Jesus grew in wisdom
How the Son grows in wisdom and favor, and what that says of his two natures.
Luke 2:40-52
40The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
41His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.
42When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,
43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it,
44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances.
45When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.
46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.
47All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
48When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”
49He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them.
51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
What each tradition says
Rabbinic / Midrashic
Joseph Jacobs observes that only one incident from Jesus’ early days is recorded: his behavior around his bar mitzvah in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52). He finds it strange that so masterful a character showed no signs of exceptional qualities before the turning point of Jesus’ career.
Joseph Jacobs, The Jewish Encyclopedia (1905), art. "Jesus of Nazareth" — In History — Sources of Life (the Temple episode of Luke 2)
Patristic
Gregory Nazianzen says that although the Gospel says Jesus increased in wisdom and favour as well as stature, this does not mean those qualities in Him were capable of growth. Because He was perfect from the first, He could not become more perfect; rather, they were gradually disclosed and displayed.
Gregory Nazianzen (c. 329-390), Oration 43 (Funeral Oration on St. Basil), in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, ser. 2, vol. 7 — Oration XLIII, §38
Catholic
Aquinas distinguishes two kinds of advancement in knowledge: one in essence, by increase of the habit, and one in effect. In this second way, Christ advanced in knowledge and grace as in age, since as His age increased He wrought greater deeds and showed greater knowledge and grace.
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), Summa Theologiae (trans. Fathers of the English Dominican Province) — Tertia Pars, q. 12, a. 2 ('Whether Christ advanced in this knowledge')
Orthodox
John of Damascus says He makes men’s progress in wisdom and grace, and the fulfillment of the Father’s goodwill—men’s knowledge of God and salvation—His own increase. He everywhere takes as His own what is ours.
John of Damascus (c. 676-749), An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith (trans. S. D. F. Salmond), in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, ser. 2, vol. 9 — Book III, ch. 22 ('Concerning His growth')
Reformed / Protestant
Matthew Henry holds that the Eternal Word was united to the human soul from conception, yet the divinity dwelling in him manifested itself to his humanity by degrees, in proportion to his capacity. As the faculties of his human soul grew more capable, the gifts it received from the divine nature were communicated more and more.
Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol. V (Matthew to John) — On Luke 2:52
Evangelical
Wesley reads Jesus' increase in wisdom as belonging to his human nature. He adds that Jesus grew in favour with God in proportion to that increase in wisdom.
John Wesley (1703-1791), John Wesley's Notes on the Bible — Notes on Luke 2:52