Increasing Like Jesus

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:46-52 (KJV)

When Jesus was 12 years old, he and his family went to the Passover feast at Jerusalem as they did each year. When the family left to return home, Jesus remained behind, talking with the chief priests and teachers of the law. When his parents found Him, they asked Him how he could worry them like He did. His response was that they should have known that He would be about His Father’s (God’s) business. Yet, despite the fact that He was indeed the Son of God, He chose to submit Himself to His earthly parents. He was subject unto them.

We see the results of submitting to godly authority in this passage. God has ordained parents as the earthly authority over their minor children. Jesus, even though He was God in the flesh, chose to submit Himself to his parents, obeying them as was proper and fitting. As a result, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

As we submit to God and to those that God has placed in positions of authority over us, we experience the same things that Jesus did when He subjected Himself to Mary and Joseph. We will increase in wisdom, stature, and favor.

Wisdom

Wisdom is the Greek word sophia, which is defined just as it is rendered: wisdom. It can refer to either natural or God-given wisdom. Wisdom is not just knowledge, but the ability to apply what we know and the understanding of what to do in various situations. As we submit to God and others He places over us, we gain valuable insight in how and what to do in all circumstances. Wisdom preserves our lives, so this is a beneficial thing to have, and in which to increase and grow.

Stature

Stature is the Greek word helikia and it speaks of maturity. It can also point to physical growth, as in increasing in age. As we subject ourselves and surrender to God’s authority, we gain maturity. Immaturity, both physical and spiritual, can be a great hindrance. We cannot remain babies. Increasing in physical and spiritual stature is needed for us to fulfill our destinies. Submission is key to our growth.

Favor

Favor is actually the Greek word charis, often translated as grace. It refers to grace, favor, and acceptance. It is also defined as graciousness in actions resulting from divine influence upon the heart. Submission gives us favor. It causes us to act in ways that extend grace to others, and it endows us with grace, or divine ability, from God. As we increase in charis, we experience God working on our behalf more and more. Submission brings increased favor, giving us access to things, people, and positions that would not otherwise be accessible to us.

As we surrender our own way to the ways of God and of those He positions in authority, we increase in wisdom, stature, and favor. And that increase affects our relationship with both God and man. Often people equate submission with losing our rights to someone else. Submission does not mean we lose. Instead, in means we gain very valuable things thar we need for our success.