Chapter 2 —Jesus as a Child and Young Adult
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon
him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve
years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days,
as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among
their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem,
seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst
of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished
at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto
him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And
he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came
to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus
increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:40-52.
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. 9
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 instructed by a child. They claimed that it was their office to explain the Scriptures, and
that it was His place to accept their
9The Desire of Ages, 84.
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interpretation. They were indignant that He should stand in opposition to their word.
They realized that in spiritual understanding Jesus was far in advance of them. 10
At a very early age, Jesus had begun to act for Himself in the formation of His character, and not
even respect and love for His parents could turn Him from obedience to God’s word. “It is written” was
His reason for every act that varied from the family customs.
His brothers, as the sons of Joseph were called, sided with the rabbis. They insisted that the traditions
must be heeded, as if they were the requirements of God.... His strict obedience to the law of God
they condemned as stubbornness. They were surprised at the knowledge and wisdom He showed in
answering the rabbis. They knew that He had not received instruction from the wise men, yet they could
not but see that He was an instructor to them. They recognized that His education was of a higher type
than their own. 11
There were some who sought His society, feeling at peace in His presence; but many avoided Him,
because they were rebuked by His stainless life. Young companions urged Him to do as they did. He
was bright and cheerful; they enjoyed His presence, and welcomed His ready suggestions; but they were
impatient at His scruples, and pronounced Him narrow and strait-laced. 12
From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple, His course of action was a mystery
to them. He would not enter into controversy, yet His example was a constant lesson. He seemed as one
who was set apart. His hours of happiness were found when alone with nature and with God. Whenever
it was His privilege, He turned aside from the scene of His labor, to go into the fields, to meditate in
the green valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest.
The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in
prayer. From these quiet hours He would return to His home to take up His duties again, and to give an
example of patient toil....
Mary often remonstrated with Jesus, and urged Him to conform to the usages of the rabbis. But He
could not be persuaded to change His habits of contemplating the works of God and seeking to alleviate
the suffering of men or even of dumb animals. 13
When they [Jesus’ brothers] spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very
ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement. To those who were in need He would give a cup of
cold water, and would quietly place His own meal in their hands....
Harmless and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; amid the
unjust publicans, the reckless prodigals, the unrighteous Samaritans, the heathen soldiers, the rough
peasants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke a word of sympathy here and a word there, as He saw men
weary, yet compelled to bear heavy burdens. He shared their burdens, and repeated to them the lessons
He had learned from nature, of the love, the kindness, the goodness of God. 14
At times [Mary] wavered between Jesus and His brothers, who did not believe that He was the Sent
of God; but evidence was abundant that His was a divine character. She saw Him sacrificing Himself for
the good of others. His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven
working amid the elements of society. 15
10The Desire of Ages, 85.
11The Desire of Ages, 86.
12The Desire of Ages, 89.
13The Desire of Ages, 89, 90.
14The Desire of Ages, 87, 90.
15The Desire of Ages, 90.
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Chapter 3 —Jesus’ Ministry Begins with a Party
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And
both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of
Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee?
mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And
there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two
or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to
the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare
it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was:
(but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith
unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then
that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in
Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. John 2:1-11.
Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a
household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding
feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness....
There was to be a marriage at Cana, a little town not far from Nazareth; the parties were relatives
of Joseph and Mary; and Jesus, knowing of this family gathering, went to Cana, and with His disciples
was invited to the feast....
Again He met His mother, from whom He had for some time been separated. Mary had heard of the
manifestation at the Jordan, at His baptism. The tidings had been carried to Nazareth, and had brought
to her mind afresh the scenes that for so many years had been hidden in her heart. 16
From the day when she heard the angel’s announcement in the home at Nazareth Mary had treasured
every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His sweet, unselfish life assured her that He could be no
other than the Sent of God. Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments, and she had longed
for the time when His glory should be revealed. Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared
her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide
her hopes and fears. The past two months had been very sorrowful....
At the marriage feast she meets Him, the same tender, dutiful son. Yet He is not the same. His
countenance is changed. It bears the traces of His conflict in the wilderness, and a new expression of
dignity and power gives evidence of His heavenly mission. With Him is a group of young men, whose
eyes follow Him with reverence, and who call Him Master. These companions recount to Mary what
they have seen and heard at the baptism and elsewhere. They conclude by declaring, “We have found
Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” John 1:45. 17
As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some topic of absorbing interest. A
suppressed excitement pervades the company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones,
and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary had heard the disciples’ testimony in
regard to Jesus, she had been gladdened with the assurance that her long
