READ: Luke 1:1-4; 2:39,40: … 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, as the writer of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, was not himself an eyewitness, as Matthew and John were. Yet he was given an important task: to establish the truth concerning the life and death of the Lord Jesus. In this way he fully illuminates Christ’s greatness and His work of redemption.
For this purpose, Luke carefully gathered the facts concerning Him, especially from what eyewitnesses, including Mary and the apostles, had handed down. Thus everyone who reads his Gospel may have complete certainty concerning Christ.
Initially, this Gospel was intended for a certain Theophilus, probably a high-ranking official in the Roman government. Luke’s introduction points him, and us, to the fact that the Gospel is not a matter of human ideas, but the truth concerning real, factual events.
Our reflection on these events begins when Jesus, after His birth, is brought to the temple, where Joseph and Mary fulfill all the requirements of the law (cf. Gal. 4:4). This includes bringing a monetary offering to redeem Jesus as the firstborn (cf. Ex. 13:1,2,11-15). An offering for Mary’s purification is also brought (cf. Lev.12:6).
After Simeon and Anna have spoken their profound words about Jesus as the long-awaited Savior, the moment comes when Joseph and Mary depart. Luke writes that they go to Nazareth. This does not mean that they do so immediately. In Matthew we still read about the flight to Egypt after the wise men from the East had visited them. Luke is speaking about what follows.
Then come remarkable words about the Child Jesus. As a young child, Jesus was not yet fully equipped, just as all children are (cf. Heb. 4:15). He too had to grow in strength and continually learn and increase in true wisdom (see also Heb. 5:8). The latter took place differently from what happens with other children: perfectly, without sin, under the special favour of His heavenly Father.
Why are four Gospels necessary?
Sing: Hymn 13:3,6 (1984) / 17:3,6 (2014)