Jesus' Example of Grace Developing Our Lives
The Growth of Grace
Spiritual growth is at the heart of a believer’s journey. But how do we truly grow? The example of Jesus’ own development offers clarity and inspiration. When He came into the world, He did so as fully God and fully man, yet He willingly set aside the independent exercise of His deity to live as we live—relying on God’s grace. Through His life, we see how grace develops and matures us spiritually, enabling us to live in a way that pleases God and impacts others.
Drawing from Bob Hoekstra’s devotional Day by Day by Grace, this post explores Jesus’ growth as described in Luke 2:40 and 2:52 and applies its lessons to our own walk of faith.
1. Jesus' Development by Grace
When Jesus came to earth, He "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). As a child, He grew physically, but He also grew in spiritual strength, wisdom, and grace. Luke 2:40 tells us, "And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him."
This growth wasn’t just natural—it was empowered by the grace of God. Though He was the Son of God, Jesus did not rely on His divine prerogatives but modeled dependence on the Father. His spiritual growth demonstrated how grace equips us for life and godliness.
Spiritual Strength: Jesus grew strong in spirit, just as God desires for us. Colossians 1:11 says we are to be "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy." This strength comes not from self-effort but from abiding in God’s grace.
Wisdom: As Jesus matured, the wisdom of God filled Him. Similarly, we are called to "be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Colossians 1:9). God’s grace doesn’t just save us; it teaches us to walk in His wisdom.
2. Jesus as a Youth: Grace in Action
By age twelve, Jesus’ spiritual maturity was evident. In the temple, He amazed the teachers of Israel with His questions and understanding (Luke 2:46-47). This remarkable display wasn’t the result of formal study but of divine grace at work in Him.
Even as a child, Jesus lived in dependence on His Father. This dependence sets an example for us to continually seek God’s grace in all areas of life, allowing Him to develop wisdom and understanding within us.
3. Jesus’ Mature Ministry: Grace that Impacts Others
As Jesus grew into adulthood, His spiritual maturity became undeniable. He lived a life that pleased His Father and impacted those around Him:
Pleasing God: At His baptism, God declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 17:5). Jesus’ life was a perfect reflection of God’s grace and truth, and He lived to fulfill the Father’s will.
Impacting Others: When Jesus taught in the temple, people marveled, saying, "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" (John 7:14-15). His life was a testament to the transforming power of grace, which equips us to serve and shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).
4. Our Growth by Grace
Just as Jesus grew in wisdom, strength, and grace, so are we called to grow in our walk with God. The Bible makes it clear that spiritual growth is not about striving in our own strength but about yielding to God’s grace:
Walk as children of light: "Walk as children of light… proving what is acceptable to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8, 10).
Shine in a dark world: "That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
Like Jesus, we grow as the grace of God works in us, transforming us from the inside out. Grace empowers us to live lives that please God and bless others, just as Jesus demonstrated.
Conclusion: Grace at Work in Us
In Jesus’ life, grace was the driving force behind His growth and ministry. From childhood to adulthood, He showed how reliance on God’s grace strengthens, equips, and empowers us to fulfill His purposes. This same grace is available to us as we seek to grow in spiritual maturity, please our heavenly Father, and shine as lights in the world.
As we reflect on Jesus’ example, let’s remember that our growth comes not from our own efforts but from God’s grace at work in our lives.
Closing Prayer of Praise
Heavenly Father, we marvel at the example of Your Son, Jesus, who lived a life fully dependent on Your grace. Thank You for the same grace that strengthens and equips us for every good work. May our lives reflect the light of Christ as we grow in wisdom, maturity, and spiritual strength. All glory belongs to You, our gracious and loving God. Amen.