Basic HTML Version
Chapter 2
113
youth, except that He did no wrong. Sin found no place in His life.
Ever He lived in an atmosphere of heavenly purity. From childhood
to manhood He preserved unsullied His trust in God. The Word says
of Him, ... He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with
God and man.”
In the sanctuary of the home, Jesus received His education, not
merely from His parents, but from His heavenly Father. As He grew
older, God opened to Him more and more of the great work before
Him. But notwithstanding His knowledge of this, He assumed no
airs of superiority. Never did He by disrespect cause His parents
[1118]
pain or anxiety. He delighted to honor and obey them. Although He
was not ignorant of His great mission, He consulted their wishes,
and submitted to their authority.
Christ had been Commander of the heavenly host; but He did
not because of this excuse Himself from labor, allowing His parents
to support Him. While still quite young, He learned a trade, and
faithfully discharged His daily duties, contributing to the support of
the family.
Christ was the light and joy of the family circle (
The Youth’s
Instructor, August 22, 1901
).
41-49. No Lesson to Be Lost
—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 to those who should believe
on Him....
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. When He should
be slain for the sins of the world, He would be separated from them,