n their innocent joy, the little creatures
of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,—all were happier for His
presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to
relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing
to which He disdained to minister.
Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor
with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing
Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope
and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home.
And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to
read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled
as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.
Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in
Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought
no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and
even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an
important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,—the
more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with
nature,—the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to
spiritual strength.
Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest
upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed
the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He
is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended
to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may
walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in
the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly
trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing
God’s service just as much when laboring at the carpenter’s bench
as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who
As a Child 51
follows Christ’s example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly
home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through
the Holy Spirit, “Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in
whom My soul delighteth.” Isaiah 42:1. [75]
Chapter 8—The Passover Visit
This chapter is based on Luke 2:41-51.
Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between
childhood and youth. On completing this year a Hebrew boy was
called a son of the law, and also a son of God. He was given special
opportunities for religious instruction, and was expected to participate
in the sacred feasts and observances. It was in accordance with this
custom that Jesus in His boyhood made the Passover visit to Jerusalem.
Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every year to attend
the Passover; and when Jesus had reached the required age, they took
Him with them.
There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the
Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded to
appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover was
the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries where
the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the worshipers
came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied several
days, and the travelers united in large companies for companionship
and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or asses
[76] over the steep and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth
journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close
of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with
flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots
memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted
to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in
ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when
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at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in
the triumphant strain,—
“Our feet shall stand
Within thy gates, O Jerusalem....
Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within th