I’m sure that most Christians have longed to hear more stories about Jesus, especially about his years as a youth. What was he like at 13? Did his brothers and sister always get along with him? Did they ever tell Mom on him? Well, someday in heaven we can sit down and talk to him and his brothers about Jesus as a youth.
There is one verse about Jesus that I read, but only quickly.
Luke 2:52 states: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Only 14 words, but much can be observed from this short, often overlooked verse. Here are four.
1 Jesus grew in wisdom:
As Jesus got older, Jesus got wiser. Despite being divine, Jesus had a human nature and had to learn and develop like any other child. By the way, this suggests that wisdom is something that can be acquired and developed over time. There is hope for me and you.
2 Jesus grew in stature:
He once was a helpless baby who needed to be fed and burped. He grew into a teenager and then a man. He was human, just as we are.
3 Jesus grew in favor with God:
I find this thought most amazing of all. God the Father, grew to hold Jesus in higher regard as time went on. When your own children were born you loved them completely, but as time goes by your admiration for them grows. Jesus always had a close relationship with the Father, but God was pleased with his growth and development.
4 Jesus grew in favor with man:
According to this verse, his neighbors and those around him grew to really like him. He was not that rude or unruly kid next door. Even then people could say to their own kids, “Why can’t you be more like Jesus?” Other people noticed and liked him.
You still might want to sit and talk to Jesus’ brothers in heaven for the stories, but from this verse, you at least know a few more thoughts about Jesus in his growth from his boyhood years.
Lonnie Davis
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