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Keep the Saviour With You!, January 23
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child
Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew
not of it.
Luke 2:43
.
Not one act in the life of Christ was unimportant. Every event of His
life was for the benefit of His followers in future time. This circumstance
of the tarry of Christ in Jerusalem teaches an important lesson....
Jesus was acquainted with hearts. He knew that, as the crowd returned
in company from Jerusalem, there would be much talking and visiting
which would not be seasoned with humility and grace, and the Messiah
and His mission would be nearly forgotten. It was His choice to return
from Jerusalem with His parents alone; for in being retired, His father and
mother would have more time for reflection, and for meditation upon the
prophecies which referred to His future sufferings and death. He did not
wish the painful events which they were to experience in His offering up
His life for the sins of the world, to be new and unexpected to them. He
was separated from them in their return to Jerusalem. After the celebration
of the Passover, they sought Him sorrowing three days....
Here is a lesson of instruction to all the followers of Christ.... There is
necessity of carefulness of words and actions when Christians are associ-
ated together, lest Jesus be forgotten of them, and they pass along careless
of the fact that Jesus is not among them. When they are aroused to their
condition, they discover that they have journeyed without the presence of
Him who could give peace and joy to their hearts, and days are occupied
in returning, and searching for Him whom they should have retained with
them every moment. Jesus will not be found in the company of those who
are careless of His presence, and who engage in conversation having no
reference to their Redeemer.... It is the privilege of all to retain Jesus with
them. If they do this, their words must be select, seasoned with grace. The
thoughts of their hearts must be disciplined to meditate upon heavenly and
divine things
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S.D.A. Bible Commentary 5:1118, 1119
.
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