Luke 2:40
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The child grew - As to his body - being in perfect health. Waxed strong in spirit - His rational soul became strong and vigorous. Filled with wisdom - The divinity continuing to communicate itself more and more, in proportion to the increase of the rational principle. The reader should never forget that Jesus was perfect man, as well as God. And the grace of God was upon him - The word χαρις, not only means grace in the common acceptation of the word, (some blessing granted by God's mercy to those who are sinners, or have no merit), but it means also favor or approbation: and this sense I think most proper for it here, when applied to the human nature of our blessed Lord; and thus our translators render the same word, Luk 2:52. Even Christ himself, who knew no sin, grew in the favor of God; and, as to his human nature, increased in the graces of the Holy Spirit. From this we learn that, if a man were as pure and as perfect as the man Jesus Christ himself was, yet he might nevertheless increase in the image, and consequently in the favor, of God. God loves every thing and person, in proportion to the nearness of the approaches made to his own perfections.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
His mental development kept pace with His bodily, and "the grace of God," the divine favor, rested manifestly and increasingly upon Him. See Luk 2:52.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year,.... Joseph was obliged to go three times a year, as were all the males in Israel, at the feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, Deu 16:16. The first of these is expressed here, at the feast of the passover; but the women were not obliged to go up: for so it is said by the Jews (p), , "the passover of women is voluntary", or in their own power; they might go up to the feast, or not, as they pleased. It is indeed said of Hillell, who was now alive, that he obliged the women to the first, but not to a second passover: to which the Karaites object; the account they give is as follows (q), "truly the women were obliged, by the school of Hillell, to the offering of the passover; but if they were hindered from the first passover, the second was in their power; that is, the thing depended upon their will and pleasure, whether they would offer or not, which may be justly wondered at; for why should they be obliged to the, first, and not the second? for behold, as to the obligation of the passover, there is no difference between the first passover, and the second, The sum of the matter is, our wise men, on whom be peace, have determined and say, that there is no obligation but to males, who are arrived to maturity. So that this was a voluntary thing in Mary; which discovers her piety and religion, and her great regard to the ordinances and appointments of God, (p) T. Hieros. Kiddushin, fol. 61. 3. (q) Eliahu Adderet, p. 39. apud Trigland. de Sect. Karaeorum, p. 28.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:40 filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him (cp. 1:80; 2:52): The twin statements about Jesus’ wisdom (2:40, 52) frame the story about Jesus’ extraordinary wisdom at an early age.
Luke 2:40
The Return to Nazareth
39When Jesus’ parents had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan4.4K26:02Fear Of The LordGEN 22:1PSA 51:6MAT 6:33LUK 2:40HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a radical lifestyle rather than just acquiring knowledge about theology and the Bible. He challenges the audience to examine their actions and priorities, questioning whether they truly believe in the reality of hell and the urgency of sharing the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus. The speaker shares his own personal revelation about the need for a change in his life and his realization that Jesus died for the entire world. He calls for a shift in focus from self-centeredness to a willingness to sacrifice and serve God.
Baby Jesus
By David Wilkerson4.2K34:44Jesus ChristEXO 20:3MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 2:40JHN 15:14ACT 16:31In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of baby Jesus and the growth of the baby. He emphasizes the importance of giving time to God and feeding our spirits through worship and prayer. The speaker also highlights the need for repentance and turning away from idols that consume our thoughts and time. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize Jesus in our lives and to spend time thinking and talking about Him.
What Grace Can Do
By Zac Poonen1.5K1:09:12PSA 103:2ISA 1:18LUK 2:40ROM 6:14HEB 2:9HEB 4:16HEB 8:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the true grace of God, highlighting how many Christians are missing out on the full inheritance purchased by Jesus due to being deceived by false teachings. It delves into the concept of grace as the power to overcome sin, endure trials, and live a life pleasing to God, contrasting the old covenant gospel of forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and material blessings with the new covenant gospel of transformation, empowerment, and intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit.
The Cross of Christ - Part 2
By Paul Washer1.3K1:13:20Cross of ChristLUK 2:40LUK 2:52In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and Isaac from the Bible. He highlights the moment when Abraham is about to sacrifice his son, but God intervenes and provides a ram as a substitute. The preacher emphasizes that this is not the end of the story, but rather an intermission. He then goes on to talk about the concept of suffering and uses examples of a prominent athlete in a coma and a friend losing his hair to illustrate the idea of misery. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the major theme of redemption in Scripture, focusing on the problem of how God can be just and yet justify wicked men.
The Home
By Don Courville96939:42HomePSA 113:3LUK 2:40LUK 10:38In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting a godly example in the home. They highlight the influence parents have on their children's lives and how their actions and attitudes shape their character. The speaker encourages parents to prioritize spending time with God and to demonstrate love, joy, peace, and long-suffering in their homes. They also emphasize the need for parents to respond to challenges and problems in a way that reflects the character of Jesus. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the significance of the home in shaping the nation and calls for intentional parenting based on biblical principles.
