EGW WritingsLuke 2
Ellen G. White · Page 2 of 2
Read Luke 2 in the BibleLuke 2:42
Lift Him Up
The Spirit in Christ From Youth, March 4
LHU 77.1
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. Luke 2:42.Homeward Bound
Understanding His Mission, February 11
HB 58.1
And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.—Luke 2:42.Luke 2:42-49
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 183, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 183, 1903, par. 1
When Jesus was twelve years old, He went up with Joseph and Mary “to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.” [Luke 2:42.] What must have been His awakened sense of all that He saw and all that He heard? The veil was lifted as to His mission and His work. He lingered by Himself. He tarried behind. He had a communication from His Father as He stood in the temple courts: This is Thy message. Here shalt Thou proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord as Prophet of the Most High God. With His quick perception, He knew from the things which He saw on that first visit to the temple that He was to be the great Sacrifice for sin, the fulfilment of Isaiah fifty-three.18LtMs, Ms 183, 1903, par. 9
They stop as they hear His voice. He is among the wise men and lawyers, and is forming questions that astonish the wise men, for light is flashed into their minds. Mary the mother inquired, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me?” And lifting His eyes and hand to heaven He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:48, 49. Heaven’s expressive light was in His countenance. The Child placed His hand in that of His mother’s and went with them, the Majesty of heaven shining in His countenance through humanity.Luke 2:43
That I May Know Him
Keep the Saviour With You! January 23
TMK 29.1
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. Luke 2:43.Luke 2:46
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Young Galilean, May 16
JNN 147.1
Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.—Luke 2:46Luke 2:46-50
That I May Know Him
A Child in the Temple, January 22
TMK 28.1
Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? Luke 2:49.TMK 28.2
When Christ was twelve years old He went with His parents to Jerusalem to attend the feast of the Passover, and on their return He was lost in the multitude. After Joseph and Mary had searched for Him for three days, they found Him in the court of 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” (Luke 2:46, 47).45The Youth’s Instructor, September 8, 1898.TMK 28.5
Mary, the mother of Jesus, ... asked, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Divine light shone through humanity as Jesus lifted His right hand and asked, “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” (verses 48-50). They did not comprehend the true meaning of His words. But, though He was the Son of God, He went down with His parents and came unto Nazareth, and was subject unto them.... At the age of twelve the Holy Spirit was abiding upon Jesus and He felt something of the burden of the mission for which He had come to our world.46Signs of the Times, July 30, 1896.Luke 2:47
From the Heart
Scripture Was Jesus’ Guide, August 12
FH 236.1
And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. Luke 2:47.Luke 2:48-49
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 85, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, par. 10
The mother of Jesus, after a long search, found Him in the school of the rabbis. When He was alone with His parents, the mother said, in words that implied a rebuke, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.” [Luke 2:48.]21LtMs, Ms 85, 1906, par. 11
“How is it that ye sought Me?” answered Jesus. “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Verse 49.] And as they understood not His words, He pointed upward. In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God.A Call To Stand Apart
Chapter 15—Social Justice
CSA 59.5
In all things He brought His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in His youth His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us?” He answered,—and His answer is the keynote of His lifework,—“How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:48, 49.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 147, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 147, 1902, par. 8
When we are converted, our desire for ease and elegance will be changed. Christ brought His desires and wishes into strict abeyance to His mission—the mission that bore the insignia of heaven. He made everything subordinate to the great work that He came to the world to accomplish in behalf of the fallen race. When in His youth His mother found Him in the school of the rabbis, and said to Him, “Son, why hast Thou [thus] dealt with us?” “Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.” He answered—and His answer is the keynote of His lifework—“How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 242, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 242, 1902, par. 7
Christ brought His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He made everything subordinate to the work that He came to do. When in His youth, His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, “Son, why hast Thou dealt thus with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing,” He answered—and His answer is the keynote of His life—“How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business.” [Luke 2:48, 49.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 143, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 143, 1906, par. 24
His mother came in grief, and she said: “Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing, why have Ye done thus with us?” He reached up His hand to heaven, while divinity flashed through humanity: “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] And yet He went home and was subject unto them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 58, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 58, 1906, par. 14
