Chapter 6—Days of Conflict
The Jewish teachers made many rules for the people, and required
them to do many things that God had not commanded. Even the
children had to learn and obey these rules. But Jesus did not try to learn
what the rabbis taught. He was careful not to speak disrespectfully of
these teachers, but He studied the Scriptures, and obeyed the laws of
God.
Often He was reproved for not obeying what others did. Then He
showed from the Bible what was the right way.
Jesus was always trying to make others happy. Because He was
so kind and gentle, the rabbis hoped to make Him do as they did. But
they could not. When urged to obey their rules He asked what the
Bible taught. Whatever that said, He would do.
This made the rabbis angry. They knew that their rules were
contrary to the Bible, and yet they were displeased with Jesus for
refusing to obey them.
They complained of Him to His parents. Joseph and Mary thought
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the rabbis good men, and Jesus suffered blame, which was hard to
bear.
The brothers of Jesus took sides with the rabbis. The words of
these teachers, they said, should be heeded as the word of God. They
reproved Jesus for setting Himself above the leaders of the people.
The rabbis thought themselves better than other men, and they
would not associate with the common people. The poor and ignorant
they despised. Even the sick and suffering they left without hope or
comfort.
Jesus showed a loving interest in all men. Every suffering one
whom He met, He tried to help. He had little money to give, but He
often denied Himself of food in order to help others.
When His brothers spoke harshly to poor, wretched beings, Je-
sus would go to these very ones and speak words of kindness and
encouragement.
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