Changes

125:0.1 No [[incident]] in all [[Jesus]]' eventful [[earth]] [[career]] was more [[engaging]], more [[humanly]] thrilling, than this, his first remembered [[visit]] to [[Jerusalem]]. He was especially [[stimulated]] by the [[experience]] of attending the [[temple]] [[discussions]] by himself, and it long stood out in his [[memory]] as the great [[event]] of his later [[childhood]] and early [[youth]]. This was his first [[opportunity]] to enjoy a few days of [[independent]] living, the exhilaration of going and coming without [[restraint]] and restrictions. This brief period of undirected living, during the week following the [[Passover]], was the first complete [[freedom]] from [[responsibility]] he had ever [[enjoyed]]. And it was many years subsequent to this before he again had a like period of [[freedom]] from all sense of [[responsibility]], even for a short time.

125:0.1 No [[incident]] in all [[Jesus]]' eventful [[earth]] [[career]] was more [[engaging]], more [[humanly]] thrilling, than this, his first remembered [[visit]] to [[Jerusalem]]. He was especially [[stimulated]] by the [[experience]] of attending the [[temple]] [[discussions]] by himself, and it long stood out in his [[memory]] as the great [[event]] of his later [[childhood]] and early [[youth]]. This was his first [[opportunity]] to enjoy a few days of [[independent]] living, the exhilaration of going and coming without [[restraint]] and restrictions. This brief period of undirected living, during the week following the [[Passover]], was the first complete [[freedom]] from [[responsibility]] he had ever [[enjoyed]]. And it was many years subsequent to this before he again had a like period of [[freedom]] from all sense of [[responsibility]], even for a short time.

125:0.2 [[Women]] seldom went to the [[Passover]] feast at [[Jerusalem]]; they were not required to be present. [[Jesus]], however, [[virtually]] refused to go unless his [[mother]] would accompany them. And when his mother decided to go, many other [[Nazareth]] women were led to make the [[journey]], so that the [[Passover]] company contained the largest number of [[women]], in [[proportion]] to men, ever to go up to the [[Passover]] from [[Nazareth]]. Ever and anon, on the way to [[Jerusalem]], they chanted the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_130 one hundred and thirtieth Psalm].

125:0.2 [[Women]] seldom went to the [[Passover]] feast at [[Jerusalem]]; they were not required to be present. [[Jesus]], however, [[virtually]] refused to go unless his [[mother]] would accompany them. And when his mother decided to go, many other [[Nazareth]] women were led to make the [[journey]], so that the [[Passover]] company contained the largest number of [[women]], in [[proportion]] to men, ever to go up to the [[Passover]] from [[Nazareth]]. Ever and anon, on the way to [[Jerusalem]], they chanted the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Psalms#Psalm_130 one hundred and thirtieth Psalm].

125:0.3 From the time they left [[Nazareth]] until they reached the [[summit]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives], [[Jesus]] [[experienced]] one long [[stress]] of [[expectant]] [[anticipation]]. All through a [[joyful]] [[childhood]] he had [[reverently]] heard of [[Jerusalem]] and its [[temple]]; now he was soon to behold them in [[reality]]. From the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives] and from the outside, on closer [[inspection]], the [[temple]] had been all and more than [[Jesus]] had expected; but when he once entered its [[sacred]] [[portals]], the great [[disillusionment]] began.

125:0.3 From the time they left [[Nazareth]] until they reached the [[summit]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives], [[Jesus]] [[experienced]] one long [[stress]] of [[expectant]] [[anticipation]]. All through a [[joyful]] [[childhood]] he had [[reverently]] heard of [[Jerusalem]] and its [[temple]]; now he was soon to behold them in [[reality]]. From the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Mount of Olives] and from the outside, on closer [[inspection]], the [[temple]] had been all and more than [[Jesus]] had expected; but when he once entered its [[sacred]] [[portals]], the great [[disillusionment]] began.

125:0.4 In company with his [[parents]] [[Jesus]] passed through the [[temple]] precincts on his way to join that [[group]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah new sons of the law] who were about to be [[consecrated]] as [[citizens]] of [[Israel]]. He was a little disappointed by the general [[demeanor]] of the temple throngs, but the first great [[shock]] of the day came when his [[mother]] took leave of them on her way to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechitza women's gallery]. It had never occurred to [[Jesus]] that his [[mother]] was not to accompany him to the [[consecration]] [[ceremonies]], and he was thoroughly [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2007-03-27-Self-Righteousness_and_Righteous_Indignation indignant] that she was made to [[suffer]] from such unjust [[discrimination]]. While he strongly resented this, aside from a few remarks of [[protest]] to his [[father]], he said nothing. But he [[thought]], and thought deeply, as his questions to the [[scribes]] and [[teachers]] a week later disclosed.

125:0.4 In company with his [[parents]] [[Jesus]] passed through the [[temple]] precincts on his way to join that [[group]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah new sons of the law] who were about to be [[consecrated]] as [[citizens]] of [[Israel]]. He was a little disappointed by the general [[demeanor]] of the temple throngs, but the first great [[shock]] of the day came when his [[mother]] took leave of them on her way to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechitza women's gallery]. It had never occurred to [[Jesus]] that his [[mother]] was not to accompany him to the [[consecration]] [[ceremonies]], and he was thoroughly [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=2007-03-27-Self-Righteousness_and_Righteous_Indignation indignant] that she was made to [[suffer]] from such unjust [[discrimination]]. While he strongly resented this, aside from a few remarks of [[protest]] to his [[father]], he said nothing. But he [[thought]], and thought deeply, as his questions to the [[scribes]] and [[teachers]] a week later disclosed.

125:0.5 He passed through the [[consecration]] [[rituals]] but was [[disappointed]] by their perfunctory and [[routine]] natures. He missed that [[personal]] interest which characterized the [[ceremonies]] of the [[synagogue]] at [[Nazareth]]. He then returned to greet his [[mother]] and prepared to accompany his [[father]] on his first trip about the [[temple]] and its various [[courts]], [[galleries]], and corridors. The [[temple]] precincts could accommodate over two hundred thousand [[worshipers]] at one time, and while the vastness of these buildings—in comparison with any he had ever seen—greatly impressed his [[mind]], he was more [[intrigued]] by the [[contemplation]] of the [[spiritual]] significance of the [[temple]] [[ceremonies]] and their associated [[worship]].

125:0.5 He passed through the [[consecration]] [[rituals]] but was [[disappointed]] by their perfunctory and [[routine]] natures. He missed that [[personal]] interest which characterized the [[ceremonies]] of the [[synagogue]] at [[Nazareth]]. He then returned to greet his [[mother]] and prepared to accompany his [[father]] on his first trip about the [[temple]] and its various [[courts]], [[galleries]], and corridors. The [[temple]] precincts could accommodate over two hundred thousand [[worshipers]] at one time, and while the vastness of these buildings—in comparison with any he had ever seen—greatly impressed his [[mind]], he was more [[intrigued]] by the [[contemplation]] of the [[spiritual]] significance of the [[temple]] [[ceremonies]] and their associated [[worship]].

125:0.6 Though many of the [[temple]] [[rituals]] very touchingly impressed his sense of the [[beautiful]] and the [[symbolic]], he was always disappointed by the [[explanation]] of the real [[meanings]] of these [[ceremonies]] which his [[parents]] would offer in answer to his many searching [[inquiries]]. [[Jesus]] simply would not accept [[explanations]] of [[worship]] and religious [[devotion]] which involved [[belief]] in the [[wrath]] of [[God]] or the anger of [[the Almighty]]. In further [[discussion]] of these questions, after the conclusion of the [[temple]] visit, when his [[father]] became mildly insistent that he acknowledge [[acceptance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Judaism orthodox Jewish beliefs], [[Jesus]] turned suddenly upon his [[parents]] and, looking appealingly into the eyes of his father, said: " [[Universal Father|My father]], it cannot be true—[[the Father]] in [[heaven]] cannot so regard his erring [[children]] on [[earth]]. The heavenly Father cannot [[love]] his [[children]] less than you [[love]] me. And I well know, no matter what unwise thing I might do, you would never pour out wrath upon me nor vent [[anger]] against me. If you, my earthly father, [[possess]] such [[human]] [[reflections]] of the [[Divine]], how much more must the [[heavenly Father]] be filled with [[goodness]] and overflowing with [[mercy]]. I refuse to believe that [[Universal Father|my Father]] in heaven [[loves]] me less than my [[father]] on [[earth]]. "

125:0.6 Though many of the [[temple]] [[rituals]] very touchingly impressed his sense of the [[beautiful]] and the [[symbolic]], he was always disappointed by the [[explanation]] of the real [[meanings]] of these [[ceremonies]] which his [[parents]] would offer in answer to his many searching [[inquiries]]. [[Jesus]] simply would not accept [[explanations]] of [[worship]] and religious [[devotion]] which involved [[belief]] in the [[wrath]] of [[God]] or the anger of [[the Almighty]]. In further [[discussion]] of these questions, after the conclusion of the [[temple]] visit, when his [[father]] became mildly insistent that he acknowledge [[acceptance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Judaism orthodox Jewish beliefs], [[Jesus]] turned suddenly upon his [[parents]] and, looking appealingly into the eyes of his father, said: " [[Universal Father|My father]], it cannot be true—[[the Father]] in [[heaven]] cannot so regard his erring [[children]] on [[earth]]. The heavenly Father cannot [[love]] his [[children]] less than you [[love]] me. And I well know, no matter what unwise thing I might do, you would never pour out wrath upon me nor vent [[anger]] against me. If you, my earthly father, [[possess]] such [[human]] [[reflections]] of the [[Divine]], how much more must the [[heavenly Father]] be filled with [[goodness]] and overflowing with [[mercy]]. I refuse to believe that [[Universal Father|my Father]] in heaven [[loves]] me less than my [[father]] on [[earth]]. "

125:0.7 When [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] heard these [[words]] of their first-born son, they held their [[peace]]. And never again did they seek to [[change]] his [[mind]] about the [[love]] of [[God]] and the [[mercifulness]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]].

125:0.7 When [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] heard these [[words]] of their first-born son, they held their [[peace]]. And never again did they seek to [[change]] his [[mind]] about the [[love]] of [[God]] and the [[mercifulness]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]].

==125:1. JESUS VIEWS THE TEMPLE==

==125:1. JESUS VIEWS THE TEMPLE==

125:1.1 Everywhere [[Jesus]] went throughout the [[temple]] [[courts]], he was [[shocked]] and sickened by the [[spirit]] of irreverence which he [[observed]]. He deemed the [[conduct]] of the temple throngs to be inconsistent with their [[presence]] in " his Father's house. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] But he received the [[shock]] of his [[young life]] when his [[father]] escorted him into the [[court]] of the [[gentiles]] with its noisy [[jargon]], loud talking and cursing, mingled indiscriminately with the bleating of sheep and the babble of [[noises]] which betrayed the [[presence]] of the [[money]]-changers and the vendors of [[sacrificial]] animals and sundry other [[commercial]] [[commodities]].

125:1.1 Everywhere [[Jesus]] went throughout the [[temple]] [[courts]], he was [[shocked]] and sickened by the [[spirit]] of irreverence which he [[observed]]. He deemed the [[conduct]] of the temple throngs to be inconsistent with their [[presence]] in " his Father's house. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] But he received the [[shock]] of his [[young life]] when his [[father]] escorted him into the [[court]] of the [[gentiles]] with its noisy [[jargon]], loud talking and cursing, mingled indiscriminately with the bleating of sheep and the babble of [[noises]] which betrayed the [[presence]] of the [[money]]-changers and the vendors of [[sacrificial]] animals and sundry other [[commercial]] [[commodities]].

