THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:36-40
“The child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him.” (Luke 2:40)
Anna knew little about this child, except that He was God’s promise fulfilled!
She sensed something in Jesus that filled her heart with hope and joy.
What was Jesus like as a child, since He was without sin.
Was He ‘the perfect child’ for Joseph and Mary, ‘an angel’?
Jesus wasn’t born with God’s knowledge or wisdom, He had to learn it.
He made mistakes, He discovered wisdom through experience, trial and error.
But His heart was not selfish, He was not inclined to lie, cheat or steal.
It must have been challenging for Jesus, and His family, and childhood friends.
People would have sensed something – the grace of God in Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are not sinless, but we can grow like the child Jesus.
We can grow and become strong, increasingly filled with wisdom, with God’s grace on us.
For Jesus, and for us, this is not passive growth, something that just happens to us.
We need to actively seek growth and wisdom, learn through experience, trial and error.
We need to rely on the Spirit, and pay attention to God’s revelation.
People should sense something about us as well – the grace of God in us.
Are we ask Christians growing more and more like this, like Jesus, like the disciples?
Are we growing and becoming strong, increasingly filled with wisdom, with God’s grace on us?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You were unique in Your sinlessness. But like You, I need to learn and grow in wisdom and grace. Ignite in me the devotion of Anna, that I may eagerly seek and receive Your character and wisdom.