The gradual development of the plant from the seed is an object lesson in child training. There is "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." He who 83 gave this parable created the tiny seed, gave it its vital properties, and ordained the laws that govern its growth. And the truths which the parable teaches were made a living reality in His own life. In both His physical and His spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time represented the helpless infant in its mother's care. In childhood He did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom of a child and not of a man, honoring His parents and carrying out their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple, natural grace of a sinless life. The sacred record says of His childhood, "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." And of His youth it is recorded, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:40, 52.

Plantens gradvise udvikling fra det lille frø er en anskuelsesundervisning i børneopdragelse. Der er "først strå, så aks og så fuld kerne i akset". Den, der fortalte denne lignelse, skabte det lille frø, gav det spirekraft og fastsatte de love, der styrer dets vækst. Og de sandheder som lignelsen lærer os, blev anskueliggjort i hans liv, Både i fysisk og åndelig henseende fulgte han den guddommelige plan for vækst, som planten viser os, og som han ønsker, at alle unge skal følge. Skønt han var Himmelens Majestæt, Herlighedens Konge, blev han født som et lille barn i Betlehem og var for en tid som det hjælpeløse barn i moders arm. I barndommen opførte han sig som et lydigt barn. Han talte og handlede med et barns og ikke en voksens visdom, idet han ærede sine forældre og udførte, hvad de bad ham om, med de kræfter og evner et barn er i besiddelse af. Men han var fuldkommen på ethvert trin i sin udvikling og havde et syndfrit livs enfoldighed og naturlige ynde. Den hellige skrift siger om hans barndom: "Og barnet voksede og blev stærkt og fyldtes af visdom; og Guds nåde var over det." Og om hans ungdom står der; "Jesus gik frem i visdom og vækst og yndest hos Gud og mennesker"