125:1.2 But most of all was his sense of [[propriety]] outraged by the [[sight]] of the frivolous [[courtesans]] parading about within this precinct of the [[temple]], just such painted [[women]] as he had so recently seen when on a visit to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris]. This [[profanation]] of the [[temple]] fully aroused all his [[youthful]] [[indignation]], and he did not hesitate to [[express]] himself freely to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph].

125:1.2 But most of all was his sense of [[propriety]] outraged by the [[sight]] of the frivolous [[courtesans]] parading about within this precinct of the [[temple]], just such painted [[women]] as he had so recently seen when on a visit to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris]. This [[profanation]] of the [[temple]] fully aroused all his [[youthful]] [[indignation]], and he did not hesitate to [[express]] himself freely to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph].

125:2.10 Day by day [[Jesus]] was [[thinking]] through his [[problems]]. By the end of the week he had made many [[adjustments]]; but when the time came to return to [[Nazareth]], his [[youthful]] [[mind]] was still swarming with [[perplexities]] and beset by a host of unanswered questions and unsolved problems.

125:2.10 Day by day [[Jesus]] was [[thinking]] through his [[problems]]. By the end of the week he had made many [[adjustments]]; but when the time came to return to [[Nazareth]], his [[youthful]] [[mind]] was still swarming with [[perplexities]] and beset by a host of unanswered questions and unsolved problems.

125:2.11 Before [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] left [[Jerusalem]], in company with [[Jesus]]' [[Nazareth]] teacher they made definite arrangements for Jesus to return when he reached the age of fifteen to begin his long [[course]] of [[study]] in one of the best-known [[academies]] of the [[rabbis]]. [[Jesus]] accompanied his [[parents]] and teacher on their visits to the [[school]], but they were all distressed to [[observe]] how indifferent he seemed to all they said and did. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was deeply pained at his [[reactions]] to the [[Jerusalem]] visit, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was [[profoundly]] [[perplexed]] at the lad's strange remarks and unusual [[conduct]].

125:2.11 Before [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] left [[Jerusalem]], in company with [[Jesus]]' [[Nazareth]] teacher they made definite arrangements for Jesus to return when he reached the age of fifteen to begin his long [[course]] of [[study]] in one of the best-known [[academies]] of the [[rabbis]]. [[Jesus]] accompanied his [[parents]] and teacher on their visits to the [[school]], but they were all distressed to [[observe]] how indifferent he seemed to all they said and did. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was deeply pained at his [[reactions]] to the [[Jerusalem]] visit, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was [[profoundly]] [[perplexed]] at the lad's strange remarks and unusual [[conduct]].

125:2.12 After all, [[Passover]] week had been a great [[event]] in [[Jesus]]' life. He had enjoyed the [[opportunity]] of meeting scores of boys about his own age, fellow [[candidates]] for the [[consecration]], and he utilized such [[contacts]] as a means of learning how people lived in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], as well as in the Far-Western provinces of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Rome]. He was already fairly conversant with the way in which the [[youth]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] and other regions near [[Palestine]] grew up. There were thousands of young people in [[Jerusalem]] at this time, and the [[Nazareth]] lad personally met, and more or less extensively interviewed, more than one hundred and fifty. He was particularly interested in those who hailed from the [[Orient|Far-Eastern]] and the remote [[Occident|Western countries]]. As a result of these [[contacts]] the lad began to entertain a [[desire]] to [[travel]] about the world for the [[purpose]] of learning how the various [[groups]] of his fellow men toiled for their [[livelihood]].

125:2.12 After all, [[Passover]] week had been a great [[event]] in [[Jesus]]' life. He had enjoyed the [[opportunity]] of meeting scores of boys about his own age, fellow [[candidates]] for the [[consecration]], and he utilized such [[contacts]] as a means of learning how people lived in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkestan Turkestan], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthia Parthia], as well as in the Far-Western provinces of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Rome]. He was already fairly conversant with the way in which the [[youth]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egypt] and other regions near [[Palestine]] grew up. There were thousands of young people in [[Jerusalem]] at this time, and the [[Nazareth]] lad personally met, and more or less extensively interviewed, more than one hundred and fifty. He was particularly interested in those who hailed from the [[Orient|Far-Eastern]] and the remote [[Occident|Western countries]]. As a result of these [[contacts]] the lad began to entertain a [[desire]] to [[travel]] about the world for the [[purpose]] of learning how the various [[groups]] of his fellow men toiled for their [[livelihood]].

125:4.1 In the meantime, [[Jesus]] had remained in the [[temple]] throughout the afternoon, listening to the [[discussions]] and enjoying the more [[quiet]] and decorous [[atmosphere]], the great crowds of [[Passover]] week having about disappeared. At the conclusion of the afternoon [[discussions]], in none of which [[Jesus]] participated, he betook himself to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_(Biblical_village) Bethany], arriving just as Simon's [[family]] made ready to partake of their evening meal. The three youngsters were overjoyed to greet [[Jesus]], and he remained in Simon's house for the night. He visited very little during the evening, spending much of the time [[alone]] in the [[garden]] [[meditating]].

125:4.1 In the meantime, [[Jesus]] had remained in the [[temple]] throughout the afternoon, listening to the [[discussions]] and enjoying the more [[quiet]] and decorous [[atmosphere]], the great crowds of [[Passover]] week having about disappeared. At the conclusion of the afternoon [[discussions]], in none of which [[Jesus]] participated, he betook himself to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_(Biblical_village) Bethany], arriving just as Simon's [[family]] made ready to partake of their evening meal. The three youngsters were overjoyed to greet [[Jesus]], and he remained in Simon's house for the night. He visited very little during the evening, spending much of the time [[alone]] in the [[garden]] [[meditating]].

125:4.2 Early next day [[Jesus]] was up and on his way to the [[temple]]. On the brow of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olivet Olivet] he paused and wept over the [[sight]] his eyes beheld—a [[spiritually]] [[impoverished]] people, [[tradition]] bound and living under the [[surveillance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Legion Roman legions]. Early forenoon found him in the [[temple]] with his [[mind]] made up to take part in the [[discussions]]. Meanwhile, [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] also had arisen with the early dawn with the [[intention]] of retracing their steps to [[Jerusalem]]. First, they hastened to the house of their [[relatives]], where they had lodged as a [[family]] during the [[Passover]] week, but [[inquiry]] elicited the fact that no one had seen [[Jesus]]. After searching all day and finding no trace of him, they returned to their [[relatives]] for the night.

125:4.2 Early next day [[Jesus]] was up and on his way to the [[temple]]. On the brow of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olivet Olivet] he paused and wept over the [[sight]] his eyes beheld—a [[spiritually]] [[impoverished]] people, [[tradition]] bound and living under the [[surveillance]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Legion Roman legions]. Early forenoon found him in the [[temple]] with his [[mind]] made up to take part in the [[discussions]]. Meanwhile, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] also had arisen with the early dawn with the [[intention]] of retracing their steps to [[Jerusalem]]. First, they hastened to the house of their [[relatives]], where they had lodged as a [[family]] during the [[Passover]] week, but [[inquiry]] elicited the fact that no one had seen [[Jesus]]. After searching all day and finding no trace of him, they returned to their [[relatives]] for the night.

