March 28 and 29

"As His mission had opened to Jesus in the temple, He shrank from contact with the multitude. He wished to return from Jerusalem in quietness, with those who knew the secret of His life. By the paschal service, God was seeking to call His people away from their worldly cares, and to remind them of His wonderful work in their deliverance from Egypt. In this work He desired them to see a promise of deliverance from sin. As the blood of the slain lamb sheltered the homes of Israel, so the blood of Christ was to save their souls; but they could be saved through Christ only as by faith they should make His life their own. There was virtue in the symbolic service only as it directed the worshipers to Christ as their personal Saviour. God desired that they should be led to prayerful study and meditation in regard to Christ's mission. But as the multitudes left Jerusalem, the excitement of travel and social intercourse too often absorbed their attention, and the service they had witnessed was forgotten. The Saviour was not attracted to their company.”

         Desire of Ages, page 82 from the chapter, 'The Passover visit'

     We have followed a young man as he travelled up to Jerusalem. He sang the songs of ascent with the rest of the travellers. They all went to the temple and took their parts in the different events of the festival. As we have seen Jesus took note of what was going on. He had already been well trained in the Scriptures. Now he put the theory into practice and made a startling conclusion. Joseph had gone up to Jerusalem as the father of a young son born in Bethlehem. Joseph left with a foster son. Jesus knew He was the Son of God. The whole experience had made a difference to one traveller.

     That was not the case for everyone. Some had simply had a pleasant holiday with friends. They had not taken notice of their surroundings. We have been told that young Jesus not only knew who these people were, but that He avoided their company.

     We have to note a couple of issues. One, Jesus does not force His attentions on sinners. Two, when we travel there might be something God wants us to see and take good note of. Keep your eyes open!