And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:52
Here we are given a wonderfully balanced and clear description of the maturity of Jesus. It serves as a kind of map of human growth as well. Jesus grew in wisdom — intellectually, learning and understanding. He grew in stature — physically, maturing from boyhood to manhood. He grew in favor with God — spiritually, living in perfect obedience and fellowship with His Father. And He grew in favor with man — socially, relating well and accepted by the people around Him. Like all of us, Jesus developed as a whole human being — a person in mind, body, spirit, and relationships.
We also, as people redeemed by Jesus, the perfect God and man, should know well-rounded development over our lifetimes. Mentally we learn truth in scripture and seek the wisdom of Christ. Physically we are called to steward our bodies for the glory of God. Spiritually we know God through His word, prayer, and obedience. We are indwelt and led by His Holy Spirit. Socially we learn to love, serve, forgive, and encourage others. We will not, however imitate Jesus under our own power. The perfect Son of God grew in these ways so that He could offer His perfect, righteous life in exchange for our broken imperfection and sin. Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven, and by His Spirit, enabled to become more like Jesus every day… in every important areas of our lives.
