Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger-there was no room for them to stay in the inn. . . . The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him. . . . On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. . . . So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.
Luke 2:4-7, 40, 46, 51-52
In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. But even though he was God's Son, he learned through his sufferings to be obedient. When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.
Hebrews 5:7-9
Christ took on an earthly body and became a human just like us. His body was just like ours. He grew in wisdom, in stature, and in grace before God (spiritually) and man (socially). The child grew up in accordance with natural human laws just like any boy would. And yet at every stage of his life, Jesus was more than his peers, better than they, somehow more perfectly human. This is evident through the conversations he had as a boy at the temple.
Luke noted all the life stages of Jesus; he wrote about him being an embryo in his mother's womb, a child, a boy, and finally a man. His divinity combined with his humanity declared the grace that was increasingly abiding in him. He had more and more grace in the eyes of all people. This is the outcome of true spiritual growth.
Lord Jesus, you took an earthly body like ours and you were an example to us in your obedience, your physical growth, and your growth in grace, wisdom, and stature. Grant that we may grow in your love so that our lives can reflect your image to the society around us.
- 20 NOVEMBER -
© 2012 United Bible Societies - Palestinian Bible Society, Bible Society in Israel,
and Arab Israeli Bible Society. All rights reserved.
