GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Earthly Life and Influences

God's Son had more to learn, for Jehovah's purpose was to equip his Son to be a compassionate High Priest, able to "sympathize with our weaknesses." (Hebrews 4:15) to meet the requirements for this role was one of the reasons the Son came to earth as a human. Here, as a man of flesh and blood, Jesus was exposed to circumstances and influences that he previously had only observed from heaven. Now he was able to experience human feelings and emotions firsthand. At times he felt tired,thirsty and hungry. (Matthew 4:2; John 4:6, 7) Even more, he endured all manner of hardships and suffering. He thus "learned obedience" and became completely qualified for his role as High Priest. -Hebrews 5:8-10.

What about Jesus' experiences during his early life on earth? The record of his childhood is very brief. In fact, only Matthew and Luke related the events surrounding his birth. The Gospel writers knew that Jesus had lived in heaven before coming to earth. that prehuman existence, more than anything else, explained what kind of man he became. Nevertheless, Jesus was fully human. though perfect, he still had to grow from boyhood through childhood and adolescence to adulthood, all the while learning. (Luke 2:51, 52) The Bible reveals certain things about Jesus' early life that no doubt affected him.

Evidently, Jesus was born into a poor family. This is indicated by the offering Joseph and Mary brought to the temple about 40 days after his birth. Instead of bringing a young ram as a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, they brought either "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:24) According to the Mosaic Law, this offering was a provision for the poor. (Leviticus 12:6-8) In time, this humble family grew by natural means after the miraculous birth of Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, 56) So Jesus grew up in a large family, likely in modest circumstances.

Next time: Conclusion of Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000