As we end each year, much focus is placed on Luke 2 and the birth of Christ. As we start a new year, let’s also look at Luke 2:52 (NIV): “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This verse shows us a picture of Christ’s humanity.
As Christ grew, we too should be growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Let’s examine each of these your areas.
First – Grow in wisdom. In Judaism, wisdom was considered moral or religious knowledge that helped a person to better serve God. Wisdom comes from reading and studying the Bible. Wise people spend time in God’s Word.
Second – Grow in stature. Jesus became a man, which requires taking care of your body. Eating right, getting enough rest, and exercise are necessary to be healthy. God cares about us living healthy lives as well.
Third – Grow in favor with God. The focus here is on Jesus’s spiritual life. It is at the core of Who He is. He spent time with God the Father. He spent time in prayer. Throughout the Gospels, time and again, we find Jesus in prayer.
Fourth – Grow in favor with man. Jesus could relate to people. For us, this involves reconciling relationships, working to understand before being understood, being friendlier, building relational skills and serving one another.
As we begin 2017, let us commit to grow in Christlikeness, through prayer and Bible study, through healthy living and loving others.
