Jesus was fully divine, yet Luke 2:52 says He "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God." How is this possible? In today's episode, Pastor Heath Lambert breaks down this theological question, exploring Christ's active and passive obedience and what it means for believers today.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction to Marked by Grace podcast

00:20 How to submit your questions to [email protected]

00:39 Today's question: How did Jesus grow in favor with God?

00:49 Scripture reference: Luke 2:52

01:38 Common questions about Jesus growing in wisdom

02:16 God's declaration: "This is my Son with whom I am well pleased"

02:40 Understanding Jesus' work on earth

02:47 Theological concept: Active and Passive Obedience

03:12 Active Obedience explained - Jesus fulfilling all the law

03:43 Scripture reference: 1 Peter 2:22 - "He committed no sin"

03:59 Passive Obedience explained - Jesus' sacrifice for sinners

04:26 Scripture reference: 1 Peter 3:18 - Christ's suffering for sins

05:19 How Jesus grew in favor with God - explanation and conclusion

KEY POINTS:

• Jesus was already pleasing to the Father as Son, but grew in favor through His obedience

• "Active obedience" refers to Jesus perfectly fulfilling all requirements of God's law

• "Passive obedience" refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for sinners

• While Jesus was fully divine and omniscient, Luke 2:52 shows His human development

• Jesus didn't need to grow in His status as Son, but in His earthly mission fulfillment

• Jesus grew in favor with God as He progressively accomplished His redemptive work

• The Father's pleasure in Christ included both His eternal Sonship and His obedient earthly life

• Jesus' complete obedience provides the foundation for our salvation

• This theological concept helps us understand both Christ's divinity and humanity

• While Jesus was fully divine and omniscient, Luke 2:52 shows His human development

• Jesus didn't need to grow in His status as Son, but in His earthly mission fulfillment

• "Active obedience" refers to Jesus perfectly fulfilling all requirements of God's law

• "Passive obedience" refers to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross for sinners

• Jesus grew in favor with God as He progressively accomplished His redemptive work

• The Father's pleasure in Christ included both His eternal Sonship and His obedient earthly life

• Jesus' complete obedience provides the foundation for our salvation

• This theological concept helps us understand both Christ's divinity and humanity

Submit your questions for future episodes to [email protected]

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

1 Peter 2:22 - "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth."

1 Peter 3:18 - "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."