Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew Mark and Luke John Calvin
Luke 2:40-47
Luke 2:40-47
Luke 2:40-47
40. And the child grew, and was invigorated in spirit, and was full of wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 41. And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, to the feast of the Passover. 42. And when he arrived 228 at twelve years, as they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43. And when the days were finished, while they were returning, the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it. 229 44. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45.
And when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46. And it happened, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing and putting questions to them: 47. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
40. And the child grew From the infancy of Christ Matthew passes immediately to his manifestation.230 Luke relates here a single fact, which well deserved to be recorded. In the midst of his boyhood, Christ gave a specimen of his future office, or at least indicated, by a single attempt, what he would afterwards be. The child grew, and was invigorated in spirit These words show, that the endowments of his mind grew with his age.231 Hence we infer, that this progress, or advancement, relates to his human nature: for the Divine nature could receive no increase.
But a question arises. From the time that he was conceived in his mother's womb, did he not abound in all fullness of spiritual gifts? for it appears absurd to say, that the Son of God wanted any thing that was necessary to perfection. The reply is easy. If it takes nothing from his glory, that he was altogether, "emptied," ({ἑαυτὸν}
{ἐκένωσε}, Philippians 2:6,) neither does it degrade him, that he chose not only
228"Quum factus esset." — "Luy donc estant venu en l'aage de douze ans;" — "he then being come to the age of twelve years."
229"Laquelle chose son pere et sa mere ne s'apperceurent point;" — "which thing his father and his mother did not perceive."
230"Au temps de sa manifestation;" — "to the time of his manifestation." 231"Avec l'aage les dons et graces d'Esprit croissoyent aussi et aug-mentoyent en luy." — "With age, the gifts and graces of the Spirit grew also and increased in him.".