A Model for Growing Disciples

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:41-52).

The Holy Spirit inspired Luke to repeat an important lesson for us here. Once again we see that Jesus grew. As the twelve year old boy grew physically, He “increased in wisdom” and He increased “in favor with God and man”. When we remember that this twelve year old boy was God, we are confronted with a profound illustration of the humility of Christ. He became like us… “Emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7) so He could die for us… “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). But today we are reminded that He became like us also to live for us. That is, Jesus showed us how to live and grow as His disciples… “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). As He humbly matured from boyhood into manhood, Jesus provided… a model for growing disciples.

Jesus lingered in the temple. The annual journey to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover was much more than a ritual for this growing boy. He was attracted to the presence of God in His temple. What begins as church attendance for new believers becomes a longing for the presence of God among His people in growing disciples… “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Just as Jesus grew by lingering in the temple, new believers grow into maturing disciples through vigorous participation in the life of His Church.

Jesus learned by searching the scriptures. He questioned and answered the teachers of the law. This shows that Jesus wrestled and reasoned with the truth presented in the Word of God. What begins as Bible reading for new believers matures into Bible study and becomes an increasing hunger for truth in growing disciples… “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Just as Jesus grew by learning the scriptures, new believers grow into maturing disciples by earnestly studying God’s Word and diligently applying its truth to everyday life.

Jesus listened to His parents. He submitted to the authority God had placed over Him. What begins as a personal, private step of faith for new believers becomes a submission to seasoned saints who can teach God’s word and who are worthy of imitation as they reflect His truth in their words and deeds… “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7).

As we grow up into Christ we mature from new believer into growing disciple by imitating Him,

A Model for Growing Disciples.