David W Palmer

(Luke 2:39–40 NKJV) 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.

After the drama and excitement surrounding Jesus’s birth, his dedication at the temple, and their international sojourn, Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth—their hometown. The manger, angels, shepherds, wise men, old school prophets, and even their exile in Egypt were just a distant memory. Now it was time to set up a new family home, routine, and culture.

No doubt, Joseph resumed his work as a carpenter, while Mary set up the home and the daily routine needed to care for and raise Jesus and her other children. Soon, more babies would come into the home, and family life would become increasingly hectic. No doubt, Jesus would have always been special to Joseph and Mary—they knew who he was—but at home, he just blended into family life as a big brother.

When we and those around us first put our trust in Jesus, it’s like he comes to birth all over again in us. Much warfare, danger, isolation, and persistent intercession can surround this event; but among those who understand who he is, much excitement and celebration follow. People you don’t even know get excited about the new birth; many delight to hear your story, and to spread the news.

However, after the initial excitement subsides, a new life and routine have to be established in God’s family. Generally, you are placed in a local church where you must adapt to a new culture, routine, and pattern. You have to find your place, and accept that you are just one of the family now—no longer a newborn novelty.

We read in our opening passage that Jesus “grew.” With daily nutrition, and the exercise of running, walking, playing, and enjoying his new life, infant Jesus began to develop physically. No doubt, his mother and Joseph were also constantly instructing him, teaching him, and modeling cultural and family norms. This enabled the boy Jesus to grow in knowledge, understanding, and culturally acceptable behavior.

When we have Jesus come to birth in us, and have settled into the routine of weekly church meetings—worship services, Bible study, fellowship, and prayer, etc., we too receive the nutrition we need to grow. We also learn by watching and listening to others. This is where we are no longer the center of attention, but the beneficiaries of God’s growth track for us.

Today’s opening passage next says that Jesus “became strong in spirit.” Spiritual strength is developed through spiritual nutrition and spiritual exercise. For example, meditating in the word day and night, along with listening to and conversing with Holy Spirit gifted teachers, provides nutrient-rich spiritual food. Spiritual exercise includes prayer, worship, praise, testifying, evangelizing, and sharing with others what God is revealing to us. But perhaps our most strenuous and strength-developing spiritual workouts are available to us in our fight of faith—when we resist the enemy’s onslaught of spiritual attacks, afflictions, persecutions, trials; and importantly, when we successfully overcome temptations. When you fully engage in these processes with a pure heart, you too will grow strong in spirit. (Provided, that is, that you continue to feed your inner man with nutritionally sound word, teaching, and doctrine).

Next, we see that as Jesus matured physically, socially, culturally, and spiritually that he was “filled with wisdom.” This is extremely important:

(Proverbs 4:7 NKJV) Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

The Holy Spirit says that we have to “get” wisdom, and that we should give this a very high priority. Wisdom and love are like twins; wisdom could be defined as what love would do in a given situation.