3) How Jesus Grew in Wisdom (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen80059:58PRO 22:6LUK 2:40LUK 2:52ROM 6:14EPH 6:1COL 3:201TI 4:12HEB 4:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of Jesus' example in spending the majority of his life at home and in his place of work before starting his ministry, highlighting the significance of faithfulness in everyday life. It encourages individuals to prioritize overcoming sin and submitting to authority as key aspects of growing in wisdom, drawing parallels between Jesus' experiences and the challenges faced by young people today.
Grace for Living
By Lewis Gregory73424:57GraceLUK 2:40ROM 5:17ROM 5:20ROM 6:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that grace is not just for salvation, but also for living a new and transformed life. He explains that Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's grace, came to show us how to live in relation to God the Father. The speaker highlights that true freedom and liberty come from living according to God's will and experiencing a superior way of life. He concludes by emphasizing that living in Christ enables us to live a godly life and access God's grace through faith.
Free From Legalism (Dutch)
By Zac Poonen5451:30:00LUK 2:40JHN 1:17ROM 6:14HEB 2:9HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of living under grace rather than the law, highlighting how Jesus brought grace and truth, contrasting it with the Old Testament favor. It discusses the dangers of false grace that leads to a license for sin and the need to distinguish true grace. The sermon encourages seeking God's mercy for past sins and His grace for future victories over sin, drawing examples from Jesus' life of overcoming sin by grace from birth to death.
Holiness of Jesus
By Zac Poonen52025:08MAT 6:33LUK 2:40JHN 1:17HEB 2:9HEB 4:151PE 2:21JUD 1:24This sermon emphasizes the often overlooked aspect of Jesus being our example in addition to being our Savior, highlighting the importance of imitating His character of humility, purity, love, and compassion. It challenges the lack of emphasis on personal transformation in Evangelical Christianity and encourages believers to follow Jesus in character individually, focusing on holiness and overcoming sin through the grace that Jesus received.
(Radical Jesus) 11 Radical Humility
By Glenn Meldrum37420:11HumilityISA 14:12MAT 6:33LUK 2:40In this sermon, the preacher uses a parable called the Deformed Man to illustrate the perfect nature of Jesus and the sinful nature of humanity. The Deformed Man represents Jesus, while the village people represent sinful humanity. The preacher also discusses the concept of reincarnation and imagines what it would be like to be born as a cow after living a wicked life. The sermon then shifts to the humility of Jesus, who left the glories of heaven to be born into a poor family in ancient Israel. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus became a servant to the people who should have been serving and adoring him, even though they had rebelled against him.
The Foundation of All Service
By K.P. Yohannan0ObedienceFear Of The LordGEN 22:12PSA 111:10MAT 16:24LUK 2:40JHN 15:15ROM 12:11CO 6:202CO 7:1PHP 2:7HEB 5:7K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound relationship between obedience and service to God, using Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac as a powerful example. He highlights that true service stems from a deep reverence and fear of the Lord, which is often lacking in contemporary Christian life. Yohannan challenges the individualistic mindset prevalent in society, urging believers to recognize their identity as servants of Christ, bought with His blood. He calls for a transformation in understanding what it means to walk in the fear of God, which leads to genuine obedience and a fruitful Christian life. Ultimately, he asserts that our service must be built on the foundation of sacrificial love and reverence for God.
At the Age of Twelve
By Art Katz0SonshipSpiritual GrowthLUK 2:40Art Katz emphasizes the significance of Jesus' actions at the age of twelve, illustrating the principles of sonship that apply to all believers. He highlights the tension between the legitimate concerns of earthly parents and the divine calling of a son to prioritize the Father's business. Jesus' astonishment at His parents' lack of understanding reflects the higher priority of heavenly matters over earthly expectations. Katz encourages believers to embrace the conflicts that arise from their commitment to God, as these challenges are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Ultimately, the submission of Jesus to His parents, despite their misunderstanding, exemplifies the humility and obedience that lead to favor with God.
Spiritual Growth
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual GrowthSanctificationLUK 2:40JHN 1:16ROM 12:21CO 3:6EPH 4:15PHP 2:122TI 4:71PE 2:22PE 1:32PE 3:18A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth in the Christian life, drawing parallels between physical growth and spiritual maturity. He explains that true growth stems from sanctification, which is the indwelling of Christ in believers, and that it requires diligent effort and the use of divine resources. Simpson highlights the importance of harmonizing various Christian virtues, suggesting that growth is not merely additive but should create a beautiful, cohesive life of faith. He warns that stagnation in spiritual growth can lead to decline, while growth is essential for security and steadfastness in faith. Ultimately, he assures that the struggles of this life will lead to a glorious reward in the eternal kingdom of Christ.
The Youth of Jesus Christ
By J.R. Miller0The Growth of JesusFinding Holiness in Everyday LifeLUK 2:40LUK 2:52COL 3:23J.R. Miller reflects on the youth of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His natural growth in wisdom, stature, and grace, portraying a beautiful picture of His childhood. Jesus, a carpenter by trade, exemplified the value of hard work and the significance of finding glory in ordinary tasks. His life illustrates that true divinity is expressed through obedience and fulfilling God's will in everyday duties. Miller highlights that Jesus' humble beginnings and dedication to His family reveal the holiness in all forms of labor. Ultimately, the youth of Jesus teaches that every life, regardless of its station, can reflect divine purpose and beauty.
