STATURE:
Luke 2:45-52 NKJV
[45] So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. [46] Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. [47] And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. [48] So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” [49] And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” [50] But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. [51] Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Jesus grew in all aspects of His life. He did not only grow in age and maturity as expected of every child, but He also grew remarkably in wisdom, stature, in favour with God, and also in favour with men. God expects EVERY BELIEVER TO GROW TO BE LIKE CHRIST (Ephesians 4:11-16).
The Word stature means natural height. All of us grow in height as we age. Some are short, slim, stout, tall, lanky, or are giant in stature. It also means “importance or reputation gained by ability or achievement” (Oxford Languages online). This means Jesus also grew in ability and importance through the things that He did.
How did He grow in reputation? He started doing His Father’s business from a very young age. While His age mates were playing around in the community, He was discussing with the priests in the Temple! All who heard Him were amazed at His level of understanding and the answers He gave. He was maturing beyond His age.
Those who desire to grow in stature as Believers spend time in the word, in prayer and in fellowship with the right people. Time spent with God is never time wasted! Those who spend time with God grow in reputation. May this be your testimony as you spend time preparing for and doing your Father’s business.
Acts 4:13 NKJV
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.
Amen!