Growing In Godliness Blog
“Jesus Increased in Stature”
Categories: Author: Paul Earnhart, Jesus, Parenting, Self-Control, ServiceJesus Increased in Stature
By Paul Earnhart
Luke 2:52 tells us that in the years before Jesus was 12-years old, He increased in stature. This tells us something about both Jesus and His mother, Mary.
To say that Jesus increased in stature is to say that he grew normally, that he was healthy and strong in body. We know well what is required for such growth. It requires good wholesome food, exercise, proper rest and clean habits.
Many young people want a good strong body for appearance or for success in sports. But Jesus had a greater reason for taking care of His body. His body was given to Him by God, and it was God 's intention that He should use it for the years that He was on earth. So, Jesus cared for it and did what was necessary to increase in strength.
All of us can say that our bodies are a gift of God. They are to be used for His service. This gives us special reason to care for them, to observe the rules of good health and to avoid tobacco, intoxicating drinks and other drugs that weaken our bodies, scramble our brains, and shorten our lives.
Mary is also to be praised for her part in the physical growth of Jesus. Doubtless she was the one who prepared his good meals, encouraged him in exercise and taught him good habits of cleanliness. Mothers have a special responsibility along these lines. It is sad to see Mothers today who are too busy or too occupied with social affairs or pleasure to take proper care of their children. Solomon said, "A chiId left to himself is the shame of his mother" (Proverbs 29:15). That is still true. If you are a mother reading this message, what kind of mother are you? Are you the kind in whose hands God would have entrusted His Son? He has entrusted a child or children to your care. Be sure you help them grow in stature as Jesus did.
