I have relied on you since the day I was born, and you have always been my God.
But God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him. And when he decided
“I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations.”
Listen to me, distant nations, you people who live far away! Before I was born, the Lord chose me and appointed me to be his servant.
“Do not hold on to me,” Jesus told her, “because I have not yet gone back up to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am returning to him who is my Father and their Father, my God and their God.”
The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.
Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.