125:4.3 At the second conference [[Jesus]] had made bold to ask questions, and in a very [[amazing]] way he [[participated]] in the [[temple]] [[discussions]] but always in a [[manner]] consistent with his [[youth]]. Sometimes his pointed questions were somewhat [[embarrassing]] to the learned [[teachers]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Law Jewish law], but he evinced such a [[spirit]] of candid [[fairness]], coupled with an evident [[hunger]] for [[knowledge]], that the [[majority]] of the temple [[teachers]] were disposed to treat him with every [[consideration]]. But when he presumed to question the [[justice]] of putting to [[death]] a drunken [[gentile]] who had wandered outside the [[court]] of the [[gentiles]] and unwittingly entered the forbidden and reputedly [[sacred]] precincts of the [[temple]], one of the more intolerant teachers grew impatient with the lad's implied [[criticisms]] and, glowering down upon him, asked how old he was. Jesus replied, " thirteen years lacking a trifle more than four months. " " Then, " rejoined the now irate teacher, " why are you here, since you are not of age as a son of the law? " And when [[Jesus]] explained that he had received [[consecration]] during the [[Passover]], and that he was a finished student of the [[Nazareth]] [[schools]], the teachers with one accord derisively replied, " We might have known; he is from [[Nazareth]]. " But the [[leader]] insisted that [[Jesus]] was not to be blamed if the rulers of the [[synagogue]] at [[Nazareth]] had graduated him, technically, when he was twelve instead of thirteen; and notwithstanding that several of his detractors got up and left, it was ruled that the lad might continue undisturbed as a [[pupil]] of the [[temple]] [[discussions]].

125:4.3 At the second conference [[Jesus]] had made bold to ask questions, and in a very [[amazing]] way he [[participated]] in the [[temple]] [[discussions]] but always in a [[manner]] consistent with his [[youth]]. Sometimes his pointed questions were somewhat [[embarrassing]] to the learned [[teachers]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_Law Jewish law], but he evinced such a [[spirit]] of candid [[fairness]], coupled with an evident [[hunger]] for [[knowledge]], that the [[majority]] of the temple [[teachers]] were disposed to treat him with every [[consideration]]. But when he presumed to question the [[justice]] of putting to [[death]] a drunken [[gentile]] who had wandered outside the [[court]] of the [[gentiles]] and unwittingly entered the forbidden and reputedly [[sacred]] precincts of the [[temple]], one of the more intolerant teachers grew impatient with the lad's implied [[criticisms]] and, glowering down upon him, asked how old he was. Jesus replied, " thirteen years lacking a trifle more than four months. " " Then, " rejoined the now irate teacher, " why are you here, since you are not of age as a son of the law? " And when [[Jesus]] explained that he had received [[consecration]] during the [[Passover]], and that he was a finished student of the [[Nazareth]] [[schools]], the teachers with one accord derisively replied, " We might have known; he is from [[Nazareth]]. " But the [[leader]] insisted that [[Jesus]] was not to be blamed if the rulers of the [[synagogue]] at [[Nazareth]] had graduated him, technically, when he was twelve instead of thirteen; and notwithstanding that several of his detractors got up and left, it was ruled that the lad might continue undisturbed as a [[pupil]] of the [[temple]] [[discussions]].

==125:5. THE THIRD DAY IN THE TEMPLE==

==125:5. THE THIRD DAY IN THE TEMPLE==

125:5.1 [[Jesus]]' third day with the [[scribes]] and [[teachers]] in the temple witnessed the gathering of many [[spectators]] who, having heard of this [[youth]] from [[Galilee]], came to enjoy the [[experience]] of seeing a lad [[confuse]] the [[wise]] men of the [[law]]. Simon also came down from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_Biblical_village) Bethany] to see what the boy was up to. Throughout this day [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] continued their [[anxious]] search for [[Jesus]], even going several times into the [[temple]] but never thinking to scrutinize the several [[discussion]] [[groups]], although they once came almost within hearing distance of his fascinating [[voice]].

125:5.1 [[Jesus]]' third day with the [[scribes]] and [[teachers]] in the temple witnessed the gathering of many [[spectators]] who, having heard of this [[youth]] from [[Galilee]], came to enjoy the [[experience]] of seeing a lad [[confuse]] the [[wise]] men of the [[law]]. Simon also came down from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany_Biblical_village) Bethany] to see what the boy was up to. Throughout this day [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] continued their [[anxious]] search for [[Jesus]], even going several times into the [[temple]] but never thinking to scrutinize the several [[discussion]] [[groups]], although they once came almost within hearing distance of his fascinating [[voice]].

