Luke 2:52...

[PureKnight OCS]

I am at disadvantage and hunger for some light on this verse. I always thought that Jesus is hundred percent man and hundred percent God. So I easily assumed that Jesus automanically have knowledge and wisdom until I study closely to this verse (whole chapter to be fact). One of my dearest friend challenge me to explore this further and ask me question: why is He growing or increasing in wisdom, stature, in favor wih God and people. So... how do you explain this. I have some idea during my devoted study time but would love your input and your thought or rather, your knowledge. Appreciated it, ya all.

[Ticker OCS]

Good post buddy. Here is how I have always interpreted this chapter/verse. It says "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature,and in favour with God and man"  Of course Jesus being of "Divine Nature" then he could not increase except it being his human nature as a child would increase in knowledge,maturity,body development etc, but his soul increased in wisdom and all the endowments of human soul. As he got older and became better able to communicate his messages, then therefore the gifts that he received became of greater and greater degree which made him become more accepted by man (adults) because his teachings had examples or acts to go along with them. To grow in favour with God, the Bible says we must "humble ourselves as children" as Jesus became a youth then he was able to do this more than he was as an actual infant. It sounds kind of strange but, an infant can't tell you that you should "humble yourself as a child" but this is what Jesus taught when he was older and of the wisdom to do it. Think of it as a person who serves the Lord. At birth they are a child of course, not knowing yet of the sins of this world, as they grow both physically and spiritually in Church, they gain more and more wisdom of God, which in turn will put them in favour with God, if they have lived and worshiped and been born again just as Jesus told us to.  I hope you can understand that, I just read it and I can't LOL 

[Mouko OCS]

We have to be VERY careful when ascribing human characteristics to God.  I'm not saying that's what you're doing though.  I am saying that some will and have. 

Yes, Jesus was fully man and fully God.  Try to think of the life of Christ in this light.   I hope this makes sense.

Jesus was the example in every way of how we are to live our lives, learning, growing, living, sumitting to God, living for Him, telling others of Him...the list goes on.  Though fully God, He placed Himself in submission to God the Father.  Think about it.  He had the power to heal, the power to raise the dead, He knew the hearts of men...yet, He laid down much of His glory in order to become a man and to be the perfect example for us to follow.  It is not so much that He did not or could not have the wisdom and knowledge, but, that He willingly laid aside temporarily some of His glory and power...rather, that He submitted those things to God...again providing the example for us.

Hebrews 4:14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

He gave the example of not only how we are to live our lives, but, that we must also learn and grow.  We must learn and work and live in this life and live among men and affect the world around us.

There are many other things we could address here but in favor of sticking to the topic more closely.  Believe me Pure, when first I read this, I thought the same thing...huh?  But, some would have us believe that Jesus never really knew who He was until possibly He was baptized by John in the Jordan or at some point just prior to His ministry beginnings.  However, we see Jesus at an early age, 12, knowing full well who He was and His purpose (Luke 2:42-52).  I believe He very well knew who He was.

I hope this helps.  We just have to remember always these words when considering the ways of God.

Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

[PureKnight OCS]

okay... so.... in conclusion... Jesus really does grew up and left his divine knowledge in His kingdom (or with Father for that matter)?

[Mouko OCS]

Well, and please keep in mind I'm not an authority on the subject, we know that Jesus submitted Himself to the Father in all ways while on the earth.  He submitted willingly the free excercise of His power and divine nature.  I believe this also means He submitted His divine knowledge to the will of the Father as well. 

I'm sorry, but, I'll have to get back to this one.  Being at work has it's disadvantages as far as the forums go, just got a call and gotta run.  I would most definately like to continue this as it's something I think much misunderstood.  Still, like I said, I ain't no Biblical scholar either...heh heh.  Here are some verses that lead us to a little more light on the subject.  A book I read that some of you've heard me mention before addresses this topic fairly well if I'm remembering right.   J. I. Packer's Knowing God...wonderful book on the nature and attributes of God...though not a complete study at all...still very good.

John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

John 5:30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.