Wisdom/Stature: Luke 2:52

This week, let’s take a moment to look at a powerful verse that serves as a guiding principle for how we can grow as individuals—Luke 2:52. This scripture tells us that Jesus grew in four key areas: wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man. For many of us, growth can feel like a daunting and abstract concept. But when we look to Jesus, we see a clear and intentional path forward. His life isn’t just a story to admire; it’s a roadmap for us to follow.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack these four areas of growth and explore how they can serve as a foundation for our own personal development, spiritual growth, and relational maturity.

The first area that stands out in Luke 2:52 is wisdom. It’s remarkable to think that, although Jesus is God incarnate, He still grew in wisdom. If Jesus, the Creator of the universe, needed to grow in wisdom, then surely this is something we can do as well.
In Proverbs 4:7 (CSB), we’re reminded that “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This is no small task—it’s a pursuit that demands effort, sacrifice, and focus. Wisdom isn’t just a one-time acquisition; it’s a lifelong journey.
What does wisdom look like in the life of a believer? Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) says, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Wisdom begins with God—it starts in reverence and awe of Him, and from there, it expands as we learn to understand His heart and align our lives with His truth.
But wisdom doesn’t just happen through passive reflection; it’s gained through action. Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) says, “Wise choices will watch over you, and understanding will keep you safe.” Jesus, by His example, teaches us that wisdom is practical—it’s in the choices we make every day. Proverbs 13:20 (NLV) also emphasizes that the company we keep matters: “Walk with the wise and become wise.” Jesus chose His companions wisely, and in doing so, He grew in wisdom through their influence.
To grow in wisdom, we need to continually ask ourselves: “Am I choosing God’s way in my thoughts, my decisions, and my relationships? Am I surrounding myself with wise people who challenge me to be better?”

The next area of growth we see in Luke 2:52 is stature. While this refers to physical growth, it also speaks to character and reputation. As Jesus grew, He wasn’t just growing in size—He was growing in integrity, in His reputation before people, and in His inner strength. His stature wasn’t defined by His outward appearance, but by His moral and spiritual maturity.
Proverbs 2:11 (NLT) reminds us that “wise choices will watch over you.” Growth in stature—especially spiritual stature—begins with small, wise decisions that compound over time. Think of it like building muscle: no single decision will drastically change your life, but consistent decisions that align with God’s Word will build a character that can withstand any challenge.
What we see in Luke 2:40 about Jesus growing in wisdom and stature is that Jesus developed His character intentionally. He didn’t grow into a man of integrity by accident; it was the product of daily choices to honor God, even in small things. Character is developed in the unseen moments—the quiet choices when no one is watching.
Consider the words of John Wooden, who said, “The true test of a person’s character is what they do when no one is watching.” This is how Jesus grew in stature. He didn’t seek to impress others or act out of pride; He simply sought to honor God in every decision. Whether in the wilderness or in public ministry, His character was the same.
If we want to grow in stature like Jesus, we must ask ourselves: “What small decisions can I make today that will build my character tomorrow?” From choosing integrity in our work to cultivating kindness in our relationships, each choice contributes to the person we are becoming.

The third area of growth in Luke 2:52 is favor with God. Favor with God doesn’t mean that we earn His love or blessings through good behavior; it means we are living in such a way that we align ourselves with God’s heart, and we experience the fullness of His blessings.
Favor with God is a gift, but it also requires intentional cooperation. Acts 13:22 tells us that David was a man “after God’s own heart.” This is the key to growing in favor with God—aligning our desires with His. Just like David, Jesus grew in favor with God by living out His life in total obedience to the Father. His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but Yours be done," shows the ultimate alignment of heart with God.
This alignment brings favor. 1 Samuel 2:26 tells us that Samuel “grew in stature and favor with God,” and we see the same pattern in Jesus. Favor comes when we submit to God’s will and live out His purposes for us. As we spend time with God, listen to His voice, and align our actions with His commands, we will experience His favor in deeper and more profound ways.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that His growth wasn’t accidental—it was intentional. He grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man, and He did so by making daily, intentional choices. As His followers, we are invited to do the same.
Growing like Jesus takes time, but it starts with small, daily steps. Whether it’s pursuing wisdom through God’s Word, making choices that build our character, aligning our hearts with God’s will, or living with integrity and love towards others, each step brings us closer to the person God created us to be.
Are you ready to grow in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man? The journey begins now, and just like Jesus, we can experience transformation in every area of our lives as we follow His example.