THE TEMPLE AND THE HOME
‘When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem.… And He went down with them, … and was subject unto them.’
In this passage we learn something of Christ when He was young. We read the only circumstance recorded of His early years (cf. Isaiah 53:2). We hear His first words, ‘Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?’—words that involve the principle for all our lives. Where could we find such a picture of early piety on earth? We may see it in four things:—
I. In His fulfilling the law.—The law said all males were to attend the three great feasts at Jerusalem. They were not be afraid of leaving home (Exodus 34:24; Deuteronomy 16:16). He had been circumcised, and now, at twelve years, keeps the Passover. Thus early does He show obedience to His heavenly Father (1 Samuel 15:22; Hebrews 5:8; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Peter 1:14; Psalms 119:35).
II. In His loving God’s house and teaching.—After the caravan has gone one day’s journey, Christ is missing (Luke 2:44-45). Where is He found? (Luke 2:46; Psalms 27:4; Psalms 63:1-2; Psalms 84:10). We often lose sight of Him in the world, and find Him in the sanctuary (see Illustration). But what is He doing there? (Luke 2:46). ‘Hearing and asking’ (2 Timothy 2:15). Thus early does He show a thirst for heavenly things.
III. In His obeying His parents (Luke 2:51).—‘He went down with them, and was subject unto them’ (Ephesians 5:21; Ephesians 6:1-2). He seems to have followed Joseph’s trade (Mark 6:3). ‘A son honoureth his father’ (Malachi 1:6). What does the Bible teach us about this? (Exodus 20:12; Leviticus 19:3; Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 4:20-22; Proverbs 23:22; Colossians 3:20). From His earliest years was Jesus obedient to His parents.
IV. In His advancing in grace.—We must not forget that our Lord was ‘perfect man’; and so, as His mind unfolded itself, He increased in wisdom (Proverbs 4:1-13). But further, in favour with God (Colossians 1:10; 2 Peter 3:18). That is the chief point (2 Corinthians 5:9). In favour with man—that will follow (Acts 7:9-10; Romans 14:18).
What an example is there here! His teachableness (Isaiah 50:4). His obedience (John 4:34). His love (John 13:34). Jesus says, ‘Follow Me.’
—Bishop Rowley Hill.
Illustration
‘Perhaps some have felt that, amid all the questions and controversies of the day, the personal love of the Lord Jesus seems to have slipped away from them altogether. Now if this be the case, remember, again, the perplexity of Joseph and His mother. They lost Him, and they were greatly upset; but they found Him. Was He among their kinsfolk and acquaintance? No. Many of us may go to those whom we know by relationship and ask questions about religion and get chilled. Let us go back to the old blessings of communion with the Saviour. If you want to get back to a personal love of your Saviour and to a knowledge that He is near you and dear to you, and you are dear to Him, go back to Jerusalem, and get into the Temple, and you will find Him there. A very celebrated and learned scientist said: “I have given up religion now for nearly thirty years, but somehow or other when I kneel down and say prayers that my mother taught me I feel at home with God.” Get back to the Temple—to Jerusalem. Give yourselves a chance amid the associations that are replete with God. Let the old music of the Psalms, which the Lord must have heard, call you back to your true home and to your true love—your Saviour.’