Luke 2:52, “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This verse is at the end of the retelling of His trip to Jerusalem when He was 12-years-old. He went with his parents to observe the Passover. After His parents fulfilled their responsibilities, they started traveling back to Nazareth. After a day and a half, they realized that Jesus was not with the caravan. They returned to Jerusalem to look for him. They found him in the Temple sitting with the doctors of the law. He was asking and answering questions.
His parents stated their anxiety toward Him by stating they sought Him “sorrowing.” They did not understand His extreme interest and yearning to know the Father’s will. He was a carpenter’s son, but he wanted to know the Scriptures. Yet, His desire to formally study the Scriptures did not stop him from obeying His parents. In verse 51 we read, “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them…”
That is when our verse above is revealed. In the verse, the word “advanced” is the Greek word derived from the act of pioneers cutting down trees in front of an advancing army. Jesus hewed down all obstacles in the way of his growing mind. The use of this word lets us know that Jesus expended great effort in growing in wisdom and stature. He gave a great deal of energy in making sure He was right with God and with all men. It is important that we are told He was doing this when He was 12-years-old. Parents should expect big things from their children in spiritual matters.
Follow Jesus’ example. Be studious. Give effort in making sure you know God’s will and in getting along with others. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
