Changes

==PAPER 123: THE EARLY CHILDHOOD OF JESUS==

==PAPER 123: THE EARLY CHILDHOOD OF JESUS==

123:0.1 Owing to the [[uncertainties]] and [[anxieties]] of their [[sojourn]] in [[Bethlehem]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] did not [[wean]] the babe until they had arrived safely in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], where the [[family]] was able to settle down to a [[normal]] life. They lived with [[kinsfolk]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was well able to [[support]] his [[family]] as he secured [[work]] shortly after their arrival. He was employed as a [[carpenter]] for several months and then elevated to the position of foreman of a large [[group]] of workmen employed on one of the [[public]] buildings then in [[process]] of construction. This new [[experience]] gave him the [[idea]] of becoming a contractor and builder after their return to [[Nazareth]].

123:0.1 Owing to the [[uncertainties]] and [[anxieties]] of their [[sojourn]] in [[Bethlehem]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] did not [[wean]] the babe until they had arrived safely in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], where the [[family]] was able to settle down to a [[normal]] life. They lived with [[kinsfolk]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was well able to [[support]] his [[family]] as he secured [[work]] shortly after their arrival. He was employed as a [[carpenter]] for several months and then elevated to the position of foreman of a large [[group]] of workmen employed on one of the [[public]] buildings then in [[process]] of construction. This new [[experience]] gave him the [[idea]] of becoming a contractor and builder after their return to [[Nazareth]].

123:0.2 All through these early years of [[Jesus]]' helpless [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant infancy], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)  Mary] maintained one long and constant [[vigil]] lest anything befall her child which might [[jeopardize]] his welfare or in any way [[interfere]] with his [[future]] mission on [[earth]]; no [[mother]] was ever more [[devoted]] to her [[child]]. In the [[home]] where [[Jesus]] chanced to be there were two other children about his age, and among the near [[neighbors]] there were six others whose ages were sufficiently near his own to make them [[acceptable]] [[play]]-fellows. At first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was disposed to keep [[Jesus]] close by her side. She feared something might happen to him if he were allowed to [[play]] in the [[garden]] with the other children, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], with the [[assistance]] of his kinsfolk, was able to convince her that such a [[course]] would deprive Jesus of the helpful [[experience]] of learning how to [[adjust]] himself to children of [[Peers|his own age]]. And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], [[realizing]] that such a [[program]] of undue [[sheltering]] and unusual protection might tend to make him [[self-conscious]] and somewhat self-centered, finally gave assent to the [[plan]] of permitting the child of [[promise]] to grow up just like any other child; and though she was [[obedient]] to this [[decision]], she made it her [[business]] always to be on watch while the little folks were at [[play]] about the house or in the [[garden]]. Only an [[affectionate]] [[mother]] can know the burden that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] carried in her [[heart]] for the safety of her son during these years of his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant infancy] and early [[childhood]].

123:0.2 All through these early years of [[Jesus]]' helpless [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant infancy], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)  Mary] maintained one long and constant [[vigil]] lest anything befall her child which might [[jeopardize]] his welfare or in any way [[interfere]] with his [[future]] mission on [[earth]]; no [[mother]] was ever more [[devoted]] to her [[child]]. In the [[home]] where [[Jesus]] chanced to be there were two other children about his age, and among the near [[neighbors]] there were six others whose ages were sufficiently near his own to make them [[acceptable]] [[play]]-fellows. At first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was disposed to keep [[Jesus]] close by her side. She feared something might happen to him if he were allowed to [[play]] in the [[garden]] with the other children, but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], with the [[assistance]] of his kinsfolk, was able to convince her that such a [[course]] would deprive Jesus of the helpful [[experience]] of learning how to [[adjust]] himself to children of [[Peers|his own age]]. And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], [[realizing]] that such a [[program]] of undue [[sheltering]] and unusual protection might tend to make him [[self-conscious]] and somewhat self-centered, finally gave assent to the [[plan]] of permitting the child of [[promise]] to grow up just like any other child; and though she was [[obedient]] to this [[decision]], she made it her [[business]] always to be on watch while the little folks were at [[play]] about the house or in the [[garden]]. Only an [[affectionate]] [[mother]] can know the burden that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] carried in her [[heart]] for the safety of her son during these years of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant infancy] and early [[childhood]].

123:0.3 Throughout the two years of their [[sojourn]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], [[Jesus]] enjoyed good [[health]] and continued to [[grow]] [[normal]]ly. Aside from a few [[friends]] and [[relatives]] no one was told about [[Jesus]]' being a " child of [[promise]]. " One of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[relatives]] revealed this to a few friends in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Egypt|Memphis], descendants of the distant [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton], and they, with a small [[group]] of Alexandrian believers, assembled at the palatial [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[relative]]-[[benefactor]] a short time before the return to [[Palestine]] to wish the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] well and to pay their respects to the [[child]]. On this occasion the assembled [[friends]] presented [[Jesus]] with a complete [[copy]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek translation] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. But this copy of the [[Jewish]] [[sacred]] [[writings]] was not placed in Joseph's hands until both he and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had finally declined the invitation of their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Egypt Memphis] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] friends to remain in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt]. These believers insisted that the [[child]] of [[destiny]] would be able to exert a far greater world [[influence]] as a resident of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] than of any designated place in [[Palestine]]. These [[persuasions]] delayed their departure for Palestine for some time after they received the news of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s [[death]].

123:0.3 Throughout the two years of their [[sojourn]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], [[Jesus]] enjoyed good [[health]] and continued to [[grow]] [[normal]]ly. Aside from a few [[friends]] and [[relatives]] no one was told about [[Jesus]]' being a " child of [[promise]]. " One of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[relatives]] revealed this to a few friends in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Egypt|Memphis], descendants of the distant [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikhnaton Ikhnaton], and they, with a small [[group]] of Alexandrian believers, assembled at the palatial [[home]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[relative]]-[[benefactor]] a short time before the return to [[Palestine]] to wish the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] well and to pay their respects to the [[child]]. On this occasion the assembled [[friends]] presented [[Jesus]] with a complete [[copy]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek translation] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]]. But this copy of the [[Jewish]] [[sacred]] [[writings]] was not placed in Joseph's hands until both he and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had finally declined the invitation of their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis,_Egypt Memphis] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] friends to remain in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt]. These believers insisted that the [[child]] of [[destiny]] would be able to exert a far greater world [[influence]] as a resident of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] than of any designated place in [[Palestine]]. These [[persuasions]] delayed their departure for Palestine for some time after they received the news of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Herod]'s [[death]].

123:0.4 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] finally took leave of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria] on a boat belonging to their friend Ezraeon, bound for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa|Joppa], arriving at that port late in August of the year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.] They went directly to [[Bethlehem]], where they spent the entire month of September in [[counsel]] with their [[friends]] and [[relatives]] concerning whether they should remain there or return to [[Nazareth]].

123:0.4 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] finally took leave of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria] on a boat belonging to their friend Ezraeon, bound for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa|Joppa], arriving at that port late in August of the year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.] They went directly to [[Bethlehem]], where they spent the entire month of September in [[counsel]] with their [[friends]] and [[relatives]] concerning whether they should remain there or return to [[Nazareth]].

123:0.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had never fully given up the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] ought to [[Mature|grow up]] in [[Bethlehem]], the City of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did not really [[believe]] that their son was to become a kingly deliverer of [[Israel]]. Besides, he knew that he himself was not really a descendant of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]; that his being reckoned among the [[offspring]] of David was due to the [[adoption]] of one of his [[ancestors]] into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_David#David.27s_succession Davidic line of descent]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], of course, thought the City of David the most appropriate place in which the new [[candidate]] for David's throne could be reared, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] preferred to take [[chances]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] rather than with his [[brother]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Archelaus]. He entertained great fears for the [[child]]'s [[safety]] in [[Bethlehem]] or in any other [[city]] in [[Judea]], and surmised that Archelaus would be more likely to pursue the menacing [[policies]] of his father, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod], than would [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Antipas] in [[Galilee]]. And besides all these reasons, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was outspoken in his preference for [[Galilee]] as a better place in which to rear and [[educate]] the child, but it required three weeks to overcome [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s objections.

123:0.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had never fully given up the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] ought to [[Mature|grow up]] in [[Bethlehem]], the City of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did not really [[believe]] that their son was to become a kingly deliverer of [[Israel]]. Besides, he knew that he himself was not really a descendant of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]; that his being reckoned among the [[offspring]] of David was due to the [[adoption]] of one of his [[ancestors]] into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_David#David.27s_succession Davidic line of descent]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], of course, thought the City of David the most appropriate place in which the new [[candidate]] for David's throne could be reared, but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] preferred to take [[chances]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] rather than with his [[brother]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Archelaus Archelaus]. He entertained great fears for the [[child]]'s [[safety]] in [[Bethlehem]] or in any other [[city]] in [[Judea]], and surmised that Archelaus would be more likely to pursue the menacing [[policies]] of his father, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_the_Great Herod], than would [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Antipas] in [[Galilee]]. And besides all these reasons, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was outspoken in his preference for [[Galilee]] as a better place in which to rear and [[educate]] the child, but it required three weeks to overcome [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s objections.

123:0.6 By the first of October [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had convinced [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and all their [[friends]] that it was best for them to return to [[Nazareth]]. Accordingly, early in October, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.], they departed from [[Bethlehem]] for [[Nazareth]], going by way of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lod Lydda] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythopolis Scythopolis]. They started out early one Sunday morning, Mary and the child riding on their newly acquired [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack_animal beast of burden], while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and five accompanying kinsmen proceeded on foot; Joseph's [[relatives]] refused to permit them to make the trip to [[Nazareth]] alone. They feared to go to [[Galilee]] by [[Jerusalem]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley], and the western routes were not altogether [[safe]] for two lone [[travelers]] with a [[child]] of tender years.

123:0.6 By the first of October [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had convinced [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] and all their [[friends]] that it was best for them to return to [[Nazareth]]. Accordingly, early in October, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4_BC 4 B.C.], they departed from [[Bethlehem]] for [[Nazareth]], going by way of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lod Lydda] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythopolis Scythopolis]. They started out early one Sunday morning, Mary and the child riding on their newly acquired [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack_animal beast of burden], while [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and five accompanying kinsmen proceeded on foot; Joseph's [[relatives]] refused to permit them to make the trip to [[Nazareth]] alone. They feared to go to [[Galilee]] by [[Jerusalem]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley], and the western routes were not altogether [[safe]] for two lone [[travelers]] with a [[child]] of tender years.

==123:1. BACK IN NAZARETH==

==123:1. BACK IN NAZARETH==

123:1.1 On the fourth day of the [[journey]] the party reached its destination in [[safety]]. They arrived unannounced at the [[Nazareth]] [[home]], which had been occupied for more than three years by one of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s married [[brothers]], who was indeed surprised to see them; so quietly had they gone about their [[business]] that neither the [[family]] of Joseph nor that of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] knew they had even left [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. The next day Joseph's brother moved his [[family]], and Mary, for the first time since [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS Jesus' birth], settled down with her little [[family]] to enjoy life in their own [[home]]. In less than a week [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] secured [[work]] as a [[carpenter]], and they were supremely [[happy]].

123:1.1 On the fourth day of the [[journey]] the party reached its destination in [[safety]]. They arrived unannounced at the [[Nazareth]] [[home]], which had been occupied for more than three years by one of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s married [[brothers]], who was indeed surprised to see them; so quietly had they gone about their [[business]] that neither the [[family]] of Joseph nor that of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] knew they had even left [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. The next day Joseph's brother moved his [[family]], and Mary, for the first time since [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:8._THE_BIRTH_OF_JESUS Jesus' birth], settled down with her little [[family]] to enjoy life in their own [[home]]. In less than a week [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] secured [[work]] as a [[carpenter]], and they were supremely [[happy]].

123:1.2 [[Jesus]] was about three years and two months old at the time of their return to [[Nazareth]]. He had stood all these [[travels]] very well and was in [[excellent]] [[health]] and full of childish glee and excitement at having premises of his own to run about in and to enjoy. But he greatly missed the [[association]] of his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] playmates.

123:1.2 [[Jesus]] was about three years and two months old at the time of their return to [[Nazareth]]. He had stood all these [[travels]] very well and was in [[excellent]] [[health]] and full of childish glee and excitement at having premises of his own to run about in and to enjoy. But he greatly missed the [[association]] of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] playmates.

123:1.3 On the way to [[Nazareth]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had [[persuaded]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] that it would be unwise to spread the [[word]] among their [[Galilean]] [[friends]] and [[relatives]] that [[Jesus]] was a child of [[promise]]. They [[agreed]] to refrain from all mention of [[Secret|these matters to anyone]]. And they were both very [[faithful]] in keeping this [[promise]].

123:1.3 On the way to [[Nazareth]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had [[persuaded]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] that it would be unwise to spread the [[word]] among their [[Galilean]] [[friends]] and [[relatives]] that [[Jesus]] was a child of [[promise]]. They [[agreed]] to refrain from all mention of [[Secret|these matters to anyone]]. And they were both very [[faithful]] in keeping this [[promise]].

123:1.4 [[Jesus]]' entire fourth year was a period of [[normal]] [[physical]] [[development]] and of unusual [[mental]] [[activity]]. Meantime he had formed a very close attachment for a [[neighbor]] boy about his own age named Jacob. Jesus and Jacob were always happy in their [[play]], and they grew up to be great [[friends]] and [[loyal]] companions.

123:1.4 [[Jesus]]' entire fourth year was a period of [[normal]] [[physical]] [[development]] and of unusual [[mental]] [[activity]]. Meantime he had formed a very close attachment for a [[neighbor]] boy about his own age named Jacob. Jesus and Jacob were always happy in their [[play]], and they grew up to be great [[friends]] and [[loyal]] companions.

123:1.5 The next important [[event]] in the life of this [[Nazareth]] [[family]] was the [[birth]] of the second child, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_Brother_of_Jesus James], in the early morning hours of April 2, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_BC 3 B.C.] [[Jesus]] was thrilled by the [[thought]] of having a baby [[brother]], and he would stand around by the hour just to observe the baby's early [[activities]].

123:1.5 The next important [[event]] in the life of this [[Nazareth]] [[family]] was the [[birth]] of the second child, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_Brother_of_Jesus James], in the early morning hours of April 2, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_BC 3 B.C.] [[Jesus]] was thrilled by the [[thought]] of having a baby [[brother]], and he would stand around by the hour just to observe the baby's early [[activities]].

123:1.6 It was midsummer of this same year that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] built a small workshop close to the village [[Well|spring]] and near the caravan tarrying lot. After this he did very little [[carpenter]] [[work]] by the day. He had as [[associates]] two of his [[brothers]] and several other mechanics, whom he sent out to [[work]] while he remained at the shop making [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoke yokes] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plows plows] and doing other woodwork. He also did some work in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather leather] and with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rope rope] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canvas canvas]. And [[Jesus]], as he grew up, when not at school, spent his time about equally between helping his [[mother]] with [[home]] [[duties]] and watching his [[father]] work at the shop, meanwhile listening to the [[conversation]] and [[gossip]] of the caravan conductors and passengers from the four corners of the [[earth]].

123:1.6 It was midsummer of this same year that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] built a small workshop close to the village [[Well|spring]] and near the caravan tarrying lot. After this he did very little [[carpenter]] [[work]] by the day. He had as [[associates]] two of his [[brothers]] and several other mechanics, whom he sent out to [[work]] while he remained at the shop making [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoke yokes] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plows plows] and doing other woodwork. He also did some work in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather leather] and with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rope rope] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canvas canvas]. And [[Jesus]], as he grew up, when not at school, spent his time about equally between helping his [[mother]] with [[home]] [[duties]] and watching his [[father]] work at the shop, meanwhile listening to the [[conversation]] and [[gossip]] of the caravan conductors and passengers from the four corners of the [[earth]].

123:1.7 In July of this year, one month before [[Jesus]] was four years old, an outbreak of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis malignant intestinal trouble] spread over all [[Nazareth]] from contact with the caravan travelers. Mary became so alarmed by the [[danger]] of [[Jesus]] being [[exposed]] to this [[epidemic]] of [[disease]] that she bundled up both her [[children]] and fled to the [[Rural|country]] [[home]] of her [[brother]], several miles south of Nazareth on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tel_Megiddo Megiddo] road near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Sarid Sarid]. They did not return to [[Nazareth]] for more than two months; Jesus greatly enjoyed this, his first [[experience]] on a [[farm]].

123:1.7 In July of this year, one month before [[Jesus]] was four years old, an outbreak of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastroenteritis malignant intestinal trouble] spread over all [[Nazareth]] from contact with the caravan travelers. Mary became so alarmed by the [[danger]] of [[Jesus]] being [[exposed]] to this [[epidemic]] of [[disease]] that she bundled up both her [[children]] and fled to the [[Rural|country]] [[home]] of her [[brother]], several miles south of Nazareth on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tel_Megiddo Megiddo] road near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Sarid Sarid]. They did not return to [[Nazareth]] for more than two months; Jesus greatly enjoyed this, his first [[experience]] on a [[farm]].

==123:2. THE FIFTH YEAR (2 B.C.)==

==123:2. THE FIFTH YEAR (2 B.C.)==

123:2.1 In something more than a year after the return to [[Nazareth]] the boy [[Jesus]] arrived at the age of his first [[personal]] and wholehearted [[moral]] [[decision]]; and there came to abide with him a [[Thought Adjuster]], a [[divine]] [[gift]] of the [[Paradise Father]], which had aforetime served with [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], thus gaining the [[experience]] of functioning in [[connection]] with the [[incarnation]] of a [[supermortal]] [[being]] living in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]]. This [[event]] occurred on February 11, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_BC 2 B.C.] [[Jesus]] was no more [[aware]] of the coming of the [[divine Monitor]] than are the millions upon millions of other [[children]] who, before and since that day, have likewise received these [[Thought Adjusters]] to indwell their [[minds]] and [[work]] for the [[ultimate]] spiritualization of these [[minds]] and the [[eternal]] [[survival]] of their evolving [[immortal]] [[souls]].

123:2.1 In something more than a year after the return to [[Nazareth]] the boy [[Jesus]] arrived at the age of his first [[personal]] and wholehearted [[moral]] [[decision]]; and there came to abide with him a [[Thought Adjuster]], a [[divine]] [[gift]] of the [[Paradise Father]], which had aforetime served with [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]], thus gaining the [[experience]] of functioning in [[connection]] with the [[incarnation]] of a [[supermortal]] [[being]] living in the likeness of [[mortal]] [[flesh]]. This [[event]] occurred on February 11, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_BC 2 B.C.] [[Jesus]] was no more [[aware]] of the coming of the [[divine Monitor]] than are the millions upon millions of other [[children]] who, before and since that day, have likewise received these [[Thought Adjusters]] to indwell their [[minds]] and [[work]] for the [[ultimate]] spiritualization of these [[minds]] and the [[eternal]] [[survival]] of their evolving [[immortal]] [[souls]].