Though Christ was rich, yet for our sake He became poor. He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. “I am among you,” He said, “as one that serveth.” [Luke 22:27.] He came to exemplify in His character the law of God. There was in His service no haphazard work. He taught and practiced the law of the kingdom of heaven. When His parents lost Him, and went back to Jerusalem to seek Him, they found Him among the doctors and lawyers in the temple, listening to them and asking them questions. The Jewish teachers were astonished at His questions, which set their minds on a train of thought of the highest consequence. When His mother asked Him, “Son, why hast Thou dealt thus with us,” He answered, with His hand uplifted in a most reverent manner, and with His countenance aglow, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] Clearly and decidedly these words rang out; He spoke as One who understood the keynote of His life.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Christ Our Example
GW 42.2
In all things He brought His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in His youth, His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us?” He answered,—and His answer is the key-note of His life-work,—“How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.]Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Consecration
GW 111.2
Christ brought His desires and wishes into strict abeyance to His mission,—the mission that bore the insignia of Heaven. He made everything subordinate to the work that He came to this world to accomplish. When in His youth His mother found Him in the school of the rabbis, and said to Him, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing,” He answered,—and His answer is the key-note of His life-work,—“How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.]The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 1—Our Example
MH 19.1
In all things He brought His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in His youth His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us?” He answered,—and His answer is the keynote of His lifework,—“How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:48, 49.The Upward Look
Our Father’s Business, November 12
UL 330.5
When we are converted, our desire for ease and elegance will be changed. Christ brought His desires and wishes into strict abeyance to His mission—the mission that bore the insignia of heaven. He made everything subordinate to the great work that He came to this world to accomplish in behalf of the fallen race. When in His youth His mother found Him in the school of the rabbis, and said to Him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing,” He answered, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48, 49).—Manuscript 147, November 12, 1902, “An Appeal for More Effort.”This Day With God
Even a Child Is Known, February 20
TDG 59.3
When His mother said to Him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing,” He answered, “How is it that ye sought me?” Then with the light of divinity shining forth from His countenance, He said in a most solemn manner, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48, 49). And although after this He returned to Nazareth, and was subject to His parents, yet He did not lose the realization of His future work—the knowledge that He must labor to save the lost. He knew that He must keep faithful watch over every faculty, that Satan might not obtain one jot of advantage.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 13, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 13, 1897, par. 30
Jesus lived a social life in our world. But not one foolish word was expressed, no foolish action marred his life. His life was held in abeyance to His great mission to the world. When His parents lost Him for three days, and found [Him] among the doctors in the temple, asking them questions, he started in their minds trains of thought which would never be forgotten. His parents were astonished at His questions and His answers. They inquired of Him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” His answer struck the note of His whole life and ministry: “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business.” [Luke 2:48, 49.] Divinity flashing through humanity expressed in his countenance that which made Joseph and Mary wonder, but Mary remembered the lesson afterward. Everything was made subordinate to His work, His great work of redemption, which He came into the world to accomplish.Luke 2:48-50
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 22, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 22, 1898, par. 13
When Christ was yet a child, He was found by Joseph and His mother in the temple among the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions. By His questions He threw great light into their minds. On this visit to Jerusalem He had a realization that He was indeed the Son of God, and that a special work lay before Him. When His mother said to Him, “Son, why hast thou dealt thus with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing,” He answered, “How is it that ye sought me?” Then with the light of divinity shining forth from His countenance, He said in a most solemn manner, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48-50.] And although after this He returned to Nazareth, and was subject to His parents, yet He did not lose the realization of His future work, the knowledge that He must labor to save the lost.Luke 2:48-51
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 145, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, par. 30
The doctors were astonished at His learning, as He had never been in one of their schools. And yet when the mother said unto Him, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing,” Jesus, who had been talking upon the realities that were to come to the world, in the revelation of Jesus Christ, said unto them, “How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” “They understood not the saying which He spake unto them.” But the mother understood much of what this meant. She knew that Jesus was beginning to realize His relation to His heavenly Father. And what did the Saviour do? “He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” [Luke 2:48-51.] There in His humble home He worked at the carpenter’s trade. In every experience in life He revealed the character of His heavenly Father and was an exemplar of filial obedience.Luke 2:48-52
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 93, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 93, 1899, par. 18
