Changes

126:0.1 Of all [[Jesus]]' [[earth]]-life [[experiences]], the fourteenth and fifteenth years were the most crucial. These two years, after he began to be [[self-conscious]] of [[divinity]] and [[destiny]], and before he achieved a large [[measure]] of [[communication]] with his indwelling [[Adjuster]], were the most trying of his [[eventful]] life on [[Urantia]]. It is this period of two years which should be called the great test, the real [[temptation]]. No [[human]] [[youth]], in passing through the early [[confusions]] and [[adjustment]] problems of [[adolescence]], ever [[experienced]] a more crucial testing than that which [[Jesus]] passed through during his [[transition]] from [[childhood]] to [[Youth|young manhood]].

126:0.1 Of all [[Jesus]]' [[earth]]-life [[experiences]], the fourteenth and fifteenth years were the most crucial. These two years, after he began to be [[self-conscious]] of [[divinity]] and [[destiny]], and before he achieved a large [[measure]] of [[communication]] with his indwelling [[Adjuster]], were the most trying of his [[eventful]] life on [[Urantia]]. It is this period of two years which should be called the great test, the real [[temptation]]. No [[human]] [[youth]], in passing through the early [[confusions]] and [[adjustment]] problems of [[adolescence]], ever [[experienced]] a more crucial testing than that which [[Jesus]] passed through during his [[transition]] from [[childhood]] to [[Youth|young manhood]].

126:0.2 This important period in [[Jesus]]' youthful [[development]] began with the conclusion of the [[Jerusalem]] [[visit]] and with his return to [[Nazareth]]. At first [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was [[happy]] in the [[thought]] that she had her boy back once more, that [[Jesus]] had returned [[home]] to be a [[dutiful]] son—not that he was ever anything else—and that he would henceforth be more [[responsive]] to her [[plans]] for his [[future]] life. But she was not for long to bask in this sunshine of [[maternal]] [[delusion]] and unrecognized [[family]] [[pride]]; very soon she was to be more completely [[disillusioned]]. More and more the boy was in the company of his [[father]]; less and less did he come to her with his [[problems]], while increasingly both his [[parents]] failed to [[comprehend]] his frequent alternation between the affairs of this world and the [[contemplation]] of his relation to [[Doing the will of God|his Father's business]]. Frankly, they did not [[understand]] him, but they did truly [[love]] him.

126:0.2 This important period in [[Jesus]]' youthful [[development]] began with the conclusion of the [[Jerusalem]] [[visit]] and with his return to [[Nazareth]]. At first [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was [[happy]] in the [[thought]] that she had her boy back once more, that [[Jesus]] had returned [[home]] to be a [[dutiful]] son—not that he was ever anything else—and that he would henceforth be more [[responsive]] to her [[plans]] for his [[future]] life. But she was not for long to bask in this sunshine of [[maternal]] [[delusion]] and unrecognized [[family]] [[pride]]; very soon she was to be more completely [[disillusioned]]. More and more the boy was in the company of his [[father]]; less and less did he come to her with his [[problems]], while increasingly both his [[parents]] failed to [[comprehend]] his frequent alternation between the affairs of this world and the [[contemplation]] of his relation to [[Doing the will of God|his Father's business]]. Frankly, they did not [[understand]] him, but they did truly [[love]] him.

126:0.3 As he grew older, [[Jesus]]' [[pity]] and [[love]] for the Jewish people deepened, but with the passing years, there [[developed]] in his [[mind]] a growing [[righteous]] resentment of the [[presence]] in [[the Father]]'s [[temple]] of the [[politically]] appointed [[priests]]. [[Jesus]] had great [[respect]] for the [[sincere]] [[Pharisees]] and the [[honest]] [[scribes]], but he held the [[hypocritical]] [[Pharisees]] and the dishonest [[theologians]] in great [[contempt]]; he looked with [[disdain]] upon all those [[religious]] [[leaders]] who were not [[sincere]]. When he scrutinized the [[leadership]] of [[Israel]], he was sometimes tempted to look with [[favor]] on the [[possibility]] of his becoming [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism the Messiah] of [[Jewish]] [[expectation]], but he never yielded to such a [[temptation]].

