Growing With Jesus This Year

GROWING WITH JESUS THIS YEAR

Introduction

Christmas is over. We and the shepherds have paid tribute to the newborn baby. We

have opened our presents. Some of us have taken down the Christmas tree and other

ornaments. Already things are getting back to normal. We are looking forward to the

New Year. There is a tendency to leave the baby Jesus in the manger. However, the baby

Jesus left the manger. Our text in Luke 2:52 reminded us that Jesus grew in wisdom,

stature, and in favor of God and man. Instead of leaving Jesus in the manger, how about

growing with him this year?

I GROWING WITH JESUS IN WISDOM

Jesus, the man had to grow in wisdom and knowledge just as any other human being.

Growing in wisdom and knowledge does not end when school-days are over. The things

we know grow at an alarming rate each year. Much of the information in our school

books of yesterday have become outmoded years ago. How do we maintain the

plethora of information piled up year by year and even day by day?

I heard recently of a man who said he never went to bed a night without learning one

thing he had not known that morning. Suppose we wrote in a notebook one new thing

we learned each day? That would mean 365 items of information learned this year.

Imagine how your information will grow after that! Your knowledge can expand if you

chose to learn something not in your particular field of interest.You have many areas of

knowledge to choose from: science, astronomy, biology, history, and many more.

Here are some Bible verses about wisdom and knowledge:

a Knowledge and Understanding. Proverbs 2:6

b. Wisdom. James 1:5

c Wisdom better than gold. Proverbs 16:16

d. Gain a wise heart. Psalms 90:12

II GROWING WITH JESUS IN PHYSICAL STATUTE

Naturally, Jesus grew during those early days in Nazareth in Joseph's carpenters shop.

He undoubtedly grew in physical strength. Too often we imagine Jesus as physically

weak. However, no weakling could have borne what he bore on the cross. Jesus could

have carried his cross up the hill if he had not been beaten so vigorously the night

before. People in those days got sufficient exercise by walking. Some of course would

use a mule or a donkey. For instance, the only time we see Jesus riding a donkey was

when he rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. He and the disciples walked to their

destination. Experts say we should workout for at least 150 minutes of moderate and

vigorous exercise weekly. Even now at 96 years old, I have been exercising for over 40

years on a regular basis. I ran a half-marathon at 55 years of age. Even now, I do cardio

and strength exercises five days a week. Exercise of some kind increases the length

and quality of lives. Even regular housework can count.

Here are some verses on strength and physical statue:

a.Run and not be weary; walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 30

b.Strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40: 29

c.Feet like a deer; tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

d. Strength and shield. Psalms 28:7

III GROWING WITH JESUS IN FAVOR WITH HUMANS ( MAN AND WOMAN)

Jesus being human himself knew how to get along with people. He summed it up when

he said to do unto others as you would others to do unto you. (Matthew 7:12 )That is the

clue to human relationships. If we could only do that, what a difference it would make in

the world. Some of us have the knack of getting along with others better than most.

They get along well in groups and in one on one relationships. Others of us are not as

adaptable as they are. Getting along with others can be difficult for some of us. The

best book I know to help in that regard is the old standard, HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS

AND INFLUENCE PEOPLE By Dale Carnegie. He gives some time-tested ideas regarding

human relations. However, the key to growing in favor of people can be summed up in

one word:love. We can spend a life time trying to put love into practice. The best thing to

do is to read 1 Corinthians 13 over and over again.

Here are some other verses on favor with others

a Write loyalty and faithfulness around your neck. Proverbs 3:3,4

b. Show steadfast love. Genesis: 39:21

IV GROWING LIKE JESUS IN FAVOR WITH GOD

There is no doubt that this is the most important area of growth in our lives. Jesus had

a built-in advantage in this area since he was God and man. However, the

commandment to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind is