"The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ"

Much has been said and written about the teenage years. Granted they can be a very trying time of life for young people as well as for their parents. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Did you ever stop and think about the fact, that Jesus was a teen for six years of His life? Hebrews 4:15b says that “He was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”. How did He do it? Can the same principles that Christ lived by, work for teens today? Jerry L. Ross believes so and has written a great little book titled: The Teenage Years of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Pattern for Teenagers Today.

The entire concept is based upon what we know of Christ’s teenage years as found in the Bible. Luke 2:52 clearly states, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Mr. Ross expounds on each aspect of that verse in short, concise chapters. Each chapter is filled with Scripture to support the principle priority for every teen’s life: the pursuit of wisdom.

There are chapters on remaining subject to parents and learning a wage-earning skill. My favorite section concerned God’s will in marriage for the teen. The how, when, and where questions were beautifully answered.

As with any book written by man, there is many times that something the author writes may not follow an independent, fundamental Christian’s belief. Mr. Ross unerringly believes that teens need to be saved to have success in patterning their lives after Christ’s, but just admitting one is a sinner in need of salvation, does not equate the repentance and sorrow over sin, that is crucial in order to be born-again. Mr. Ross’s pattern prayer given in the book, leaves this crucial point out. Being aware of that takes nothing away from the worth of this book.

The world bombards teens with a philosophy of “experience all you can”. There is much out there to lead them down the wrong path. But remember, contrary to the world’s thinking, young people should be maturing during their teens to prepare them for the major decisions that will be made immediately after the teen years. Our job as parents is to do everything possible to see to it that our children’s hearts and minds are molded to the image of Christ (Ross, pg. 105).

I was impressed by the Mr. Ross’s coverage of the subject and the plethora of Scripture that he used to get his point across. One is only arguing with God when they disagree. It is a great book for Christian School teachers, youth group leaders or for family devotions. But don’t take my word for it. See for yourself. This book is available through our church secretary for the ladies of our church or it can be ordered at Book Heaven. (click on Book Heaven to follow the link)