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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nature Supplemented the Bible
The great library of God's created works was spread out before Him. He had made all things, and now He studied the lessons His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. He gathered much scientific knowledge from nature--from plants, animals, and man. The parables by which He loved to teach lessons of truth show how He gathered spiritual teaching from nature and the surroundings of His daily life.
As Jesus was trying to understand the reason of things, heavenly beings helped Him. From the first dawning of intelligence, He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth.
Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters elevated and refined. We will become more like our Savior. And as we gaze at the beautiful and grand things in nature, our hearts are drawn to God. The spirit is awed, the soul invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops mental and moral power.
While Jesus was a child, He thought and spoke as a child, but no trace of sin marred the image of God in Him. But He was not exempt from temptation. The people of Nazareth were well known for their wickedness. See John 1:46. Jesus had to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts we have to meet so that He could be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood.
From His earliest years, heavenly angels guarded Jesus, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. The prince of darkness tried every possible way to ensnare Jesus with temptation.
Jesus was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and need. This experience was a protection for Him. He had no idle time to open the way for corrupting friendships. Nothing--not gain or pleasure, applause or criticism--could get Him to consent to a wrong act. Christ, the only sinless One who ever inhabited the earth, lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth for nearly thirty years. This fact is a rebuke to those who think they are dependent on place, fortune, or prosperity to live a blameless life.
As a Carpenter, Christ Honored Work
Jesus had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to obey His word. Now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. With His own hands, He worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. He did not use divine power to ease His burdens or lighten His work.
Jesus used His physical powers carefully in order to stay healthy, so that He could do the best work.
He was not willing to be deficient, even in handling tools. He was perfect as a workman, just as He was perfect in character. By example He taught us to do our work with exactness and thoroughness and that labor is honorable. God gave us work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. God's approval rests on children and youth who take their part in the duties of the home, sharing the burdens of father and mother.
Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much, so He attempted much. He said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not avoid care and responsibility, as many do who claim to be His followers. Because they seek to escape this discipline, many are weak, inefficient, spineless, and almost useless when difficulties come. We are to develop the positive attitude and strength of character that Christ revealed, through the same discipline He endured. The grace He received is for us.
Our Savior shared the condition of the poor. Those who have a true understanding of His life will never feel that the rich should be honored above the worthy poor.
A Cheerful Singer
Jesus often expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the people of Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and song. As his companions complained of being tired, the sweet melody from His lips cheered them.
Through those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in streams of sympathy and tenderness. Old people, the sorrowing, the sinburdened, children at play, little creatures of the groves, the patient work animals--all were happier for His presence. He whose word upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing unworthy of His notice, nothing to which He refused to minister.
So He grew in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man. He showed Himself able to sympathize with everyone. An atmosphere of hope and courage surrounded Him, making Him a blessing in every home. Often on the Sabbath day He was called on to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as new light shone out from the sacred text.
Yet during all the years at Nazareth, He made no show of miraculous power. He assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life teaches an important lesson: the freer the life of a child is from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature, the more favorable it is for physical and mental vigor and spiritual strength.
Jesus is our Example. In His home life He is the Pattern for all children and youth. The Savior stooped to accept poverty, so that He could teach how closely we in humble places in life may walk with God. His work began in dedicating to God the lowly trade of the craftsmen who work 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. Every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may also claim these words spoken by the Father: "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, my Elect One in whom My soul delights!" Isaiah 42:1.