Every teenage guy wants to grow to get stronger, smarter, and more respected. But Jesus shows us how to grow the right way. Before Luke tells us that Jesus grew (2:52), he shows us how Jesus grew (2:41–50). Even as a twelve-year-old, Jesus was hungry to learn, eager to obey, and focused on His Father’s mission. This passage gives every young man a model worth following.
When Jesus stayed behind in the temple, His parents found Him sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. The Son of God placed Himself in a posture of learning. He wasn’t showing off; He was seeking wisdom. When His parents asked why He had stayed behind, He replied, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (v. 49). That one line revealed His priorities. He wanted to be near His Father and about His Father’s business.
Luke concludes the story with a single verse that sums up Jesus’ development:
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
This verse provides a simple yet powerful pattern for every young man who wants to grow like Jesus.
Grow in Wisdom – Learn to Think Like God
Jesus grew in wisdom. That means He learned to see life from His Father’s perspective. Wisdom is not just knowing what’s right; it’s knowing why it’s right and how to live it out. In a world filled with noise and opinions, wisdom requires listening to God’s Word and letting it shape how you think, decide, and lead.
You don’t become wise by accident. It takes humility, curiosity, and time in Scripture. When you grow in wisdom, you begin to reflect God’s truth in your choices, friendships, and ambitions.
Grow in Stature – Steward Your Strength
Jesus also grew in stature. That means He matured physically, but it also implies responsibility. Strength is not something to waste or abuse; it’s something to steward. God gives young men energy, creativity, and drive so that they can use them for good.
Growing in stature means learning discipline, taking responsibility, and using your growing abilities to serve others. The world tells boys to show off their strength. Jesus teaches us to use our strength for service.
Grow in Favor with God – Pursue the Father’s Heart
Jesus was determined to be in His Father’s presence. When His parents found Him in the temple, He said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” That’s the heart of spiritual growth, making time with God your first priority.
Favor with God doesn’t come from performance but from relationship. God delights when you draw near to Him through prayer, obedience, and worship. Spiritual maturity happens when your heart starts to want what God wants. You can’t grow closer to God by accident; you must pursue Him intentionally.
Grow in Favor with Man – Live with Integrity
Finally, Jesus grew in favor with man. People respected Him because He lived with integrity. He was honest, kind, and consistent. True influence doesn’t come from being popular; it comes from being trustworthy.
As you grow, people will notice your character. Integrity means being the same person when no one’s watching. It means doing what’s right, even when it costs you something. When you walk in humility and honesty, you gain favor not by chasing approval but by earning respect.
Grow Like Jesus
Jesus didn’t just grow older; He grew better. He matured mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. If that’s how Jesus grew, that’s how we should too.
Every teenage boy is growing in some way. The question is, are you growing in the right ways?
Ask yourself:
- Am I growing in wisdom, learning to think like God?
- Am I growing in stature, using my strength to serve?
- Am I growing in favor with God, deepening my relationship with Him?
- Am I growing in favor with man, living with integrity before others?
You don’t have to wait until adulthood to grow like Jesus. You can start now.
