Imported boundary: J. C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on Luke from the GraceGems public-domain chapter transcription. Site navigation, audio links, displayed Scripture blocks, and non-source web apparatus are not mirrored; this section preserves the Ryle expository prose for Luke 2:36-40 (Anna the prophetess, and her history). The transcription remains needs-verification against print editions before reuse.

Primary passage: Luke 2:36-40.

Source heading: Anna the prophetess, and her history.

Let us observe, secondly, in these verses -- the description given of saints in Jerusalem in the time when Jesus was born. They were people "who looked for redemption."

Faith, we shall always find -- is the universal character of God's elect. These men and women here described, dwelling in the midst of a wicked city -- walked by faith, and not by sight. They were not carried away by the flood of worldliness, formality, and self-righteousness around them. They were not infected by the carnal expectations of a mere worldly Messiah, in which most Jews indulged. They lived in the faith of patriarchs and prophets -- that the coming Redeemer would bring in holiness and righteousness, and that His principal victory would be over sin and the devil! For such a Redeemer -- they waited patiently. For such a victory -- they earnestly longed.

Let us learn a lesson from these godly people. If they, with so few helps and so many discouragements, lived such a life of faith -- then how much more ought we with a finished Bible and a full Gospel -- to live by faith. Let us strive, like them, to walk by faith and look forward.

The second advent of Christ is yet to come. The complete "redemption" of this earth from sin, and Satan, and the curse -- is yet to take place. Let us declare plainly by our lives and conduct, that we look and long for this second coming. We may be sure that the highest style of Christianity even now, is to "wait for redemption," and to love the Lord's appearing. (Romans 8:23; 2 Timothy 4:8.)

Let us observe, lastly, in these verses -- what clear proof we have that the Lord Jesus was really and truly man, as well as God. We read, that when Mary and Joseph returned to their own city Nazareth, "the child GREW and became strong."

There is, doubtless, much that is deeply mysterious in the Person of the Lord Jesus. How the same Person could be at once perfect God and perfect man -- is a point that necessarily surpasses our understanding. In what manner and measure, and in what proportion at the early part of His life -- that divine knowledge which He doubtless possessed, was exercised -- we cannot possibly explain. It is a lofty truth. We cannot attain unto it.

One thing, however, is perfectly clear, and we shall do well to lay firm hold upon it. Our Lord partook of everything that belongs to man's nature -- sin only excepted. As man, He was born an infant. As man, He grew from infancy to boyhood. As man, He yearly increased in bodily strength and mental power, during His passage from boyhood to full age. Of all the sinless conditions of man's body, its first feebleness, its after growth, its regular progress to maturity -- He was in the fullest sense a partaker. We must rest satisfied with knowing this. To pry beyond, is useless. To know this clearly, is of much importance. An absence of settled knowledge of it, has led to many wild heresies.

One comfortable practical lesson stands out on the face of this truth, which ought never to be overlooked. Our Lord is able to sympathize with man in every stage of man's existence, from the cradle to the grave. He knows by experience the nature and temperament of -- the child, the boy, and the young man. He has stood in their place. He has occupied their position. He knows their hearts.

Let us never forget this, in dealing with young people about their souls. Let us tell them confidently, that there is One in Heaven at the right hand of God, who is exactly suited to be their Friend. He who died on the cross -- was once a boy Himself, and feels a special interest in boys and girls, as well as in grown up people.