nistry of Jesus will be the occasion for the fall and the rise of many.
Their attitude toward him will be a revelation of character; some will
reject him and thus condemn themselves; some will speak against him, even
though he is the very token and instrument of divine salvation; this
opposition will reach its climax at the cross, when bitter anguish like a
sword will pierce the soul of Mary. Jesus is to be the touchstone of
character; wherever he is known, by accepting or by rejecting him, men
will disclose their true nature; "the thoughts out of many hearts" will be
"revealed."

While Mary and Joseph were still wondering at these sublime words there
appeared an aged prophetess whose long years of widowhood had been spent
in continual worship; she, too, praised God for the salvation to be
accomplished by the Child of Mary and she went forth to speak of him to
all who like her "were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem."

Mary and Joseph, however, returned to their home in Nazareth where Jesus
was to spend his infancy and early childhood. During those years of
obscurity his development was normal, but unique in its symmetry and its
perfection; he "grew, and waxed strong" in body, but there was just as
true a growth in mind and spirit; he was "filled with wisdom: and the
grace of God was upon him." The Saviour of the world was to be the ideal
Man.

G. The Boy Jesus At Jerusalem. Ch. 2:41-52

41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of
the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up
after the custom of the feast; 43 and when they had fulfilled the
days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in
Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not; 44 but supposing him to be
in the company, they went a day's journey; and they sought for him
among their kinsfolk and acquaintance; 45 and when they found him
not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for him. 46 And it came
to pass, after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in
the midst of the teachers, both hearing them, and asking them
questions: 47 and all that heard him were amazed at his
understanding and his answers. 48 And when they saw him, they were
astonished; and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus
dealt with us? behold, thy father and I sought thee sorrowing. 49
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? knew ye not
t