|
His Everyday
Life
`Jesus
came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth. The
Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Commander of all the
angel host, He humbled Himself to accept humanity, and then He
chose a life of poverty and humiliation. He had no
opportunities that the poor do not have. Toil, hardship, and
privation were a part of every day's experience. "Foxes
have holes," He said, "and birds of the air have
nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His
head." Luke 9:58.' (MH197)
His
`home was in Nazareth, which was proverbial for its wickedness.
His parents were among the lowly poor. His trade was that of a
carpenter, and He labored with His hands to do His part in
sustaining the family.' (3T566)
He
`lived in a peasant's home and faithfully and cheerfully acted
His part in bearing the household burdens. He who had been the
commander of heaven was a willing servant, a loving, obedient
son.' (MH399)
`Often
He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and
heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice
raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion
with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of
weariness from labour, they were cheered by the sweet melody
from His lips.' (DA73)
He
`was often heard singing hymns of praise; and yet some have
said that "Jesus never smiled." How mistaken
their ideas in this regard!' (WM93)
`Jesus
did not seek the admiration or the applause of men. He
commanded no army. He ruled no earthly kingdom. He did not
court the favor of the wealthy and honored of the world. He
did not claim a position among the leaders of the nation. He
dwelt among the lowly. He reduced to nothing the artificial
distinctions of society. The aristocracy of birth, wealth,
talent, learning, rank, He ignored.' (MH197)
|
`Throughout
His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker.
He expected much; therefore He attempted much.' (DA73) |
`The
life of Jesus from His earliest years was a life of earnest
activity. He lived not to please Himself. He was the Son of
the Infinite God, yet He worked at the carpenter's trade with
His father Joseph. His trade was significant. He had come into
the world as the character builder, and as such all His work
was perfect. Into all His secular labour He brought the same
perfection as into the characters He was transforming by His
divine power. He is our pattern.' (COL345)
Oh
yes, `we
dwell much on the grandeur of Christ's life. We speak of the
great things that He accomplished, of the miracles He wrought,
of how He spoke peace to the tempestuous waters, restored
sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, and raised the
dead to life. But His attention to small things is even higher
proof of His greatness.' (WM154)
`It
was the Saviour's hand that folded the shroud and the napkin,
and laid them neatly in their place. In His sight who guides
star and atom, there is nothing unimportant. Order and
perfection are seen in all His work.' (DA789)
|
