“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.” (Luke 2:52, New Living Translation)
This simple statement seems no more than a transition. The verses immediately preceding describe the life of a twelve-year-old Jesus. The verses immediately following jump ahead to a thirty-year-old Jesus. What was he doing in the interim?
According to this verse, he was growing.
He was growing intellectually and emotionally (in wisdom). Can you imagine Him studying the Scriptures; learning the ways of God and how to put those things into practice? Can you imagine what His prayer times must have been like; learning how to talk to God and how to listen?
He was growing physically (in stature). Can you imagine Jesus as a gangly and uncoordinated teenager? Can you imagine Him wrestling with His younger brothers? Can you imagine Him growing strong through His physical labor in Joseph’s construction business?
He was growing relationally (in favor with God and all the people). The word translated “favor” is a form of the word that elsewhere is translated “grace.” Jesus was increasingly living in such a way that He demonstrated that the grace of God was on Him. The result of a grace-filled walk with His Father was increasingly grace-filled relationships with other people. Can you imagine how He must have brought an unexpected graciousness whenever He walked into a room—so much so that people were drawn to Him?
This is the way I want my granddaughter to grow. This is the way I want my kids to keep growing. Actually, this is the way I want to keep growing. Lord, let it be so!
Question: Can you identify the area in which you have seen the most personal growth? How about the area in which you need to grow most?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your perspective.
