Passover Visit
55
The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their schools;
yet His understanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs. In this
thoughtful Galilean boy they discerned great promise. They desired to
gain Him as a student, that He might become a teacher in Israel. They
wanted to have charge of His education, feeling that a mind so original
must be brought under their molding.
The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before
been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light
to those leaders in Israel, and He used the only means by which they
could be reached. In their pride they would have scorned to admit that
they could receive instruction from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to
be trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they
flattered themselves that they were teaching Him, or at least testing
His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace
of Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Unconsciously their minds were
opened to the word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts.
They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the Mes-
siah was not sustained by prophecy; but they would not renounce the
theories that had flattered their ambition. They would not admit that
they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From
one to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge,
having never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but “the
darkness apprehended it not.”
John 1:5
, R. V.
Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress.
In the departure from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus, and they
knew not that He had tarried behind. The country was then densely
populated, and the caravans from Galilee were very large. There was
much confusion as they left the city. On the way the pleasure of
traveling with friends and acquaintances absorbed their attention, and
they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then as they halted
for rest, they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to
be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. Young as He was, they
had trusted Him implicitly, expecting that when needed, He would be
ready to assist them, anticipating their wants as He had always done.
But now their fears were roused. They searched for Him throughout
their company, but in vain. Shuddering they remembered how Herod
had tried to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their
hearts. They bitterly reproached themselves.
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