Changes

124:1.3 The most serious [[trouble]] as yet to come up at [[school]] occurred in late [[winter]] when [[Jesus]] dared to challenge the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] regarding the [[teaching]] that all [[images]], pictures, and [[drawings]] were [[idolatrous]] in [[nature]]. [[Jesus]] delighted in [[drawing]] [[landscapes]] as well as in modeling a great variety of objects in potter's [[clay]]. Everything of that sort was strictly forbidden by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law Jewish law], but up to this time he had managed to disarm his [[parents]]' objection to such an extent that they had permitted him to continue in these [[activities]].

124:1.3 The most serious [[trouble]] as yet to come up at [[school]] occurred in late [[winter]] when [[Jesus]] dared to challenge the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] regarding the [[teaching]] that all [[images]], pictures, and [[drawings]] were [[idolatrous]] in [[nature]]. [[Jesus]] delighted in [[drawing]] [[landscapes]] as well as in modeling a great variety of objects in potter's [[clay]]. Everything of that sort was strictly forbidden by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law Jewish law], but up to this time he had managed to disarm his [[parents]]' objection to such an extent that they had permitted him to continue in these [[activities]].

124:1.4 But [[trouble]] was again stirred up at [[school]] when one of the more backward [[pupils]] [[discovered]] [[Jesus]] drawing a charcoal picture of the [[teacher]] on the floor of the schoolroom. There it was, plain as day, and many of the [[elders]] had viewed it before the committee went to call on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to demand that something be done to suppress the lawlessness of his eldest son. And though this was not the first time complaints had come to [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] about the doings of their [[versatile]] and [[aggressive]] child, this was the most serious of all the [[accusations]] which had thus far been lodged against him. [[Jesus]] listened to the [[indictment]] of his artistic [[efforts]] for some time, being seated on a large stone just outside the back door. He resented their blaming his [[father]] for his alleged misdeeds; so in he marched, fearlessly [[confronting]] his accusers. The [[elders]] were thrown into [[confusion]]. Some were inclined to view the [[episode]] [[humorously]], while one or two seemed to [[think]] the boy was [[sacrilegious]] if not [[blasphemous]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was nonplused, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] indignant, but [[Jesus]] insisted on being heard. He had his say, [[courageously]] defended his [[viewpoint]], and with consummate [[self-control]] announced that he would abide by the [[decision]] of his [[father]] in this as in all other matters [[controversial]]. And the committee of elders departed in [[silence]].

124:1.4 But [[trouble]] was again stirred up at [[school]] when one of the more backward [[pupils]] [[discovered]] [[Jesus]] drawing a charcoal picture of the [[teacher]] on the floor of the schoolroom. There it was, plain as day, and many of the [[elders]] had viewed it before the committee went to call on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to demand that something be done to suppress the lawlessness of his eldest son. And though this was not the first time complaints had come to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] about the doings of their [[versatile]] and [[aggressive]] child, this was the most serious of all the [[accusations]] which had thus far been lodged against him. [[Jesus]] listened to the [[indictment]] of his artistic [[efforts]] for some time, being seated on a large stone just outside the back door. He resented their blaming his [[father]] for his alleged misdeeds; so in he marched, fearlessly [[confronting]] his accusers. The [[elders]] were thrown into [[confusion]]. Some were inclined to view the [[episode]] [[humorously]], while one or two seemed to [[think]] the boy was [[sacrilegious]] if not [[blasphemous]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was nonplused, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] indignant, but [[Jesus]] insisted on being heard. He had his say, [[courageously]] defended his [[viewpoint]], and with consummate [[self-control]] announced that he would abide by the [[decision]] of his [[father]] in this as in all other matters [[controversial]]. And the committee of elders departed in [[silence]].

124:1.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] endeavored to [[influence]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to permit [[Jesus]] to model in clay at [[home]], provided he promised not to carry on any of these questionable [[activities]] at [[school]], but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] felt impelled to rule that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic_Judaism rabbinical] [[interpretation]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_commandments#Division_according_to_different_religions second commandment] should prevail. And so [[Jesus]] no more drew or modeled the likeness of anything from that day as long as he lived in his [[father]]'s house. But he was unconvinced of the wrong of what he had done, and to give up such a [[favorite]] pastime constituted one of the great [[trials]] of his [[young life]].

124:1.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] endeavored to [[influence]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to permit [[Jesus]] to model in clay at [[home]], provided he promised not to carry on any of these questionable [[activities]] at [[school]], but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] felt impelled to rule that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbinic_Judaism rabbinical] [[interpretation]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_commandments#Division_according_to_different_religions second commandment] should prevail. And so [[Jesus]] no more drew or modeled the likeness of anything from that day as long as he lived in his [[father]]'s house. But he was unconvinced of the wrong of what he had done, and to give up such a [[favorite]] pastime constituted one of the great [[trials]] of his [[young life]].

124:1.10 Even during the warmest [[summer]] months a cool [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_breeze sea breeze] usually blew from the west from 10:00 A.M. until about 10:00 P.M. But every now and then terrific hot [[winds]] from the eastern [[desert]] would blow across all [[Palestine]]. These hot blasts usually came in February and March, near the end of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy season]. In those days the rain fell in refreshing showers from November to April, but it did not rain steadily. There were only two [[seasons]] in [[Palestine]], [[summer]] and [[winter]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_season dry] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy seasons]. In January the flowers began to bloom, and by the end of April the whole land was one vast flower [[garden]].

124:1.10 Even during the warmest [[summer]] months a cool [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_breeze sea breeze] usually blew from the west from 10:00 A.M. until about 10:00 P.M. But every now and then terrific hot [[winds]] from the eastern [[desert]] would blow across all [[Palestine]]. These hot blasts usually came in February and March, near the end of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy season]. In those days the rain fell in refreshing showers from November to April, but it did not rain steadily. There were only two [[seasons]] in [[Palestine]], [[summer]] and [[winter]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_season dry] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy seasons]. In January the flowers began to bloom, and by the end of April the whole land was one vast flower [[garden]].

124:1.11 In May of this year, on his uncle's [[farm]], [[Jesus]] for the first time helped with the [[harvest]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain grain]. Before he was thirteen, he had managed to find out something about practically [[everything]] that [[men]] and [[women]] worked at around [[Nazareth]] except [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallurgy metal working], and he spent several months in a smith's shop when older, after the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH death] of his [[father]].

124:1.11 In May of this year, on his uncle's [[farm]], [[Jesus]] for the first time helped with the [[harvest]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grain grain]. Before he was thirteen, he had managed to find out something about practically [[everything]] that [[men]] and [[women]] worked at around [[Nazareth]] except [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallurgy metal working], and he spent several months in a smith's shop when older, after the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH death] of his [[father]].

124:1.12 When [[work]] and [[caravan]] [[travel]] were slack, [[Jesus]] made many trips with his [[father]] on [[pleasure]] or [[business]] to nearby [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain]. Even as a lad he frequently visited [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], only a little over three miles from [[Nazareth]] to the northwest, and from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.] to about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25_AD A.D. 25] the capital of [[Galilee]] and one of the residences of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas].

124:1.12 When [[work]] and [[caravan]] [[travel]] were slack, [[Jesus]] made many trips with his [[father]] on [[pleasure]] or [[business]] to nearby [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain]. Even as a lad he frequently visited [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], only a little over three miles from [[Nazareth]] to the northwest, and from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.] to about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/25_AD A.D. 25] the capital of [[Galilee]] and one of the residences of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas].

124:4.2 Throughout this year he experienced many [[seasons]] of [[uncertainty]], if not [[actual]] [[doubt]], regarding the [[nature]] of his [[mission]]. His naturally [[developing]] [[human]] [[mind]] did not yet fully grasp the [[reality]] of his [[dual]] [[nature]]. The [[fact]] that he had a single [[personality]] rendered it [[difficult]] for his [[consciousness]] to recognize the double [[origin]] of those [[factors]] which [[composed]] the [[nature]] associated with that selfsame [[personality]].

124:4.2 Throughout this year he experienced many [[seasons]] of [[uncertainty]], if not [[actual]] [[doubt]], regarding the [[nature]] of his [[mission]]. His naturally [[developing]] [[human]] [[mind]] did not yet fully grasp the [[reality]] of his [[dual]] [[nature]]. The [[fact]] that he had a single [[personality]] rendered it [[difficult]] for his [[consciousness]] to recognize the double [[origin]] of those [[factors]] which [[composed]] the [[nature]] associated with that selfsame [[personality]].

124:4.3 From this time on he became more successful in getting along with his [[brothers]] and sisters. He was increasingly [[tactful]], always [[compassionate]] and considerate of their [[welfare]] and [[happiness]], and enjoyed good [[relations]] with them up to the beginning of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141 public ministry]. To be more explicit: He got along with James, Miriam, and the two younger (as yet unborn) [[children]], Amos and Ruth, most excellently. He always got along with Martha fairly well. What [[trouble]] he had at [[home]] largely arose out of [[friction]] with Joseph and Jude, particularly the latter.

124:4.3 From this time on he became more successful in getting along with his [[brothers]] and sisters. He was increasingly [[tactful]], always [[compassionate]] and considerate of their [[welfare]] and [[happiness]], and enjoyed good [[relations]] with them up to the beginning of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_141 public ministry]. To be more explicit: He got along with James, Miriam, and the two younger (as yet unborn) [[children]], Amos and Ruth, most excellently. He always got along with Martha fairly well. What [[trouble]] he had at [[home]] largely arose out of [[friction]] with Joseph and Jude, particularly the latter.

124:4.4 It was a trying [[experience]] for [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] to undertake the rearing of this unprecedented combination of [[divinity]] and [[humanity]], and they deserve great credit for so [[faithfully]] and successfully discharging their [[parental]] [[responsibilities]]. Increasingly [[Jesus]]' [[parents]] realized that there was something [[superhuman]] resident within this eldest son, but they never even faintly [[dreamed]] that this son of promise was indeed and in [[truth]] the [[actual]] [[creator]] of this [[local universe]] of [[things]] and [[beings]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] lived and died without ever [[learning]] that their son [[Jesus]] really was the Universe [[Creator]] [[incarnate]] in [[mortal]] [[flesh]].

124:4.4 It was a trying [[experience]] for [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] to undertake the rearing of this unprecedented combination of [[divinity]] and [[humanity]], and they deserve great credit for so [[faithfully]] and successfully discharging their [[parental]] [[responsibilities]]. Increasingly [[Jesus]]' [[parents]] realized that there was something [[superhuman]] resident within this eldest son, but they never even faintly [[dreamed]] that this son of promise was indeed and in [[truth]] the [[actual]] [[creator]] of this [[local universe]] of [[things]] and [[beings]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] lived and died without ever [[learning]] that their son [[Jesus]] really was the Universe [[Creator]] [[incarnate]] in [[mortal]] [[flesh]].

124:4.5 This year [[Jesus]] paid more [[attention]] than ever to [[music]], and he continued to [[teach]] the [[home]] [[school]] for his brothers and sisters. It was at about this time that the lad became keenly [[conscious]] of the [[difference]] between the [[viewpoints]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] regarding the [[nature]] of his mission. He pondered much over his [[parents]]' differing [[opinions]], often hearing their [[discussions]] when they [[thought]] he was sound [[asleep]]. More and more he inclined to the view of his [[father]], so that his [[mother]] was destined to be hurt by the [[realization]] that her son was [[gradually]] [[rejecting]] her [[guidance]] in matters having to do with his life [[career]]. And, as the years passed, this breach of [[understanding]] widened. Less and less did [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] [[comprehend]] the significance of [[Jesus]]' [[mission]], and increasingly was this good [[mother]] hurt by the failure of her [[favorite]] son to fulfill her fond [[expectations]].

124:4.5 This year [[Jesus]] paid more [[attention]] than ever to [[music]], and he continued to [[teach]] the [[home]] [[school]] for his brothers and sisters. It was at about this time that the lad became keenly [[conscious]] of the [[difference]] between the [[viewpoints]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] regarding the [[nature]] of his mission. He pondered much over his [[parents]]' differing [[opinions]], often hearing their [[discussions]] when they [[thought]] he was sound [[asleep]]. More and more he inclined to the view of his [[father]], so that his [[mother]] was destined to be hurt by the [[realization]] that her son was [[gradually]] [[rejecting]] her [[guidance]] in matters having to do with his life [[career]]. And, as the years passed, this breach of [[understanding]] widened. Less and less did [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] [[comprehend]] the significance of [[Jesus]]' [[mission]], and increasingly was this good [[mother]] hurt by the failure of her [[favorite]] son to fulfill her fond [[expectations]].

124:4.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] entertained a growing [[belief]] in the [[spiritual]] [[nature]] of [[Jesus]]' [[mission]]. And but for other and more important reasons it does seem unfortunate that he could not have lived to see the [[fulfillment]] of his [[concept]] of [[Jesus]]' [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal on earth].

124:4.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] entertained a growing [[belief]] in the [[spiritual]] [[nature]] of [[Jesus]]' [[mission]]. And but for other and more important reasons it does seem unfortunate that he could not have lived to see the [[fulfillment]] of his [[concept]] of [[Jesus]]' [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_120 bestowal on earth].

124:4.7 During his last year at [[school]], when he was twelve years old, [[Jesus]] remonstrated with his [[father]] about the [[Jewish]] [[custom]] of [[touch]]ing the bit of parchment nailed upon the doorpost each time on going into, or coming out of, the house and then kissing the finger that [[touched]] the parchment. As a part of this [[ritual]] it was customary to say, " The Lord shall preserve our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and even forevermore. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_121] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] had repeatedly instructed [[Jesus]] as to the reasons for not making [[images]] or [[drawing]] pictures, explaining that such [[creations]] might be used for [[idolatrous]] [[purposes]]. Though [[Jesus]] failed fully to grasp their proscriptions against [[images]] and pictures, he [[possessed]] a high [[concept]] of [[consistency]] and therefore pointed out to his [[father]] the essentially [[idolatrous]] [[nature]] of this [[habitual]] [[obeisance]] to the doorpost parchment. And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] removed the parchment after [[Jesus]] had thus [[remonstrated]] with him.

124:4.7 During his last year at [[school]], when he was twelve years old, [[Jesus]] remonstrated with his [[father]] about the [[Jewish]] [[custom]] of [[touch]]ing the bit of parchment nailed upon the doorpost each time on going into, or coming out of, the house and then kissing the finger that [[touched]] the parchment. As a part of this [[ritual]] it was customary to say, " The Lord shall preserve our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and even forevermore. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_121] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] had repeatedly instructed [[Jesus]] as to the reasons for not making [[images]] or [[drawing]] pictures, explaining that such [[creations]] might be used for [[idolatrous]] [[purposes]]. Though [[Jesus]] failed fully to grasp their proscriptions against [[images]] and pictures, he [[possessed]] a high [[concept]] of [[consistency]] and therefore pointed out to his [[father]] the essentially [[idolatrous]] [[nature]] of this [[habitual]] [[obeisance]] to the doorpost parchment. And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] removed the parchment after [[Jesus]] had thus [[remonstrated]] with him.

124:4.8 As time passed, [[Jesus]] did much to [[modify]] their [[practice]] of [[religious]] [[forms]], such as the [[family]] prayers and other [[customs]]. And it was possible to do many such [[things]] at [[Nazareth]], for its [[synagogue]] was under the [[influence]] of a [[liberal]] school of [[rabbis]], exemplified by the renowned [[Nazareth]] [[teacher]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi_Jose Jose].

124:4.8 As time passed, [[Jesus]] did much to [[modify]] their [[practice]] of [[religious]] [[forms]], such as the [[family]] prayers and other [[customs]]. And it was possible to do many such [[things]] at [[Nazareth]], for its [[synagogue]] was under the [[influence]] of a [[liberal]] school of [[rabbis]], exemplified by the renowned [[Nazareth]] [[teacher]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi_Jose Jose].

124:5.1 In this year the lad of [[Nazareth]] passed from boyhood to the beginning of young manhood; his [[voice]] began to [[change]], and other features of [[mind]] and [[body]] gave [[evidence]] of the oncoming [[status]] of [[Maturity|manhood]].

124:5.1 In this year the lad of [[Nazareth]] passed from boyhood to the beginning of young manhood; his [[voice]] began to [[change]], and other features of [[mind]] and [[body]] gave [[evidence]] of the oncoming [[status]] of [[Maturity|manhood]].

124:5.2 On Sunday night, January 9, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_AD A.D. 7], his baby [[brother]], Amos, was born. Jude was not yet two years of age, and the baby sister, Ruth, was yet to come; so it may be seen that [[Jesus]] had a sizable [[family]] of small [[children]] left to his watchcare when his [[father]] met his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH accidental death] the following year.

124:5.2 On Sunday night, January 9, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_AD A.D. 7], his baby [[brother]], Amos, was born. Jude was not yet two years of age, and the baby sister, Ruth, was yet to come; so it may be seen that [[Jesus]] had a sizable [[family]] of small [[children]] left to his watchcare when his [[father]] met his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH accidental death] the following year.

124:5.3 It was about the middle of February that [[Jesus]] became [[human]]ly [[assured]] that he was [[destined]] to [[perform]] a [[mission]] on [[earth]] for the [[enlightenment]] of man and the [[revelation]] of [[God]]. Momentous [[decisions]], coupled with far-reaching [[plans]], were [[formulating]] in the [[mind]] of this [[youth]], who was, to outward [[appearances]], an [[average]] Jewish lad of [[Nazareth]]. The [[intelligent]] life of all [[Nebadon]] looked on with fascination and [[amazement]] as all this began to [[unfold]] in the [[thinking]] and [[acting]] of the now adolescent [[carpenter]]'s son.

124:5.3 It was about the middle of February that [[Jesus]] became [[human]]ly [[assured]] that he was [[destined]] to [[perform]] a [[mission]] on [[earth]] for the [[enlightenment]] of man and the [[revelation]] of [[God]]. Momentous [[decisions]], coupled with far-reaching [[plans]], were [[formulating]] in the [[mind]] of this [[youth]], who was, to outward [[appearances]], an [[average]] Jewish lad of [[Nazareth]]. The [[intelligent]] life of all [[Nebadon]] looked on with fascination and [[amazement]] as all this began to [[unfold]] in the [[thinking]] and [[acting]] of the now adolescent [[carpenter]]'s son.

124:5.4 On the first day of the week, March 20, A.D. 7, [[Jesus]] [[graduated]] from the [[course]] of [[training]] in the local [[school]] connected with the [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]]. This was a great day in the life of any [[ambitious]] [[Jewish]] [[family]], the day when the first-born son was pronounced a " son of the commandment "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah] and the ransomed first-born of the Lord God of Israel, a " child of the [[Most High]] "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_82] and servant of the Lord of all the earth.

124:5.4 On the first day of the week, March 20, A.D. 7, [[Jesus]] [[graduated]] from the [[course]] of [[training]] in the local [[school]] connected with the [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]]. This was a great day in the life of any [[ambitious]] [[Jewish]] [[family]], the day when the first-born son was pronounced a " son of the commandment "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah] and the ransomed first-born of the Lord God of Israel, a " child of the [[Most High]] "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_82] and servant of the Lord of all the earth.

124:5.5 Friday of the week before, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had come over from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], where he was in charge of the [[work]] on a new [[Monument|public building]], to be present on this glad occasion. [[Jesus]]' [[teacher]] [[confidently]] believed that his alert and [[diligent]] [[pupil]] was destined to some outstanding [[career]], some distinguished [[mission]]. The [[elders]], notwithstanding all their [[trouble]] with [[Jesus]]' [[nonconformist]] [[tendencies]], were very [[proud]] of the lad and had already begun laying [[plans]] which would enable him to go to [[Jerusalem]] to continue his [[education]] in the renowned [[Hebrew]] [[University|academies]].

124:5.5 Friday of the week before, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had come over from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], where he was in charge of the [[work]] on a new [[Monument|public building]], to be present on this glad occasion. [[Jesus]]' [[teacher]] [[confidently]] believed that his alert and [[diligent]] [[pupil]] was destined to some outstanding [[career]], some distinguished [[mission]]. The [[elders]], notwithstanding all their [[trouble]] with [[Jesus]]' [[nonconformist]] [[tendencies]], were very [[proud]] of the lad and had already begun laying [[plans]] which would enable him to go to [[Jerusalem]] to continue his [[education]] in the renowned [[Hebrew]] [[University|academies]].

124:6.1 [[Jesus]], having now reached the [[threshold]] of young manhood and having been formally [[graduated]] from the [[synagogue]] [[schools]], was qualified to [[proceed]] to [[Jerusalem]] with his [[parents]] to [[participate]] with them in the [[celebration]] of his first [[Passover]]. The Passover feast of this year fell on Saturday, April 9, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_AD A.D. 7]. A considerable company (103) made ready to depart from [[Nazareth]] early Monday morning, April 4, for [[Jerusalem]]. They journeyed south toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria], but on reaching [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel_(city) Jezreel], they turned east, going around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa] into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] in order to avoid passing through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and his [[family]] would have enjoyed going down through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob's_well Jacob's well] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethel Bethel], but since the [[Jews]] disliked to deal with the Samaritans, they decided to go with their [[neighbors]] by way of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley].

