This very interesting passage gives us a peak into Jesus’ personal growth journey. In fact, it’s the ONLY place in Scripture where we get a picture of what happened between the time Jesus was born and the time he started his public ministry. 

 

After Jesus' birth, his parents fulfilled their duties according to the Law, they returned to the city of Nazareth then from Luke 2:40, we see the four dimensions of Jesus’ growth.

 

1. *JESUS HAD A POSTURE OF GROWTH*

 

Luke 2:40

There Jesus grew up, maturing in physical strength and increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God rested on Him.”

 

Luke 2:52

And Jesus kept on growing—in wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others.

 

Notice the -*ing* in Jesus’ growth. It’s a present continuous tense, describing an action with past, present, and future implications. He WAS, IS, and WILL mature, increase, and grow. Jesus exhibits an active posture of continual growth.

 

 

A posture of growth doesn’t have an expiration date. 

 

 

2. *JESUS PRIORITIZED HIS AREAS OF GROWTH*

 

Luke 2:52 

And Jesus kept on growing—in wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others.” 

 

Notice the 4 areas in which Jesus grew:

 

- Mentally (wisdom)

- Physically (stature)

- Spiritually (favor with God)

- Socially (favor with others)

 

 

3. *JESUS EMBRACED PRACTICES FOR GROWTH*

 

Luke 2:46-47

After three days of separation, they finally found Him—sitting among a group of religious teachers in the temple—asking them questions, listening to their answers. Everyone was surprised and impressed that a 12-year-old boy could have such deep understanding and could answer questions with such wisdom.

 

 

- Jesus had a place to grow (the temple)

- Jesus had people to grow (the religious teachers)

- Jesus had a process to grow (questions and listening)

 

Sometimes the reason we fail to grow is because we haven’t placed ourselves in a growth environment. 

 

4. *JESUS KNEW THE PURPOSE OF HIS GROWTH*

 

Luke 2:48b-50

Son, why have You treated us this way? Listen, Your father and I have been sick with worry for the last three days, wondering where You were, looking everywhere for You. 

 

Why did you need to look for Me? Didn’t you know that I must be working for My Father? Neither Mary nor Joseph really understood what He meant by this

 

While Jesus is asking questions and listening in the temple, his parents show up and his mum had a question for him. 

 

Jesus knew that his growth was ultimately preparation for the fulfillment of His mission. 

 

 

Which of the four dimensions of Jesus’ growth do you need to bring into clearer focus in your life?

1. Father, instill in me a heart and mind that continually seeks growth in all aspects of life, just as Jesus did. Help me to mature in physical strength, increase in wisdom, and consistently experience Your grace

 

2. Father , empower me to prioritize growth in all dimensions of my life – mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. 

 

3. Father, lead me to places and relationships that will nurture my growth. 

 

4. Father, give me wisdom to  understand the deeper purpose behind my growth. Teach me to prepare myself to fulfill the mission and purpose You have set for my life.

 

5. Pray for the grace to embrace each phase of your growth journey with faith and to trust in God's guidance through each step of the way.