Luke 2:40 – God’s grace was on Him

Originally posted on November 26, 2025 – by Andre Piet

Now the little boy grew up and was invigorated, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him.

In this short verse, Luke depicts something remarkable. Jesus grew up like most other children. He became taller and stronger. But at the same time, Luke points to something that goes further: Jesus did not merely increase in wisdom, but was also filled with it. This is the first expression here of God’s grace that was upon Him.

‘Grace’ is often understood as unmerited favor, but that explanation does not fit here. The boy in Nazareth knew no sin and had no need of forgiveness. In both Hebrew (chen > charm!) and Greek, the word ‘grace’ (charis) carries the element of joy. Grace speaks of what brings joy. Grace is not God’s response to our deficiency, but the expression of His own joy revealed in pleasantness and delight.

Luke later concludes his portrait of Jesus’ youth with the same thought (2:52): “And Jesus progressed in wisdom and stature and grace with God and men.” Jesus’ growth made visible how God’s joy rested upon Him. His life, His wisdom increasingly reflected what was pleasing to God. A grace that was also noticed by people. His growing wisdom and character made Him pleasant, worthy, and lovable in their eyes.

Delen: