When we read chapter two of the book of Luke, we learn details of the birth of Jesus. Most of us are familiar with the story of Joseph and Mary heading to Bethlehem because of the census. While there, Mary delivered Jesus in a less than sterile environment that one desires when giving birth.

That trip to Bethlehem was about an eighty-mile journey. We think nothing of that today, because by car, we could make it in an hour and a half or a couple of hours. For pregnant Mary it was a long, dusty, uncomfortable journey. But God gave them safety and strength for the journey that would set them up for the will of God to be birthed. (SELAH)

As we progress in the reading of Luke two, we read about the angels appearing to shepherds. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel told them not to be afraid for he brought wonderful news. The Messiah, Savior of the world, had been born in Bethlehem, the city of David.  The shepherds quickly traveled to find Jesus and were amazed.

Most of us know the story up to this point, but really paying attention to the last part of the chapter shows us so much truth. Take time to read about Jesus being taken to the temple, Simeon and Anna seeing the promised Messiah and their reactions. Take time to slowly read and comprehend the many promises of God that were fulfilled. God will fulfill in His time what He has spoken.

I want us to pay particular attention to the last two verses in chapter two. “Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2: 51-52 NKJV.

At this point Jesus is twelve years old. He went back to Nazareth to live with His earthly family and learn how to live with others and walk an obedient life. Read that again!

Jesus did not only do extraordinary things. He did ordinary things. He did not suddenly have a great leadership position. He did not walk around telling people who He was and that they had better respect Him. The Bible says that Jesus went home and was subject to His earthly parents. He did chores like the others. He obeyed when they told Him to do things he might not want to do. Jesus was not so spiritual that it exempted Him from learning to live correctly in His home.

That surely was not always easy. He loved the things of God and could have insisted that His only job was to read the scripture and pray. He did those things, but He also learned to live before others a life that showed his spiritual maturity. (SELAH)

Growth happens where we are. Growth happens when we live and walk among others. What occurred between us and God in the secret place should become a part of who we are when we walk among others.

“Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52

Jesus grew right where He was planted. It was not always perfect circumstances. Everybody did not like Him. The first few verses of John chapter seven clearly show us that His brothers did not believe in Him. They even taunted Him to go and do some miracles so people can see how great You are.

Yet, Jesus increased in wisdom. Jesus increased in stature, not just becoming bigger physically but a bigger person.  Jesus grew in favor with God and man. Jesus grew in favor with God and He learned how to grow in favor with people. He learned how to treat people. Jesus was not born a superman. He grew in the life in which he was placed on earth.

This verse spoke to me so much recently that it has become a part of my prayer life. “God, I want to grow right where I am. Yes, it would be nice if things were easier in some areas. But I want to grow in wisdom. I want to become a bigger person inside. I want to grow in Your favor, God. I want to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God, then I shall find myself growing in favor with those around me.”

Jesus walked in the natural which helped to develop Him for the supernatural. Home, work, and small group gatherings are a great place to grow. Yep! Those places, though difficult at times, are great places to develop wisdom, stature, favor with God and people.

Much of the details about the life of Jesus as he grew up are silent, but this we know, that was not wasted time. It was developmental time for him intellectually, spiritually, and relationally. He did not pop out of the womb being all knowing. He grew as He walked the earth. He grew as He walked around people, even people who might feel like sandpaper!

Where you are right now is a great place to grow!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people. It was not automatic, but day by day and year by year. Lord, teach me to grow in mind, body, spirit, and relationships. Help me to grow right where I am. Let my days with You lead to a balanced maturity in my life. I submit myself to the growth process You have for me. Let my life honor You and bless others. Amen.