Basic HTML Version
Pattern for Children and Youth, July 26
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God
and man.
Luke 2:52
.
While on earth Christ lived in the home of a peasant. He wore the best
garments His parents could provide, but they were the humble garments
of the peasants. He walked the rough paths of Nazareth and climbed the
steeps of its hillsides and mountains. In His home He was a constant
worker, and left on record a life filled with useful deeds. Had Christ passed
His life among the grand and the rich, the world of toilers would have
been deprived of the inspiration that the Lord intended they should have.
But Christ knew that His work must begin in consecrating the humble
trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He learned the
trade of a carpenter that He might stamp honest labor as honorable and
ennobling to all who work with an eye single to the glory of God. And
angels were His attendants, for Christ was just as truly doing His Father’s
business when toiling at the carpenter’s bench as when working miracles
for the multitude. He held His commission and authority from the highest
power, the Sovereign of heaven.
Christ descended to poverty that He might teach how closely in our
daily life we may walk with God.... He could engage in toil, bear His
part in sustaining the family in their necessity, become accustomed to
weariness, and yet show no impatience. His spirit was never so full of
worldly cares as to leave no time nor thought for heavenly things. He
often held communion with heaven in song. The men of Nazareth often
heard His voice raised in prayer and thanksgiving to God.... A fragrant
influence was diffused to those around Him, and they were blessed. His
praises seemed to drive away the evil angels and fill the place with sweet
fragrance....
His life was in conformity to the life and character of God. His
childhood and manhood ennobled and sanctified every phase of practical
life.... He was a perfect pattern in every place.... He passed through the
experience of infancy, childhood, and manhood without a stain upon His
character.
[215]
221