123:2.2 On this day in February the direct and [[personal]] supervision of the Universe Rulers, as it was related to the integrity of the childlike [[incarnation]] of [[Michael]], terminated. From that time on throughout the [[human]] unfolding of the [[incarnation]], the guardianship of [[Jesus]] was destined to [[rest]] in the keeping of this [[indwelling Adjuster]] and the associated [[seraphic guardians]], supplemented from time to time by the [[ministry]] of [[midway creatures]] assigned for the [[performance]] of certain definite [[duties]] in [[accordance]] with the instruction of their [[planetary superiors]].

123:2.2 On this day in February the direct and [[personal]] supervision of the Universe Rulers, as it was related to the integrity of the childlike [[incarnation]] of [[Michael]], terminated. From that time on throughout the [[human]] unfolding of the [[incarnation]], the guardianship of [[Jesus]] was destined to [[rest]] in the keeping of this [[indwelling Adjuster]] and the associated [[seraphic guardians]], supplemented from time to time by the [[ministry]] of [[midway creatures]] assigned for the [[performance]] of certain definite [[duties]] in [[accordance]] with the instruction of their [[planetary superiors]].

123:2.3 [[Jesus]] was five years old in August of this year, and we will, therefore, refer to this as his fifth (calendar) year of life. In this year, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/@_BC 2 B.C.], a little more than one month before his fifth birthday anniversary, [[Jesus]] was made very [[happy]] by the coming of his sister Miriam, who was born on the night of July 11. During the evening of the following day [[Jesus]] had a long talk with his [[father]] concerning the [[manner]] in which various [[groups]] of living [[things]] are [[born]] into the world as separate [[individuals]]. The most valuable part of [[Jesus]]' early [[education]] was secured from his [[parents]] in answer to his thoughtful and searching [[inquiries]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] never failed to do his full [[duty]] in taking pains and spending time answering the boy's numerous questions. From the time [[Jesus]] was five years old until he was ten, he was one [[continuous]] question mark. While [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] could not always answer his questions, they never failed fully to [[discuss]] his inquiries and in every other possible way to [[assist]] him in his efforts to reach a [[satisfactory]] solution of the [[problem]] which his alert [[mind]] had suggested.

123:2.3 [[Jesus]] was five years old in August of this year, and we will, therefore, refer to this as his fifth (calendar) year of life. In this year, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/@_BC 2 B.C.], a little more than one month before his fifth birthday anniversary, [[Jesus]] was made very [[happy]] by the coming of his sister Miriam, who was born on the night of July 11. During the evening of the following day [[Jesus]] had a long talk with his [[father]] concerning the [[manner]] in which various [[groups]] of living [[things]] are [[born]] into the world as separate [[individuals]]. The most valuable part of [[Jesus]]' early [[education]] was secured from his [[parents]] in answer to his thoughtful and searching [[inquiries]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] never failed to do his full [[duty]] in taking pains and spending time answering the boy's numerous questions. From the time [[Jesus]] was five years old until he was ten, he was one [[continuous]] question mark. While [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] could not always answer his questions, they never failed fully to [[discuss]] his inquiries and in every other possible way to [[assist]] him in his efforts to reach a [[satisfactory]] solution of the [[problem]] which his alert [[mind]] had suggested.

123:2.4 Since returning to [[Nazareth]], theirs had been a busy [[household]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been unusually occupied building his new shop and getting his [[business]] started again. So fully was he occupied that he had found no time to build a [[cradle]] for James, but this was corrected long before Miriam came, so that she had a very comfortable [[crib]] in which to nestle while the [[family]] admired her. And the [[child]] [[Jesus]] heartily entered into all these [[natural]] and [[normal]] [[home]] [[experiences]]. He greatly enjoyed his little [[brother]] and his baby sister and was of great help to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] in their [[care]].

123:2.4 Since returning to [[Nazareth]], theirs had been a busy [[household]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been unusually occupied building his new shop and getting his [[business]] started again. So fully was he occupied that he had found no time to build a [[cradle]] for James, but this was corrected long before Miriam came, so that she had a very comfortable [[crib]] in which to nestle while the [[family]] admired her. And the [[child]] [[Jesus]] heartily entered into all these [[natural]] and [[normal]] [[home]] [[experiences]]. He greatly enjoyed his little [[brother]] and his baby sister and was of great help to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] in their [[care]].

123:2.5 There were few [[homes]] in the [[gentile]] world of those days that could give a [[child]] a better [[intellectual]], [[moral]], and [[religious]] [[training]] than the [[Jewish]] homes of [[Galilee]]. These Jews had a [[systematic]] [[program]] for rearing and educating their [[children]]. They divided a child's life into [[seven]] [[stages]]:

123:2.5 There were few [[homes]] in the [[gentile]] world of those days that could give a [[child]] a better [[intellectual]], [[moral]], and [[religious]] [[training]] than the [[Jewish]] homes of [[Galilee]]. These Jews had a [[systematic]] [[program]] for rearing and educating their [[children]]. They divided a child's life into [[seven]] [[stages]]:

*1. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant newborn] child, the first to the eighth day.

*1. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant newborn] child, the first to the eighth day.

*2. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breastfeeding suckling] child.

*2. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breastfeeding suckling] child.

*3. The [[weaned]] child.

*3. The [[weaned]] child.

*4. The period of dependence on the [[mother]], lasting up to the end of the fifth year.

*4. The period of dependence on the [[mother]], lasting up to the end of the fifth year.

*5. The beginning [[independence]] of the child and, with sons, the [[father]] assuming responsibility for their [[education]].

*5. The beginning [[independence]] of the child and, with sons, the [[father]] assuming responsibility for their [[education]].

*6. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolescence adolescent] youths and maidens.

*6. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolescence adolescent] youths and maidens.

*7. The [[Youth|young]] men and the young women.

*7. The [[Youth|young]] men and the young women.

123:2.6 It was the [[custom]] of the [[Galilean]] [[Jews]] for the [[mother]] to bear the [[responsibility]] for a child's [[training]] until the fifth birthday, and then, if the child were a boy, to hold the [[father]] responsible for the lad's education from that time on. This year, therefore, [[Jesus]] entered upon the fifth stage of a Galilean Jewish child's [[career]], and accordingly on August 21, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_BC 2 B.C.], Mary formally turned him over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] for further instruction.

123:2.6 It was the [[custom]] of the [[Galilean]] [[Jews]] for the [[mother]] to bear the [[responsibility]] for a child's [[training]] until the fifth birthday, and then, if the child were a boy, to hold the [[father]] responsible for the lad's education from that time on. This year, therefore, [[Jesus]] entered upon the fifth stage of a Galilean Jewish child's [[career]], and accordingly on August 21, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_BC 2 B.C.], Mary formally turned him over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] for further instruction.

123:2.7 Though [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was now assuming the direct [[responsibility]] for [[Jesus]]' [[intellectual]] and [[religious]] [[education]], his [[mother]] still interested herself in his [[home]] [[training]]. She taught him to know and care for the vines and flowers growing about the [[garden]] walls which completely [[surrounded]] the [[home]] plot. She also provided on the roof of the house (the summer bedroom) shallow boxes of sand in which [[Jesus]] worked out [[Geography|maps]] and did much of his early [[practice]] at writing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek], and later on, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew], for in time he learned to [[read]], [[write]], and speak, fluently, all [[three]] [[languages]].

123:2.7 Though [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was now assuming the direct [[responsibility]] for [[Jesus]]' [[intellectual]] and [[religious]] [[education]], his [[mother]] still interested herself in his [[home]] [[training]]. She taught him to know and care for the vines and flowers growing about the [[garden]] walls which completely [[surrounded]] the [[home]] plot. She also provided on the roof of the house (the summer bedroom) shallow boxes of sand in which [[Jesus]] worked out [[Geography|maps]] and did much of his early [[practice]] at writing [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek], and later on, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew], for in time he learned to [[read]], [[write]], and speak, fluently, all [[three]] [[languages]].

123:2.8 Jesus [[appeared]] to be a well-nigh [[perfect]] child [[physically]] and continued to make [[normal]] [[progress]] [[mentally]] and [[emotionally]]. He experienced a mild digestive upset, his first minor illness, in the latter part of this, his fifth (calendar) year.

123:2.8 Jesus [[appeared]] to be a well-nigh [[perfect]] child [[physically]] and continued to make [[normal]] [[progress]] [[mentally]] and [[emotionally]]. He experienced a mild digestive upset, his first minor illness, in the latter part of this, his fifth (calendar) year.

==123:3. EVENTS OF THE SIXTH YEAR (1 B.C.)==

==123:3. EVENTS OF THE SIXTH YEAR (1 B.C.)==

123:3.1 Already, with his [[mother]]'s help, [[Jesus]] had mastered the [[Galilean]] [[dialect]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic tongue]; and now his [[father]] began teaching him [[Greek]]. Mary spoke little Greek, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was a fluent speaker of both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic] and [[Greek]]. The [[textbook]] for the [[study]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek language] was the [[copy]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Hebrew scriptures]—a complete version of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah the law] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets the prophets], including the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms Psalms]—which had been presented to them on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_123#PAPER_123:_THE_EARLY_CHILDHOOD_OF_JESUS leaving Egypt]. There were only [[two]] complete [[copies]] of the [[Scriptures]] in [[Greek]] in all [[Nazareth]], and the [[possession]] of one of them by the [[carpenter]]'s [[family]] made [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[home]] a much-sought place and enabled [[Jesus]], as he grew up, to meet an almost endless [[procession]] of [[earnest]] [[students]] and [[sincere]] [[truth]] [[seekers]]. Before this year ended, [[Jesus]] had assumed [[custody]] of this priceless [[manuscript]], having been told on his sixth birthday that the [[sacred]] [[book]] had been presented to him by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] [[friends]] and [[relatives]]. And in a very short time he could [[read]] it readily.

123:3.1 Already, with his [[mother]]'s help, [[Jesus]] had mastered the [[Galilean]] [[dialect]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic tongue]; and now his [[father]] began teaching him [[Greek]]. Mary spoke little Greek, but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was a fluent speaker of both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic] and [[Greek]]. The [[textbook]] for the [[study]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek language] was the [[copy]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Hebrew scriptures]—a complete version of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah the law] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets the prophets], including the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms Psalms]—which had been presented to them on [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_123#PAPER_123:_THE_EARLY_CHILDHOOD_OF_JESUS leaving Egypt]. There were only [[two]] complete [[copies]] of the [[Scriptures]] in [[Greek]] in all [[Nazareth]], and the [[possession]] of one of them by the [[carpenter]]'s [[family]] made [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[home]] a much-sought place and enabled [[Jesus]], as he grew up, to meet an almost endless [[procession]] of [[earnest]] [[students]] and [[sincere]] [[truth]] [[seekers]]. Before this year ended, [[Jesus]] had assumed [[custody]] of this priceless [[manuscript]], having been told on his sixth birthday that the [[sacred]] [[book]] had been presented to him by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandrian] [[friends]] and [[relatives]]. And in a very short time he could [[read]] it readily.

123:3.2 The first great [[shock]] of [[Jesus]]' young life occurred when he was not quite six years old. It had seemed to the lad that his [[father]]—at least his [[father]] and [[mother]] [[together]]—knew [[everything]]. [[Imagine]], therefore, the [[surprise]] of this inquiring [[child]], when he asked his father the [[cause]] of a mild [[earthquake]] which had just occurred, to hear [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] say, " My son, I really do not know. " Thus began that long and disconcerting [[disillusionment]] in the [[course]] of which [[Jesus]] found out that his earthly [[parents]] were not all-wise and [[all-knowing]].

123:3.2 The first great [[shock]] of [[Jesus]]' young life occurred when he was not quite six years old. It had seemed to the lad that his [[father]]—at least his [[father]] and [[mother]] [[together]]—knew [[everything]]. [[Imagine]], therefore, the [[surprise]] of this inquiring [[child]], when he asked his father the [[cause]] of a mild [[earthquake]] which had just occurred, to hear [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] say, " My son, I really do not know. " Thus began that long and disconcerting [[disillusionment]] in the [[course]] of which [[Jesus]] found out that his earthly [[parents]] were not all-wise and [[all-knowing]].

123:3.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s first [[thought]] was to tell [[Jesus]] that the [[earthquake]] had been [[cause]]d by [[God]], but a [[moment]]'s [[reflection]] admonished him that such an answer would [[immediately]] be provocative of further and still more [[embarrassing]] [[inquiries]]. Even at an early age it was very [[difficult]] to answer [[Jesus]]' questions about [[physical]] or [[social]] [[phenomena]] by thoughtlessly telling him that either [[God]] or the [[devil]] was [[responsible]]. In [[harmony]] with the prevailing [[belief]] of the [[Jewish]] people, [[Jesus]] was long willing to [[accept]] the [[doctrine]] of [[good]] spirits and [[evil]] spirits as the possible [[explanation]] of [[mental]] and [[spiritual]] [[phenomena]], but he very early became [[doubtful]] that such [[unseen]] [[influences]] were [[responsible]] for the [[physical]] happenings of the [[natural]] world.

123:3.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s first [[thought]] was to tell [[Jesus]] that the [[earthquake]] had been [[cause]]d by [[God]], but a [[moment]]'s [[reflection]] admonished him that such an answer would [[immediately]] be provocative of further and still more [[embarrassing]] [[inquiries]]. Even at an early age it was very [[difficult]] to answer [[Jesus]]' questions about [[physical]] or [[social]] [[phenomena]] by thoughtlessly telling him that either [[God]] or the [[devil]] was [[responsible]]. In [[harmony]] with the prevailing [[belief]] of the [[Jewish]] people, [[Jesus]] was long willing to [[accept]] the [[doctrine]] of [[good]] spirits and [[evil]] spirits as the possible [[explanation]] of [[mental]] and [[spiritual]] [[phenomena]], but he very early became [[doubtful]] that such [[unseen]] [[influences]] were [[responsible]] for the [[physical]] happenings of the [[natural]] world.

123:3.4 Before [[Jesus]] was six years of age, in the early summer of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_BC 1 B.C.], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] and their son [[John the Baptist|John]] came to visit the [[Nazareth]] [[family]]. [[Jesus]] and [[John the Baptist|John]] had a [[happy]] time during this, their first [[visit]] within their [[memories]]. Although the [[visitors]] could remain only a few days, the [[parents]] talked over many [[things]], including the [[future]] [[plans]] for their sons. While they were thus [[engaged]], the lads [[played]] with blocks in the sand on top of the house and in many other ways enjoyed themselves in true boyish [[Manner|fashion]].

123:3.4 Before [[Jesus]] was six years of age, in the early summer of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_BC 1 B.C.], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] and their son [[John the Baptist|John]] came to visit the [[Nazareth]] [[family]]. [[Jesus]] and [[John the Baptist|John]] had a [[happy]] time during this, their first [[visit]] within their [[memories]]. Although the [[visitors]] could remain only a few days, the [[parents]] talked over many [[things]], including the [[future]] [[plans]] for their sons. While they were thus [[engaged]], the lads [[played]] with blocks in the sand on top of the house and in many other ways enjoyed themselves in true boyish [[Manner|fashion]].

123:3.5 Having met [[John the Baptist|John]], who came from near [[Jerusalem]], [[Jesus]] began to evince an unusual interest in the [[history]] of [[Israel]] and to [[inquire]] in great detail as to the [[meaning]] of the [[Sabbath]] [[rites]], the synagogue sermons, and the recurring feasts of commemoration. His [[father]] explained to him the [[meaning]] of all these [[seasons]]. The first was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Hanukkah_.E2.80.94_Festival_of_Lights midwinter festive illumination], lasting eight days, starting out with one candle the first night and adding one each successive night; this commemorated the [[dedication]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem the temple] after the restoration of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple Mosaic services] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabee Judas Maccabee]. Next came the early [[springtime]] celebration of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim Purim], the feast of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Esther Esther] and [[Israel]]'s deliverance through her. Then followed the solemn [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover Passover], which the adults celebrated in [[Jerusalem]] whenever possible, while at [[home]] the [[children]] would [[remember]] that no [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leavened_Bread leavened bread] was to be eaten for the whole week. Later came the feast of the first-fruits, the harvest ingathering; and last, the most [[solemn]] of all, the feast of the new year, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Yom_Kippur_.E2.80.94_Day_of_Atonement day of atonement]. While some of these [[celebrations]] and observances were [[difficult]] for [[Jesus]]' young [[mind]] to [[understand]], he [[ponder]]ed them seriously and then entered fully into the [[joy]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Sukkot_.E2.80.94_Feast_of_Booths_.28or_Tabernacles.29 feast of tabernacles], the annual [[vacation]] [[season]] of the whole Jewish people, the time when they camped out in leafy booths and gave themselves up to mirth and [[pleasure]].

123:3.5 Having met [[John the Baptist|John]], who came from near [[Jerusalem]], [[Jesus]] began to evince an unusual interest in the [[history]] of [[Israel]] and to [[inquire]] in great detail as to the [[meaning]] of the [[Sabbath]] [[rites]], the synagogue sermons, and the recurring feasts of commemoration. His [[father]] explained to him the [[meaning]] of all these [[seasons]]. The first was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Hanukkah_.E2.80.94_Festival_of_Lights midwinter festive illumination], lasting eight days, starting out with one candle the first night and adding one each successive night; this commemorated the [[dedication]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_in_Jerusalem the temple] after the restoration of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple Mosaic services] by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabee Judas Maccabee]. Next came the early [[springtime]] celebration of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purim Purim], the feast of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Esther Esther] and [[Israel]]'s deliverance through her. Then followed the solemn [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover Passover], which the adults celebrated in [[Jerusalem]] whenever possible, while at [[home]] the [[children]] would [[remember]] that no [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leavened_Bread leavened bread] was to be eaten for the whole week. Later came the feast of the first-fruits, the harvest ingathering; and last, the most [[solemn]] of all, the feast of the new year, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Yom_Kippur_.E2.80.94_Day_of_Atonement day of atonement]. While some of these [[celebrations]] and observances were [[difficult]] for [[Jesus]]' young [[mind]] to [[understand]], he [[ponder]]ed them seriously and then entered fully into the [[joy]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_festivals#Sukkot_.E2.80.94_Feast_of_Booths_.28or_Tabernacles.29 feast of tabernacles], the annual [[vacation]] [[season]] of the whole Jewish people, the time when they camped out in leafy booths and gave themselves up to mirth and [[pleasure]].

123:3.6 During this year [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] had trouble with [[Jesus]] about his [[prayers]]. He insisted on talking to his [[heavenly Father]] much as he would talk to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], his earthly [[father]]. This departure from the more [[solemn]] and [[reverent]] [[modes]] of [[communication]] with [[Deity]] was a bit disconcerting to his [[parents]], especially to his [[mother]], but there was no persuading him to [[change]]; he would say his [[prayers]] just as he had been taught, after which he insisted on having " just a little talk with my Father in heaven. "

123:3.6 During this year [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] had trouble with [[Jesus]] about his [[prayers]]. He insisted on talking to his [[heavenly Father]] much as he would talk to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], his earthly [[father]]. This departure from the more [[solemn]] and [[reverent]] [[modes]] of [[communication]] with [[Deity]] was a bit disconcerting to his [[parents]], especially to his [[mother]], but there was no persuading him to [[change]]; he would say his [[prayers]] just as he had been taught, after which he insisted on having " just a little talk with my Father in heaven. "

123:3.7 In June of this year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] turned the shop in [[Nazareth]] over to his [[brothers]] and [[formal]]ly entered upon his [[work]] as a builder. Before the year was over, the [[family]] income had more than trebled. Never again, until after [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH Joseph's death], did the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] feel the pinch of [[poverty]]. The [[family]] grew larger and larger, and they spent much [[money]] on extra [[education]] and [[travel]], but always Joseph's increasing [[income]] kept [[pace]] with the growing expenses.

123:3.7 In June of this year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] turned the shop in [[Nazareth]] over to his [[brothers]] and [[formal]]ly entered upon his [[work]] as a builder. Before the year was over, the [[family]] income had more than trebled. Never again, until after [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH Joseph's death], did the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] feel the pinch of [[poverty]]. The [[family]] grew larger and larger, and they spent much [[money]] on extra [[education]] and [[travel]], but always Joseph's increasing [[income]] kept [[pace]] with the growing expenses.

123:3.8 The next few years [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did considerable work at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [[Bethlehem]] (of [[Galilee]]), [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], as well as much building in and near [[Nazareth]]. As James grew up to be old enough to help his [[mother]] with the housework and care of the younger [[children]], [[Jesus]] made frequent trips away from [[home]] with his [[father]] to these [[surrounding]] towns and villages. [[Jesus]] was a keen [[observer]] and gained much [[practical]] [[knowledge]] from these [[Travel|trips]] away from [[home]]; he was assiduously storing up [[knowledge]] regarding man and the way he lived on [[earth]].

123:3.8 The next few years [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] did considerable work at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cana Cana], [[Bethlehem]] (of [[Galilee]]), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nain,_Israel Nain], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], as well as much building in and near [[Nazareth]]. As James grew up to be old enough to help his [[mother]] with the housework and care of the younger [[children]], [[Jesus]] made frequent trips away from [[home]] with his [[father]] to these [[surrounding]] towns and villages. [[Jesus]] was a keen [[observer]] and gained much [[practical]] [[knowledge]] from these [[Travel|trips]] away from [[home]]; he was assiduously storing up [[knowledge]] regarding man and the way he lived on [[earth]].

123:3.9 This year [[Jesus]] made great [[progress]] in adjusting his strong [[feelings]] and vigorous [[impulses]] to the demands of [[family]] [[co-operation]] and [[home]] [[discipline]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was a loving [[mother]] but a fairly strict disciplinarian. In many ways, however, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] exerted the greater [[control]] over [[Jesus]] as it was his [[practice]] to sit down with the boy and fully [[explain]] the real and underlying reasons for the [[necessity]] of disciplinary curtailment of [[personal]] [[desires]] in deference to the welfare and tranquillity of the entire [[family]]. When the situation had been [[explained]] to [[Jesus]], he was always [[intelligently]] and willingly [[co-operative]] with parental [[wishes]] and [[family]] regulations.

123:3.9 This year [[Jesus]] made great [[progress]] in adjusting his strong [[feelings]] and vigorous [[impulses]] to the demands of [[family]] [[co-operation]] and [[home]] [[discipline]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was a loving [[mother]] but a fairly strict disciplinarian. In many ways, however, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] exerted the greater [[control]] over [[Jesus]] as it was his [[practice]] to sit down with the boy and fully [[explain]] the real and underlying reasons for the [[necessity]] of disciplinary curtailment of [[personal]] [[desires]] in deference to the welfare and tranquillity of the entire [[family]]. When the situation had been [[explained]] to [[Jesus]], he was always [[intelligently]] and willingly [[co-operative]] with parental [[wishes]] and [[family]] regulations.

123:3.10 Much of his [[Free|spare]] [[time]]—when his [[mother]] did not require his help about the [[house]]—was spent [[studying]] the flowers and [[plants]] by day and the [[stars]] by night. He evinced a troublesome penchant for lying on his back and gazing [[wonder]]ingly up into the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_sky starry heavens] long after his usual bedtime in this well-ordered [[Nazareth]] household.

123:3.10 Much of his [[Free|spare]] [[time]]—when his [[mother]] did not require his help about the [[house]]—was spent [[studying]] the flowers and [[plants]] by day and the [[stars]] by night. He evinced a troublesome penchant for lying on his back and gazing [[wonder]]ingly up into the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_sky starry heavens] long after his usual bedtime in this well-ordered [[Nazareth]] household.

==123:4. THE SEVENTH YEAR (A.D. 1)==

==123:4. THE SEVENTH YEAR (A.D. 1)==

123:4.1 This was, indeed, an [[eventful]] year in [[Jesus]]' life. Early in January a great [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard snowstorm] occurred in [[Galilee]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow Snow] fell two feet deep, the heaviest snowfall [[Jesus]] saw during his lifetime and one of the deepest at [[Nazareth]] in a hundred years.

123:4.1 This was, indeed, an [[eventful]] year in [[Jesus]]' life. Early in January a great [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard snowstorm] occurred in [[Galilee]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow Snow] fell two feet deep, the heaviest snowfall [[Jesus]] saw during his lifetime and one of the deepest at [[Nazareth]] in a hundred years.

123:4.2 The [[play]] life of [[Jewish]] [[children]] in the times of [[Jesus]] was rather [[circumscribed]]; all too often the children [[played]] at the more serious things they [[observed]] their [[elders]] doing. They played much at [[weddings]] and [[funerals]], [[ceremonies]] which they so frequently saw and which were so spectacular. They [[danced]] and [[sang]] but had few [[organized]] [[games]], such as children of later days so much enjoy.

123:4.2 The [[play]] life of [[Jewish]] [[children]] in the times of [[Jesus]] was rather [[circumscribed]]; all too often the children [[played]] at the more serious things they [[observed]] their [[elders]] doing. They played much at [[weddings]] and [[funerals]], [[ceremonies]] which they so frequently saw and which were so spectacular. They [[danced]] and [[sang]] but had few [[organized]] [[games]], such as children of later days so much enjoy.

123:4.3 [[Jesus]], in company with a [[neighbor]] boy and later his brother James, delighted to [[play]] in the far corner of the [[family]] [[carpenter]] shop, where they had great fun with the shavings and the blocks of wood. It was always [[difficult]] for Jesus to [[comprehend]] the harm of certain sorts of [[play]] which were forbidden on the [[Sabbath]], but he never failed to [[conform]] to his [[parents]]' [[wishes]]. He had a [[capacity]] for [[humor]] and [[play]] which was afforded little [[opportunity]] for [[expression]] in the [[environment]] of his day and [[generation]], but up to the age of fourteen he was cheerful and lighthearted most of the time.

123:4.3 [[Jesus]], in company with a [[neighbor]] boy and later his brother James, delighted to [[play]] in the far corner of the [[family]] [[carpenter]] shop, where they had great fun with the shavings and the blocks of wood. It was always [[difficult]] for Jesus to [[comprehend]] the harm of certain sorts of [[play]] which were forbidden on the [[Sabbath]], but he never failed to [[conform]] to his [[parents]]' [[wishes]]. He had a [[capacity]] for [[humor]] and [[play]] which was afforded little [[opportunity]] for [[expression]] in the [[environment]] of his day and [[generation]], but up to the age of fourteen he was cheerful and lighthearted most of the time.

123:4.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] maintained a dovecote on top of the animal house adjoining the [[home]], and they used the [[profits]] from the sale of doves as a special [[charity]] fund, which [[Jesus]] [[administered]] after he deducted the [[tithe]] and turned it over to the officer of the [[synagogue]].

123:4.4 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] maintained a dovecote on top of the animal house adjoining the [[home]], and they used the [[profits]] from the sale of doves as a special [[charity]] fund, which [[Jesus]] [[administered]] after he deducted the [[tithe]] and turned it over to the officer of the [[synagogue]].

123:4.5 The only real [[accident]] [[Jesus]] had up to this time was a fall down the back-yard stone stairs which led up to the canvas-roofed bedroom. It happened during an unexpected July [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm sandstorm] from the east. The hot [[winds]], carrying blasts of fine sand, usually blew during the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy season], especially in March and April. It was extraordinary to have such a storm in July. When the storm came up, [[Jesus]] was on the housetop [[play]]ing, as was his [[habit]], for during much of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_season dry season] this was his accustomed playroom. He was blinded by the sand when descending the stairs and fell. After this [[accident]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] built a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balustrade balustrade] up both sides of the stairway.

