How Joseph and Mary Raised Jesus: Insights from Ellen White

Ellen Gould White emphasized that while Joseph and Mary were entrusted with the most sacred responsibility ever given to mortals, they provided an essential foundation of piety and instruction for Jesus, though they were also human and prone to moments of neglect5BC 1116.7+1.

A Sacred Trust and Early Instruction

• Awareness of Divinity: Joseph and Mary kept the remembrance of Jesus' divine Fatherhood constantly before them as they raised Him5BC 1116.7.

• Scriptural Education: Jesus was instructed in accordance with the sacred character of His mission, receiving lessons that aligned with the elements of truth5BC 1116.7.

• Simple Living: They raised Him in a humble home among the poor and lowly, where He learned to contribute to the family's sustenance through manual laborCE 164.2+1.

• Mother’s Watchcare: Mary considered the associations of the home and her tender watchcare over her children to be of vital importance in the formation of characterHLv 55.1+1.

The Example of Parental Authority

• Reasonable Requirements: Because Jesus was subject to His earthly parents, it demonstrates that Joseph and Mary gave Him commands that did not interfere with the commandments of GodYI August 30, 1894, par. 5.

• Balanced Discipline: Mary defended what she knew to be right in His conduct, even when other family members tried to pressure her to correct Him according to their own lower standardsHLv 55.1+1.

• Developing Wisdom: Under their care and through the blessing of God, Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with both God and man Luke 2:52RH March 13, 1900, par. 9.

Human Frailty and Necessary Lessons

• Moments of Neglect: On one occasion, the confusion of much talk led Joseph and Mary to neglect their sacred trust, resulting in them losing Jesus for an entire dayYI August 1, 1873, par. 5.

• Misplaced Censure: When they finally found Him in the temple, they reflected censure upon Him rather than acknowledging their own neglect of duty Luke 2:48YI August 1, 1873, par. 5.

• A Divine Reminder: This experience, including the grief of separation and the Savior’s gentle reproof, was designed by God to impress them with the extreme sacredness of the child committed to their care Luke 2:49DA 81.5.

The Responsibility of Every Parent

The example of Joseph and Mary shows that parents are to be the priests and teachers of their own familiesCG 549.1. Like Mary, mothers should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be wise and gentle teachers12LtMs, Ms 126, 1897, par. 4. It is the first duty of parents to work for the salvation of their children and to set an example of steadfast principleCG 549.1+1. When parents honor God's claims as paramount, they are co-laborers with Him in molding characters for eternity Matthew 23:813MR 14.2+1.