The Favored One

Luke 2:39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

This brief statement summarizes the first twelve years of Jesus life on earth.  And Luke says more than the other three Gospel writers. It's all we need know.  Mary and Joseph were obedient and submissive to God. Jesus grew up to be physically, mentally, emotionally, and morally strong. And the favor of God was upon Him. This is consistent with everything they had been told by those who encountered Jesus, even before He was born. Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Anna had all pronounced this life of blessing and favor. In fact, the word used here is found in different form in the proclamation of the angel chorus:

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” God's favor, His pleasure had come to earth when Christ came.  Jesus was the one people should have wanted to be with; His presence was something they should have been glad for. The same is true for us. May we seek His presence for strength, for wisdom, for God's favor and good pleasure.