What Jesus Did! 'He Grew Up!' — Luke 2:39-40

Saturday, February 4, 2023

When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord [by Mary's purification and by dedicating young Jesus], they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was on him.
— Luke 2:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

Think how amazing these statements in today's verses are. God came to visit our world in Jesus, but this visit began with Jesus first being born and then growing up. This natural sequence of human events for Jesus, the Creator, [1] boggles the mind. The amazing part of this passage is not that God placed his favor on Jesus, but that he favored us by choosing to share our human experiences. Amazing! And why did he do it? So we could know that he has been where we are; and so we would call out to him to help us in our times of struggle, weakness, vulnerability, and temptation.

[1] Colossians 1:16.

Today's Prayer

I praise you, Lord God Almighty, for choosing to come live among us as one of us. Thank you for being so gracious and glorious to us, your human children. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Baby. God.
Article by Danny Sims
A different, staccato take on the whole event! Danny Sims gives us a staccato version of the birth of Jesus and the following narratives about His first trip to the Temple.
Dedicated to God
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, As you begin your New Year, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to honor Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Be....."
Just an Ordinary Kid?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn't expect anything of Me. In their minds, I..."
Leaving an Imprint of a Mother's Faith
Article by Phil Ware
What's a mom supposed to do with wet cement? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary the mother of Jesus called window to wonder and talks about Mary forming Jesus.
See All 5 Related Resources about Luke 2:39-40

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:39-40 NLT — There the child grew up healthy and strong.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, February 4, 2023

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Frederick Buechner:
"It is not the objective proof of God's existence that we want but the experience of God's presence. That is the miracle we are really after, and that is also,...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Adoption as Sons' (Ro. 8:22-23)
"For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Seeing the Glorious Son of Man' (Acts 7:54-56)
"The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Why am I Discouraged?' (Ps. 42:5)
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!