How Was Boy Jesus Different?

 N.T.#486 "How Was Boy Jesus Different?"

Feb. 13, 2025 

Luke 2-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Children are so different. Even siblings growing up in the same house, under the influence of the same parents are not the same in personality, intellect, and spirit. Shall we take a look at how the boy Jesus was different from other boys His age?

The boy Jesus grew physically, mentally, intellectually, and spiritually. Verse 40 tells us this about Jesus Christ:

• Jesus grew in stature of body. Can you see the young man, Jesus, a dark-skinned and dark hair young man?
• He waxed (to empower; increase in vigor; be strengthened) strong in spirit. While other children were weak in understanding and good judgment, Jesus was increasing.
• Jesus was filled with wisdom, beyond His years, for the Holy Spirit was upon Jesus.
• The grace of God was upon Jesus. He was highly favored, loved, and cherished by God His heavenly Father. God took care of His Son. 

I believe even throughout His childhood, Jesus never sinned. That is why He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. What a child to have in your home and family!

LET IT GROW

All Jewish males were required to appear before the Lord 3 times each year at the Temple in Jerusalem. (Deut. 16:16) Being good Jews, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in order to attend the Passover. Keep in mind that Jesus' parents were able to teach Him about their Jewish customs and the Word of God. 

In Nehemiah's day, whenever Ezra the the priest read the Law, the people stood, raising their hands, then bowed face down in worship of the Holy God. (8:2)

Passover was followed by a week of celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread. (In Egypt, God killed the firstborn children, but passed over the Hebrew children, who had the blood of the lamb over their doorpost house. (Ex. 2)

The grace of God was upon Jesus. (verse 40) 

The word for grace used here is charis, which means favor; benefit; divine influence upon the heart.

God's favor was upon Jesus, and His divine influence was upon Jesus' heart. As we surrender our will to God's will for our life, we, too, can have the grace of God, His divine influence upon our heart. How fantastic is that!

LET IT GO

Heavenly Father, will you pour out Your grace upon us?

Will You give us wisdom, strength, and a changed heart.

Fill us with Your Spirit of love for others, Your Word, and for You.

Glory to the God on High.