“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” – Luke 2:52, NASB

Thirty years of silent preparation captured in one sentence.

And one small word carries the weight of a lifetime: ‘kept’ – kept increasing.

It’s a rhythm. A pattern. A lifelong habit of forward motion.

Now, if continuous increase marked the sinless Son of God, how much more should it mark us, His followers?

Notice the depth, height, width and breadth: Jesus kept increasing in four directions.

First, wisdom. This isn’t merely Bible verses stacked high in your intellect.

Simply defined, wisdom is the practical skill of living well.

It’s the fear of the Lord applied to ordinary Mondays.

Second, stature. Yes, Jesus kept increasing in physical fitness.

His body mattered. It would one day be offered as a sacrifice on a Cross – unblemished, fully matured, real.

Third, favor with God. This flows not from frantic religious activity but from intimacy.

Jesus pleased the Father by abiding in Him: rising up early to pray, obeying in obscurity, trusting in trial.

Favor with God grows when you prioritize time with Him over your ‘hectic’ schedules.

When you seek His heart more than His handouts.

It’s the quiet deepening of a Father-son relationship, marked by joyful obedience and adoration.

Fourth, favor with people. Jesus didn’t seek popularity; He loved people – all people.

From an early age, He looked lepers in the eye.

He allowed children around Him.

He didn’t resent tax collectors.

Favor with others isn’t about being liked; it’s about loving well.

It’s extending grace to the difficult coworker, listening without ‘advising,’ speaking truth without crushing.

His character, integrity, and compassion caused those around Him to trust Him deeply.

Not because He performed for their approval, but because He embodied grace and truth.

Here’s the beautiful challenge: holistic growth is not optional for believers.

It’s expected. And it’s gradual.

The Greek verb used here means He “kept advancing” – more of like pioneers hewing down trees, removing obstacles for an advancing army.

Jesus didn’t simply drift into maturity. He pressed forward, day by day, choice by choice.

You won’t wake up spiritually mature tomorrow.

But if you’re intentionally pursuing wisdom this today, stretching in character this week, deepening your walk with God this month, choosing to really love people this year, then you’re on the path.

Don’t compare your chapter three to someone else’s chapter twenty.

So take heart. Keep advancing; refuse the temptation to settle in a comfort zone.

Just ask: Am I keeping on increasing?

Maybe today you feel stuck.

The initial joyful excitement of salvation has faded into religious routine.

Look to Jesus. He “kept increasing.”

The same Spirit that empowered His growth lives in you.

Your task isn’t to strain in your own power but to cooperate with that same Spirit, who is in you.

Deliberately put yourself in environments where growth happens: in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship, in learning, in serving.

This is an invitation from the Lord Himself, who walked this path first.

He is both Savior and model. He meets you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there.

So take heart. Keep advancing; refuse the temptation to settle in a comfort zone.

Keep growing. Not perfectly, but persistently.  

Destiny beckons.