The Surprising Ways Jesus Grew in Faith During His Life

Jesus of Nazareth is known to many as the Savior, but his life was more than just his death and resurrection. Jesus grew in faith during his life, just like any other Christian. However, how Jesus matured as a Christian may surprise you.

One of the ways Jesus grew in faith was by discovering his identity as the Son of God. He also developed a relationship with his heavenly Father and learned to trust in God’s plan for his life. Jesus studied the scriptures, gained wisdom, and demonstrated humility and servanthood.

Jesus also faced temptation and overcame it, experienced suffering, and grew in resilience. He taught and discipled others, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to impact the world today. Through it all, Jesus remained faithful to God, even unto death.

As we delve deeper into the surprising ways Jesus grew in faith during his life, we will gain insight into how we too can grow in our own faith journeys. Keep reading to learn more!

Table of Contents

Discovering His Identity as the Son of God

Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. As a young child, he grew up in Nazareth and learned the trade of carpentry from his father. However, as he grew older, he began to realize that he was not like other people. He had a special purpose and a unique identity that was different from everyone else.

Through his teachings, actions, and miracles, Jesus gradually discovered his true identity as the Son of God. This realization helped him to understand his mission on earth and to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah.

The Baptism of Jesus

At the age of thirty, Jesus traveled to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. As he emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove. A voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17). This moment marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and his journey towards fulfilling his purpose on earth.

The Transfiguration

After several years of preaching and performing miracles, Jesus took his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, up to a high mountain to pray. While they were there, Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Moses and Elijah appeared beside him, and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Matthew 17:5). This experience confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and strengthened his resolve to fulfill his mission on earth.

The Resurrection

The ultimate confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God came with his resurrection from the dead. After he was crucified and buried, he rose from the dead on the third day, just as he had foretold. The resurrection proved that Jesus had power over death and that he was indeed the Son of God. This event gave his followers hope and confirmed the truth of his teachings.

Identity: Jesus’ journey to discover his true identity as the Son of God
Baptism: The significance of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist
Transfiguration: The transformative experience on the mountaintop with his disciples
Resurrection: The ultimate confirmation of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God

As Jesus discovered his true identity as the Son of God, he also came to understand his mission on earth. His teachings, actions, and miracles helped to reveal the character of God and the nature of his kingdom. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided a way for people to be reconciled with God and to experience eternal life.

Developing a Relationship with His Heavenly Father

Jesus’ faith was not just about believing in God, but about having a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. Throughout His life, Jesus made it a priority to communicate with His heavenly Father through prayer, fasting, and meditation on God’s word.

Jesus’ relationship with God was not just about asking for things or seeking guidance, but about building a connection that was rooted in love, trust, and faith. He saw God as His loving Father who was always there to guide Him and provide for Him, and this relationship gave Him the strength and courage to face the challenges of life.

Prayer

Jesus often retreated to quiet places to pray, and even spent entire nights in prayer (Luke 6:12).
His prayers were not just about asking for things, but about surrendering His will to God’s and seeking guidance and strength (Matthew 26:39).
Jesus also taught His disciples to pray, giving them the Lord’s Prayer as a model for how to approach God in prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

Fasting

Fasting was another way that Jesus deepened His relationship with God. By abstaining from food or other pleasures, He was able to focus more fully on God and His will for His life.

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan but emerged victorious (Matthew 4:1-11).
He also taught His disciples about the importance of fasting, reminding them that it was not just about going without food but about humbling oneself before God (Matthew 6:16-18).

Meditation on God’s Word

Jesus’ relationship with God was also strengthened through His study and meditation on the Scriptures. He saw the Bible not just as a collection of stories or rules, but as a way to know and connect with God on a deeper level.

Jesus often quoted from the Scriptures and used them to teach others about God’s character and will (Luke 4:16-21).
He also memorized and internalized the Scriptures, using them to resist temptation and overcome challenges (Matthew 4:1-11).

By developing a deep and meaningful relationship with His heavenly Father, Jesus was able to live a life of faith, love, and purpose. As we follow in His footsteps, may we also seek to build a strong and lasting connection with God, through prayer, fasting, and meditation on His word.

Studying the Scriptures and Gaining Wisdom

The Bible is an incredible source of knowledge and wisdom, and studying its teachings can provide valuable insights and guidance for daily life. By delving into the scriptures, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationship with God, and how we can live a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Through prayer and diligent study, we can develop a stronger connection with God and gain valuable wisdom that can guide us through life’s challenges. This connection and wisdom can help us make better decisions, overcome adversity, and experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Benefits of Studying the Scriptures

Guidance: The scriptures provide guidance and direction for our lives, helping us make wise decisions and avoid harmful behaviors.
Comfort: The Bible offers comfort and solace during difficult times, reminding us of God’s love and providing hope for the future.
Insight: Studying the scriptures can give us deeper insight into our own thoughts and feelings, as well as into the thoughts and feelings of others.