125:5.2 Before the day had ended, the entire [[attention]] of the chief [[discussion]] [[group]] of the [[temple]] had become [[focused]] upon the questions being asked by [[Jesus]]. Among his many questions were:

125:5.2 Before the day had ended, the entire [[attention]] of the chief [[discussion]] [[group]] of the [[temple]] had become [[focused]] upon the questions being asked by [[Jesus]]. Among his many questions were:

125:6.3 At the afternoon conference they had hardly begun to answer his question relating to the [[purpose]] of [[prayer]] when the [[leader]] invited the lad to come forward and, sitting beside him, bade him state his own [[views]] regarding [[prayer]] and [[worship]].

125:6.3 At the afternoon conference they had hardly begun to answer his question relating to the [[purpose]] of [[prayer]] when the [[leader]] invited the lad to come forward and, sitting beside him, bade him state his own [[views]] regarding [[prayer]] and [[worship]].

125:6.4 The evening before, [[Jesus]]' parents had heard about this strange [[youth]] who so deftly sparred with the expounders of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law], but it had not occurred to them that this lad was their son. They had about [[decided]] to [[journey]] out to the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] as they thought [[Jesus]] might have gone thither to see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] and [[John the Baptist|John]]. Thinking [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] might perhaps be at the [[temple]], they stopped there on their way to the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah City of Judah]. As they strolled through the [[courts]] of the [[temple]], imagine their [[surprise]] and [[amazement]] when they recognized the [[voice]] of the missing lad and beheld him seated among the [[temple]] [[teachers]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

125:6.4 The evening before, [[Jesus]]' parents had heard about this strange [[youth]] who so deftly sparred with the expounders of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torah the law], but it had not occurred to them that this lad was their son. They had about [[decided]] to [[journey]] out to the [[home]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] as they thought [[Jesus]] might have gone thither to see [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person) Elizabeth] and [[John the Baptist|John]]. Thinking [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah_(priest) Zacharias] might perhaps be at the [[temple]], they stopped there on their way to the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah City of Judah]. As they strolled through the [[courts]] of the [[temple]], imagine their [[surprise]] and [[amazement]] when they recognized the [[voice]] of the missing lad and beheld him seated among the [[temple]] [[teachers]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

125:6.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was speechless, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] gave vent to her long-pent-up [[fear]] and [[anxiety]] when, rushing up to the lad, now standing to greet his astonished [[parents]], she said: " My child, why have you treated us like this? It is now more than three days that your [[father]] and I have searched for you sorrowing. Whatever possessed you to desert us? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] It was a tense [[moment]]. All eyes were turned on [[Jesus]] to hear what he would say. His [[father]] looked reprovingly at him but said nothing.

125:6.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was speechless, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] gave vent to her long-pent-up [[fear]] and [[anxiety]] when, rushing up to the lad, now standing to greet his astonished [[parents]], she said: " My child, why have you treated us like this? It is now more than three days that your [[father]] and I have searched for you sorrowing. Whatever possessed you to desert us? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] It was a tense [[moment]]. All eyes were turned on [[Jesus]] to hear what he would say. His [[father]] looked reprovingly at him but said nothing.

125:6.6 It should be remembered that [[Jesus]] was supposed to be a [[young man]]. He had finished the regular schooling of a [[child]], had been recognized as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah son of the law], and had received [[consecration]] as a [[citizen]] of [[Israel]]. And yet his mother more than mildly upbraided him before all the people assembled, right in the midst of the most serious and [[sublime]] [[effort]] of his [[young life]], thus bringing to an inglorious termination one of the greatest [[opportunities]] ever to be granted him to [[function]] as a [[teacher]] of [[truth]], a preacher of righteousness, a revealer of the loving [[character]] of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in heaven.

