48
The Desire of Ages
have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth,
and manhood.
Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of
Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly an-
gels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness.
That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement
of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He
left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever
be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as
was our Saviour.
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The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily
toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This
experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were
no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the
way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door
to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could
induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil,
and strong to resist it.
Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for
nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth.
This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon
place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Tempta-
tion, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity
and firmness.
Jesus lived in a peasant’s home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted
His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the
Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word;
now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a
trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter’s shop with
Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets
of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He
did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten
His toil.
As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were
developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such
a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in
every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of
tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character.