Christ’s Example in Contrast with Formalism
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The brothers and sisters of Jesus were taught the multitudinous
traditions and ceremonies of the rabbis, but Christ himself could not be
induced to interest Himself in these matters. While hearing on every
hand the reiterated “Thou shalt,” and “Thou shalt not,” He moved
independently of these restrictions. The requirements of society and
the requirements of God were ever in collision; and while in His youth
he made no direct attack upon the customs or precepts of the learned
teachers, He did not become a student in their schools.
Jesus would not follow any custom that would require Him to
depart from the will of God, nor would He place Himself under the
instruction of those who exalted the words of men above the word
of God. He shut out of His mind all the sentiments and formalities
that had not God for their foundation. He would give no place for
these things to influence Him. Thus He taught that it is better to
prevent evil than to attempt to correct it after it has gained a foothold
in the mind. And Jesus would not by His example lead others to place
themselves where they would be corrupted. Nor would He needlessly
place Himself in a position where He would be brought into conflict
with the rabbis, which might in after years result in weakening His
influence with the people. For the same reasons He could not be
induced to observe the meaningless forms or rehearse the maxims that
afterward in His ministry He so decidedly condemned.
Though Jesus was subject to His parents, He began at a very early
age to act for Himself in the formation of His character. While His
mother was His first human teacher, He was constantly receiving an
education from His Father in heaven. Instead of poring over the learned
lore handed down by the rabbis from century to century, Jesus, under
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the Divine Teacher, studied the words of God, pure and uncorrupted,
and studied also the great lesson-book of nature. The words, “Thus
saith the Lord,” were ever upon His lips, and “It is written,” was His
reason for every act that varied from the family customs. He brought
a purer atmosphere into the home life. Though He did not place
Himself under the instruction of the rabbis by becoming a student in
their schools, yet He was often brought in contact with them, and the
questions He asked, as if He were a learner, puzzled the wise men; for
their practices did not harmonize with the Scriptures, and they had not
the wisdom that comes from God. Even to those who were displeased