125:6.6 It should be remembered that [[Jesus]] was supposed to be a [[young man]]. He had finished the regular schooling of a [[child]], had been recognized as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Mitzvah son of the law], and had received [[consecration]] as a [[citizen]] of [[Israel]]. And yet his mother more than mildly upbraided him before all the people assembled, right in the midst of the most serious and [[sublime]] [[effort]] of his [[young life]], thus bringing to an inglorious termination one of the greatest [[opportunities]] ever to be granted him to [[function]] as a [[teacher]] of [[truth]], a preacher of righteousness, a revealer of the loving [[character]] of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in heaven.

125:6.7 But the lad was [[equal]] to the occasion. When you take into fair [[consideration]] all the [[factors]] which combined to make up this situation, you will be better [[prepared]] to fathom the [[wisdom]] of the boy's reply to his [[mother]]'s unintended rebuke. After a [[moment]]'s [[thought]], [[Jesus]] answered his [[mother]], saying: " Why is it that you have so long sought me? Would you not expect to find me in [[my Father]]'s house since the [[time]] has come when I should be about my Father's business? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

125:6.7 But the lad was [[equal]] to the occasion. When you take into fair [[consideration]] all the [[factors]] which combined to make up this situation, you will be better [[prepared]] to fathom the [[wisdom]] of the boy's reply to his [[mother]]'s unintended rebuke. After a [[moment]]'s [[thought]], [[Jesus]] answered his [[mother]], saying: " Why is it that you have so long sought me? Would you not expect to find me in [[my Father]]'s house since the [[time]] has come when I should be about my Father's business? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]

125:6.8 Everyone was astonished at the lad's [[manner]] of [[speaking]]. [[Silently]] they all withdrew and left him standing [[alone]] with his [[parents]]. Presently the [[young man]] relieved the [[embarrassment]] of all [[three]] when he quietly said: " Come, my [[parents]], none has done aught but that which he thought best. [[Our Father]] in heaven has [[ordained]] these things; let us depart for [[home]]. "

125:6.8 Everyone was astonished at the lad's [[manner]] of [[speaking]]. [[Silently]] they all withdrew and left him standing [[alone]] with his [[parents]]. Presently the [[young man]] relieved the [[embarrassment]] of all [[three]] when he quietly said: " Come, my [[parents]], none has done aught but that which he thought best. [[Our Father]] in heaven has [[ordained]] these things; let us depart for [[home]]. "

125:6.13 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was puzzled, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], as she [[reflected]] on these [[experiences]], gained [[comfort]], eventually viewing his utterance on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] as [[prophetic]] of the [[Messianic]] [[mission]] of her son as [[Israel]]'s deliverer. She set to [[work]] with renewed [[energy]] to mold his [[thoughts]] into [[patriotic]] and [[nationalistic]] [[channels]] and enlisted the [[efforts]] of her brother, Jesus' favorite uncle; and in every other way did the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] address herself to the task of [[preparing]] her first-born son to [[assume]] the [[leadership]] of those who would restore the throne of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] and forever cast off the [[gentile]] yoke of [[political]] [[bondage]].

125:6.13 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was puzzled, but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], as she [[reflected]] on these [[experiences]], gained [[comfort]], eventually viewing his utterance on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_of_Olives Olivet] as [[prophetic]] of the [[Messianic]] [[mission]] of her son as [[Israel]]'s deliverer. She set to [[work]] with renewed [[energy]] to mold his [[thoughts]] into [[patriotic]] and [[nationalistic]] [[channels]] and enlisted the [[efforts]] of her brother, Jesus' favorite uncle; and in every other way did the [[mother]] of [[Jesus]] address herself to the task of [[preparing]] her first-born son to [[assume]] the [[leadership]] of those who would restore the throne of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] and forever cast off the [[gentile]] yoke of [[political]] [[bondage]].

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

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