123:4.5 The only real [[accident]] [[Jesus]] had up to this time was a fall down the back-yard stone stairs which led up to the canvas-roofed bedroom. It happened during an unexpected July [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm sandstorm] from the east. The hot [[winds]], carrying blasts of fine sand, usually blew during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_season rainy season], especially in March and April. It was extraordinary to have such a storm in July. When the storm came up, [[Jesus]] was on the housetop [[play]]ing, as was his [[habit]], for during much of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_season dry season] this was his accustomed playroom. He was blinded by the sand when descending the stairs and fell. After this [[accident]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] built a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balustrade balustrade] up both sides of the stairway.

123:4.6 There was no way in which this [[accident]] could have been prevented. It was not chargeable to neglect by the [[Midwayers|midway]] temporal guardians, one [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:1._THE_PRIMARY_MIDWAYERS primary] and one [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:6._THE_SECONDARY_MIDWAYERS secondary midwayer] having been assigned to the watchcare of the lad; neither was it chargeable to the [[guardian seraphim]]. It simply could not have been avoided. But this slight [[accident]], occurring while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was absent in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], caused such great [[anxiety]] to develop in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s mind that she unwisely tried to keep [[Jesus]] very close to her side for some months.

123:4.6 There was no way in which this [[accident]] could have been prevented. It was not chargeable to neglect by the [[Midwayers|midway]] temporal guardians, one [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:1._THE_PRIMARY_MIDWAYERS primary] and one [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:6._THE_SECONDARY_MIDWAYERS secondary midwayer] having been assigned to the watchcare of the lad; neither was it chargeable to the [[guardian seraphim]]. It simply could not have been avoided. But this slight [[accident]], occurring while [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was absent in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endor_(village) Endor], caused such great [[anxiety]] to develop in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s mind that she unwisely tried to keep [[Jesus]] very close to her side for some months.

123:4.7 [[Material]] [[accidents]], commonplace occurrences of a [[physical]] [[nature]], are not [[arbitrarily]] [[interfered]] with by [[celestial]] [[personalities]]. Under ordinary circumstances only [[midway creatures]] can [[intervene]] in [[material]] conditions to safeguard the [[persons]] of [[men]] and [[women]] of [[destiny]], and even in special situations these [[beings]] can so [[act]] only in [[obedience]] to the specific [[mandates]] of their superiors.

123:4.7 [[Material]] [[accidents]], commonplace occurrences of a [[physical]] [[nature]], are not [[arbitrarily]] [[interfered]] with by [[celestial]] [[personalities]]. Under ordinary circumstances only [[midway creatures]] can [[intervene]] in [[material]] conditions to safeguard the [[persons]] of [[men]] and [[women]] of [[destiny]], and even in special situations these [[beings]] can so [[act]] only in [[obedience]] to the specific [[mandates]] of their superiors.

123:4.8 And this was but one of a [[number]] of such minor [[accidents]] which subsequently befell this [[inquisitive]] and [[adventurous]] [[youth]]. If you envisage the average [[childhood]] and [[youth]] of an [[aggressive]] boy, you will have a fairly [[good]] [[idea]] of the youthful [[career]] of [[Jesus]], and you will be able to [[imagine]] just about how much [[anxiety]] he caused his [[parents]], particularly his [[mother]].

123:4.8 And this was but one of a [[number]] of such minor [[accidents]] which subsequently befell this [[inquisitive]] and [[adventurous]] [[youth]]. If you envisage the average [[childhood]] and [[youth]] of an [[aggressive]] boy, you will have a fairly [[good]] [[idea]] of the youthful [[career]] of [[Jesus]], and you will be able to [[imagine]] just about how much [[anxiety]] he caused his [[parents]], particularly his [[mother]].

123:4.9 The fourth member of the [[Nazareth]] family, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joses Joseph], was born Wednesday morning, March 16, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_AD A.D. 1.]

123:4.9 The fourth member of the [[Nazareth]] family, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joses Joseph], was born Wednesday morning, March 16, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_AD A.D. 1.]

==123:5. SCHOOL DAYS IN NAZARETH==

==123:5. SCHOOL DAYS IN NAZARETH==

123:5.1 [[Jesus]] was now [[seven]] years old, the age when [[Jewish]] [[children]] were supposed to begin their [[formal]] [[education]] in the [[synagogue]] schools. Accordingly, in August of this year he entered upon his eventful school life at [[Nazareth]]. Already this lad was a fluent [[reader]], [[writer]], and speaker of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism two languages], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek]. He was now to acquaint himself with the task of [[learning]] to [[read]], [[write]], and speak the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew language]. And he was truly eager for the new school life which was ahead of him.

123:5.1 [[Jesus]] was now [[seven]] years old, the age when [[Jewish]] [[children]] were supposed to begin their [[formal]] [[education]] in the [[synagogue]] schools. Accordingly, in August of this year he entered upon his eventful school life at [[Nazareth]]. Already this lad was a fluent [[reader]], [[writer]], and speaker of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism two languages], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramaic Aramaic] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language Greek]. He was now to acquaint himself with the task of [[learning]] to [[read]], [[write]], and speak the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language Hebrew language]. And he was truly eager for the new school life which was ahead of him.

123:5.2 For three years—until he was ten—he attended the elementary school of the [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]]. For these three years he [[studied]] the rudiments of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah Book of the Law] as it was recorded in the [[Hebrew]] tongue. For the following three years he studied in the advanced school and committed to [[memory]], by the [[method]] of repeating aloud, the deeper teachings of the [[sacred]] [[law]]. He [[graduated]] from this school of the [[synagogue]] during his thirteenth year and was turned over to his [[parents]] by the synagogue rulers as an educated " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_and_Bat_Mitzvah son of the commandment] "—henceforth a [[responsible]] [[citizen]] of the commonwealth of [[Israel]], all of which entailed his attendance at the [[Passover]]s in [[Jerusalem]]; accordingly, he attended his first Passover that year in company with his [[father]] and [[mother]].

123:5.2 For three years—until he was ten—he attended the elementary school of the [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]]. For these three years he [[studied]] the rudiments of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah Book of the Law] as it was recorded in the [[Hebrew]] tongue. For the following three years he studied in the advanced school and committed to [[memory]], by the [[method]] of repeating aloud, the deeper teachings of the [[sacred]] [[law]]. He [[graduated]] from this school of the [[synagogue]] during his thirteenth year and was turned over to his [[parents]] by the synagogue rulers as an educated " [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_and_Bat_Mitzvah son of the commandment] "—henceforth a [[responsible]] [[citizen]] of the commonwealth of [[Israel]], all of which entailed his attendance at the [[Passover]]s in [[Jerusalem]]; accordingly, he attended his first Passover that year in company with his [[father]] and [[mother]].

123:5.3 At [[Nazareth]] the [[pupils]] sat on the floor in a semicircle, while their [[teacher]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazzan chazan], an officer of the [[synagogue]], sat facing them. Beginning with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Leviticus Book of Leviticus], they passed on to the [[study]] of the other [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah books of the law], followed by the [[study]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets the Prophets] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms the Psalms]. The [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]] possessed a complete copy of the [[Hebrew Bible|Scriptures]] in [[Hebrew]]. Nothing but the Scriptures was [[studied]] prior to the twelfth year. In the [[summer]] months the hours for school were greatly shortened.

123:5.3 At [[Nazareth]] the [[pupils]] sat on the floor in a semicircle, while their [[teacher]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazzan chazan], an officer of the [[synagogue]], sat facing them. Beginning with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Leviticus Book of Leviticus], they passed on to the [[study]] of the other [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Torah books of the law], followed by the [[study]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets the Prophets] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms the Psalms]. The [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]] possessed a complete copy of the [[Hebrew Bible|Scriptures]] in [[Hebrew]]. Nothing but the Scriptures was [[studied]] prior to the twelfth year. In the [[summer]] months the hours for school were greatly shortened.

123:5.4 [[Jesus]] early became a master of [[Hebrew]], and as a young man, when no [[visitor]] of prominence happened to be sojourning in [[Nazareth]], he would often be asked to read the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]] to the [[faithful]] assembled in the [[synagogue]] at the regular [[Sabbath]] services.

123:5.4 [[Jesus]] early became a master of [[Hebrew]], and as a young man, when no [[visitor]] of prominence happened to be sojourning in [[Nazareth]], he would often be asked to read the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]] to the [[faithful]] assembled in the [[synagogue]] at the regular [[Sabbath]] services.

123:5.8 [[Jesus]] received his [[moral]] [[training]] and [[spiritual]] [[culture]] chiefly in his own [[home]]. He secured much of his [[intellectual]] and [[theological]] [[education]] from the chazan. But his real education—that equipment of [[mind]] and [[heart]] for the [[actual]] test of grappling with the [[difficult]] [[problems]] of life—he obtained by mingling with his fellow men. It was this close [[association]] with his fellow men, young and old, [[Jew]] and [[gentile]], that afforded him the [[opportunity]] to know the human race. Jesus was highly [[educated]] in that he thoroughly [[understood]] men and [[devotedly]] loved them.

