How does Samuel's growth compare to Jesus in Luke 2:52? The two verses side by side • 1 Samuel 2:26: “And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” • Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Parallels worth noticing • Both texts use almost identical wording—“grew” and “in favor with God and man”—highlighting a shared pattern. • Growth is described as a continuous process (“continued to grow”). • God’s favor is mentioned first, underscoring that spiritual standing precedes social acceptance. Dimensions of growth • Physical: “stature” appears in both verses—healthy development of the body. • Spiritual: “favor with the LORD/God” shows an ever-deepening relationship with Him. • Social: “favor with men/man” points to positive relationships and a good reputation. • Intellectual: only Luke mentions “wisdom,” emphasizing Jesus’ mental and moral development. Why God’s favor matters • Proverbs 3:3-4—“Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” • Psalm 5:12—“For You bless the righteous, O LORD; You surround them with favor as a shield.” • In both Samuel and Jesus, divine favor is the fountainhead that overflows into human favor. Human favor and witness • 1 Samuel 3:20 reports that “all Israel… knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.” • Luke 4:15 shows Jesus “being glorified by all” early in His ministry. • Right relationships with people provide credibility for the calling God places on a life. What sets Jesus apart • Addition of “wisdom” signals perfection; Jesus embodies Isaiah 11:2’s “Spirit of wisdom.” • Jesus’ growth culminates not merely in prophetic ministry but in redemptive work (John 1:29). • Hebrews 4:15 affirms that Jesus, though fully human, remained sinless—surpassing every Old Testament figure. Practical takeaways • Pursue balanced growth: body, mind, spirit, and relationships. • Seek God’s favor first; human favor follows naturally. • Understand that growth is ongoing—no shortcuts to maturity. • Let your increasing favor with others serve God’s purposes, never personal pride. |
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