How to Study the Scriptures

There are many ways to study the scriptures, and the approach you choose will depend on your personal preferences and goals. Some common strategies include:

Reading: Reading through the Bible from start to finish can provide a comprehensive understanding of its teachings.
Journaling: Reflecting on the scriptures and writing down your thoughts and insights can help you process the information more deeply.
Meditation: Quietly meditating on a particular scripture or passage can help you connect more deeply with its message and gain a greater understanding of its meaning.

Applying Scripture to Daily Life

Studying the scriptures is not just an intellectual exercise – it is a means of developing a deeper relationship with God and living a more fulfilling life. To truly benefit from scripture study, we must apply its teachings to our daily lives. This might involve:

Prayer: Praying for guidance and direction as we navigate life’s challenges.
Service: Seeking opportunities to serve others and put Christ’s teachings into action.
Self-reflection: Reflecting on our own behavior and attitudes and seeking to align them more closely with Christ’s example.

By studying the scriptures and applying their teachings to our lives, we can develop a deeper relationship with God, gain valuable wisdom, and experience greater peace and fulfillment.

Learning Humility and Servanthood

Humility and servanthood are important qualities for anyone seeking to develop a relationship with their Heavenly Father. It is easy to become prideful and focus on oneself, but true spiritual growth comes from learning to put others first and serve them with love and compassion.

To learn humility and servanthood, it is important to look to the example of Jesus Christ. He humbly served others, even washing the feet of his disciples. By following His example and serving others in our daily lives, we can develop the same humility and servant heart that He had.

Practicing Humility

Put others first: It’s easy to get caught up in our own wants and needs, but true humility means putting the needs of others before our own. Take time to listen and care for others.
Admit mistakes: Nobody is perfect, and admitting when we’re wrong shows humility and a willingness to learn and grow.
Be teachable: Humility involves recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and being open to learning from others.

Serving with Love

Service is a key aspect of developing a humble and servant heart. When we serve others with love and compassion, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and fulfilling His commandment to love one another.

Look for opportunities to serve: There are countless ways to serve others, from volunteering at a local charity to helping a neighbor in need. Look for opportunities to serve in your community.
Show kindness: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day. Smile, give a compliment, or offer to help someone in need.
Serve with a pure heart: Service should not be done for personal gain or recognition, but out of love and a desire to help others.

Facing Temptation and Overcoming It

As humans, we are all faced with temptations at some point in our lives. It’s a natural part of the human experience. Temptations can be anything that goes against our values or beliefs, from small things like skipping a workout to bigger things like cheating on a test or lying to someone we love. However, it’s important to remember that facing temptation is not the problem; it’s how we deal with it that matters.

One of the best ways to overcome temptation is to identify and avoid situations that could lead to it. It’s important to have a clear understanding of what our triggers are and to stay away from them as much as possible. For example, if you know that you have a tendency to overeat when you’re stressed, try to find healthy ways to deal with your stress, such as meditation or exercise. Another effective strategy is to practice self-control and discipline. This can involve setting clear goals and boundaries for ourselves and sticking to them, even when it’s difficult.

Strategies for Overcoming Temptation:

Awareness: Be aware of your triggers and avoid them as much as possible.
Self-Control: Practice self-control and discipline to resist temptations.
Accountability: Seek support from others, such as a friend or counselor, to hold you accountable and provide encouragement.

The Importance of Accountability:

Accountability is a crucial component in overcoming temptation. When we have someone who holds us accountable and supports us through the process, it can make all the difference. This person can be a friend, family member, or a counselor. They should be someone we trust and who has our best interests in mind. Accountability partners can help us stay on track, offer encouragement, and provide a listening ear when we need it. When we have someone in our corner, we are more likely to succeed in overcoming temptation.

Forgiving Ourselves and Moving Forward:

Even with our best efforts, we may still slip up and give into temptation at times. It’s important to remember that we are human and we make mistakes. When we do fall short, it’s essential to forgive ourselves and move forward. We should reflect on what happened, identify what we could have done differently, and use that knowledge to make better choices in the future. With perseverance and determination, we can overcome temptation and live a more fulfilling life.

Experiencing Suffering and Growing in Resilience

Experiencing suffering is a universal human experience that can be difficult to navigate. However, it can also lead to personal growth and resilience. Suffering can take many forms, including physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial difficulties, among others. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as illness, trauma, or loss of a loved one.

