Why “Jesus Grew in Wisdom” Matters for Our Understanding of Christ’s Humanity

Jesus Grew in Wisdom: Understanding Christ’s Humanity

The humanity of Jesus has remained a focal point in Christian theology for centuries. From debates surrounding the nature of the Incarnation to discussions about the role of the Son of God in salvation, Jesus’ humanity has been a source of theological inquiry and reflection. One aspect of Jesus’ humanity that has gained renewed attention in recent years is the statement that “Jesus grew in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). This seemingly simple statement has profound implications for our understanding of Christ’s humanity and the nature of God’s work in the world.

At first glance, the statement that Jesus grew in wisdom seems unremarkable. After all, every child grows and learns as they mature. However, when we examine this statement more closely, we find that it challenges some of our assumptions about Jesus’ divinity and humanity. First, it reminds us that Jesus was a real human being who experienced growth and development just like any other person. This means that Jesus did not come into the world fully formed and complete, but rather had to learn and grow like the rest of us.

Second, the statement that Jesus grew in wisdom calls into question the idea that Jesus had access to all knowledge and understanding as the Son of God. If Jesus grew in wisdom, it means that there was a time when he did not know everything. This challenges the notion of Jesus as an all-knowing deity who was fully aware of everything at all times.

However, this statement also reveals something fundamental about the nature of God’s work in the world. By choosing to enter into human history in the person of Jesus Christ, God chose to experience the limitations and challenges of human existence. Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, pain, and suffering just like any other human being. He also had to learn and grow in his understanding of the world around him.

The fact that Jesus grew in wisdom also reminds us that knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. Just because someone possesses knowledge does not mean they are wise. Wisdom requires understanding, discernment, and practical application of knowledge. Jesus’ growth in wisdom suggests that he did not simply accumulate facts and information, but rather developed a deep and meaningful understanding of the world and of God’s purposes for it.

Furthermore, the statement that Jesus grew in wisdom underscores the importance of human knowledge and understanding in God’s redemptive work. Jesus came to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, and this required him to understand and engage with the world around him. Jesus’ growth in wisdom suggests that we too must seek to understand the world and its complexities in order to participate in God’s work of redemption.

In conclusion, the statement that Jesus grew in wisdom matters for our understanding of Christ’s humanity because it reminds us of Jesus’ real, human nature. It challenges our assumptions about Jesus’ divinity and all-knowing nature, and underscores the importance of human knowledge and understanding in God’s work of redemption. As we seek to follow Jesus, we too must grow in wisdom, seeking to understand the world and God’s purposes for it.