GROWING UP LIKE JESUS – LUKE 2:41-52
Human development has been understood in terms of cognitive skills, gross and fine motor abilities, language and personal-social maturity. But this approach may ignore the fact that we are spiritual beings with a purpose, made in the image of God.
Looking at the biblical description of Jesus’ childhood given in Luke 2:41-52, we can better understand growing up in terms of four overlapping categories: mental (wisdom), physical (stature), social (favour with men) and spiritual (favour with God). Unlike other human changes, spiritual development is a complex process which may be towards God or away from Him.
I have tried to understand the process from a biblical perspective, drawing on my understanding of the Christian faith, observations of children, and reading of educational and Christian literature.
Luke tells us that Jesus spent three days in the temple, questioning and learning. Like all adolescents, Jesus had to work out his own identity. Luke concludes: ‘Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men’.
WISDOM – MENTAL DEVELOPMENT
This aspect of development involves various components, including memory, logical thought and questioning. Mental development seems to underlie most other aspects of development.
STATURE – PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Physical growth is an awe-inspiring process.
Beginning at conception, motor skills develop along with growth.
FAVOUR WITH MEN – SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Humans have complex social patterns involving communication and relationships. Both verbal and non-verbal communications develop, with increasing capacity to express ourselves and understand others.
FAVOUR WITH GOD – SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Spiritual development has three aspects: awareness of self, God and others. Unlike other aspects of human changes, it can occur in one of two directions: towards God and His purposes or away from Him. It is a complex process that will not be complete until we are transformed into the likeness of God.
As Christians, and as we end the year, are we really growing as we should – mental (wisdom), physical (stature), social (favour with men) and spiritual (favour with God)?
Oh God, help us to GROW!
