Growing in mind, body, spirit and relationships
by Pastor Nathan Hedt
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And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and all the people (Luke 2:52).
Unlike modern biographies, we have very little record in the gospels of Jesus’ growing up years. The events between his birth and the beginning of his public ministry in his baptism all fit into less than two chapters (Luke 2 and Matthew 2). But there is this wonderful summary in Luke 2:52, after Jesus’ trip to the temple at 12 years old: ‘And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and all the people.’
This verse talks about the boy Jesus growing in body, mind, spirit and relationships. These are four essential elements that make us human and, to a large extent, comprise the ‘image of God’.
Body: Jesus was a real human being who went through all of the normal things that a young human does as they grow up. He ‘became flesh and dwelt amongst us’ as John 1 says.
Mind: The Son of God had to learn, to grow in wisdom. It’s an astounding thought that God had never experienced being human from the inside before! God’s very being was changed by taking the risk of the incarnation.
Spirit: Jesus grew in favour with God. It’s not that he didn’t have God the Father’s favour from all eternity. But he learned to actively carry out his Father’s will throughout his life.
Relationships: Jesus grew in favour with all the people. We see from the rest of the gospels that he really cared for people; he looked past their social status, illness, sin and weakness, and he loved them fully as he loved himself.
In this coming year, how beautiful would it be if each of us could, like Jesus, ‘grow in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and with all the people’! Could there be a better prayer or New Year’s resolution? If we could care for our bodies, the temples of the Holy Spirit. If we could grow more and more in wisdom, a God-given skill for living in the complexities of everyday life. If we could grow in Spirit in favour with God as we grow deeper in our understanding of his favour for us always through Jesus. If we could grow in relationships in favour with all the people, not just to please people but to introduce them more closely to Jesus.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the profound reality of your incarnation. This coming year, would you help me grow more fully human? Would you restore me in the image of God, so I may grow in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and with all the people? In your name, I pray. Amen.
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