THE VISIT TO JERUSALEM.
Joseph and Mary probably went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover. (Deut. 16:16.) And when Jesus was twelve years old they went up as usual taking him with them. (Luke 2:41-42.)
Mengelberg, Plate 34, represents the holy family approaching the city. The temple with its smoking altars is seen in the distance. The artist has suggested the great company who went up every year to worship, and with which, returning, Joseph and Mary supposed Jesus to be.
Hofmann, Plates 38 and 39, illustrates (Luke 2:46). Plate 38 is from the drawing in the artist's Life of Christ. Plate 39, from the famous painting in Dresden, is the more carefully finished. Hofmann has shown the seal of Solomon upon the "chair of philosophy," he has introduced the scroll of the prophets and suggested the rich stones of the temple, but the interest of all is upon the Boy, who came to fulfill the law and the prophets, and who was greater than the temple and greater than Solomon. (Matt. 5:17, John 2:19-20, Matt. 12:42). This picture has become a classic already, though Hofmann is still living.
Lafon, Plate 36, has idealized his subject. He has placed Jesus "in Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2), conferring upon him a distinction amply justified by subsequent events especially by the Sermon on the Mount. "It hath been said . . . but I say unto you . . ." these are the words which give Jesus a unique position as a teacher.
Hunt, Plate 35, adds that truthfulness of detail, that literalness of statement made possible by the antiquarian and the archæologist. It is the moment described in Luke 2:48, when his mother speaks to Jesus, "Son, why hast thou dealt thus with us?"
Dobson, Plate 37, shows the moment of discovery, the moment just before Mary speaks. Some of the kinsfolk and acquaintances have evidently returned with Joseph and Mary. A rabbi is telling them about this wondrous child. (Luke 2:47.)
