1. The family. The royal line of both Joseph and Mary (Matt. 1. 1; Luke 1. 27, 32). Their obscure social condition (Matt. 13. 54, 55). In all probability they belonged to the better class of self-supporting workers: for Joseph followed a trade.
2. The house. Probably like those of working people in Palestine; built of clay, one story high, containing but one room with no window, but lighted through the door; whitewashed on the outside; floor of earth.
3. The furniture. A couch that could be rolled up (Mark 2. 12). A lamp, a lamp-stand, "the bushel" (used as seat, table, and dish (Matt. 5. 15). Hand-mill for grinding (Deut. 24. 6; Matt. 24. 41). Probably neither chair, table, nor bedstead.
4. Education. Jesus received only the common schooling, not a college education (John 7. 15). Contrast with the early advantages of Paul (Acts 22. 3). Every synagogue had a school taught by "the minister." See Luke 4. 20. He was not a priest, nor even a scribe, but properly the curator or sexton of the synagogue, and all the teaching was the reading of the Old Testament.
5. Religious training.
1.) There was the influence of a godly man and woman. Joseph, "a just man," living in fellowship with God. (Matt. 1. 19, 20). The character of Mary (Luke 1. 38; 2. 19, 51).
2.) The instruction in the Scriptures at home (Deut. 6. 7.)
3.) The daily prayers, morning and evening, always observed (Matt. 6. 5, 6).
4.) The Sabbath rest (Mark 2. 27).