“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
Our Scripture today indicates that Jesus continued to grow in every way. Since we don’t read any more about Joseph after Luke 3, Jesus may have had a lot of responsibility with His earthly family. He would always care about them, but He had His priorities in order. By the age of thirty, he had learned much about life and the Scriptures and had spent many hours alone with His heavenly Father. He was ready to begin His earthly ministry.
John the Baptist, His earthly cousin, had begun to pave the way for Him. One day He happened by the Jordan River, saw Cousin John and asked him to baptize Him. John felt so unworthy to do this, but Jesus insisted. What a beautiful sight as we see Jesus coming up out of the water and . . . “the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3: 16b-17). Jesus had traveled a bumpy road to manhood. His baptism pleased His Heavenly Father and accomplished a Heavenly purpose.
As you travel down the road of life, your goal should be to please God as well. You may encounter adversities in various forms but keep your eyes on Jesus and He will help you attain that goal.
Sue Winchester MissouriPRAY TOGETHER: Students in our Bible institutes both overseas and stateside would appreciate prayer.
