The parents brought in [to the Temple]
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
and the grace of God was upon Him.
Jesus did not enter the world as a spirit; nor did He appear instantly, as an angel may appear. Jesus was supernaturally conceived of a virgin and was born nine months later. His development followed the growth pattern of other children: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom” (Luke 2:40). His parents had to teach Him to walk and talk and develop motor skills. His parents brought the Child Jesus to the Temple to dedicate Him. Then at age 12, Jesus was brought into the Temple for His bar mitzvah and became a “son of the law.” The parents of the Child Jesus raised Him according to the Scriptures, just as parents should raise children today. Jesus, the Son of God, was “born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Galatians 4:4-5).
Lord Jesus, I marvel that You became a child and grew according to the growth pattern of children. I praise You for becoming flesh to redeem us who were under the Law.
God the Father sent the Son to become a child who would grow into manhood. God the Holy Spirit guided Jesus as an adult: “Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. . . . Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee” (Luke 4:1-14). Both the Father and the Holy Spirit were active in bringing Jesus to maturity.
Lord Jesus, You gave me a role model to follow; give me power to follow Your example. You died for my sins; I worship You for salvation. Amen.
The Child Jesus was like us so that He could redeem us.
