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Scripture Focus: Luke 2:52 (KJV)
"And Jesus grew in
wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Introduction
Growth is an essential
part of life. We grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from
birth. But as Christians, we are not looking for growth just for growth's sake
but for growth in Christlikeness. In Luke
2:52, we have a very important statement summarizing Jesus' early life, and
it highlights His balanced growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and
man.
This verse provides a
plan for Christian development. It illustrates that development is
comprehensive—it involves our mind, body, our relationship with God, and our
relationship with people. In this devotional, we'll examine each of these areas
and learn how we can develop like Jesus.
1. Developing Wisdom (Mental and Spiritual Development)
Defining Wisdom
The first thing that
Jesus developed was wisdom. Wisdom is not so much gaining knowledge but
applying knowledge in the right way. Proverbs
4:7 says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and
with all thy getting get understanding."
Jesus grew in wisdom due
to the fact that He was resolved to learn and follow God's Word. At the age of
twelve, He was found in the temple, discussing Scripture with the teachers (Luke 2:46-47). His hunger for wisdom
demonstrated His intense desire to learn and know God's ways.
How Can We Grow in Wisdom?
- Read the Word of God – Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." As Jesus spent time in the Scriptures, we must be committed to reading and meditating on God's Word daily.
- Seek God's Guidance through Prayer – It is written in James 1:5, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." True wisdom comes from God, and we should consult God in every decision.
- Learn from Others – Proverbs 19:20 commands, "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." Jesus spoke with the teachers in the temple, showing that we need to learn from spiritual leaders and mentors too.
Reflection:
- Do I try to learn from God's Word and apply it to my life?
- Am I willing to learn from others and grow spiritually?
2. Growing in Stature (Physical and Personal Growth)
Understanding Stature
The second area of
growth mentioned in Luke 2:52 is stature, and this refers to Jesus' physical
growth. Though He was the Son of God, He still grew healthy and strong like any
man. We need to care for our physical body because it is the temple of the Holy
Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
How Can We Grow in Stature?
- Take Care of Your Body – Healthy foods, physical fitness, and sleep are all ways of honoring God with our bodies. Jesus led an active life, as He walked great distances and worked as a carpenter.
- Maintain Self-Discipline – 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection." Self-discipline in our habits, like sleeping and working, enables us to grow up properly.
- Use Your Strength for God's Glory – Romans 12:1 instructs us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to God. All that we do, including our physical activities, should be for His glory.
Reflection:
- Am I keeping my physical health as a steward of God's gift?
- In what ways can I use my physical strength for God's kingdom?
3. Growing in Favor with God (Spiritual Growth and Relationship
with God)
Understanding Favor with God
Increasing in favor with
God is enlarging our relationship with God. Jesus was constantly in fellowship
with the Father, praying and obeying His will.
How Can We Grow in Favor with God?
- Put God First in Your Life – Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus did His Father's will always, and so should we.
- Live an Obedient Life – John 14:15 says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Jesus was obedient to God in everything, even unto death. Our obedience shows God that we love Him.
- Live a Prayerful Life – Luke 5:16 says, "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed." Jesus made prayer a priority, and we need to do the same.
Reflection:
- How is my walk with God going?
- Do I spend time daily in worship and prayer?
4. Increasing in Favor with Man (Social and Relational Growth)
Understanding Favor with Man
Jesus not only loved God
but was also well-pleasing to men around Him. He was kind, compassionate, and
always treated people with respect and love. His personality drew people to
Him.
How Can We Increase in Favor with People?
- Love and Serve Others – Jesus said in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." We should develop a servant's heart and be willing to serve others.
- Live with Integrity – Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." People trusted Jesus because He was honest and truthful.
- Show Kindness and Forgiveness – Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, even on the cross (Luke 23:34). We are to extend forgiveness and grace in our relationships too.
Reflection:
- Do I live out Christ's love in my relationships with other individuals?
- Am I known for kindness, honesty, and humility?
Conclusion: Becoming Like Jesus
Luke 2:52 gives us a complete picture of Jesus' development, and it's a
roadmap for our development. True maturity is not always getting older; it's
growing in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man.
Key Takeaways:
- Pursue Wisdom – Grow in knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
- Take Care of Your Body – Honor God with good health.
- Deepen Your Relationship with God – Spend time in prayer, worship, and obedience.
- Love and Serve Others – Show kindness, integrity, and humility.
As we follow this
pattern of growth, we become more like Jesus and fulfill God's plan for our
lives. Let us commit ourselves to balanced growth and strive to reflect Christ
in all we do.
Prayer:
"Lord, I desire to
be like Jesus. Give me wisdom to know Your Word, strength to care for my body,
a walk close to You, and love for those people around me. Cause me to mirror
Your character in every area of my life. In
Jesus' name, Amen."
