Commentary on Luke 2:40

Luke 2:40 states, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." This verse succinctly encapsulates the early development of Jesus Christ, offering profound insights into His humanity and divinity.

Overview

This passage sits within the greater narrative of Jesus' birth and early life, highlighting His growth both physically and spiritually. The mention of the grace of God upon Him signifies God's favor and blessing, essential for understanding Jesus' role in salvation history.

Physical Growth

The phrase "the child grew" indicates Jesus' natural development. Just as any child matures, so did Jesus, which emphasizes that He fully identified with humanity.

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry notes that Jesus’ growth was both "in stature" and "in favor" with men and God, drawing parallels to the growth expected of all children.
• Albert Barnes' Commentary: Barnes further elaborates that this growth aligns with the human condition, underlining the importance of Jesus’ incarnation as fully human.
• Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke observes that this physical growth was a fundamental aspect of Jesus' life, allowing Him to participate fully in human experiences and relationships.

Spiritual Maturity

Beyond physical growth, the verse indicates that He "waxed strong in spirit." This phrase suggests a profound spiritual development, highlighting His readiness for the divine mission ahead.

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that this spiritual strength was indicative of His profound wisdom and understanding, as He was filled with the Holy Spirit even from youth.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes notes that this wisdom was not only intellectual but also moral and spiritual, showcasing Jesus' unique understanding and relationship with God.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke proposes that Jesus' spiritual maturity set Him apart from other children, as His knowledge of God and scripture would have been remarkable from an early age.

Filled with Wisdom

The term "filled with wisdom" speaks volumes about Jesus' early life. He was not only intellectually capable but demonstrated a profound spiritual insight that would later characterize His ministry.

• Matthew Henry: Henry draws attention to the dual nature of this wisdom, comprising both knowledge and a deep understanding of divine matters.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes reflects that wisdom here signifies a completeness and maturity in understanding God's purposes and His own identity as the Messiah.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke suggests that this 'wisdom' indicates a divine illumination that would later be evident in Jesus' teachings and actions, setting the foundation for His public ministry.

The Grace of God

Finally, the grace of God being upon Him highlights the divine endorsement of Jesus' life and mission.

• Matthew Henry: Henry states that God's grace can be seen in the extraordinary nature of Jesus' life, His ministry, and ultimately His sacrificial death.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes that grace entails divine favor, symbolizing that Jesus was destined for greatness and the fulfillment of His redemptive purpose.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke interprets this grace as a protective and empowering presence that would accompany Jesus throughout His earthly life.

Theological Implications

This verse is crucial for understanding the dual nature of Christ—fully divine and fully human. It sets the stage for His growth, preparation, and eventual public ministry, underlining a God who interacts intimately with His creation.

Implication for Pastoral Ministry

• This passage highlights the importance of nurturing spiritual and intellectual growth in the lives of congregants, encouraging pastors to invest in holistic developmental strategies.
• It exemplifies the need for leaders to model their lives after Christ, growing in wisdom and grace themselves to effectively guide their congregations.

Application for Theologians

• The implications of Christ’s early development can lead to rich discussions on the nature of the Incarnation and its significance for soteriology.
• The examination of this growth invites theologians to consider how divine grace operates in the context of human development.

Conclusion

Luke 2:40 serves as a foundational snapshot of Jesus' early life, illustrating His unique nature as the Son of God who embraced the fullness of human experience. The insights from public domain commentaries enrich our understanding of this critical passage, presenting it as not merely a historical detail but a vital element in understanding the entirety of Christ’s life and mission.