Luke 2:40 - Pattern for Becoming Like Christ.
Luke 2:40 (NKJV) And the Child grew and
became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and
the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:40 (NIV) And the child grew and
became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the
grace of God was upon him.
INTRODUCTION
The child grew and became strong, filled
with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
[NRSV] Jesus' life gave the evidence of being
filled with the Spirit. He grew (euxanen, refers to
his physical growth), became strong
(ekrataiouto, refers to his spiritual growth), was filled
with wisdom (refers to his intellectual growth),
and was an object of the favor of God (refers to
his growth in perception of God's will). Wisdom
and God's favor indicated the presence of the
Holy Spirit in his life. [Life Application
Commentary]
When God the Father sent his Son into the
world in human flesh, the Son voluntarily laid
aside his divine rights and privileges (see
Philippians 2:6-8). Though he didn't give up his
divinity, Jesus grew in a way that we too can grow:
"He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God
was on him" (Luke 2:40).
We should never forget that Jesus is our
prototype. Jesus was "full of the Holy Spirit" (Luke
4:1). That is also God's desire for us. And he
wants us, like the child Jesus, to be saturated
with his wisdom and grace. [NIV Once A Day
Bible]
COMMENTARY
Fathers and mothers were to instruct
their children that the law of God is an
expression of His character, and that as they received
the principles of the law into the heart, the
image of God was traced on mind and soul....
Jesus gained knowledge as we may do, His
intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how
diligently His early years were given to the study of
Gods word. And spread out before Him was the
great library of Gods created works. He who had
made all things studied the lessons which His own
hand had written in earth and sea and sky....
As we try to become acquainted with our
heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw
near, our minds will be strengthened, our
characters will be elevated and refined. We shall
become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the
beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out
after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is
invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite
through His works. Communion with God through prayer
develops the mental and moral faculties, and the
spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts
upon spiritual things....
Christ was the only sinless one who ever
dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He
lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth.
This fact is a rebuke to those who think
themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or
prosperity, in order to live a blameless life.
Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline
needed to develop purity and firmness....
All should find something to do that will
be beneficial to themselves and helpful to
others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only
the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy
of life....
He was never so full of worldly care as
to have no time or thought for heavenly things.
Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by
singing psalms and heavenly songs....
The atmosphere of hope and courage that
surrounded Him made Him a blessing....
The more quiet and simple the life of the
child, - the more free from artificial excitement,
and the more in harmony with nature, - the more
favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to
spiritual strength. DA68-74
CLOSING PEARL
At a local library, I used to run into a
sweet young woman who is dearly gifted in
ministry. I've heard her conversations with others and
can attest to how good she is at encouraging
people with the Word. As I got to know her better,
I saw that her life seemed very unstable. She
was estranged from her husband, had young
children in foster care, and barely knew where she
would lay her head each night. When I suggested
she focus on improving her living situation and
perhaps get under the covering of her pastors, she
balked and said, "We are all ministers."
I blessed her with a gift and wished her
well, but today's Scripture verse shows us that
even Jesus had to spend time growing strong and
gaining wisdom before He launched into ministry.
This applies to stepping out into any venture,
whether it's a missions trip or a new career.
When my mom and I applied for a loan to
start a catering business, we couldn't just walk
into a bank with our great idea - we had to show
a good track record and provide a detailed
business plan. Moses had his forty-year prep time in
the Midian desert before his heart was ready to
receive the call (Acts 7:29-30). And a little known
fact about the apostle Paul is that he spent
three years in Arabia after his conversion before
joining the disciples in ministry (Galatians
1:17-18). Look how successful they were - two of the
greatest Christians in history! If Jesus, Moses, and
Paul had to prepare for success, I do too. Pamela
Toussaint Howard
Faith Step: Begin writing down steps to
accomplish each day to move toward your goal or vision.
Resist rushing ahead of the plan. [Mornings With
Jesus 2021 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
Luke 2:52 - NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190101-1007.html
John 17:17 - Holiness from God's Word.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201007-1438.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David
DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides:
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