123:5.8 [[Jesus]] received his [[moral]] [[training]] and [[spiritual]] [[culture]] chiefly in his own [[home]]. He secured much of his [[intellectual]] and [[theological]] [[education]] from the chazan. But his real education—that equipment of [[mind]] and [[heart]] for the [[actual]] test of grappling with the [[difficult]] [[problems]] of life—he obtained by mingling with his fellow men. It was this close [[association]] with his fellow men, young and old, [[Jew]] and [[gentile]], that afforded him the [[opportunity]] to know the human race. Jesus was highly [[educated]] in that he thoroughly [[understood]] men and [[devotedly]] loved them.

123:5.9 Throughout his years at the [[synagogue]] he was a brilliant [[student]], possessing a great advantage since he was conversant with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism three languages]. The [[Nazareth]] chazan, on the occasion of [[Jesus]]' finishing the [[course]] in his school, remarked to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] that he feared he " had learned more from [[Jesus]]' searching questions " than he had " been able to teach the lad. "

123:5.9 Throughout his years at the [[synagogue]] he was a brilliant [[student]], possessing a great advantage since he was conversant with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multilingualism three languages]. The [[Nazareth]] chazan, on the occasion of [[Jesus]]' finishing the [[course]] in his school, remarked to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] that he feared he " had learned more from [[Jesus]]' searching questions " than he had " been able to teach the lad. "

123:5.10 Throughout his [[course]] of [[study]] [[Jesus]] learned much and derived great [[inspiration]] from the regular [[Sabbath]] sermons in the [[synagogue]]. It was customary to ask distinguished [[visitors]], stopping over the Sabbath in [[Nazareth]], to address the synagogue. As [[Jesus]] grew up, he heard many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy#Ancient_Jewish_philosophy great thinkers] of the entire [[Jewish]] world expound their [[views]], and many also who were hardly orthodox Jews since the [[synagogue]] of [[Nazareth]] was an advanced and [[liberal]] center of [[Hebrew]] [[thought]] and [[culture]].

123:5.10 Throughout his [[course]] of [[study]] [[Jesus]] learned much and derived great [[inspiration]] from the regular [[Sabbath]] sermons in the [[synagogue]]. It was customary to ask distinguished [[visitors]], stopping over the Sabbath in [[Nazareth]], to address the synagogue. As [[Jesus]] grew up, he heard many [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_philosophy#Ancient_Jewish_philosophy great thinkers] of the entire [[Jewish]] world expound their [[views]], and many also who were hardly orthodox Jews since the [[synagogue]] of [[Nazareth]] was an advanced and [[liberal]] center of [[Hebrew]] [[thought]] and [[culture]].

123:5.11 When entering school at [[seven]] years (at this time the [[Jews]] had just [[inaugurated]] a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_education compulsory education law]), it was customary for the [[pupils]] to choose their " birthday text, " a sort of [[golden rule]] to guide them throughout their [[studies]], one upon which they often expatiated at their [[graduation]] when thirteen years old. The [[text]] which [[Jesus]] chose was from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Prophet Isaiah]: " The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set the spiritual prisoners free. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61]

123:5.11 When entering school at [[seven]] years (at this time the [[Jews]] had just [[inaugurated]] a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compulsory_education compulsory education law]), it was customary for the [[pupils]] to choose their " birthday text, " a sort of [[golden rule]] to guide them throughout their [[studies]], one upon which they often expatiated at their [[graduation]] when thirteen years old. The [[text]] which [[Jesus]] chose was from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Prophet Isaiah]: " The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set the spiritual prisoners free. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61]

123:5.12 [[Nazareth]] was one of the twenty-four [[priest]] centers of the [[Hebrew]] [[nation]]. But the [[Galilean]] [[priesthood]] was more [[liberal]] in the [[interpretation]] of the traditional laws than were the [[Judea]]n [[scribes]] and rabbis. And at [[Nazareth]] they were also more [[liberal]] regarding the [[observance]] of the [[Sabbath]]. It was therefore the [[custom]] for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to take [[Jesus]] out for walks on Sabbath afternoons, one of their favorite jaunts being to climb the high hill near their [[home]], from which they could obtain a [[panoramic]] view of all [[Galilee]]. To the northwest, on clear days, they could see the long ridge of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel Mount Carmel] running down to the [[sea]]; and many times [[Jesus]] heard his [[father]] relate the [[story]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], one of the first of that long line of [[Hebrew]] [[prophets]], who reproved [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] and exposed the [[priests]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]. To the north [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] raised its snowy peak in [[majestic]] splendor and [[monopolized]] the skyline, almost 3,000 feet of the upper slopes glistening white with perpetual snow. Far to the east they could discern the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] and, far beyond, the rocky hills of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab Moab]. Also to the south and the east, when the [[sun]] shone upon their marble walls, they could see the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman] cities of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis], with their amphitheaters and pretentious [[temples]]. And when they lingered toward the going down of the [[sun]], to the west they could make out the sailing vessels on the distant [[Mediterranean]].

123:5.12 [[Nazareth]] was one of the twenty-four [[priest]] centers of the [[Hebrew]] [[nation]]. But the [[Galilean]] [[priesthood]] was more [[liberal]] in the [[interpretation]] of the traditional laws than were the [[Judea]]n [[scribes]] and rabbis. And at [[Nazareth]] they were also more [[liberal]] regarding the [[observance]] of the [[Sabbath]]. It was therefore the [[custom]] for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to take [[Jesus]] out for walks on Sabbath afternoons, one of their favorite jaunts being to climb the high hill near their [[home]], from which they could obtain a [[panoramic]] view of all [[Galilee]]. To the northwest, on clear days, they could see the long ridge of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel Mount Carmel] running down to the [[sea]]; and many times [[Jesus]] heard his [[father]] relate the [[story]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], one of the first of that long line of [[Hebrew]] [[prophets]], who reproved [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] and exposed the [[priests]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]. To the north [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Hermon Mount Hermon] raised its snowy peak in [[majestic]] splendor and [[monopolized]] the skyline, almost 3,000 feet of the upper slopes glistening white with perpetual snow. Far to the east they could discern the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] and, far beyond, the rocky hills of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab Moab]. Also to the south and the east, when the [[sun]] shone upon their marble walls, they could see the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_world Greco-Roman] cities of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis], with their amphitheaters and pretentious [[temples]]. And when they lingered toward the going down of the [[sun]], to the west they could make out the sailing vessels on the distant [[Mediterranean]].

123:5.13 From four directions [[Jesus]] could observe the [[caravan]] trains as they wended their way in and out of [[Nazareth]], and to the south he could overlook the broad and fertile [[plain]] country of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esdraelon Esdraelon], stretching off toward [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria].

123:5.13 From four directions [[Jesus]] could observe the [[caravan]] trains as they wended their way in and out of [[Nazareth]], and to the south he could overlook the broad and fertile [[plain]] country of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esdraelon Esdraelon], stretching off toward [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gilboa Mount Gilboa] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria].

123:5.14 When they did not climb the heights to view the distant [[landscape]], they strolled through the [[countryside]] and studied [[nature]] in her various [[moods]] in accordance with the [[seasons]]. [[Jesus]]' earliest [[training]], aside from that of the [[home]] [[hearth]], had to do with a [[reverent]] and [[sympathetic]] contact with [[nature]].

123:5.14 When they did not climb the heights to view the distant [[landscape]], they strolled through the [[countryside]] and studied [[nature]] in her various [[moods]] in accordance with the [[seasons]]. [[Jesus]]' earliest [[training]], aside from that of the [[home]] [[hearth]], had to do with a [[reverent]] and [[sympathetic]] contact with [[nature]].

123:5.15 Before he was eight years of age, he was known to all the [[mothers]] and young [[women]] of [[Nazareth]], who had met him and talked with him at the [[Well|spring]], which was not far from his [[home]], and which was one of the [[social]] [[centers]] of contact and [[gossip]] for the entire town. This year [[Jesus]] learned to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milking_machine#History milk the family cow] and care for the other animals. During this and the following year he also learned to make [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milking_machine#Cheese cheese] and to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving weave]. When he was ten years of age, he was an expert [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loom loom] operator. It was about this time that [[Jesus]] and the [[neighbor]] boy Jacob became great [[friends]] of the potter who worked near the flowing spring; and as they watched Nathan's deft fingers mold the clay on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter's_wheel potter's wheel], many times both of them determined to be potters when they grew up. Nathan was very fond of the lads and often gave them clay to [[play]] with, seeking to [[stimulate]] their [[creative]] [[imaginations]] by suggesting [[competitive]] [[efforts]] in modeling various objects and animals.

123:5.15 Before he was eight years of age, he was known to all the [[mothers]] and young [[women]] of [[Nazareth]], who had met him and talked with him at the [[Well|spring]], which was not far from his [[home]], and which was one of the [[social]] [[centers]] of contact and [[gossip]] for the entire town. This year [[Jesus]] learned to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milking_machine#History milk the family cow] and care for the other animals. During this and the following year he also learned to make [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milking_machine#Cheese cheese] and to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving weave]. When he was ten years of age, he was an expert [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loom loom] operator. It was about this time that [[Jesus]] and the [[neighbor]] boy Jacob became great [[friends]] of the potter who worked near the flowing spring; and as they watched Nathan's deft fingers mold the clay on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potter's_wheel potter's wheel], many times both of them determined to be potters when they grew up. Nathan was very fond of the lads and often gave them clay to [[play]] with, seeking to [[stimulate]] their [[creative]] [[imaginations]] by suggesting [[competitive]] [[efforts]] in modeling various objects and animals.

