NOTE.—This is how many lose Jesus today. They suppose He is in their _company_, but do not see to it that He is with them _personally_. Through carelessness it takes but a day to lose Him; but, when once lost, it sometimes takes days of sorrowful searching, as it did Joseph and Mary, to find Him again. 20. What was Jesus doing when they found Him? “And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, _sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions_.” Verse 46. 21. How did His questions and answers impress those who heard Him? “And all that heard Him _were astonished at His understanding and answers_.” Verse 47. 22. With what words do the Scriptures conclude the record of Christ’s early life? “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Verse 52. NOTE.—Christ’s early life is a pattern for all children and youth. It was marked by respect and love for His mother. He was obedient to His parents, and kind to all. He hated sin, and to every temptation turned a deaf ear. He sought to understand the reason of things, and so increased in knowledge and wisdom. He was sympathetic and tender-hearted, and ever ready to relieve the oppressed, the sorrowing, and the suffering. If we love Christ, we shall love to talk of Him; our sweetest thoughts will be of Him; and by beholding Him we shall be changed into the same image. See note on page 98. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ All praise to Thee, eternal Lord, Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood; Choosing a manger for Thy throne, While worlds on worlds are Thine alone! Once did the skies before Thee bow; A virgin’s arms contain Thee now: Angels, who did in Thee rejoice, Now listen to Thine infant voice. A little child, Thou art our guest, That weary ones in Thee may rest; Forlorn and lowly is Thy birth, That we may rise to heaven from earth. Thou comest in the darksome night To make us children of the light; To make us, in the realms divine, Like Thine own angels round Thee shine. All this for us Thy love hath done; By this to Thee our life is won; For this we tune our cheerful lays, And tell our thanks in songs of praise. MARTIN LUTHER. Christ’s Ministry [Illustration.] Nazareth. "Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil." Acts 10:38. 1. With what words had John the Baptist announced Christ’s ministry? “He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.” Matt. 3:11. 2. How old was Jesus when He began His ministry? “And Jesus Himself began to be _about thirty years of age_.” Luke 3:23.