FROM the time that the Babe was brought back out of Egypt, until He was twelve years old, we have no account of His life. He seems to have remained with His parents in quietness at Nazareth, with nothing transpiring that the Holy Ghost has seen fit to record for our learning. When He was twelve years old there was an occurrence at Jerusalem, full of interest, which is brought before us in the divine record, and then again there is silence till He was about thirty years of age, the time that He was baptized of John, and entered upon His public ministry. All these years are passed over in silence. He seems to have remained with His parents, in the quiet of His Nazareth home, subject to His parents, and perhaps working with His supposed father, Joseph, who was a carpenter. In Mark 6:3, the people ask, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” which would indicate that He had worked at that trade. But it was the people who thus spoke, and Scripture does not tell us whether they were correct or not. But the Holy Ghost has told us what occurred when He was twelve years old, and from this we may learn something for our profit.
While He resided at Nazareth, we are told in general that, “the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40. From a babe, He grew to be a youth, and His spirit kept pace with His body, for He “waxed strong in spirit.” And whatever else He may have done, in the way of work, His mind was being filled with a divine store of wisdom, and the favor of God rested on Him. The evidence of this is now given:
“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.”
This shows that during all those quiet years of His youth, He had been in communion with His Father, and had been daily gathering divine wisdom and understanding. Joseph and His mother were “amazed,” when they saw Him; and His mother, perhaps somewhat out of patience because of the trouble they had experienced, rebuked Him, saying, “Son why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.” His answer shows that He had been in closer communion with God, His Father, than they had been. Yes, His communion was perfect. “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.” They ought to have known this, but their knowledge of the thoughts of God as to this marvelous Child had not kept pace with His. The learned doctors, too, saw that this was no ordinary child, but One from whom they, with all their wisdom, might still learn. “All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding.” Wondrous Child!
But, while He must be about His Father’s business, He would also be subject to His parents, according to the will of God. “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.” This is indeed beautiful. Sometimes boys and girls think they have learned to know more than their parents, and think they will do as they please. Jesus did not do so. He did in deed know more than His parents when He was twelve years old, but He was subject to them, even though He knew more than they. And He thus sets a beautiful example for children to follow now. In this beautiful path also, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” It was a lovely life unfolding its beautiful fragrance before God and before man, and increasingly so as He grew up to manhood. Blessed Babe of Bethlehem, Christ the Lord, the Saviour of men!
A. H. R.
Soon Christ the Lord shall come
For all who love His name,
And then return as King of kings,
O’er all the earth to reign.
Jesus Himself shall rule,
The world receive His word,
And all creation own His sway—
The Universal Lord.
ML 05/20/1900