Holistic Growth

Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2 

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him…they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers…Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers…Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them…Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.”

Luke 2:40, 46, 47, 51, 52

Jesus was filled with wisdom, grace, understanding, and knowledge, even as a child. Yet, in obedience to his parents, he left the stimulating and strategic city of Jerusalem to grow up in Nazareth in Galilee. For thirty years Jesus lived in obscurity, despite having the capacity to lead a training school, or influence his generation in significant ways.

Why?

Surrender, obedience, and self-control were the character qualities in which Jesus was growing, even as his knowledge and depth of insight developed. Education in character is as important as wisdom and knowledge. Jesus obeyed the direction and timing of his heavenly Father, even as he obeyed his earthly parents.

What area of growth and development do we need to strengthen in our discipleship journey?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of obedience, not just knowledge and understanding. Disciple me into maturity, for your glory.”