Favor With God and Man

Luke 2:52 ESV

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”

This is an account when Jesus was about twelve years old. At twelve Jesus was already learning how to be a member of a family, a son, a brother, cousin and a member of the local community. Although we see Jesus as the Messiah and our Lord, coming to this earth He would have to grow up like any other boy in the family and within the community. He would have chores and responsibilities as well as learning to read and write and even math. These things were learned and applied in His life, just like any other young man. The distinction between Jesus and any other boy was the fact that He must have applied Himself because Luke records that Jesus “increased” in wisdom (which is applied knowledge and in the Greek understanding of things mentally and spiritually).  

Jesus also grew in favor with God, His natural Father. This comes by obedience, submission and in an abiding relationship with God. Once this begins to take shape in a person’s life, then they gain favor with other people. Jesus learned how to maintain a loving and obedient relationship with God the Father and a relationship within the family unit and community.

Prayer:

Lord, give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your ways. As we walk with You in obedience and love, give us divine favor in Your eyes and favor with all mankind. In Your name we ask, Amen!