From Glory to Glory
“So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:39-40 NKJV
Feb. 4
From Glory to Glory
Step 3&4
Last week, we discussed the circumcision and dedication of Jesus. This week, we will deal mostly with the wise men.
- Step 3 From Jerusalem to Nazareth
“So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:39-40 NKJV
- Luke 2:39 marks the return of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Nazareth after fulfilling Jewish purification laws in Jerusalem, highlighting their obedience to God’s law. This verse acts as a transition to the “hidden years” of Jesus’ childhood, emphasizing a quiet, normal, yet divine, development in Nazareth.
- It seems that Luke shows them traveling from Jerusalem to Nazareth. Some suggest that later, after a short time, they returned to Bethlehem. There they were visited by the wise men, went to Egypt, and then returned to Nazareth. I think that rather than repeat what Matthew had written, Luke simply condensed Jesus’ life from His dedication to when He was twelve into two verses.
Four things we see in Luke 2:39-40
- Obedience and Fulfillment: The verse emphasizes that Mary and Joseph completed “everything required by the Law of the Lord” (circumcision, purification) before returning home, showcasing their faithfulness.
- Closing the story of His Birth: It marks the end of the immediate infancy narratives and the beginning of the quiet, Nazareth-based life, setting the stage for the next phase of development.
- The “From Toddler to Teenager “: This verse highlights the start of Jesus’ upbringing, a time where He grew in stature and strength, preparing for his future ministry.
- Condensing the Gospel: It bridges the events of the temple (Simeon/Anna) and the later story of Jesus at age twelve, showcasing a focus on obedience in daily life. Some scholars note that this verse serves to connect directly to Nazareth and highlights the fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene. “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” John 1:45-46 NKJV
- Step 4 To Bethlehem
Matthew 2:1-12 highlights the Magi’s journey to worship the newborn King, revealing Jesus as a light to all nations, not just Israel.
Key Themes and Interpretations:
- The Magi, likely Gentile astronomers from the East, represent the revelation of Christ to the whole world. Their arrival signals that the gospel breaks down barriers between nations.
- Three Responses to Jesus:
- The Magi (Worship): They actively seek, find, and joyfully worship the child with costly, symbolic gifts.
- Herod (Hostility): Driven by fear of losing power, Herod reacts with deception and fear, representing worldly authority opposed to God’s kingdom.
- Religious Leaders (Indifference): They know the scriptures (Micah 5:2) pointing to Bethlehem but fail to act or seek the Messiah.
- Symbolic Gifts: Gold signifies kingship, frankincense points to priesthood, and myrrh represents mortality/burial, foreshadowing Jesus’s purpose to die for humanity.
- Providential Guidance: God uses a star to guide the seekers, and dreams to warn them, emphasizing divine control over unfolding events despite earthly chaos.
- A Call to Action: The passage encourages readers to be like the Magi—actively searching for Christ, bringing their own “gifts” (love and life), and finding joy in worship.