When His parents saw Him, and heard His questions and answers to the dignitaries of the temple, they were amazed, and scarcely knew what to say. His mother said, “Son, why hast thou dealt thus with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” The wise doctors were surprised to hear His answer, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:48, 49.] As He said these words, He raised His hand to heaven. Divinity flashed through humanity. His countenance was lighted up like the face of an angel. Neither parents or doctors understood His words. They were a mystery which they could not understand, but a solemn awe fell upon them. “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” [Verses 51, 52.]Luke 2:49
Christ Triumphant
Christ “Grew in Knowledge” Going About His Father’s Business, August 4
CTr 223.1
Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? Luke 2:49.Homeward Bound
“My Father’s Business,” February 12
HB 59.1
Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?—Luke 2:49.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 43, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 43, 1897, par. 17
There is an object before all Christians. They are to do the work Christ did while here on earth. “Wist ye not,” He said, “that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:49.] I came to show what the Lord requires of all who would win eternal life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 120, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 120, 1899, par. 15
God has claims upon us which we can evade only at eternal loss to ourselves. But in God’s service there is perfect freedom. Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity, serving His Father, He is the Pattern of what every son should and may be. He was given to our world to show us how to live the commandments of God. He counted no sacrifice too great, no toil too hard, in order to accomplish the work He came to do. At the age of twelve He said to His earthly parent, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” [Luke 2:49.] He had heard the call and taken up the work. At another time He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is day; the night cometh when no man can work.” [John 9:4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 30, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 30, 1900, par. 14
Last night a similar presentation was made to me. The business transactions were of such a character that I again turned away, with a burden of soul so heavy that I exclaimed, “The Lord pity you if this is your idea of how a Christian should act toward his fellow Christians!” A Christian is one who follows Christ through evil as well as good report. Christian discipleship in regard to business matters means more than many realize. Our Lord said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” [Luke 2:49.] If we follow in His footsteps, we must as His human agents, copy His divine example. We must be faithful financiers for the Father. True Christians will follow in Christ’s footsteps. If, in the business connected with the cause and in our dealing with our brethren, we do not bring the principles of the teaching of Christ, if we fail to obey the instruction He has given us, in the Old Testament as well as in the New, we are not true followers of His.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 132, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 132, 1902, par. 4
Up to the time of Christ’s first advent, men worshiped cruel, despotic gods. Even the Jewish mind was reached through fear, and not love. Christ’s mission on the earth was to reveal to men that God was not a despot, but a heavenly Father, full of love and mercy for His children. He spoke of God by the endearing title of “My Father.” In answer to the anxious questionings of Joseph and Mary after they had found Him in the temple, He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:49.] He did not refer to Joseph, His earthly father. It was not Joseph’s business in which He was engaged with the doctors of the law.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 255, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 255, 1904, par. 27
Christ was the Son of God. Of this truth He early bore witness. In His youth He felt the obligation resting upon Him to do the work His Father had given Him. When Joseph and Mary found Him in the temple, and asked Him why He had left them, He replied, pointing upward, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” [Luke 2:49.] And as He spoke these words, divinity flashed through humanity. Let our ministers and physicians study the life of Christ and learn how He went about his work, what spirit He brought into it, and how He accomplished it with heavenly grace.Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 22—Saying and Doing
COL 282.3
God stands toward His people in the relation of a father, and He has a father’s claim to our faithful service. Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity, serving His Father, He is an example of what every son should and may be. The obedience that Christ rendered God requires from human beings today. He served His Father with love, in willingness and freedom. “I delight to do Thy will, O My God,” He declared; “yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8. Christ counted no sacrifice too great, no toil too hard, in order to accomplish the work which He came to do. At the age of twelve He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. He had heard the call, and had taken up the work. “My meat,” He said, “is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34.In Heavenly Places
The Heavenly Father’s Claim, May 1
HP 128.2
God stands toward His people in the relation of a father, and He has a father’s claim to our faithful service. Consider the life of Christ. Standing at the head of humanity, serving His Father, He is an example of what every son should and may be. The obedience that Christ rendered, God requires from human beings today. He served His Father in love, with willingness and freedom. “I delight to do thy will, O my God,” He declared: “yea, thy law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:8). Christ counted no sacrifice too great, no toil too hard, in order to accomplish the work which He came to do. At the age of twelve He said, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). He had heard the call, and had taken up the work. “My meat,” He said, “is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work” (John 4:34).The Desire of Ages
Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee
DA 486.2
