What does "the grace of God was upon Him" imply about Jesus' relationship with God? Old Testament Background “Grace” echoes the Hebrew chen used of Noah (Genesis 6:8) and Moses (Exodus 33:17). Both men received favor for covenantal purposes; the greater Son receives it in fullest measure, fulfilling covenant promises (Isaiah 42:1; 61:1). Prophecy anticipated a Servant uniquely endowed with “the Spirit of the LORD” and divine pleasure—fulfilled in Jesus. Early Jewish Expectations of Messianic Favor Second-Temple literature (e.g., 1 Enoch 48; Psalms of Solomon 17-18) describes an anointed ruler upheld by God’s favor to judge in righteousness. Luke’s wording draws from this milieu, asserting that Jesus embodies those messianic hopes. Trinitarian Implications The verse does not depict an external patron bestowing grace on a merely human figure; rather, it hints at intratrinitarian delight. The Father’s favor rests on the incarnate Son whom He eternally loves (John 17:24). The Spirit mediates this grace, foreshadowing the Spirit’s descent at the Jordan (Luke 3:22). The three Persons operate harmoniously—one Being, distinct Persons. Christ’s Continual Dependence and Divine Favor During the incarnation the Son voluntarily accepted functional dependence (Philippians 2:6-8), relying on the Father’s sustaining grace. Luke notes Jesus “grew and became strong,” underscoring genuine human development executed flawlessly through divine favor, demonstrating that perfect humanity is lived in constant fellowship with God. Sinlessness and Moral Perfection Grace “upon” Him correlates with moral purity (Hebrews 4:15). No barrier of sin existed between Father and Son; grace did not compensate for deficiency but expressed divine approval of perfect obedience already present within the incarnate life. Incarnation and Kenosis By taking on true humanity, the Logos refrained from exercising certain divine prerogatives, yet the Father supplied all that was necessary for His mission. The presence of grace accentuates the mystery of kenosis: He remained fully God while experiencing genuine growth, all under the canopy of divine pleasure. Grace as Empowerment for Messianic Mission Charis in Luke-Acts often functions as empowerment for ministry (Acts 4:33; 6:8). Luke 2:40 anticipates the public ministry where Jesus, “full of the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1), preaches good news. The ongoing grace equips Him for miracles that later authenticate His deity and compassion (e.g., healing the man born blind—recorded archeologically in the Pool of Siloam excavation, 2004). Grace and Wisdom Growth Luke couples grace with wisdom growth, indicating holistic maturation. In Jewish thought wisdom flows from fear of Yahweh (Proverbs 9:10). Jesus displays perfect fear-of-the-Lord, thus perfect wisdom. Grace fuels this wisdom, and wisdom confirms the presence of grace. Comparative Manuscript Evidence Every early manuscript family—Alexandrian (P⁷⁵, 𝔓⁷⁵, Codex Vaticanus B), Western (D), and Byzantine—contains the phrase “and the grace of God was upon Him,” confirming its originality. The uniform witness silences skeptical claims of later theological embellishment. Patristic Witnesses Irenaeus (c. AD 180), Against Heresies 2.22.4, cites Luke 2:40 to argue that Christ sanctified every age-stage. Athanasius (On the Incarnation 18) appeals to the verse to show the Father’s delight in the Son’s fleshly life. Theological Significance for Redemption Because divine favor never left Jesus, He could become the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). At the cross, He bore our sin, yet resurrection vindicated Him, proving uninterrupted divine approval (Acts 2:24). The grace upon Him becomes grace to us: “For from His fullness we have all received grace upon grace” (John 1:16). Implications for Believers If the incarnate Son lived every moment under divine grace, believers united to Him partake of that same favor (Ephesians 1:6). Luke’s statement invites trust: the God whose grace rested on His Son now offers that grace to all who repent and believe. Knowing Christ’s secure relationship with the Father fuels assurance, worship, and mission. Conclusion “The grace of God was upon Him” proclaims that Jesus, the incarnate Son, lived continually in the Father’s approving, empowering favor, expressing the harmonious love of the Trinity, guaranteeing His sinless life, enabling His saving work, and modeling the grace-filled life promised to all who follow Him. |
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