“39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.” Luke 2.39-40
Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews. They traveled to Bethlehem for the census, had their baby circumcised, and then went to the Temple in Jerusalem for his dedication. Afterward, they made the 100-mile journey back home to Nazareth, even though Mary had just given birth. They didn’t wait for a three-month maternity leave to end; they went as soon as she was able.
After returning, they lived their lives, helping Jesus grow strong and filling him “with wisdom,” and “the grace of God was upon him.”
Imagine a toddler Jesus. What kind of child would he have been? I think of my 2.5-year-old grandson, Oliver, who is incredible but can be a wild man at times! He’s often super sweet, but when he’s tired, he acts just like me! Would Jesus have been similar? He was fully human yet fully divine, and he never sinned.
Jesus grew up not only knowing the laws of Moses but living them, with parents who faithfully followed them. He was fully immersed in the decrees of the Lord, growing up loved, educated, and trained to follow and love God. Of course, Jesus had an advantage, being God, but he wasn’t so different from us. He had a childhood, and the Lord was part of every day.
We are called to live under God’s law of love—not the 600 laws of Moses, which are no longer required, but loving God, others, and ourselves. We have the opportunity to practice this every moment of every day. We are filled, equipped, and given the Holy Spirit, and our lives matter. Just as Jesus’ 33 years on earth mattered, so do ours. We are purposed to glorify God and bless Him with our lives. Every day can be a blessing to the Lord.
While the law of Moses is no longer necessary, the law of loving God remains fully in effect. Will you love God today? Will you allow His love to live in your heart and become the person He has called you to be? Have you been born again? Do you have His Spirit within you? Are you reading His Word? Let the love of God linger in your heart today so you may become all He has created and called you to be.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. I am grateful for my life, for family, for ministry, for purpose and meaning. Even when my love fails, Your love remains steadfast. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing. Allow me to walk in newness of life for Your glory and honor. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.