126:0.3 As he grew older, [[Jesus]]' [[pity]] and [[love]] for the Jewish people deepened, but with the passing years, there [[developed]] in his [[mind]] a growing [[righteous]] resentment of the [[presence]] in [[the Father]]'s [[temple]] of the [[politically]] appointed [[priests]]. [[Jesus]] had great [[respect]] for the [[sincere]] [[Pharisees]] and the [[honest]] [[scribes]], but he held the [[hypocritical]] [[Pharisees]] and the dishonest [[theologians]] in great [[contempt]]; he looked with [[disdain]] upon all those [[religious]] [[leaders]] who were not [[sincere]]. When he scrutinized the [[leadership]] of [[Israel]], he was sometimes tempted to look with [[favor]] on the [[possibility]] of his becoming [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism the Messiah] of [[Jewish]] [[expectation]], but he never yielded to such a [[temptation]].

126:0.4 The [[story]] of his exploits among the [[wise]] men of the [[temple]] in [[Jerusalem]] was gratifying to all [[Nazareth]], especially to his former [[teachers]] in the [[synagogue]] [[school]]. For a time his [[praise]] was on everybody's lips. All the village recounted his [[childhood]] [[wisdom]] and praiseworthy [[conduct]] and [[predicted]] that he was [[destined]] to become a great [[leader]] in [[Israel]]; at last a really great [[teacher]] was to come out of [[Nazareth]] in [[Galilee]]. And they all looked forward to the time when he would be fifteen years of age so that he might be [[permitted]] regularly to read the [[Scriptures]] in the [[synagogue]] on the [[Sabbath]] day.

126:0.4 The [[story]] of his exploits among the [[wise]] men of the [[temple]] in [[Jerusalem]] was gratifying to all [[Nazareth]], especially to his former [[teachers]] in the [[synagogue]] [[school]]. For a time his [[praise]] was on everybody's lips. All the village recounted his [[childhood]] [[wisdom]] and praiseworthy [[conduct]] and [[predicted]] that he was [[destined]] to become a great [[leader]] in [[Israel]]; at last a really great [[teacher]] was to come out of [[Nazareth]] in [[Galilee]]. And they all looked forward to the time when he would be fifteen years of age so that he might be [[permitted]] regularly to read the [[Scriptures]] in the [[synagogue]] on the [[Sabbath]] day.

==126:1. HIS FOURTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 8)==

==126:1. HIS FOURTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 8)==

126:1.1 This is the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_year calendar] year of his fourteenth birthday. He had become a [[good]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoke yoke] maker and worked well with both [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canvas canvas] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather leather]. He was also rapidly [[developing]] into an expert [[carpenter]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinetmaker cabinetmaker]. This [[summer]] he made frequent trips to the top of the hill to the northwest of [[Nazareth]] for [[prayer]] and [[meditation]]. He was [[gradually]] becoming more [[self-conscious]] of the [[nature]] of his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS bestowal] on [[earth]].

126:1.1 This is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_year calendar] year of his fourteenth birthday. He had become a [[good]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoke yoke] maker and worked well with both [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canvas canvas] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather leather]. He was also rapidly [[developing]] into an expert [[carpenter]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinetmaker cabinetmaker]. This [[summer]] he made frequent trips to the top of the hill to the northwest of [[Nazareth]] for [[prayer]] and [[meditation]]. He was [[gradually]] becoming more [[self-conscious]] of the [[nature]] of his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:4._THE_MICHAEL_BESTOWALS bestowal] on [[earth]].

