LESSON XXXVI. Holy Life of Jesus

Questions to Lesson 36^{*What is presented in this lesson, as proof that Jesus was the Son of God? What did he leave us? What did an apostle say of him? What could Jesus say? What should we imitate? Whose son was he? What did he become? To whom was he in subjection? What is said of his understanding at the age of twelve? Did he claim to be free from his parents on this account? How old was he when he commenced his ministry? What says Campbell, instead of thirty years of age? What did his countrymen call Jesus? For whom did he care while he hung on the cross?}

The fulfillment of the prophecies which have been noticed, and many others which we have not examined, is one of the strong proofs of the great truth which is the foundation of the Christian religion-that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Another proof of this truth is the spotless purity and holiness of his life. In this he is our example. He left us an example that we should follow in his steps. He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. 1 Peter 2:22. He could fearlessly say, in contradiction of all his accusers, I have kept my Father’s commandments. John 15:10. He perfectly kept a perfect moral law, and this exhibited a perfect moral character.BIC 83.2

We should imitate all his examples of obedience. Those who have parents should remember that he kept the fifth, as well as every other commandment. Though he was the Son of the Most High, yet when he condescended to become the Son of man he consented to be in subjection to earthly parents. Children that imagine that their superior capability of self-government releases them from parental control, would do well to remember this.BIC 84.1

At the age of twelve years, Jesus went with his parents to Jerusalem, to keep the passover. After the feast, they returned, a day’s journey, with their relations and acquaintances, supposing that he was in the company. But he had remained in Jerusalem. When they returned, 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 his answers. But he did not claim exemption from their control, on account of his understanding. After giving them a hint that he had a Father in heaven, on whose business he had come into the world, he went down with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them. Luke 2:51.BIC 84.2

We have reason to believe that he served his parents till he was about thirty years old, when he commenced his public ministry. In Campbell’s translation of Luke 3:23, we read, “Now Jesus was himself about thirty years in subjection being (as was supposed) a son of Joseph.” Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus, doubtless had been often seen, in the streets of Nazareth, laboring at this trade; for when he came into his own country, and began to teach in the synagogue, they were offended at him, and said, Is not this the carpenter?BIC 85.1

Nor did his filial regard end with his thirtieth year. While he hung upon the cross, he commended his mother to the care of the beloved disciple John. As they were standing by, he saith to his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. John 19:25.BIC 85.2