Chapter 9—Days of Conflict
From its earliest years the Jewish child was surrounded with the
requirements of the rabbis. Rigid rules were prescribed for every act,
down to the smallest details of life. Under the synagogue teachers the
youth were instructed in the countless regulations which as orthodox
Israelites they were expected to observe. But Jesus did not interest
Himself in these matters. From childhood He acted independently of
the rabbinical laws. The Scriptures of the Old Testament were His
constant study, and the words, “Thus saith the Lord,” were ever upon
His lips.
As the condition of the people began to open to His mind, He saw
that the requirements of society and the requirements of God were
in constant collision. Men were departing from the word of God,
and exalting theories of their own invention. They were observing
traditional rites that possessed no virtue. Their service was a mere
round of ceremonies; the sacred truths it was designed to teach were
hidden from the worshipers. He saw that in their faithless services
they found no peace. They did not know the freedom of spirit that
would come to them by serving God in truth. Jesus had come to teach
the meaning of the worship of God, and He could not sanction the
mingling of human requirements with the divine precepts. He did
not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when
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reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in
justification of His conduct.
In every gentle and submissive way, Jesus tried to please those with
whom He came in contact. Because He was so gentle and unobtrusive,
the scribes and elders supposed that He would be easily influenced by
their teaching. They urged Him to receive the maxims and traditions
that had been handed down from the ancient rabbis, but He asked for
their authority in Holy Writ. He would hear every word that proceeds
from the mouth of God; but He could not obey the inventions of men.
Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures from beginning to end, and He
presented them in their true import. The rabbis were ashamed to be
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