But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In the visit to the temple in His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. At Cana, when Mary desired Him to reveal His miraculous power, His answer was, “Mine hour is not yet come.” John 2:4. With the same words He replied to His brothers when they urged Him to go to the feast. But in God’s great plan the hour had been appointed for the offering of Himself for the sins of men, and that hour was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His steps are turned toward Jerusalem, where His foes have long plotted to take His life; now He will lay it down. He set His face steadfastly to go to persecution, denial, rejection, condemnation, and death.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee
HLv 329.1
But Jesus had “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The one law of His life was the Father’s will. In His boyhood, He had said to Mary, “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49. But in God’s great plan the hour for the offering of Himself for the sins of men was soon to strike. He would not fail nor falter. His foes had long plotted to take His life; now He would lay it down.From the Heart
The Father’s Business, August 7
FH 231.1
Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? Luke 2:49.Luke 2:51
Sons and Daughters of God
He Submitted to Parental Authority, May 2
SD 129.1
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. Luke 2:51.To Be Like Jesus
Jesus, the Perfect Pattern of Obedience, February 25
BLJ 64.1
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51, NKJV.Luke 2:51-52
My Life Today
Christ Was Obedient, October 22
ML 299.1
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.... And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:51, 52.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Lt 47, 1893
8LtMs, Lt 47, 1893, par. 26
In the instruction and training of the young, let the divine pattern be kept prominent—the life of Christ in childhood and youth. Let those who are engrossed in self-pleasing remember the toilsome life of the Son of God. He was a diligent worker. “Ye are laborers together with God.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] The instructors should keep it before their students that their life is to be a life of practical usefulness, as was the life of our Saviour. He condescended to come to our world to live the life of humanity, that He might give children and youth an example showing how they should live, the character they should form. He was of poor parentage, and He had no money to spend on foolish, selfish embellishments for display. He lived in a peasants’ home, and aided His parents in bearing the burdens of their common, daily toil. From the temple at Jerusalem where He had reminded them of His sonship to the Eternal, “he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” [Luke 2:51, 52.] Who was this? The Majesty of heaven. The Son of the Infinite God condescended to take humanity upon Himself, that He might give a perfect pattern of humanity for infancy, childhood, and youth. Then let every parent study the example of Christ and treat his children with great carefulness, lest he shall fail of forming their characters according to the Pattern. Let the teachers in our schools inculcate such ideas that the youth will ever have before them a correct example. God will help them in this work of molding and fashioning the human character after the similitude of the divine.Luke 2:52
My Life Today
A Practical Example of Sanctification, September 2
ML 249.3
Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God....Our Father Cares
In Love With Christ, April 5
OFC 107.4
The Inspired Record says of Him: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. As He grew in years He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; His precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. The physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth’s. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours.Our Father Cares
Christ a Perfect Example for All, November 2
OFC 318.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.Our High Calling
In Love With Christ, February 22
OHC 59.4
The Inspired Record says of Him: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. As He grew in years He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; His precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. The physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth’s. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours.Reflecting Christ
Christ a Perfect Example for All, January 23
RC 37.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.Sons and Daughters of God
His Simplicity Gave Him Favor, May 5
SD 132.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 65—Northern Wisconsin
1T 339.8
Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God.That I May Know Him
The Ideal for All Humanity, January 24
TMK 30.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.Christ Triumphant
Jesus an Example to Children and Youth, August 5
CTr 224.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 28—Ministry of the Home
MH 349.2
The importance and the opportunities of the home life are illustrated in the life of Jesus. He who came from heaven to be our example and teacher spent thirty years as a member of the household at Nazareth. Concerning these years the Bible record is very brief. No mighty miracles attracted the attention of the multitude. No eager throngs followed His steps or listened to His words. Yet during all these years He was fulfilling His divine mission. He lived as one of us, sharing the home life, submitting to its discipline, performing its duties, bearing its burdens. In the sheltering care of a humble home, participating in the experiences of our common lot, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52.The Review and Herald
May 6, 1862
RH May 6, 1862, par. 23
Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
No Sanctification to the Disobedient
1TT 114.1
Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God.From the Heart
The Youthful Jesus, August 9
FH 233.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52.Testimony for the Church — No. 8
Northern Wisconsin
T08 46.5
Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God.Homeward Bound
The Role of the Christian Home, September 5
HB 274.3