124:6.1 [[Jesus]], having now reached the [[threshold]] of young manhood and having been formally [[graduated]] from the [[synagogue]] [[schools]], was qualified to [[proceed]] to [[Jerusalem]] with his [[parents]] to [[participate]] with them in the [[celebration]] of his first [[Passover]]. The Passover feast of this year fell on Saturday, April 9, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_AD A.D. 7]. A considerable company (103) made ready to depart from [[Nazareth]] early Monday morning, April 4, for [[Jerusalem]]. They journeyed south toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria], but on reaching [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel_(city) Jezreel], they turned east, going around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa] into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] in order to avoid passing through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and his [[family]] would have enjoyed going down through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob's_well Jacob's well] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethel Bethel], but since the [[Jews]] disliked to deal with the Samaritans, they decided to go with their [[neighbors]] by way of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley].

124:6.2 The much-dreaded [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Archelaus] had been deposed, and they had little to [[fear]] in taking [[Jesus]] to [[Jerusalem]]. Twelve years had passed since the first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] had sought to destroy the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS babe of Bethlehem], and no one would now [[think]] of associating that affair with this obscure lad of [[Nazareth]].

124:6.2 The much-dreaded [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Archelaus] had been deposed, and they had little to [[fear]] in taking [[Jesus]] to [[Jerusalem]]. Twelve years had passed since the first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod] had sought to destroy the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS babe of Bethlehem], and no one would now [[think]] of associating that affair with this obscure lad of [[Nazareth]].

124:6.3 Before reaching the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel Jezreel] junction, and as they [[journeyed]] on, very soon, on the left, they passed the ancient village of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunem Shunem], and [[Jesus]] heard again about the most [[beautiful]] [[maiden]] of all [[Israel]] who once lived there and also about the [[wonderful]] works http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisha Elisha] performed there. In passing by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel Jezreel], [[Jesus]]' [[parents]] recounted the doings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezebel Jezebel] and the exploits of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehu Jehu]. In passing around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa], they talked much about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul Saul], who took his life on the slopes of this [[mountain]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David King David], and the associations of this historic spot.

124:6.3 Before reaching the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel Jezreel] junction, and as they [[journeyed]] on, very soon, on the left, they passed the ancient village of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shunem Shunem], and [[Jesus]] heard again about the most [[beautiful]] [[maiden]] of all [[Israel]] who once lived there and also about the [[wonderful]] works http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisha Elisha] performed there. In passing by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezreel Jezreel], [[Jesus]]' [[parents]] recounted the doings of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezebel Jezebel] and the exploits of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehu Jehu]. In passing around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa], they talked much about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul Saul], who took his life on the slopes of this [[mountain]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David King David], and the associations of this historic spot.

124:6.14 [[Jesus]] was [[profound]]ly impressed by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and all the associated services and other activities. For the first time since he was four years old, he was too much preoccupied with his own meditations to ask many questions. He did, however, ask his [[father]] several [[embarrassing]] questions (as he had on previous occasions) as to why the heavenly Father required the slaughter of so many [[innocent]] and helpless [[animals]]. And his [[father]] well knew from the [[expression]] on the lad's face that his answers and attempts at [[explanation]] were unsatisfactory to his deep-[[thinking]] and keen-reasoning son.

124:6.14 [[Jesus]] was [[profound]]ly impressed by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple the temple] and all the associated services and other activities. For the first time since he was four years old, he was too much preoccupied with his own meditations to ask many questions. He did, however, ask his [[father]] several [[embarrassing]] questions (as he had on previous occasions) as to why the heavenly Father required the slaughter of so many [[innocent]] and helpless [[animals]]. And his [[father]] well knew from the [[expression]] on the lad's face that his answers and attempts at [[explanation]] were unsatisfactory to his deep-[[thinking]] and keen-reasoning son.