Second Theory -- Entire Sanctification, or Holiness, Is Obtained by Growth in Grace
By B.A. Cundiff0MRK 4:26LUK 1:80LUK 2:40EPH 2:8EPH 4:151TH 5:23TIT 3:52PE 3:17B.A. Cundiff preaches on the importance of growth in grace and sanctification, drawing parallels from the lives of John the Baptist and Jesus as examples of unhindered growth due to their holiness. He emphasizes that growth in grace is essential to prevent falling away and that all grace, including regenerating and sanctifying grace, is a gift from God that believers must receive and grow in. Cundiff distinguishes between growth and sanctification, highlighting that growth advances and improves while sanctification cleanses and purifies, ultimately leading believers to a state of being purified and sanctified by God's grace.
The Shadow of the Almighty
By Newman Hall0ISA 40:29LUK 1:80LUK 2:40ROM 7:221CO 16:13EPH 3:16EPH 6:10PHP 4:132TI 2:11PE 5:10Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'krataioo,' emphasizing the passive voice indicating that inner strength comes from God's Spirit, not from man himself. The term refers to being empowered, established, and fortified, with the NT uses highlighting the growth and strengthening in spirit and wisdom. Believers are urged to submit to God's Spirit for spiritual strengthening, tapping into the divine ability within them. The prayer for believers to be strengthened internally through the Spirit is crucial for facing suffering, making moral choices, resisting temptation, and witnessing for Christ.
The Representative Man
By G.W. North0The Role of the Holy SpiritJesus as Our ExampleISA 53:7MAT 5:14LUK 1:26LUK 2:40LUK 3:1LUK 4:18JHN 14:12ROM 8:30GAL 3:1PHP 2:15G.W. North emphasizes the concept of Jesus Christ as the Representative Man, illustrating how He serves as both the eternal Son of God and the ultimate example for humanity. He highlights that while salvation comes solely through faith in Christ's sacrifice, believers are called to emulate His life, which was marked by total dependence on the Holy Spirit. North explores the significance of Jesus' birth, growth, and ministry, underscoring the necessity of being filled and led by the Spirit to fulfill God's purpose. He encourages believers to recognize their identity as children of God and to grow in wisdom and grace, following the example set by Jesus. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to live out their faith effectively.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The child grew - As to his body - being in perfect health. Waxed strong in spirit - His rational soul became strong and vigorous. Filled with wisdom - The divinity continuing to communicate itself more and more, in proportion to the increase of the rational principle. The reader should never forget that Jesus was perfect man, as well as God. And the grace of God was upon him - The word χαρις, not only means grace in the common acceptation of the word, (some blessing granted by God's mercy to those who are sinners, or have no merit), but it means also favor or approbation: and this sense I think most proper for it here, when applied to the human nature of our blessed Lord; and thus our translators render the same word, Luk 2:52. Even Christ himself, who knew no sin, grew in the favor of God; and, as to his human nature, increased in the graces of the Holy Spirit. From this we learn that, if a man were as pure and as perfect as the man Jesus Christ himself was, yet he might nevertheless increase in the image, and consequently in the favor, of God. God loves every thing and person, in proportion to the nearness of the approaches made to his own perfections.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
His mental development kept pace with His bodily, and "the grace of God," the divine favor, rested manifestly and increasingly upon Him. See Luk 2:52.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year,.... Joseph was obliged to go three times a year, as were all the males in Israel, at the feasts of the passover, pentecost, and tabernacles, Deu 16:16. The first of these is expressed here, at the feast of the passover; but the women were not obliged to go up: for so it is said by the Jews (p), , "the passover of women is voluntary", or in their own power; they might go up to the feast, or not, as they pleased. It is indeed said of Hillell, who was now alive, that he obliged the women to the first, but not to a second passover: to which the Karaites object; the account they give is as follows (q), "truly the women were obliged, by the school of Hillell, to the offering of the passover; but if they were hindered from the first passover, the second was in their power; that is, the thing depended upon their will and pleasure, whether they would offer or not, which may be justly wondered at; for why should they be obliged to the, first, and not the second? for behold, as to the obligation of the passover, there is no difference between the first passover, and the second, The sum of the matter is, our wise men, on whom be peace, have determined and say, that there is no obligation but to males, who are arrived to maturity. So that this was a voluntary thing in Mary; which discovers her piety and religion, and her great regard to the ordinances and appointments of God, (p) T. Hieros. Kiddushin, fol. 61. 3. (q) Eliahu Adderet, p. 39. apud Trigland. de Sect. Karaeorum, p. 28.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:40 filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him (cp. 1:80; 2:52): The twin statements about Jesus’ wisdom (2:40, 52) frame the story about Jesus’ extraordinary wisdom at an early age.