January 1, 2016
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:39-40
39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Questions for Reflection:
Joseph in married traveled to Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements of the Law in the temple. After they finished, they moved back to their home in Nazareth. We often picture Jesus as growing up in Bethlehem until he flees for Egypt (we’ll get to that in just a few days). However, when he was less than two weeks old, Joseph and Mary were back with their families in Nazareth.
Verse 40 has one of the few descriptions of Jesus’ life as a child. How does Luke describe Jesus in this verse? What does it mean that he was filled with wisdom? What do you picture the “grace of God was on him” meant for a child?
At One Life, we believe that we should pray big prayers. One of our big prayers that we encourage people to pray is that God would use us to change the worldview of the next generation. Luke 2:40 is a great verse to pray for the next generation, whether it is your children, grandchildren or the KIDS! ministry in general. Spend time today praying for the special children in your life and the KIDS! ministry at your campus. Use verse 40 as a guide in your prayers.