The importance and the opportunities of the home life are illustrated in the life of Jesus. He who came from heaven to be our example and teacher spent thirty years as a member of the household at Nazareth. Concerning these years the Bible record is very brief. No mighty miracles attracted the attention of the multitude. No eager throngs followed His steps or listened to His words. Yet during all these years He was fulfilling His divine mission. He lived as one of us, sharing the home life, submitting to its discipline, performing its duties, bearing its burdens. In the sheltering care of a humble home, participating in the experiences of our common lot, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 17, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 17, 1878, par. 13
The inspired record says of Him: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52. As He grew in years, He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; His precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. His physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth’s. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 7, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 7, 1896, par. 27
“We are laborers together with God; ye are God’s husbandry; ye are God’s building.” [1 Corinthians 3:9.] All are to labor as Christ labored, increasing in spirituality and growing in wisdom and knowledge, “and in favor with God and man.” [Luke 2:52.] Growing—how? To the full stature of men and women in Christ. But when a man in a position of responsibility grows in self-sufficiency, and lifts up his soul unto vanity, feeling <the inclination> to act as ruler toward any member of God’s family, wait no longer, relieve him of his trust, for God is not with him. <He will hurt souls.> He is venturing a warfare at his own charges. He feels capable of doing a great work without Christ’s help. He will exalt himself as a man of superior wisdom, who must be highly esteemed. He thinks that his brethren must do as he decides.In Heavenly Places
Pattern for Children and Youth, July 26
HP 214.1
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52.Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]
MR No. 224—Ellen G. White Letters to Young Christians
4MR 236.1
The inspired record says of Him: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). As he grew in years He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; his precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. His physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth’s. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours.Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]
MR No. 1438—Choose Associates of Good Character; Jesus Our Example in All Things
20MR 73.2
The inspired record says of him: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52). As He grew in years He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; His precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. His physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth’s. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours.Maranatha
Bible Sanctification Defined, March 22
Mar 89.5
There is no Bible sanctification for those who cast a part of the truth behind them. There is light enough given in the word of God, so that none need err.... Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Luke 2:52. Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God....EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Luke 2:41-51
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 8—The Passover Visit
DA 75.1
Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between childhood and youth. On completing this year a Hebrew boy was called a son of the law, and also a son of God. He was given special opportunities for religious instruction, and was expected to participate in the sacred feasts and observances. It was in accordance with this custom that Jesus in His boyhood made the Passover visit to Jerusalem. Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every year to attend the Passover; and when Jesus had reached the required age, they took Him with them.DA 75.2
There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries where the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the worshipers came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied several days, and the travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or asses over the steep and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in the triumphant strain,—DA 76.1
“Our feet shall standWithin thy gates, O Jerusalem....
Peace be within thy walls,
And prosperity within thy palaces.” Psalm 122:2-7.
DA 76.2
The observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew nation. On the last night of their bondage in Egypt, when there appeared no token of deliverance, God commanded them to prepare for an immediate release. He had warned Pharaoh of the final judgment on the Egyptians, and He directed the Hebrews to gather their families within their own dwellings. Having sprinkled the doorposts with the blood of the slain lamb, they were to eat the lamb, roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. “And thus shall ye eat it,” He said, “with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.” Exodus 12:11. At midnight all the first-born of the Egyptians were slain. Then the king sent to Israel the message, “Rise up, and get you forth from among my people; ... and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.” Exodus 12:31. The Hebrews went out from Egypt an independent nation. The Lord had commanded that the Passover should be yearly kept. “It shall come to pass,” He said, “when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when He smote the Egyptians.” Thus from generation to generation the story of this wonderful deliverance was to be repeated.DA 77.1
The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread. On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year’s harvest, a sheaf of barley, was presented before the Lord. All the ceremonies of the feast were types of the work of Christ. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt was an object lesson of redemption, which the Passover was intended to keep in memory. The slain lamb, the unleavened bread, the sheaf of first fruits, represented the Saviour.DA 77.2
With most of the people in the days of Christ, the observance of this feast had degenerated into formalism. But what was its significance to the Son of God!DA 78.1
