The Child Jesus

This chapter is based on Luke 2:39, 40.

Jesus spent His childhood and youth in a little mountain village. He bypassed the wealthy homes and the famous places of learning to make His home in despised Nazareth.HH 26.1

“The Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” In the sunlight of His Father’s face, Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52. His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. His powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood.HH 26.2

As a child, Jesus showed a loveliness of attitude, a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle He was firm as a rock, but His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy.HH 26.3

Jesus’ mother watched His powers unfold, and she worked to encourage that bright, receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to cooperate with Heaven in the development of this Child who could claim only God as His Father.HH 26.4

In the days of Christ, religious instruction for the young had become formal. To a great degree, tradition had replaced the Scriptures. The mind was crowded with material that the higher school of the courts above would not recognize. Students found no quiet hours to spend with God, to hear His voice speaking to the heart. They turned away from the Source of wisdom. What people considered a “superior” education was the greatest hindrance to real development of the youth. Their minds became cramped and narrow.HH 26.5

The Child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. From His mother and the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. As He grew into youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He did not need the education obtained from such sources. His thorough acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently He studied God’s Word when He was young.HH 26.6