Luke 2:40–52

Jesus “Grew, and Waxed Strong in Spirit”

Jesus teaching in the temple as a young boy.

As a young man, the Savior taught the gospel so powerfully that even the teachers in the temple “were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:47). This lesson is intended to strengthen your desire to be like Jesus Christ by seeking to develop intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. You will also have an opportunity to evaluate your current goals in the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook (2019) or create new ones.

Jesus grew and developed in His youth

Study these pictures of the Savior in His youth. Think about what the details in each of these pictures suggest about Jesus.

Jesus Christ depicted as a young boy in the carpenter shop of Joseph. Joseph is standing behind the young Christ. Christ is reading the scriptures from a scroll resting on a table. There are wood shavings on the table.

Christ as a youth learning carpentry skills in a carpenter’s shop. Joseph, the husband of Mary, is watching him.

Jesus Christ depicted as a child with his mother Mary. Christ is kneeling beside Mary and resting His clasped hands on Mary’s lap. Mary has her head bowed as she and the young Christ pray. There is an oil lamp burning on a table next to the mother and son.

Jesus Christ at age twelve in the temple at Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover. A group of learned Jewish doctors are gathered around Christ. The doctors are expressing astonishment at the wisdom and understanding of the young Christ. (Luke 2:41-50)

How could knowing what Jesus was like when He was young help you as a youth?

We have few details about Jesus’s youth, but those that are recorded can be a great blessing and guide to you as you seek to grow and progress. As you learn about the Savior’s youth, look for truths that can help you know what areas you should focus on as you try to become more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Read Luke 2:40–52 and Joseph Smith Translation Matthew 3:24–26 (in the Bible appendix), looking for details about what the Savior was like when He was young. You may want to mark what you find.

You may also watch “Young Jesus Teaches in the Temple” (2:30), available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Young Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Mary and Joseph find Jesus about His Father's business, teaching in the temple. Luke 2:40–52

Note that the phrase “waxed strong in spirit” (Luke 2:40; see also Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 3:24 [in the Bible appendix]) means Jesus increased or developed in spiritual strength. It may be helpful to know that according to the Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 2:46 (in Luke 2:46, footnote c), the young Jesus was not listening to the doctors, or scribes, and asking them questions, but “they were hearing him, and asking him questions.”

Think about these questions:

What does this account teach you about what Jesus was like when He was young?
What does verse 52 teach you about the way Jesus grew and developed in His youth?

From Luke 2:52 we learn that we follow the example of Jesus Christ as we improve intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially.

What are some examples from the scriptures in which Jesus Christ demonstrated His capacities in these four areas?
What are some reasons you would want to follow the Savior’s example in these four areas of life?

Your plan to become like the Savior

Prophets have challenged the youth of the Church to follow the Savior’s example demonstrated in Luke 2:52, and Church leaders have introduced the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook to help you.

Watch the video “You Are Here to Discover Who You Are” (2:59) and look for ways you can follow the Savior’s example as you set goals as part of the Children and Youth program. This video is available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

You Are Here to Discover Who You Are
We can each gain confidence in who we are as we discover and develop our talents, then use them to bless others. Like the Savior, we grow in four areas. Make a plan. Get to it. Have fun!

The vision of the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook is “to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and help you and your family progress along the covenant path as you meet life’s challenges” (“What is Children and Youth?” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). In addition to the printed version of this guidebook, a digital version is available. You can find the digital version in the Gospel Library and Gospel Living apps.

Following the Savior’s example, you too can grow in a balanced way in these four areas of your life: spiritual, social, physical, and intellectual. Seek the inspiration of the Holy Ghost as you set goals. Listen to promptings that can help you see where the Lord wants to help you focus your development in becoming like Him. You can find some ideas at the following websites:

In your copy of the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook, consider making goals in these four areas of your life. If you have started working on your goals, evaluate how you are doing and make revisions as needed. Discuss your goals with your parents and Church leaders on a regular basis. You can also share your goals and any experiences using #StrivetoBe.

Jesus Christ will help you as you set goals and strive to become like Him. He has promised that as you come unto Him and humbly exercise faith, He will “make weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27).

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

How can you start working on your goals and use the Personal Development: Youth Guidebook?

Watch the video “Goal Setting Process” (3:42) to help you set goals. This video is available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Video: Goal setting process
This is a segment of Elder and Sister Oaks' Face to Face

President Bonnie H. Cordon, former Young Women General President, taught:

We start with a little bit at a time. Walking on the covenant path really is just placing one foot in front of the other. Make one goal. Start simply. The guidebooks for youth and children will give us a wonderful pattern to follow. …This is an amazing opportunity to grow as the Savior did! If we’re wondering, “What do I focus on?” we can remember that we are already doing many things to become like Him. Gospel learning is happening in many homes and at church. We’re serving and participating in activities. This new effort is simply a way for us to be intentional and accountable about acting on what we are learning—and to focus that growth in the four areas that the Savior grew: spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually (see Luke 2:52). This will bring joy, peace, and lasting happiness to us all as we follow the Savior!

(Bonnie H. Cordon, in “Children and Youth: Starting Strong,” Ensign, Jan. 2020, 54, 55)