MODELS OF IMPACT FROM YOUTH (9)

“And the CHILD GREW and became STRONG in spirit, filled with WISDOM; and the GRACE of God was upon him” – Luke 2:40

The Boy Jesus is matchless among the scriptural MODELS of IMPACT from YOUTH: “And the CHILD GREW and became STRONG in spirit, filled with WISDOM; and the GRACE of God was upon him” (Lk.2:40). Among youths who demonstrated impactful Faith and Service to God, the young Jesus stands out in terms of process of growth and maturity, spiritual Strength, Wisdom, and Grace. At the young age of twelve, He displayed wisdom and understanding of spiritual realities. Following His earthly parents to the temple, He surprised religious teachers of His day with His devotion to and understanding of scripture.

Today’s devotional text focuses on Jesus’ childhood, highlighting His spiritual, intellectual, and physical growth, as well as His relationship with God and others. He grew up, becoming strong and vibrant in the spirit, filled with wisdom, and enjoying God’s favour (v.40). At the age of twelve, He visited the temple in Jerusalem with His parents for Passover and, after he festival, was inadvertently left behind. After a day’s journey, His parents realized He was missing and returned to Jerusalem to find Him in the temple, astonishing the audience with His understanding and answers: “sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (vv.46-47).

While His parents were truly concerned, the Boy Jesus revealed understanding of His divine Identity and His Father’s House, saying: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (v.49). This highlights the balancing the tension between obligations to earthly families and devotion to divine Mission, which every youth should learn from. Despite His understanding of His divine Purpose, Jesus returned home with the parents and was obedient to them, and the mother treasured these events in her heart, signifying the need to honour family and respect authority: “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” (v.51).

Even the Son of God matured in wisdom, underscoring the importance of learning and seeking knowledge, both in spiritual and secular realms. Some think children are too young to understand the things of God. We should never underestimate the spiritual potentials and abilities of a child. Growing up God’s way involves taking on significant responsibilities such as reciting scriptures, leading devotionals and prayers, and sharing the faith, at a very young age. God can use children in great ways! It’s all about Grace and Favour: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (v.52).