Chapter 10—Christ as the Example and Teacher of
Youth
Jesus came to this world as its light. “In him was life; and the life
was the light of men.” He says of himself, “I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light
of life.”
The example of Jesus is a light to the young, as well as to those of
more mature years; for his was a representative childhood and youth.
From his earliest years his example was perfect. As a little child he
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was obedient to his parents, and to the laws of nature; “and the grace
of God was upon him.”
Jesus did not, like many youth, devote his time to amusement.
He studied the word till he became familiar with its sayings. Even
in his childhood, his life and all his habits were in harmony with the
Scriptures, and he was skilful in their use. When his parents lost him
in Jerusalem, he was found sitting among the wise men of the nation,
both hearing them and asking them questions. He inquired as one who
wished to learn; but in his questions there were gems of light that not
only pleased his hearers, but flashed into the Scriptures concerning the
Messiah a meaning which these teachers of the law had never before
seen. “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding
and answers.”
When his mother said to him, “Son, why hast thou dealt thus
with us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing,” he
answered, “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be
about my Father’s business?” And when they understood not his words,
he pointed upward. Although a child, he was engaged in the work
that he came to do. He was revealing God, showing the meaning of
his word to those leaders in Israel, giving a new significance to their
sacrifices and offerings.
There is here a lesson from the Son of God to all children and
youth on the duty of honor and obedience to parents; for the record
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