Cross-referencesExplore similar Bible verses on Luke 1:80 in English Standard Version "And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel." Mt 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,Mt 11:7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?Lu 2:40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.