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Christ’s Problems as a Child
Under synagogue teachers, Jewish youth were instructed in the
countless regulations that orthodox Israelites were expected to ob-
serve. But these things did not interest Jesus. From childhood He
acted independently of rabbinical laws. He constantly studied the
Scriptures, and the words, “Thus says the Lord,” were always on
His lips.
He saw that people were departing from the Word of God and
insisting on rites that had no value. They found no peace in their
faithless services. They did not know the freedom of spirit that
comes by serving God fully. Though Jesus could not approve of
mingling human requirements with divine instructions, He did not
attack the teachings or practices of the highly educated teachers.
When criticized for His own simple habits, He presented the Word
of God to justify His conduct.
Jesus tried to please those with whom He came in contact. Be-
cause He was so gentle and unobtrusive, the scribes and elders
supposed that they could easily influence Him by their teaching.
But He asked for their authority in Scripture. He would listen to
every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, but He could not
obey human inventions. Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures from
beginning to end, and He presented them in their true meaning. The
rabbis claimed it was their responsibility to explain the Scriptures
and His place to accept their interpretation.
They knew that no authority for their traditions could be found
in Scripture. Yet they were angry because Jesus did not obey their
commands. Failing to convince Him, they went to Joseph and Mary
and presented His noncompliance to them. This brought Him rebuke
and censure.
At a very early age, Jesus began to act for Himself in character
formation. Not even love for His parents could turn Him from
obedience to God’s Word. But the influence of the rabbis made His
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