Every so often while reading Scripture I hit a verse that causes a brain overload. Like the statement in Luke 2:52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man". A strange statement indeed.
First of all, this verse is the only summary of Jesus’ life on earth between the ages of 12 and 30. Two chapters in Luke are devoted to the amazing details around his birth. The remaining 22 chapters document in detail his coming into his own as an itinerant preacher, the gathering of his disciples, his impact on the local populace, and his trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection. These chapters cover a period of roughly 3 years. In the middle is one verse that addresses the formative years of his life between his coming of age as a Jewish youth, and his revelation as the Messiah at age 30. His teen years and his young adulthood are passed over with virtually no comment.
We know from Luke 2:51 that he was raised by his adopted parents, Mary and Joseph, in the backwater village of Nazareth. He lived submissively under their guidance. [I can’t imagine what it was like to know that you were raising the Son of God along with your other children! That is a consideration for another time]. But it is verse 52 that grabs my mind and shakes it up. "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man".
I know that Jesus came to experience full humanity on earth. He was born in a natural manner (albeit with supernatural parentage, so that it was a virgin birth). He took on flesh, became a baby and grew to adulthood. So, it is not so much that he grew in stature that confuses me. This makes sense. It is the normal experience of humanity. Rather, it is the idea that he "grew" in wisdom and in favour with God and man.
So, is this suggesting that Jesus, at age 16 was less wise than he was at 26? Or that he was in less favor with God at age 15 than at age 29? How are we to understand this growth? Many commentators suggest this is simply a matter of Luke focusing on the human side of Christ’s nature, attributing any growth analogies to that, whereas in his deity he remains the complete wisdom of God (as identified in 1 Cor. 1:24). This is a good conservative theological position, and it makes sense especially when considering the dual nature of Jesus’ personhood.
It still, though, causes me to ponder. Jesus at 16 was the perfect Son of God. Yet he would still grow in wisdom before his revelation to the world at age 30. What was that like? I am sure his progress in wisdom was accelerated by the fact that he lived sinlessly. I know, at least for me, so much of my wisdom has been learned by making bad choices. Experience can be a harsh, but effective, teacher. In his case, being able to sinlessly apply himself to learning, he must have grown at an exceptional rate in knowledge, and its application - wisdom. No wonder the scribes in the temple were shocked at the depth of his understanding when he was a mere 12 years old.
What can I learn from this? One basic truth is this: Jesus had to grow in wisdom. I should also. In his case, the absence of sin undoubtedly made this progression easier. I am so easily distracted, drawn away by thoughts and passions that do not point me in the direction of godly wisdom. I need help to make progress. Fortunately, James 1:5 encourages me to ask for help and promises it will be supplied if my prayers are sincere and Christ centred.
Another growth pattern I need is to follow Jesus in developing favor with God and man. It is clear from reading the rest of Luke’s gospel that Jesus was popular with the crowds, who heard truth in his words and actions. Not everyone was in favour of Jesus, but people who wanted to follow him did so with joy. Yes he had opposers. At the end they cried out for his crucifixion. But Luke’s general analysis is that through his life he grew in favor with God and the people. He continued as an adult what he learned in his quiet years from 12 – 30. He followed his Father, and sought to remain in his favor.
This sets a pattern for me to follow. I cannot follow as perfectly as did Jesus, but I can learn and grow, and seek the Father’s help to stay on course. When I falter, as I do often, I have an advocate at the Father's right hand who offers prayers for me and reminds me of his forgiving mercies. As an older adult, can I grow in favour with God and man? Yes, I believe I can if I follow Jesus humbly and well.
So help me God. Let me spend my senior years growing in wisdom and in God’s favor.
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