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The Spirit in Christ from Youth, March 4
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast.
Luke 2:42
.
At the age of 12 the Holy Spirit was abiding upon Jesus, and He felt something
of the burden of the mission for which He had come to our world. His soul was
stirred into action. As one who would learn, He asked questions of no ordinary
character, by which He flashed light into the minds of His hearers, and brought them
to an understanding of the prophecies and the true mission and work of the Messiah
they were expecting.
The Jewish people were cherishing erroneous ideas. They were anticipating
grand and wonderful things, hoping for their own personal exaltation above the
nations of the earth at the Messiah’s appearing. They were looking for the glory that
will attend the second coming of Christ, and overlooking the humiliation that would
attend His first advent.
But Jesus, in His questions about the prophecies of Isaiah that pointed to His first
appearing, flashed light into the minds of those who were willing to receive the truth.
He Himself had given these prophecies before His incarnation in humanity, and as
the Holy Spirit brought these things to His mind, and impressed Him with regard
to the great work that He was to accomplish, He imparted light and knowledge to
those around Him.
Though He increased in knowledge, and the grace of God was upon Him, yet
He did not become lifted up in pride, or feel that He was above doing the most
humble toil. He took His share of the burden, together with His father, mother, and
brethren....Though His wisdom had astonished the doctors, yet He meekly subjected
Himself to His human guardians, bore His part in the family burdens, and worked
with His own hands as any toiler would work. It is stated of Jesus that (as He
advanced in years) He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God
and man.”
The knowledge He was daily obtaining of His wonderful mission did not dis-
qualify Him for performing the most humble duties. He cheerfully took up the work
that devolves upon youth who dwell in humble households pressed by poverty. He
understood the temptations of children; for He bore their sorrows and trials. Firm
and steadfast was His purpose to do the right. Though enticed to evil, He refused
to depart in a single instance from the strictest truth and rectitude. He maintained
perfect filial obedience; but His spotless life aroused the envy and jealousy of His
brethren. His childhood and youth were anything but smooth and joyous. His
brethren did not believe on Him, and were annoyed because He did not in all things
act as they did, and become one of them in the practice of evil. In His home life He
was cheerful, but never boisterous. He ever maintained the attitude of a learner. He
took great delight in nature, and God was His teacher (
The Signs of the Times, July
30, 1896
).
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