The Character of Jesus Christ
By Mrs. M. E. Steward
READ in connection with this study "Desire of Ages," pages 68-92. While Jesus was a child, he thought as a child and acted as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God in him. As a child he manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. He had a bright, receptive mind, active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond his years. At a very early age Jesus began to act for himself in the formation of his character. He had clear perceptions in distinguishing the false from the true. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. He was bright and cheerful. His young companions enjoyed his presence, and welcomed his ready suggestions; but they were impatient at his scruples. From his earliest years he was possessed of one purpose; he lived to bless others. His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy. He made no distinction between the rich and the poor. When his brothers spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement, giving them, if needed, a cup of cold water, and quietly placing his own meal in their hands. All, even the dumb animals, were happier for his presence. At twelve years of age, when the Hebrew lad was said to pass from childhood to youth, Jesus for the first time attended the Passover, and saw the temple, the white-robed priests, and the bleeding sacrifices. Every act seemed to be bound up with his own life. Silent and absorbed, he seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of his mission was opening before him. In Jesus' industrial life at Nazareth there were no idle moments. As far as possible he closed the door to temptation. Christ did not use his physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that he might do the best work in every line. As a workman he was perfect, even as he was perfect in character. He did not employ his divine power to lighten his toil. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in his lowly home may claim those words spoken of Christ by the Father: "Behold my servant whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth." Jesus did not attend the synagogue schools. He had three instructors,—God, his mother, and the scrolls of the prophets. His hours of happiness when alone were spent with nature and with God. Jesus shunned display. During all the years of his stay in Nazareth, he made no exhibition of his miraculous powers. It was his difficult task to keep to the position he had chosen with humanity. Christ's favorite theme was the paternal tenderness and abundant grace of God. He dwelt much upon the holiness of his Father's character and law. He presented himself as the way, the truth, and the life. Though gentle and winning in manners, Christ possessed an authority that inspired awe. "In the character of Christ were blended such majesty as God had never before displayed to fallen man, and such meekness as man had never developed. Never before had there walked among men one so noble, so pure, so benevolent, so conscious of his godlike nature: yet so simple, so full of plans and purposes to do good to humanity. . . . The Majesty of heaven clothed himself with the humility of a child."—"Testimony for the Church," No. 32, page 178.6 Christ's life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. He was made the mark of every weapon of Satan. Within the domain of every human heart this controversy is repeated. Christ withstood the temptations on appetite, the love of the world, and the love of display that leads to presumption. These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily overcome us. Christ suffered, being tempted, — suffered in proportion to the perfection of his holiness; but not a single thought or feeling responded to temptation. Jesus' strict obedience to the law of God was considered stubbornness; his forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice; when he would not engage with others in wrong-doing, he was told that he was narrow-minded. He did not retaliate when abused, but bore insult patiently. He did not contend for his rights, but placed himself in his Father's hands, and was patient.