Humble Hero

Nature Supplemented the Bible

The great library of God’s created works was spread out before Him. He had made all things, and now He studied the lessons His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. He gathered much scientific knowledge from nature—from plants, animals, and man. The parables by which He loved to teach lessons of truth show how He gathered spiritual teaching from nature and the surroundings of His daily life. HH 26.7

As Jesus was trying to understand the reason of things, heavenly beings helped Him. From the first dawning of intelligence, He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth. HH 27.1

Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters elevated and refined. We will become more like our Savior. And as we gaze at the beautiful and grand things in nature, our hearts are drawn to God. The spirit is awed, the soul invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops mental and moral power. HH 27.2

While Jesus was a child, He thought and spoke as a child, but no trace of sin marred the image of God in Him. But He was not exempt from temptation. The people of Nazareth were well known for their wickedness. See John 1:46. Jesus had to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts we have to meet so that He could be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood. HH 27.3

From His earliest years, heavenly angels guarded Jesus, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. The prince of darkness tried every possible way to ensnare Jesus with temptation. HH 27.4

Jesus was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and need. This experience was a protection for Him. He had no idle time to open the way for corrupting friendships. Nothing—not gain or pleasure, applause or criticism—could get Him to consent to a wrong act. Christ, the only sinless One who ever inhabited the earth, lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth for nearly thirty years. This fact is a rebuke to those who think they are dependent on place, fortune, or prosperity to live a blameless life. HH 27.5