7rcTIX1xP

A Series of Lessons in Mystic Christianity966
When one remembers the Jewish racial trait of reverence for age, and the
consequent submission of Youth, one will better understand the unusual
spectacle that burst upon the gaze of Joseph and Mary. A mere boy—a
child—daring to even speak boldly in the presence of the aged teachers
was unheard of, and the thought of such a one actually presuming to dispute,
argue and teach, in such an assembly, was like unto a miracle. And such it
was!
The boy spoke with the air and in the tones of a Master. He met the
most subtle arguments and objections of the Elders with the power of the
keenest intellect and spiritual insight. He brushed aside the sophistries with
a contemptuous phrase, and brought back the argument to the vital point.
The crowd gathered in greater volume, the gray heads and beards grew
more and more respectful. It was evident to all that a Master had arisen
in Israel in the form of a boy of thirteen. The Master was apparent in
tone, gesture, and thought. The Mystic had found his first audience, and
his congregation was composed of the leading thinkers and teachers of the
land. The insight of the Magi was verified!
Then in a momentary pause in the argument, the stifled cry of a woman was
heard—the voice of the Mother. The crowd turned impatient, reproachful
glances upon Mary, who had been unable to restrain her emotion. But the
boy, looking sadly but affectionately at his lost parents, gave her a reassuring
glance, which at the same time bade her remain still until he had finished his
discourse. And the parents obeyed the newly awakened will of their child.
The teaching ended, the boy stepped from his position with the air of one
of the Elders, and rejoined his parents, who passed as rapidly as possible
from the wondering crowd. Then his mother reproached him, telling
him of their distress and wearisome search. The boy listened calmly and
patiently until she had finished. Then he asked, with his newly acquired air
of authority, “Why sought ye me?” And when they answered him in the
customary manner of parents, the boy took on still a greater air of authority,
and in tones that though kindly, were full of power, he replied, “Knew ye not,