Jesus grows up

It doesn't seem to be a coincidence that I have embarked on a study of the first eight chapters of Luke around my children's birthday. (Twins. Boy and girl.)
As I read about Jesus growing up, they celebrate 25 years. Both are amazing young adults, fiercely committed to him and doing what he wants. This has meant, for my son, taking on jobs that have, at times, barely paid a  minimum wage so that he can stay in the city God has called him to, serving the church in his spare time. For my daughter, this was two years on a volunteer's allowance and a move to the other side of the world - to serve the poorest in society and help them get out of crippling debt.
I am so thankful for the way they have grown in wisdom and stature and in the grace of God.
Like Jesus!  (In, of course, a human-less-than-perfect-way.)
Look:
1 Samuel 2:26 And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with men. (The Message says "the boy Samuel was very much alive, growing up, blessed by God and popular with the people."

Luke 1:80 And the child (John the Baptist) grew and became strong in spirit

Luke 2:40 And the child (Jesus) grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Luke 2:52  And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

Jesus, of course, is our example. I find it fascinating that the words of Luke 2:52 echo those in Samuel. Samuel, the longed-for-prayed-heartrendingly-for firstborn and only son of Peninah had been given up to God for His service. Relinquished into God's hands. I can only marvel at Peninah's actions - but that's for another time.

I just ponder that God has told us this about Jesus. As Jesus is our model, so we too can pray that our children - our own sons and daughters, grandchildren, spiritual and actual - grow up to be just like him.