39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Verses 39 and 40 transition from Jesus’ family in Jerusalem to their home in Galilee.
2:39
So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord,
Jesus’ family carefully followed the prescriptions of the law of the Lord regarding His dedication and presentation at the temple. Jesus’ family honored God with their lives.
they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
Jesus’ family returned to the city, Nazareth of Galilee, where they would raise the young man. Nazareth was about 65 miles north of Jerusalem. Before they returned to Nazareth, they were visited by the wise men, and they fled to Egypt to escape Herod (Mt 2:1-21). They returned to Nazareth after Herod died.
2:40
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Jesus grew up in Nazareth and progressively became strong in spirit and filled with wisdom, which shows His genuine humanity. God’s grace was “upon Him” through it all (Luke 2:52). This grace was not saving grace, because Jesus was sinless; it was God’s favor on His person.
PRINCIPLE:
When we walk with the Lord, we receive God’s favor.
APPLICATION:
The spiritual life of our Lord when He was a child had the blessing of God’s grace. God’s favor was upon Him. Jesus made it possible for God’s grace to be poured out on those who believe in Him, just as God’s grace was upon Him. We receive God’s grace upon our lives when we acknowledge His hand upon our lives.