126:1.2 This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth#Geography_and_population hill], a little more than one hundred years previously, had been the " high place of Baal, "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Numbers#Chapter_.22] and now it was the site of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Simeon_the_Just tomb of Simeon (?)], a reputed holy man of [[Israel]]. From the summit of this hill of Simeon, [[Jesus]] looked out over [[Nazareth]] and the surrounding country. He would gaze upon [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megiddo Megiddo] and recall the [[story]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Ancient_Egypt Egyptian army] winning its first great victory in Asia; and how, later on, another such army defeated the Judean [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah king Josiah]. Not far away he could look upon [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Megiddo_(15th_century_BC)#Campaign_against_the_rebels_in_Canaan Taanach], where [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_of_Deborah Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera]. In the distance he could view the hills of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dothan Dothan], where he had been taught [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob) Joseph]'s brethren sold him into Egyptian [[slavery]]. He then would shift his gaze over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ebal Ebal] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gerizim Gerizim] and recount to himself the [[traditions]] of [[Abraham]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech]. And thus he recalled and turned over in his [[mind]] the historic and [[traditional]] [[events]] of his [[father]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s people.

126:1.2 This [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth#Geography_and_population hill], a little more than one hundred years previously, had been the " high place of Baal, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Numbers#Chapter_.22] and now it was the site of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Simeon_the_Just tomb of Simeon (?)], a reputed holy man of [[Israel]]. From the summit of this hill of Simeon, [[Jesus]] looked out over [[Nazareth]] and the surrounding country. He would gaze upon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megiddo Megiddo] and recall the [[story]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Ancient_Egypt Egyptian army] winning its first great victory in Asia; and how, later on, another such army defeated the Judean [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josiah king Josiah]. Not far away he could look upon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Megiddo_(15th_century_BC)#Campaign_against_the_rebels_in_Canaan Taanach], where [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_of_Deborah Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera]. In the distance he could view the hills of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dothan_(ancient_city) Dothan], where he had been taught [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob) Joseph]'s brethren sold him into Egyptian [[slavery]]. He then would shift his gaze over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ebal Ebal] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Gerizim Gerizim] and recount to himself the [[traditions]] of [[Abraham]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob Jacob], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abimelech Abimelech]. And thus he recalled and turned over in his [[mind]] the historic and [[traditional]] [[events]] of his [[father]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s people.

126:1.3 He continued to carry on his advanced [[courses]] of [[reading]] under the [[synagogue]] [[teachers]], and he also continued with the [[home]] [[education]] of his brothers and sisters as they grew up to suitable ages.

126:1.3 He continued to carry on his advanced [[courses]] of [[reading]] under the [[synagogue]] [[teachers]], and he also continued with the [[home]] [[education]] of his brothers and sisters as they grew up to suitable ages.

126:1.4 Early this year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] arranged to set aside the income from his [[Nazareth]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[property]] to pay for [[Jesus]]' long [[course]] of [[study]] at [[Jerusalem]], it having been [[planned]] that he should go to [[Jerusalem]] in August of the following year when he would be fifteen years of age.

126:1.4 Early this year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] arranged to set aside the income from his [[Nazareth]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] [[property]] to pay for [[Jesus]]' long [[course]] of [[study]] at [[Jerusalem]], it having been [[planned]] that he should go to [[Jerusalem]] in August of the following year when he would be fifteen years of age.

126:1.5 By the beginning of this year both [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] entertained frequent [[doubts]] about the [[destiny]] of their first-born son. He was indeed a [[brilliant]] and lovable child, but he was so [[difficult]] to [[understand]], so hard to [[fathom]], and again, nothing extraordinary or [[miraculous]] ever happened. Scores of times had his [[proud]] [[mother]] stood in breathless [[anticipation]], expecting to see her son [[engage]] in some [[superhuman]] or [[miraculous]] [[performance]], but always were her [[hopes]] dashed down in cruel disappointment. And all this was discouraging, even disheartening. The [[devout]] people of those days truly believed that [[prophets]] and men of [[promise]] always [[demonstrated]] their [[calling]] and [[established]] their [[divine]] [[authority]] by performing [[miracles]] and working [[wonders]]. But Jesus did none of these things; wherefore was the [[confusion]] of his [[parents]] steadily increased as they [[contemplated]] his [[future]].

126:1.5 By the beginning of this year both [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122_-_Birth_and_Infancy_of_Jesus#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] entertained frequent [[doubts]] about the [[destiny]] of their first-born son. He was indeed a [[brilliant]] and lovable child, but he was so [[difficult]] to [[understand]], so hard to [[fathom]], and again, nothing extraordinary or [[miraculous]] ever happened. Scores of times had his [[proud]] [[mother]] stood in breathless [[anticipation]], expecting to see her son [[engage]] in some [[superhuman]] or [[miraculous]] [[performance]], but always were her [[hopes]] dashed down in cruel disappointment. And all this was discouraging, even disheartening. The [[devout]] people of those days truly believed that [[prophets]] and men of [[promise]] always [[demonstrated]] their [[calling]] and [[established]] their [[divine]] [[authority]] by performing [[miracles]] and working [[wonders]]. But Jesus did none of these things; wherefore was the [[confusion]] of his [[parents]] steadily increased as they [[contemplated]] his [[future]].

126:1.6 The improved [[economic]] condition of the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] was [[reflected]] in many ways about the [[home]] and especially in the increased number of smooth white boards which were used as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slate_%28writing%29 writing slates], the writing being done with charcoal. [[Jesus]] was also [[permitted]] to resume his [[music]] lessons; he was very fond of playing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp].

126:1.6 The improved [[economic]] condition of the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] was [[reflected]] in many ways about the [[home]] and especially in the increased number of smooth white boards which were used as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slate_%28writing%29 writing slates], the writing being done with charcoal. [[Jesus]] was also [[permitted]] to resume his [[music]] lessons; he was very fond of playing the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp].

126:1.7 Throughout this year it can truly be said that [[Jesus]] " grew in [[favor]] with man and with [[God]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] The prospects of the [[family]] seemed good; the [[future]] was bright.

126:1.7 Throughout this year it can truly be said that [[Jesus]] " grew in [[favor]] with man and with [[God]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] The prospects of the [[family]] seemed good; the [[future]] was bright.

==126:2. THE DEATH OF JOSEPH==

==126:2. THE DEATH OF JOSEPH==

126:2.1 All did go well until that fateful day of Tuesday, September 25, when a runner from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] brought to this [[Nazareth]] [[home]] the [[tragic]] news that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been severely [[injured]] by the falling of a derrick while at [[work]] on the governor's residence. The [[messenger]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] had stopped at the shop on the way to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[home]], informing [[Jesus]] of his [[father]]'s [[accident]], and they went [[together]] to the house to break the sad news to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]. [[Jesus]] [[desired]] to go [[immediately]] to his [[father]], but [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] would hear to nothing but that she must hasten to her [[husband]]'s side. She directed that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], then ten years of age, should accompany her to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] while [[Jesus]] remained [[home]] with the younger [[children]] until she should return, as she did not know how seriously [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been [[injured]]. But Joseph died of his injuries before [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] arrived. They brought him to [[Nazareth]], and on the following day he was [[Burial|laid to rest]] with his [[fathers]].

126:2.1 All did go well until that fateful day of Tuesday, September 25, when a runner from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] brought to this [[Nazareth]] [[home]] the [[tragic]] news that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been severely [[injured]] by the falling of a derrick while at [[work]] on the governor's residence. The [[messenger]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] had stopped at the shop on the way to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[home]], informing [[Jesus]] of his [[father]]'s [[accident]], and they went [[together]] to the house to break the sad news to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]. [[Jesus]] [[desired]] to go [[immediately]] to his [[father]], but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] would hear to nothing but that she must hasten to her [[husband]]'s side. She directed that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], then ten years of age, should accompany her to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] while [[Jesus]] remained [[home]] with the younger [[children]] until she should return, as she did not know how seriously [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] had been [[injured]]. But Joseph died of his injuries before [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] arrived. They brought him to [[Nazareth]], and on the following day he was [[Burial|laid to rest]] with his [[fathers]].

