Jesus grew up just like you and me- He was fully human. He had to learn to walk and talk. He learned how to comb his hair and how to wash behind his ears. He had to learn to get along with his little sisters and brothers, as well as the adults in his life. He was 100% God too- but that didn’t negate his humanness. He experienced all the normal stages of development. So, at age 12- he was considered old enough to go along with his parents to the Passover festival in Jerusalem.
The family had made sure serving and following God was a priority. Jesus was excited to attend this festival with his family. He was also excited to visit the temple and to learn and grow in his understanding of the Scriptures. We can read this in Luke 2:41-52. I want to focus on verse 52 of chapter 2 and how it applies to every one of us. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
First we read, Jesus grew in Wisdom. Proverbs 9:10-11, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life.” David wrote, “Psalm 111:10, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.” In the New Testament James writes, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5
Jesus grew in wisdom because he knew and obeyed His Father God. He listened to those around Him- He obeyed His parents. And He learned from the religious teachers. He sought to know more and grow in wisdom. Jesus knew that getting wisdom was the wisest thing he could ever do. He obeyed God, He followed God and He learned from God.
The CEV version says he grew strong. Jesus ate his fruits and vegetables. He exercised and he got plenty of rest. He couldn’t help but grow – when he did what he was supposed to. Eating healthy was a part of his upbringing- he grew like a boy- he got taller and filled out and then he shot up in his teens and filled out some more—just like every boy! His voice changed and He changed- he began to grow a beard- all these things happened because he was a human being. He didn’t stand out because of his looks either, “There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.” Isaiah 53:2, and as a man the people only thought of him as Joseph’s son, “Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” Matthew 13:55.
Jesus grew in favor- Jesus grew in reputation. Jesus grew a good name. Solomon wrote, Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” What is so important about a good name and growing in favor with God and with people? People know us by our name.
When our name has been drug through the mud- when we’ve brought shame to our name- that shame, that memory good or bad will be associated with that name for a long time to come. Solomon was correct in saying it is a big deal! Jesus knew that too. He didn’t want to bring shame to the name of His Heavenly Father or His earthly parents. When he was 12, he went back home with them and obeyed them-giving him and them a good name.
If we want to grow in favor with God and with people here are 7 basic guidelines to consider:
1.Do what you say you’ll do. Jesus tells us, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37
2.Go out of your way to help others. The golden rule- do to others as you would have them do to you- goes a long way to build good favor with people and with God. Matthew 7:12, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”
3.Make other people look good. Put other people first in everything. “Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:3-4
4.Go a step beyond what is expected. Jesus said, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.” Matthew 5:41.
5.Act with integrity. “Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.” Proverbs 19:1
6.Get engaged with your community. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” Luke 14:12-14
7.Be likeable. John 13:34-35, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
When we live out these traits- as Jesus did- we will prove to the world that we are Jesus’ disciples! Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and People. Can that be said of you? Are you growing in wisdom? Wisdom begins with God- there is no true wisdom without a faith in Jesus Christ. James said is we lack wisdom we need to ask God for it. Pray and seek God’s wisdom. He’ll answer through His Word and He’ll direct you when you are truly seeking Him and His direction.