==123:6. HIS EIGHTH YEAR (A.D. 2)==

==123:6. HIS EIGHTH YEAR (A.D. 2)==

123:6.1 This was an interesting year at school. Although [[Jesus]] was not an unusual [[student]], he was a diligent [[pupil]] and belonged to the more [[progressive]] third of the class, doing his work so well that he was excused from attendance one week out of each month. This week he usually spent either with his fisherman uncle on the shores of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee] near [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] or on the [[farm]] of another uncle (his mother's brother) five miles south of [[Nazareth]].

123:6.1 This was an interesting year at school. Although [[Jesus]] was not an unusual [[student]], he was a diligent [[pupil]] and belonged to the more [[progressive]] third of the class, doing his work so well that he was excused from attendance one week out of each month. This week he usually spent either with his fisherman uncle on the shores of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee] near [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] or on the [[farm]] of another uncle (his mother's brother) five miles south of [[Nazareth]].

123:6.2 Although his [[mother]] had become unduly [[anxious]] about his [[health]] and [[safety]], she gradually became [[reconciled]] to these trips away from [[home]]. [[Jesus]]' uncles and aunts were all very fond of him, and there ensued a lively [[competition]] among them to secure his company for these monthly visits throughout this and immediately subsequent years. His first week's [[sojourn]] on his uncle's [[farm]] (since infancy) was in January of this year; the first week's fishing [[experience]] on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee] occurred in the month of May.

123:6.2 Although his [[mother]] had become unduly [[anxious]] about his [[health]] and [[safety]], she gradually became [[reconciled]] to these trips away from [[home]]. [[Jesus]]' uncles and aunts were all very fond of him, and there ensued a lively [[competition]] among them to secure his company for these monthly visits throughout this and immediately subsequent years. His first week's [[sojourn]] on his uncle's [[farm]] (since infancy) was in January of this year; the first week's fishing [[experience]] on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Galilee Sea of Galilee] occurred in the month of May.

123:6.3 About this time [[Jesus]] met a [[teacher]] of [[mathematics]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and learning some new [[techniques]] of [[numbers]], he spent much time on mathematics for several years. He [[developed]] a keen sense of [[numbers]], distances, and [[proportions]].

123:6.3 About this time [[Jesus]] met a [[teacher]] of [[mathematics]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and learning some new [[techniques]] of [[numbers]], he spent much time on mathematics for several years. He [[developed]] a keen sense of [[numbers]], distances, and [[proportions]].

123:6.4 [[Jesus]] began to enjoy his brother James very much and by the end of this year had begun to teach him the [[alphabet]].

123:6.4 [[Jesus]] began to enjoy his brother James very much and by the end of this year had begun to teach him the [[alphabet]].

123:6.5 This year Jesus made arrangements to exchange [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dairy dairy] products for lessons on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp]. He had an unusual liking for everything [[musical]]. Later on he did much to promote an interest in [[Song|vocal]] music among his [[youth]]ful associates. By the time he was eleven years of age, he was a skillful harpist and greatly enjoyed entertaining both [[family]] and [[friends]] with his extraordinary [[interpretations]] and able [[improvisation]]s.

123:6.5 This year Jesus made arrangements to exchange [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dairy dairy] products for lessons on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp]. He had an unusual liking for everything [[musical]]. Later on he did much to promote an interest in [[Song|vocal]] music among his [[youth]]ful associates. By the time he was eleven years of age, he was a skillful harpist and greatly enjoyed entertaining both [[family]] and [[friends]] with his extraordinary [[interpretations]] and able [[improvisation]]s.

123:6.6 While [[Jesus]] continued to make enviable [[progress]] at school, all did not run smoothly for either [[parents]] or [[teachers]]. He [[persisted]] in asking many [[embarrassing]] questions concerning both [[science]] and [[religion]], particularly regarding [[geography]] and [[astronomy]]. He was especially insistent on finding out why there was a dry season and a rainy season in [[Palestine]]. Repeatedly he sought the explanation for the great [[difference]] between the temperatures of [[Nazareth]] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley Jordan valley]. He simply never ceased to ask such [[intelligent]] but perplexing questions.

123:6.6 While [[Jesus]] continued to make enviable [[progress]] at school, all did not run smoothly for either [[parents]] or [[teachers]]. He [[persisted]] in asking many [[embarrassing]] questions concerning both [[science]] and [[religion]], particularly regarding [[geography]] and [[astronomy]]. He was especially insistent on finding out why there was a dry season and a rainy season in [[Palestine]]. Repeatedly he sought the explanation for the great [[difference]] between the temperatures of [[Nazareth]] and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_valley Jordan valley]. He simply never ceased to ask such [[intelligent]] but perplexing questions.

123:6.7 His third [[brother]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_(brother_of_Jesus) Simon], was born on Friday evening, April 14, of this year, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_AD A.D. 2.]

123:6.7 His third [[brother]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_(brother_of_Jesus) Simon], was born on Friday evening, April 14, of this year, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_AD A.D. 2.]

123:6.8 In February, Nahor, one of the [[teachers]] in a [[Jerusalem]] academy of the rabbis, came to [[Nazareth]] to observe [[Jesus]], having been on a similar mission to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias]'s [[home]] near Jerusalem. He came to [[Nazareth]] at the instigation of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s father. While at first he was somewhat shocked by [[Jesus]]' frankness and unconventional [[manner]] of relating himself to things [[religious]], he attributed it to the remoteness of [[Galilee]] from the centers of [[Hebrew]] learning and [[culture]] and advised [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] to allow him to take [[Jesus]] back with him to [[Jerusalem]], where he could have the advantages of [[education]] and [[training]] at the center of [[Jewish]] [[culture]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was half persuaded to consent; she was convinced her eldest son was to become the [[Messiah]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish deliverer]; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] hesitated; he was equally persuaded that [[Jesus]] was to grow up to become a man of [[destiny]], but what that destiny would prove to be he was profoundly [[uncertain]]. But he never really doubted that his son was to fulfill some great mission on [[earth]]. The more he thought about Nahor's advice, the more he questioned the [[wisdom]] of the proposed [[sojourn]] in [[Jerusalem]].

123:6.8 In February, Nahor, one of the [[teachers]] in a [[Jerusalem]] academy of the rabbis, came to [[Nazareth]] to observe [[Jesus]], having been on a similar mission to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias]'s [[home]] near Jerusalem. He came to [[Nazareth]] at the instigation of [[John the Baptist|John]]'s father. While at first he was somewhat shocked by [[Jesus]]' frankness and unconventional [[manner]] of relating himself to things [[religious]], he attributed it to the remoteness of [[Galilee]] from the centers of [[Hebrew]] learning and [[culture]] and advised [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] to allow him to take [[Jesus]] back with him to [[Jerusalem]], where he could have the advantages of [[education]] and [[training]] at the center of [[Jewish]] [[culture]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was half persuaded to consent; she was convinced her eldest son was to become the [[Messiah]], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish deliverer]; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] hesitated; he was equally persuaded that [[Jesus]] was to grow up to become a man of [[destiny]], but what that destiny would prove to be he was profoundly [[uncertain]]. But he never really doubted that his son was to fulfill some great mission on [[earth]]. The more he thought about Nahor's advice, the more he questioned the [[wisdom]] of the proposed [[sojourn]] in [[Jerusalem]].

123:6.9 Because of this [[difference]] of [[opinion]] between [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary], Nahor requested permission to lay the whole matter before [[Jesus]]. Jesus listened attentively, talked with Joseph, Mary, and a [[neighbor]], Jacob the stone mason, whose son was his favorite playmate, and then, two days later, reported that since there was such a [[difference]] of opinion among his [[parents]] and [[Counsel|advisers]], and since he did not feel competent to [[assume]] the [[responsibility]] for such a [[decision]], not feeling strongly one way or the other, in view of the whole situation, he had finally decided to " talk with my Father who is in heaven "; and while he was not perfectly sure about the answer, he rather felt he should remain at [[home]] " with my [[father]] and [[mother]], " adding, " they who love me so much should be able to do more for me and [[guide]] me more safely than strangers who can only view my [[body]] and observe my [[mind]] but can hardly truly know me. " They all marveled, and Nahor went his way, back to [[Jerusalem]]. And it was many years before the subject of [[Jesus]]' going away from home again came up for [[consideration]].

123:6.9 Because of this [[difference]] of [[opinion]] between [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary], Nahor requested permission to lay the whole matter before [[Jesus]]. Jesus listened attentively, talked with Joseph, Mary, and a [[neighbor]], Jacob the stone mason, whose son was his favorite playmate, and then, two days later, reported that since there was such a [[difference]] of opinion among his [[parents]] and [[Counsel|advisers]], and since he did not feel competent to [[assume]] the [[responsibility]] for such a [[decision]], not feeling strongly one way or the other, in view of the whole situation, he had finally decided to " talk with my Father who is in heaven "; and while he was not perfectly sure about the answer, he rather felt he should remain at [[home]] " with my [[father]] and [[mother]], " adding, " they who love me so much should be able to do more for me and [[guide]] me more safely than strangers who can only view my [[body]] and observe my [[mind]] but can hardly truly know me. " They all marveled, and Nahor went his way, back to [[Jerusalem]]. And it was many years before the subject of [[Jesus]]' going away from home again came up for [[consideration]].