What does "favor with God and man" mean in Luke 2:52? Luke 2:52 in Context “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) This single sentence summarizes nearly two decades of Jesus’ earthly life between the temple episode at age twelve and His baptism. It mirrors 1 Samuel 2:26, linking Jesus’ maturing years to Samuel’s and underscoring that God’s plan unfolds in ordinary growth as well as in public ministry. What “Favor” Means The Greek word charis carries the ideas of grace, delight, goodwill, or approval. • With God, it speaks of divine pleasure resting on a person. • With man, it describes a reputation for genuine goodness that draws people rather than repels them. Favor with God – Divine Approval • Jesus never ceased to be the beloved Son (Luke 3:22); yet in His humanity He walked out obedience that brought continual pleasure to the Father (John 8:29). • His growing wisdom (Colossians 2:3) and sinless life (Hebrews 4:15) displayed a heart wholly aligned with God’s will. • Passages that echo this divine favor: – “Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8) – “The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD…” (1 Samuel 2:26) • For believers, Jesus’ perfect favor becomes ours through faith (Ephesians 1:6), yet we still aim to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way.” (Colossians 1:10) Favor with Man – Horizontal Goodwill • While the world ultimately rejected Him, Jesus’ early years were marked by a winsome character that attracted ordinary people (Mark 12:37). • Proverbs 3:3-4 offers the pattern: loving devotion and faithfulness win “favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” • His integrity, kindness, and practical wisdom built trust among family, neighbors, and synagogue leaders. • Believers are called to the same: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders… so that you may know how to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6; cf. Acts 2:47) How Jesus Modeled Growing in Favor Four interwoven areas of growth appear in Luke 2:52: 1. Wisdom – increasing grasp of truth and its application. 2. Stature – physical maturation and disciplined work (Mark 6:3). 3. Favor with God – unbroken obedience and communion. 4. Favor with Man – relational grace that embodied truth in love. Living the Principle Today • Pursue wisdom: regular Scripture intake (Psalm 119:99) and godly counsel. • Guard conduct: daily habits that honor Christ build credibility (1 Peter 2:12). • Cultivate humility: serve rather than demand (Matthew 20:28). • Practice steadfast love and faithfulness: the twin virtues that draw favor (Proverbs 3:3-4). • Rely on the Spirit: only His power reproduces the character of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23). The phrase “favor with God and man” in Luke 2:52 therefore points to a balanced, wholehearted growth—vertical delight before the Father and horizontal goodwill among people—perfectly displayed in Jesus and graciously offered as the path for all who follow Him. |
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