124:6.15 On the day before the [[Passover]] [[Sabbath]], flood tides of [[spiritual]] [[illumination]] swept through the [[mortal]] [[mind]] of [[Jesus]] and filled his [[human]] [[heart]] to overflowing with [[affection]]ate [[pity]] for the spiritually blind and morally [[ignorant]] multitudes assembled for the [[celebration]] of the ancient [[Passover]] commemoration. This was one of the most extraordinary days that the Son of God spent in the [[flesh]]; and during the night, for the first time in his [[earth]] [[career]], there appeared to him an assigned [[messenger]] from [[Salvington]], commissioned by [[Immanuel]], who said: " The hour has come. It is time that you began to be about your Father's business. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

124:6.15 On the day before the [[Passover]] [[Sabbath]], flood tides of [[spiritual]] [[illumination]] swept through the [[mortal]] [[mind]] of [[Jesus]] and filled his [[human]] [[heart]] to overflowing with [[affection]]ate [[pity]] for the spiritually blind and morally [[ignorant]] multitudes assembled for the [[celebration]] of the ancient [[Passover]] commemoration. This was one of the most extraordinary days that the Son of God spent in the [[flesh]]; and during the night, for the first time in his [[earth]] [[career]], there appeared to him an assigned [[messenger]] from [[Salvington]], commissioned by [[Immanuel]], who said: " The hour has come. It is time that you began to be about your Father's business. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

124:6.16 And so, even ere the heavy [[responsibilities]] of the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] descended upon his [[youth]]ful shoulders, there now arrived the [[celestial]] [[messenger]] to remind this lad, not quite thirteen years of age, that the hour had come to begin the resumption of the [[responsibilities]] of a [[universe]]. This was the first [[act]] of a long [[succession]] of [[events]] which finally culminated in the completion of the Son's bestowal on Urantia and the replacing of " the [[government]] of a [[universe]] on his human-divine shoulders. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9]

124:6.16 And so, even ere the heavy [[responsibilities]] of the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] descended upon his [[youth]]ful shoulders, there now arrived the [[celestial]] [[messenger]] to remind this lad, not quite thirteen years of age, that the hour had come to begin the resumption of the [[responsibilities]] of a [[universe]]. This was the first [[act]] of a long [[succession]] of [[events]] which finally culminated in the completion of the Son's bestowal on Urantia and the replacing of " the [[government]] of a [[universe]] on his human-divine shoulders. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9]

124:6.17 As time passed, the [[mystery]] of the [[incarnation]] became, to all of us, more and more unfathomable. We could hardly [[comprehend]] that this lad of [[Nazareth]] was the [[Creator Son|creator]] of all [[Nebadon]]. Neither do we nowadays [[understand]] how the spirit of this same [[Creator Son]] and the spirit of his [[Paradise Father]] are [[associated]] with the [[souls]] of [[mankind]]. With the passing of time, we could see that his [[human]] [[mind]] was increasingly [[discerning]] that, while he lived his life in the [[flesh]], in spirit on his shoulders rested the [[responsibility]] of a [[universe]].

124:6.17 As time passed, the [[mystery]] of the [[incarnation]] became, to all of us, more and more unfathomable. We could hardly [[comprehend]] that this lad of [[Nazareth]] was the [[Creator Son|creator]] of all [[Nebadon]]. Neither do we nowadays [[understand]] how the spirit of this same [[Creator Son]] and the spirit of his [[Paradise Father]] are [[associated]] with the [[souls]] of [[mankind]]. With the passing of time, we could see that his [[human]] [[mind]] was increasingly [[discerning]] that, while he lived his life in the [[flesh]], in spirit on his shoulders rested the [[responsibility]] of a [[universe]].

124:6.18 Thus ends the [[career]] of the Nazareth lad, and begins the [[narrative]] of that adolescent [[youth]]—the increasingly [[self-conscious]] [[divine]] [[human]]—who now begins the [[contemplation]] of his world [[career]] as he strives to integrate his expanding life [[purpose]] with the [[desires]] of his [[parents]] and his [[obligations]] to his [[family]] and the [[society]] of his day and age.

124:6.18 Thus ends the [[career]] of the Nazareth lad, and begins the [[narrative]] of that adolescent [[youth]]—the increasingly [[self-conscious]] [[divine]] [[human]]—who now begins the [[contemplation]] of his world [[career]] as he strives to integrate his expanding life [[purpose]] with the [[desires]] of his [[parents]] and his [[obligations]] to his [[family]] and the [[society]] of his day and age.

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[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

[[Category: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]