For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry. He beheld the bleeding victim upon the altar of sacrifice. With the worshipers He bowed in prayer, while the cloud of incense ascended before God. He witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to be bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour.DA 78.2
Rapt in the contemplation of these scenes, He did not remain beside His parents. He sought to be alone. When the paschal services were ended, He still lingered in the temple courts; and when the worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind.DA 78.3
In this visit to Jerusalem, the parents of Jesus wished to bring Him in connection with the great teachers in Israel. While He was obedient in every particular to the word of God, He did not conform to the rabbinical rites and usages. Joseph and Mary hoped that He might be led to reverence the learned rabbis, and give more diligent heed to their requirements. But Jesus in the temple had been taught by God. That which He had received, He began at once to impart.DA 78.4
At that day an apartment connected with the temple was devoted to a sacred school, after the manner of the schools of the prophets. Here leading rabbis with their pupils assembled, and hither the child Jesus came. Seating Himself at the feet of these grave, learned men, He listened to their instruction. As one seeking for wisdom, He questioned these teachers in regard to the prophecies, and to events then taking place that pointed to the advent of the Messiah.DA 78.5
Jesus presented Himself as one thirsting for a knowledge of God. His questions were suggestive of deep truths which had long been obscured, yet which were vital to the salvation of souls. While showing how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every question put before them a divine lesson, and placed truth in a new aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah’s coming would bring to the Jewish nation; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah, and asked them the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God.DA 78.6
The doctors turned upon Him with questions, and they were amazed at His answers. With the humility of a child He repeated the words of Scripture, giving them a depth of meaning that the wise men had not conceived of. If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have worked a reformation in the religion of the day. A deep interest in spiritual things would have been awakened; and when Jesus began His ministry, many would have been prepared to receive Him.DA 80.1
The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their schools; yet His understanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs. In this thoughtful Galilean boy they discerned great promise. They desired to gain Him as a student, that He might become a teacher in Israel. They wanted to have charge of His education, feeling that a mind so original must be brought under their molding.DA 80.2
The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light to those leaders in Israel, and He used the only means by which they could be reached. In their pride they would have scorned to admit that they could receive instruction from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to be trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they flattered themselves that they were teaching Him, or at least testing His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Unconsciously their minds were opened to the word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts.DA 80.3
They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the Messiah was not sustained by prophecy; but they would not renounce the theories that had flattered their ambition. They would not admit that they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From one to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge, having never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but “the darkness apprehended it not.” John 1:5, R. V.DA 80.4
Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress. In the departure from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus, and they knew not that He had tarried behind. The country was then densely populated, and the caravans from Galilee were very large. There was much confusion as they left the city. On the way the pleasure of traveling with friends and acquaintances absorbed their attention, and they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then as they halted for rest, they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. Young as He was, they had trusted Him implicitly, expecting that when needed, He would be ready to assist them, anticipating their wants as He had always done. But now their fears were roused. They searched for Him throughout their company, but in vain. Shuddering they remembered how Herod had tried to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their hearts. They bitterly reproached themselves.DA 81.1
Returning to Jerusalem, they pursued their search. The next day, as they mingled with the worshipers in the temple, a familiar voice arrested their attention. They could not mistake it; no other voice was like His, so serious and earnest, yet so full of melody.DA 81.2
In the school of the rabbis they found Jesus. Rejoiced as they were, they could not forget their grief and anxiety. When He was with them again, the mother said, in words that implied reproof, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.”DA 81.3
“How is it that ye sought Me?” answered Jesus. “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” And as they seemed not to understand His words, He pointed upward. On His face was a light at which they wondered. Divinity was flashing through humanity. On finding Him in the temple, they had listened to what was passing between Him and the rabbis, and they were astonished at His questions and answers. His words started a train of thought that would never be forgotten.DA 81.4
And His question to them had a lesson. “Wist ye not,” He said, “that I must be about My Father’s business?” Jesus was engaged in the work that He had come into the world to do; but Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs. God had shown them high honor in committing to them His Son. Holy angels had directed the course of Joseph in order to preserve the life of Jesus. But for an entire day they had lost sight of Him whom they should not have forgotten for a moment. And when their anxiety was relieved, they had not censured themselves, but had cast the blame upon Him.DA 81.5
