’t a major center for religious activity. “…and came to Nazareth…” : This establishes the setting – it's Nazareth, which is where Jesus was born. "...and was subject unto them:" : This is a really important part. "Subject" means under control or influence. Jesus wasn’t fully controlled by anyone – he was being guided and led. “but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” : This is the key! His mother, Mary, didn't just hear the words. She remembered them, thought about them, and held them firmly in her mind. What does this tell us about Jesus? The Bible doesn’t say exactly what those sayings were. However, it suggests that these teachings – perhaps about God's love, the coming of a savior, or the importance of faith – were incredibly significant to Mary. She likely carried them around with her throughout her life and used them as a guide for how to live. Why is this important? This verse shows us that Jesus wasn’t just born ; he was prepared . He had a message, a purpose, and a foundation of wisdom and understanding that began before his birth. It's a powerful image – like a seed planted that grows into something magnificent. --- Do you want to explore any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could discuss: The symbolism of being “subject” - what does that mean in the context of Jesus’s coming? What kind of teachings might have been included in these sayings?