126:2.2 Just at the time when prospects were [[good]] and the [[future]] looked bright, an apparently cruel hand struck down the head of this [[Nazareth]] [[Home|household]], the affairs of this home were disrupted, and every [[plan]] for [[Jesus]] and his [[future]] [[education]] was demolished. This [[carpenter]] lad, now just past fourteen years of age, [[awakened]] to the [[realization]] that he had not only to fulfill the commission of his [[heavenly Father]] to [[reveal]] the [[divine]] [[nature]] on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]], but that his young [[human]] [[nature]] must also shoulder the [[responsibility]] of caring for his [[widowed]] [[mother]] and [[seven]] brothers and sisters—and another yet to be born. This lad of [[Nazareth]] now became the sole [[support]] and [[comfort]] of this so suddenly [[bereaved]] [[family]]. Thus were [[permitted]] those occurrences of the [[natural]] order of [[events]] on [[Urantia]] which would [[force]] this [[young man]] of [[destiny]] so early to [[assume]] these heavy but highly [[educational]] and [[disciplinary]] [[responsibilities]] attendant upon becoming the head of a [[human]] [[family]], of becoming [[father]] to his own [[Siblings|brothers and sisters]], of supporting and protecting his [[mother]], of [[functioning]] as guardian of his [[father]]'s [[home]], the only home he was to know while on this world.

126:2.2 Just at the time when prospects were [[good]] and the [[future]] looked bright, an apparently cruel hand struck down the head of this [[Nazareth]] [[Home|household]], the affairs of this home were disrupted, and every [[plan]] for [[Jesus]] and his [[future]] [[education]] was demolished. This [[carpenter]] lad, now just past fourteen years of age, [[awakened]] to the [[realization]] that he had not only to fulfill the commission of his [[heavenly Father]] to [[reveal]] the [[divine]] [[nature]] on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]], but that his young [[human]] [[nature]] must also shoulder the [[responsibility]] of caring for his [[widowed]] [[mother]] and [[seven]] brothers and sisters—and another yet to be born. This lad of [[Nazareth]] now became the sole [[support]] and [[comfort]] of this so suddenly [[bereaved]] [[family]]. Thus were [[permitted]] those occurrences of the [[natural]] order of [[events]] on [[Urantia]] which would [[force]] this [[young man]] of [[destiny]] so early to [[assume]] these heavy but highly [[educational]] and [[disciplinary]] [[responsibilities]] attendant upon becoming the head of a [[human]] [[family]], of becoming [[father]] to his own [[Siblings|brothers and sisters]], of supporting and protecting his [[mother]], of [[functioning]] as guardian of his [[father]]'s [[home]], the only home he was to know while on this world.

126:2.3 [[Jesus]] cheerfully [[accepted]] the [[responsibilities]] so suddenly thrust upon him, and he carried them [[faithfully]] to the end. At least one great [[problem]] and [[anticipated]] difficulty in his life had been tragically solved—he would not now be [[expected]] to go to [[Jerusalem]] to [[study]] under the [[rabbis]]. It remained always true that Jesus " sat at no man's feet. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.22] He was ever willing to [[learn]] from even the [[humblest]] of little [[children]], but he never derived [[authority]] to teach [[truth]] from [[human]] [[sources]].

126:2.3 [[Jesus]] cheerfully [[accepted]] the [[responsibilities]] so suddenly thrust upon him, and he carried them [[faithfully]] to the end. At least one great [[problem]] and [[anticipated]] difficulty in his life had been tragically solved—he would not now be [[expected]] to go to [[Jerusalem]] to [[study]] under the [[rabbis]]. It remained always true that Jesus " sat at no man's feet. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_acts#Acts.22] He was ever willing to [[learn]] from even the [[humblest]] of little [[children]], but he never derived [[authority]] to teach [[truth]] from [[human]] [[sources]].

126:2.4 Still he knew nothing of the [[Gabriel]] visit to his [[mother]] before his [[birth]]; he only learned of this from [[John the Baptist|John]] on the day of his [[baptism]][http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136], at the beginning of his [[public]] [[ministry]].

126:2.4 Still he knew nothing of the [[Gabriel]] visit to his [[mother]] before his [[birth]]; he only learned of this from [[John the Baptist|John]] on the day of his [[baptism]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136], at the beginning of his [[public]] [[ministry]].

126:2.5 As the years passed, this young [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]] increasingly [[measured]] every [[institution]] of [[society]] and every usage of [[religion]] by the unvarying test: What does it do for the [[human]] [[soul]]? does it bring [[God]] to man? does it bring man to God? While this [[youth]] did not wholly neglect the [[recreational]] and [[social]] aspects of life, more and more he [[devoted]] his time and energies to just two [[purposes]]: the care of his [[family]] and the [[preparation]] to [[Doing the will of God|do his Father's heavenly will]] on [[earth]].

126:2.5 As the years passed, this young [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]] increasingly [[measured]] every [[institution]] of [[society]] and every usage of [[religion]] by the unvarying test: What does it do for the [[human]] [[soul]]? does it bring [[God]] to man? does it bring man to God? While this [[youth]] did not wholly neglect the [[recreational]] and [[social]] aspects of life, more and more he [[devoted]] his time and energies to just two [[purposes]]: the care of his [[family]] and the [[preparation]] to [[Doing the will of God|do his Father's heavenly will]] on [[earth]].

126:2.6 This year it became the [[custom]] for the [[neighbors]] to drop in during the [[winter]] evenings to hear [[Jesus]] play upon the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp], to [[listen]] to his [[stories]] (for the lad was a master [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storytelling storyteller]), and to hear him [[read]] from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek scriptures].

126:2.6 This year it became the [[custom]] for the [[neighbors]] to drop in during the [[winter]] evenings to hear [[Jesus]] play upon the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp], to [[listen]] to his [[stories]] (for the lad was a master [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storytelling storyteller]), and to hear him [[read]] from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek scriptures].

126:2.7 The [[economic]] affairs of the [[family]] continued to run fairly smoothly as there was quite a sum of [[money]] on hand at the time of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[death]]. [[Jesus]] early [[demonstrated]] the [[possession]] of keen [[business]] [[judgment]] and financial [[sagacity]]. He was liberal but frugal; he was saving but generous. He proved to be a [[wise]] and [[efficient]] [[administrator]] of his [[father]]'s estate.

126:2.7 The [[economic]] affairs of the [[family]] continued to run fairly smoothly as there was quite a sum of [[money]] on hand at the time of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[death]]. [[Jesus]] early [[demonstrated]] the [[possession]] of keen [[business]] [[judgment]] and financial [[sagacity]]. He was liberal but frugal; he was saving but generous. He proved to be a [[wise]] and [[efficient]] [[administrator]] of his [[father]]'s estate.

126:2.8 But in spite of all that [[Jesus]] and the [[Nazareth]] [[neighbors]] could do to bring [[cheer]] into the [[home]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], and even the [[children]], were overcast with [[sadness]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was gone. Joseph was an unusual [[husband]] and [[father]], and they all missed him. And it seemed all the more [[tragic]] to think that he died ere they could speak to him or hear his [[farewell]] [[blessing]].

126:2.8 But in spite of all that [[Jesus]] and the [[Nazareth]] [[neighbors]] could do to bring [[cheer]] into the [[home]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary], and even the [[children]], were overcast with [[sadness]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] was gone. Joseph was an unusual [[husband]] and [[father]], and they all missed him. And it seemed all the more [[tragic]] to think that he died ere they could speak to him or hear his [[farewell]] [[blessing]].

