Page 28 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

Study Section 5: Development Through the Lifespan

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature,
and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52

5.1 Connect
There is very little information in the New Testament regarding the first thirty years of Jesus’
life upon this earth. And that is not without purpose. The details of those early years are
obviously not essential to the divine scheme of redemption. The fact is the brevity of the
Gospel narratives provides subtle evidence of biblical inspiration. Mere human authors would
have filled in the blanks with a variety of interesting matters which cater to natural curiosity.
The authenticity of Scripture is established by what the text does not say, as well as by what
it does say.

Both Matthew and Luke chronicle the thrilling account of the Son of God’s birth to a virgin whose name
was Mary (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20). Luke mentions the presentation of the Savior in the temple
when the child was approximately six weeks old (2:1-39; cf. Leviticus 12:1-4). Then there is that
intriguing narrative when the boy Jesus, at the age of twelve, was found in the temple challenging the
doctors of the law (Luke 2:41-51).

Following that episode, the inspired historian sums up the subsequent years of the Lord’s development:

“And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

This section will focus on human development as we learn about how we progress from birth to death.
Pay attention to details of each section and imagine how the information you are learning will help you
counsel people in each stage. You will notice several places where you are asked to stop and reflect on
several questions. Take time to think about your life and how these different stages of development
made you who you are today.

5.2 Objectives

1. The student should be able to summarize the stages of human development.

2. The student should be able to explain how characteristics of each stage will impact those
they counsel.

3. The student should be able to describe how difficulty in early years of life can have a lasting impact
on life.

4. The student should be able to articulate how knowing Jesus will help those seeking counsel in any
stage of life.

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