Despite its challenges, suffering can also provide opportunities for growth and resilience. Resilience is the ability to adapt to and bounce back from difficult situations. Through facing and overcoming adversity, individuals can develop their resilience and grow as individuals. Suffering can also foster compassion, empathy, and a greater appreciation for life.

Ways to Build Resilience

Practice Self-Care: Taking care of oneself through exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness can help build resilience.
Connect with Others: Building and maintaining strong relationships can provide support and help individuals navigate difficult times.
Find Meaning: Identifying and pursuing personal values and goals can provide a sense of purpose and direction, even in the face of adversity.

The Role of Perspective

Perspective plays a crucial role in how individuals approach and navigate suffering. Perception refers to an individual’s interpretation and understanding of their experiences. Through adopting a positive and growth-oriented perspective, individuals can reframe their suffering as an opportunity for personal growth and development.

Conversely, a negative or defeatist perspective can hinder an individual’s ability to overcome suffering and build resilience. Developing a positive perspective can be challenging, but it can be cultivated through practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Importance of Seeking Support

While suffering can be an opportunity for growth and resilience, it is important to recognize that it can also be overwhelming and difficult to navigate alone. Support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can provide crucial assistance in managing and overcoming suffering.

Seeking support can be difficult, but it can also be a powerful act of self-care and resilience. It can help individuals feel less alone, gain new insights and perspectives, and learn coping strategies to navigate difficult times.

Teaching and Discipling Others

Teaching and discipling others is a noble task that requires patience, wisdom, and commitment. It involves imparting knowledge and values to others, helping them grow in their faith and character, and equipping them to become leaders and mentors themselves. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a pastor, or a mentor, you have the privilege and responsibility of investing in the lives of others and helping them reach their full potential.

To be an effective teacher and discipler, it is important to be intentional, relational, and contextual. You need to understand the needs, strengths, and challenges of your learners and tailor your teaching and mentoring strategies accordingly. You also need to build trust, respect, and empathy with them, and create a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth. Above all, you need to model what you teach and live a life of integrity and authenticity.

Intentionality

Teaching and discipling others requires intentional planning and preparation. You need to have clear objectives, outcomes, and assessment criteria for your teaching and mentoring activities. You also need to have a well-structured and organized curriculum or program that covers the essential topics, skills, and values that you want to impart to your learners. Additionally, you need to use a variety of teaching and mentoring methods, such as lectures, discussions, role-playing, case studies, and experiential learning, to cater to different learning styles and preferences.

Relationality

Teaching and discipling others is not just about transferring knowledge and skills, but also about building relationships and fostering community. You need to be available, approachable, and responsive to your learners’ needs and concerns, and show genuine care and interest in their personal and spiritual growth. You also need to create opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and mutual support among your learners, and encourage them to develop relationships with each other that extend beyond the classroom or mentoring sessions.

Contextuality

Teaching and discipling others is not a one-size-fits-all approach. You need to be aware of the cultural, social, and contextual factors that shape your learners’ perspectives and experiences, and adjust your teaching and mentoring methods accordingly. You also need to be sensitive to the diversity of your learners’ backgrounds, beliefs, and values, and avoid imposing your own assumptions and biases on them. Instead, you need to create a space for dialogue, reflection, and learning that respects and celebrates the richness of your learners’ diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Jesus mature as a Christian?

Jesus matured as a Christian through obedience, submission to God’s will, and a deep commitment to prayer. He followed the example of his parents and respected the religious leaders in his community. Jesus was also a student of the scriptures and used his knowledge to teach others.

What was Jesus’ relationship with his parents?

Jesus had a close and respectful relationship with his parents. He obeyed them and honored them by fulfilling his duties as a son. Mary and Joseph were instrumental in teaching Jesus about the Jewish faith and instilling in him a love for God.

How did Jesus choose his disciples?

Jesus chose his disciples through prayer and divine guidance. He selected men who had a willingness to follow him, a heart for God, and a desire to learn. Jesus saw potential in his disciples and trained them to be leaders in spreading the Gospel.

What was Jesus’ teaching method?

Jesus’ teaching method involved storytelling, parables, and practical examples that were relevant to his audience. He used questions and discussions to engage his listeners and encourage them to think critically about their faith. Jesus’ teaching was based on love, compassion, and the importance of following God’s will.

What was Jesus’ view on forgiveness?

Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness and taught his followers to forgive others as God has forgiven them. He modeled forgiveness by extending grace to those who had sinned against him, including his enemies. Jesus believed that forgiveness was essential to healing broken relationships and restoring peace.

How did Jesus’ teachings impact the world?

Jesus’ teachings transformed the world by promoting love, compassion, and forgiveness. His message of salvation and eternal life has given hope to millions of people throughout history. Jesus’ example of servant leadership has inspired countless individuals to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.