It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their own child. He was daily with them, His life in many respects was like that of other children, and it was difficult for them to realize that He was the Son of God. They were in danger of failing to appreciate the blessing granted them in the presence of the world’s Redeemer. The grief of their separation from Him, and the gentle reproof which His words conveyed, were designed to impress them with the sacredness of their trust.DA 81.6
In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God. Before His birth the angel had said to Mary, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever.” Luke 1:32, 33. These words Mary had pondered in her heart; yet while she believed that her child was to be Israel’s Messiah, she did not comprehend His mission. Now she did not understand His words; but she knew that He had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had declared His Sonship to God.DA 82.1
Jesus did not ignore His relation to His earthly parents. From Jerusalem He returned home with them, and aided them in their life of toil. He hid in His own heart the mystery of His mission, waiting submissively for the appointed time for Him to enter upon His work. For eighteen years after He had recognized that He was the Son of God, He acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the home at Nazareth, and performed the duties of a son, a brother, a friend, and a citizen.DA 82.2
As His mission had opened to Jesus in the temple, He shrank from contact with the multitude. He wished to return from Jerusalem in quietness, with those who knew the secret of His life. By the paschal service, God was seeking to call His people away from their worldly cares, and to remind them of His wonderful work in their deliverance from Egypt. In this work He desired them to see a promise of deliverance from sin. As the blood of the slain lamb sheltered the homes of Israel, so the blood of Christ was to save their souls; but they could be saved through Christ only as by faith they should make His life their own. There was virtue in the symbolic service only as it directed the worshipers to Christ as their personal Saviour. God desired that they should be led to prayerful study and meditation in regard to Christ’s mission. But as the multitudes left Jerusalem, the excitement of travel and social intercourse too often absorbed their attention, and the service they had witnessed was forgotten. The Saviour was not attracted to their company.DA 82.3
As Joseph and Mary should return from Jerusalem alone with Jesus, He hoped to direct their minds to the prophecies of the suffering Saviour. Upon Calvary He sought to lighten His mother’s grief. He was thinking of her now. Mary was to witness His last agony, and Jesus desired her to understand His mission, that she might be strengthened to endure, when the sword should pierce through her soul. As Jesus had been separated from her, and she had sought Him sorrowing three days, so when He should be offered up for the sins of the world, He would again be lost to her for three days. And as He should come forth from the tomb, her sorrow would again be turned to joy. But how much better she could have borne the anguish of His death if she had understood the Scriptures to which He was now trying to turn her thoughts!DA 83.1
If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer, they would have realized the sacredness of their trust, and would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day’s neglect they lost the Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour’s presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost.DA 83.2
In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour’s presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ.DA 83.3
Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.DA 83.4
It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.DA 83.5
As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ’s, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be “changed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 8—The Passover Visit
HLv 45.1
Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between childhood and youth. In accordance with this custom, Jesus made the Passover visit to Jerusalem with Joseph and Mary when He reached the required age.HLv 45.2
The journey from Galilee occupied several days, and travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode on oxen or asses over the steep, rocky roads. The stronger men and youth journeyed on foot. The whole land was bright with flowers, and glad with the song of birds. Along the way, fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in ages past, and beguiled their journey with song and music.HLv 45.3
Observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew nation. On the last night of their bondage in Egypt, God directed the Hebrews to gather their families within their own dwellings. Having sprinkled the doorposts with the blood of the slain lamb, they were to eat the lamb, roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. “It is the Lord’s passover.” Exodus 12:11. At midnight all the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain. Then the Hebrews went out from Egypt an independent nation. From generation to generation the story of this wonderful deliverance was to be repeated.HLv 45.4
The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread. All the ceremonies of the feast were types of the work of Christ. The slain lamb, the unleavened bread, the sheaf of first fruits, represented the Saviour. But with most of the people in the days of Christ, this feast had degenerated into formalism. But what was its significance to the Son of God!HLv 46.1
For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry, the bleeding victim on the altar of sacrifice. He witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour.HLv 46.2
Rapt in contemplation of these scenes, when the paschal services ended, He lingered in the temple courts, and when the worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind.HLv 46.3
In this visit the parents of Jesus wished to bring Him in connection with the great teachers in Israel. They hoped He might be led to reverence the learned rabbis, and give more heed to their requirements. But Jesus in the temple had been taught by God. That which He had received, He began at once to impart.HLv 46.4
