March 26

     "It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their own child. He was daily with them, His life in many respects was like that of other children, and it was difficult for them to realize that He was the Son of God. They were in danger of failing to appreciate the blessing granted them in the presence of the world's Redeemer. The grief of their separation from Him, and the gentle reproof which His words conveyed, were designed to impress them with the sacredness of their trust.

     In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God. Before His birth the angel had said to Mary, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever." Luke 1:32, 33. These words Mary had pondered in her heart; yet while she believed that her child was to be Israel's Messiah, she did not comprehend His mission. Now she did not understand His words; but she knew that He had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had declared His Sonship to God."

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

     Jesus has aged in days. Shortly before this account he was a boy doing what boys do. He knew He was to take a big step at his Bar Mitzvah. He was to become, ceremonially, a man. Jesus had taken more steps forward than other young men of his age. He had noted the ceremonies of the temple and now we realise that he had declared His own Sonship to God.

     Have you worked out a ceremony that you can use to mark a new relationship between you and God? Could you tell me what your ceremony is?