And Jesus grew (increase) in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Luke 2:52 (NIV)
Growth is never automatic. It is progressive. It is impossible for a newborn baby to consume solid food from birth. That baby has to grow and develop before he/she can begin to partake in such. Just as a child needs food (nourishment) to grow physically, likewise, every born-again believer in Christ, needs spiritual food which is the Word of God to grow.
Our Scripture verse for today tells us that Our Lord Jesus Christ from a child grew in “wisdom” and “stature” and “in favour with God and men.” If therefore Jesus Christ is our example, then we must also grow as Jesus grew.
- In wisdom. This is defined as the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgement (discernment); the quality of being wise. God told King Solomon to ask Him for whatever he wanted and it would be granted. King Solomon, asked God for wisdom and knowledge to lead His people (2 Chronicles 1:10). Wisdom is a quality every child of God should possess.
- Stature – A person’s natural height. The Bible commands us to grow (1 Corinthians13:11) and become mature (Ephesians 4:15). Stature also has to do with moral character. We must cultivate Godly virtues that would enhance our spiritual growth in Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-7).
- Favour with God – After Jesus was baptised, John the Baptist saw the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descending and lighting on Him (Jesus) and a voice from heaven said, ” This is My Son, whom I love, with Him, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). Our relationship with God must be sincere. We must delight to do God’s will (Psalm 40:8).
- Favour with men (social growth). Wherever Jesus went, He was followed by large crowds, because He taught them as One having authority, and not as the religious teachers of the law (Matthew 7:28). In like manner, we also must grow in favour with men. That is, we must be persons of character instead of being a character. We must be persons of integrity even when no one else is around. We must treat others the way we want to be treated. It is my prayer that as we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, people everywhere must see the character of Jesus Christ manifested in and through our lives. Amen.
Read: Luke 2:41-52; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 57:1-6; John 4:43-54; John 5:1-15; Judges 4; Judges 5
