My Daily Pause

The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple – 1860 – William Holman Hunt (1827–1910)

Study.

He did it through study.

After being discovered in the temple studying and talking with the teachers, (Luke 2:46-49) he went home submissive to his earthly parents and…

… Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. – Luke 2:52

The implication is that Jesus, in becoming a man, had to go through all of the growth and phases of becoming an adult. He studied with the teachers and earned their respect as he learned. He grew into manhood just as any child would, by following his father’s lead.

Jesus, the ultimate example and master teacher, even showed us the way to grow in stature in God’s eyes. His expectation for us is to be perfect (Matthew 5:48) and he showed us the path to get there.

Just because people are not perfect and will never be sinless does not excuse us from trying. Depending on your Bible version, 2 Timothy 2:15 says to study (KJV), or to be diligent (NKJV), or do your best (ESV), to be approved by God.

As we work our way down the path toward perfection, we can be encouraged in knowing that Jesus went down the same path, and did the same work!