Jesus Had to Overcome the Veil
When Jesus was born, “the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.) In the premortal world, Jesus had stood as “one like unto God” ( Abraham 3:24 ), “more intelligent than they all” ( Abraham 3:19 ), meaning all the other created spirits. But although his capacity was greater than that of any other, and he was designated to become the Only Begotten Son, still he was meek and humble; and he condescended to have a veil cast over him and to have the knowledge of his glor
y and power in premortality blocked from his mind at birth.
Because Christ forgot everything just as we did when we came here, he had to learn line upon line, precept upon precept. (or as the scriptures say, "grace by grace") There is little doubt that he learned things much quicker and more efficient than we did, but it still took time and experience.
As a Child, Jesus Sought to Learn from His Father
In the Inspired Version (of Matthew. JS-Matthew), the Prophet added the following verses to the recorded account of the Savior’s youth.
“And it came to pass that Jesus grew up with his brethren, and waxed strong, and waited upon the Lord for the time of his ministry to come.
“And he served under his father, andhe spake not as other men, neither could he be taught; for he needed not that any man should teach him."
“And after many years, the hour of his ministry drew nigh.” ( Matthew 3:24–26, Inspired Version .)
Although the word father in this passage perhaps refers to Joseph, yet the content of the passage certainly shows that Jesus was taught by his real father, God the Father.
It is, however, possible that Jesus attended the Jewish synagogues and was taught in the learning of the Jews by the rabbis. If so, much of what Jesus heard would have been a perversion of truth, for Judaism was in a state of apostasy.
His most significant education,therefore, came through the Spirit from his Heavenly Father. Jesus testified of himself:
“I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.” ( John 8:28 .) And again: “The Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.” ( John 12:49 .) Who taught Jesus what he knew? His Father, God the Fat
her, taught him. That he was taught by wiser than mortal men is evident, and that he learned his lessons well, for the Prophet Joseph Smith said of him:
“When still a boy, He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger, and to death.” ( Teachings,
A new thought for me:
It is improper to suppose that Jesus was not tested and tempted equal to his great capacity. The fact that he was sinless and that he resisted every temptation does not make it any less a fact that he was subject to temptations. He knows how difficult temptations are, because he experienced bitter temptations; but he resisted them all. (New Testament Institute Manual, pp.23)
I was a little struck by this. I guess I just assumed that Christ knew everything I went through because of the Atonement. He did, but I didn't realize that he suffered temptation throughout his life greater than we will ever know. Knowing this has helped me to better understand how grateful I am for him. He was tempted so much more than I, yet he resisted ALL temptation. I know that Christ has suffered for me and through him, I can be forgiven and made clean. I tesify that I know he lived again after he died and that he will return again. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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