An apartment connected with the temple was devoted to a sacred school. Here the child Jesus came, seating Himself at the feet of the learned rabbis. As one seeking for wisdom, He questioned these teachers in regard to the prophecies and to events then taking place that pointed to the advent of the Messiah.HLv 46.5
His questions suggested deep truths, long obscured, which were vital to salvation. While showing how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every question placed truth in a new aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah’s coming would bring to the Jews; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah and asked the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God. See Isaiah 53.HLv 47.1
The doctors turned on Him with questions and were amazed at His answers. With the humility of a child He gave the words of Scripture a depth of meaning that the wise men had not conceived of. If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have worked a reformation in the religion of the day; and when Jesus began His ministry, many would have been prepared to receive Him.HLv 47.2
In this thoughtful Galilean boy the rabbis discerned great promise. They wanted to have charge of His education; a mind so original must be brought under their molding.HLv 47.3
The words of Jesus moved their hearts as they had never before been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light to those leaders. If Jesus had appeared to be trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they flattered themselves that they were teaching Him—or at least testing His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Their minds opened to the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts.HLv 47.4
They could see that their expectation of the Messiah was not sustained by prophecy, but they would not admit that they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach.HLv 47.5
Meanwhile, in the departure from Jerusalem Joseph and Mary had lost sight of Jesus. The pleasure of traveling with friends absorbed their attention, and they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. But now their fears were roused. Shuddering, they remembered how Herod had tried to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their hearts.HLv 47.6
Returning to Jerusalem, they pursued their search. The next day, in the temple, a familiar voice arrested their attention. They could not mistake it—so serious and earnest, yet so full of melody. In the school of the rabbis they found Jesus.HLv 48.1
When He was with them again, His mother said, in words that implied reproof, “Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.”HLv 48.2
“How is it that ye sought Me?” answered Jesus. “Wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?” As they seemed not to understand, He pointed upward. On His face was a light. Divinity was flashing through humanity. They had listened to what was passing between Him and the rabbis and were astonished at His questions and answers.HLv 48.3
Jesus was engaged in the work He had come into the world to do; but Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs. God had shown them high honor in committing to them His Son. But for an entire day they had lost sight of Him, and when their anxiety was relieved, they had not censured themselves but had blamed Him.HLv 48.4
It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their own child. His life in many respects was like that of other children, and it was difficult to realize He was the Son of God. The gentle reproof which His words conveyed was designed to impress them with the sacredness of their trust.HLv 48.5
In His answer to His mother Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God. Mary did not understand His words, but she knew He had disclaimed kinship to Joseph and had declared His Sonship to God.HLv 48.6
From Jerusalem Jesus returned home with His earthly parents and aided them in their life of toil. For eighteen years He acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the home at Nazareth, and performed the duties of a son, a brother, a friend, and a citizen.HLv 48.7
Jesus wished to return from Jerusalem in quietness, with those who knew the secret of His life. By the paschal service God was seeking to remind His people of His wonderful work in their deliverance from Egypt. In this work He desired them to see a promise of deliverance from sin. The blood of Christ was to save their souls. God desired that they should be led to prayerful study in regard to Christ’s mission. But as the multitudes left Jerusalem, the excitement of travel and social intercourse often absorbed their attention, and the service they had witnessed was forgotten. The Saviour was not attracted to their company.HLv 49.1
Returning from Jerusalem, Jesus hoped to direct Joseph and Mary to the prophecies of the suffering Saviour. On Calvary He sought to lighten His mother’s grief; He was thinking of her now. Mary was to witness His last agony, and Jesus desired her to understand His mission, that she might endure when the sword should pierce through her soul. How much better she could have borne the anguish of His death if she had understood the scriptures to which He was now trying to turn her thoughts!HLv 49.2
By one day’s neglect Joseph and Mary lost the Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us. By idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour’s presence, and it may take many days to find Him and regain the peace we have lost.HLv 49.3
We should take heed lest we forget Jesus and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. Absorbed in worldly things, we separate ourselves from Him and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour’s presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked.HLv 49.4
Many attend religious services and are refreshed by the Word of God, but through neglect of meditation and prayer, they lose the blessing. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.From Heaven With Love
Jesus Helps His Mother
HLv 49.5
It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. Thus our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be imbued with His spirit. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be “changed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18.