Listening for Change

The only story about Jesus' childhood in the Bible is bookended by two summary statements which cover about 90% of Jesus' life—from infancy to age 30. Together they remind us that Jesus' entire life was one of physical, spiritual and relational growth. He shared the secret of this growth when his parents found him in the temple after the Passover: "I must be in my Father's house" (v. 49) — or more literally, "about my Father's business." This daily dependence on his Father is how Jesus, who already had the favor of God (v. 40) could also grow in favor with God (v. 52). In the same way, we who believe already have the favor of God through Jesus' sacrifice for us, yet we can grow in that favor as we depend on the Father like he did.