How often do you think about Jesus as a child? We may not think about this that much because the Bible only really gives details about the last three years of Jesus’ life (from the time He was 30 to 33). The gospels are not a biography of Jesus’ life.

And yet, there is a section in them that gives us an excellent summary of His childhood (Luke 2:41-52). When Jesus was twelve years old, He traveled to Jerusalem with His family to keep the feast of the Passover. As they were returning home, a day later, Jesus’ parents realized He had been separated from the group. Three days later, they found Him in the temple, asking and answering questions. He was about the business of His Father in heaven!

In Luke 2:51, we learn from then the Lord continued in obedience and subjection to His parents. Luke 2:52 gives a good summary of what the Lord did as He grew from a boy to a man.

He grew in stature.

  • Jesus grew physically. He transitioned from being a child to a man. This is something that every young person is supposed to do!
  • Small children and teenagers should be growing in their physical bodies.
  • But will you take care of your body? Will you avoid defiling and abusing your body? Will you use your body for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)?

He grew in wisdom. 

  • Jesus grew mentally. This is so important that Luke mentions it twice (Luke 2:20). Jesus always acted His age!
  • This can be accomplished through education, learning from past mistakes, listening to wise counsel (Proverbs 23:22-23), and studying God’s word (Psalm 119:130).

He grew in favor with men. 

  • Jesus grew socially. He was friendly and gracious to other people. He wasn’t arrogant, disrespectful, and rude.
  • We must also strive to find favor with men (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:31-32; 2 Timothy 2:24; Romans 12:14-18).

He grew in favor with God. 

  • Jesus grew spiritually. Even though He was sinless and perfectly holy, He always sought to grow in His relationship with His Father. He was not complacent and stagnant in His spirituality.
  • Whenever our children come to us with doubts, we don’t need to blast or be angry with them. Instead, we need to listen and help them work their way through those doubts.
  • We must also strive to continually grow and find favor with God (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:10; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 1:5-8; 3:18).

Conclusion:

From the time He was a boy until His death on the cross, Jesus was a perfect model of righteous living. Are you following Him?