Page 29 - That I May Know Him (1964)

A Child in the Temple, January 22
Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? Luke 2:49.
When Christ was twelve years old He went with His parents to
Jerusalem to attend the feast of the Passover, and on their return He was
lost in the multitude. After Joseph and Mary had searched for Him for
three days, they found Him in the court of the Temple, “sitting in the midst
of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that
heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46,
47).45
His parents listened in amazement as they heard His searching in-
quiries.... Though taking the attitude of a learner, Christ imparted light in
every word He uttered. He interpreted the Scripture to the darkened mind
of the rabbis, and gave them clear light in regard to the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sins of the world. The sharp, clear questions of the child
learner brought a flood of light to their darkened understanding. The truth
shone out as the clear shining of a light in a darkened place, as He received
and imparted the knowledge of the plan of salvation.
It is plainly stated that Christ grew in knowledge. What a lesson is
found in this incident in the life of Christ for all youth! If they shall
diligently search the Word of God, and through the Holy Spirit receive
divine guidance, they will be able to impart light to others....
Mary, the mother of Jesus, ... asked, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt
with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Divine light
shone through humanity as Jesus lifted His right hand and asked, “How is
it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them” (verses
48-50). They did not comprehend the true meaning of His words. But,
though He was the Son of God, He went down with His parents and came
unto Nazareth, and was subject unto them.... At the age of twelve 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.46 [29]
45The Youth’s Instructor, September 8, 1898.
46Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896.
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