He Submitted to Parental Authority, May 2 VC

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. Luke 2:51. (SD 129.1) MC VC

Jesus claimed His sonship to the Eternal.... His first visit to the temple had awakened new impulses. All earthly obligations were, for the time, lost sight of; but with the knowledge of His divine mission, and of His union with God, He did not resist the authority of His parents. At their request He returned with them as a faithful, obedient son, and aided them in their life of toil. He buried in His own heart the secret of His future mission, waiting submissively until the period of His public ministry should commence before announcing to the world that He was the Messiah. He submitted to parental restraint, for the period of eighteen years after He had acknowledged that He was the Son of God, and lived the simple, common life of a Galilean, working at the carpenter’s trade.... For thirty years He submitted to parental restraint.... (SD 129.2) MC VC

It is common for children, even of Christian parents, when not over twelve years old, to feel that they must be allowed to follow their own desires. And parents are ready to be led by their children, rather than to lead them.... For this reason many youth come up with habits of selfishness and idleness. They are vain, proud, and headstrong.2 (SD 129.3) MC VC

When we look upon His patient self-denial, His shrinking from all notoriety, devoting Himself to His daily labor in a humble sphere, what a beautiful light is shed about His life! How clearly is pointed out the path in which children and youth should walk! ... Jesus was no less the Son of God in His lowly home, in His submission to His parents, than when God spoke from His eternal throne, saying, “This is my beloved Son.”3 (SD 129.4) MC VC

The life of Christ assures a blessing forever upon a life of cheerful submission to parental restraint and a life of physical and mental industry.4 (SD 129.5) MC VC

In the Study of the Scriptures, May 7 VC

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27. (SD 134.1) MC VC

After Joseph and Mary had searched for Him [Christ] 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. He asked His questions with a grace that charmed these learned men.... His mother could not but mark His words, His spirit, His willing obedience to all her requirements. (SD 134.2) MC VC

It is not correct to say, as many writers have said, that Christ was like all children. He was not like all children. Many children are misguided and mismanaged. But Joseph, and especially Mary, kept before them the remembrance of their child’s divine Fatherhood. Jesus was instructed in accordance with the sacred character of His mission. His inclination to right was a constant gratification to His parents.19 (SD 134.3) MC VC

His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God’s Word.20 (SD 134.4) MC VC

Christ opened the Scriptures to His disciples, beginning at Moses and the prophets, and instructed them in all things concerning Himself, and also explained to them the prophecies.21 (SD 134.5) MC VC

He pointed to the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority, and we should do the same.22 (SD 134.6) MC VC

Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His Word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated, and refined.23 (SD 134.7) MC VC

Like Christ, we should be able to meet the enemy in time of temptation with, “It is written.”24 (SD 134.8) MC VC