Grew in Wisdom and Stature

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man             Luke 2:51-52

The little passage above is packed with information. This is the end of the story of when Jesus was separated from Mary and Joseph on the journey from the Temple. Jesus had assured them that he was fine. He had just “been about his Father’s business”, he innocently said. The young Jesus had no idea about how parents worry about their children. In fact, he was a kid himself- a kid that needed to mature.

The passage states that Jesus did indeed “grow in wisdom and stature”. Yes, he later grew up and understood the worries and concerns of adults. The passage also states that Mary “treasured all those things in her heart”. The love and concern of a mother stays with her all the time, even when she is old and her children are adults. The same is true of fathers. If our kids are OK, we are OK. If they hurt, we hurt. That is just how it works, but young Jesus was not quite old enough to understand this facet of human parenthood. Jesus needed to grow and mature. Having been born into this world as a baby he, like all children, needed to grow and learn.  

So, as we soon embark upon this Christmas season, it is good to remember that Jesus- that child whose birth we celebrate- needed to grow and mature. And his earthly parents, loved him, worried about him, and cared for him.   

Prayer: Lord, protect our children no matter their age, Amen