==126:3. THE FIFTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 9)==

==126:3. THE FIFTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 9)==

126:3.1 By the middle of this fifteenth year—and we are [[Measure|reckoning]] [[time]] in [[accordance]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] calendar, not by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_calendar Jewish year]—[[Jesus]] had taken a firm grasp upon the [[management]] of his [[family]]. Before this year had passed, their savings had about disappeared, and they were face to face with the [[necessity]] of disposing of one of the [[Nazareth]] houses which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and his [[neighbor]] Jacob owned in [[partnership]].

126:3.1 By the middle of this fifteenth year—and we are [[Measure|reckoning]] [[time]] in [[accordance]] with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth-century] calendar, not by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_calendar Jewish year]—[[Jesus]] had taken a firm grasp upon the [[management]] of his [[family]]. Before this year had passed, their savings had about disappeared, and they were face to face with the [[necessity]] of disposing of one of the [[Nazareth]] houses which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] and his [[neighbor]] Jacob owned in [[partnership]].

126:3.2 On Wednesday evening, April 17, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_AD A.D. 9], Ruth, the baby of the [[family]], was [[born]], and to the best of his [[ability]] [[Jesus]] endeavored to take the place of his [[father]] in comforting and ministering to his [[mother]] during this trying and peculiarly sad [[ordeal]]. For almost a score of years (until he began his [[public]] [[ministry]]) no [[father]] could have [[loved]] and nurtured his daughter any more [[affectionately]] and [[faithfully]] than [[Jesus]] cared for little Ruth. And he was an [[equally]] [[good]] [[father]] to all the other members of his [[family]].

126:3.2 On Wednesday evening, April 17, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_AD A.D. 9], Ruth, the baby of the [[family]], was [[born]], and to the best of his [[ability]] [[Jesus]] endeavored to take the place of his [[father]] in comforting and ministering to his [[mother]] during this trying and peculiarly sad [[ordeal]]. For almost a score of years (until he began his [[public]] [[ministry]]) no [[father]] could have [[loved]] and nurtured his daughter any more [[affectionately]] and [[faithfully]] than [[Jesus]] cared for little Ruth. And he was an [[equally]] [[good]] [[father]] to all the other members of his [[family]].

126:3.3 During this year [[Jesus]] first [[Composition|formulated]] the [[prayer]] which he subsequently taught to [[his apostles]], and which to many has become known as " The Lord's Prayer. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] In a way it was an [[evolution]] of the [[family]] [[altar]]; they had many [[forms]] of [[praise]] and several [[formal]] [[prayers]]. After his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH father's death] [[Jesus]] tried to teach the older [[children]] to [[express]] themselves [[individually]] in [[prayer]]—much as he so enjoyed doing—but they could not grasp his [[thought]] and would invariably fall back upon their [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorization memorized] [[prayer]] forms. It was in this [[effort]] to [[stimulate]] his older brothers and sisters to say [[individual]] [[prayers]] that [[Jesus]] would endeavor to lead them along by suggestive [[phrases]], and presently, without [[intention]] on his part, it [[developed]] that they were all using a form of [[prayer]] which was largely built up from these suggestive lines which [[Jesus]] had taught them.

126:3.3 During this year [[Jesus]] first [[Composition|formulated]] the [[prayer]] which he subsequently taught to [[his apostles]], and which to many has become known as " The Lord's Prayer. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_11] In a way it was an [[evolution]] of the [[family]] [[altar]]; they had many [[forms]] of [[praise]] and several [[formal]] [[prayers]]. After his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH father's death] [[Jesus]] tried to teach the older [[children]] to [[express]] themselves [[individually]] in [[prayer]]—much as he so enjoyed doing—but they could not grasp his [[thought]] and would invariably fall back upon their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorization memorized] [[prayer]] forms. It was in this [[effort]] to [[stimulate]] his older brothers and sisters to say [[individual]] [[prayers]] that [[Jesus]] would endeavor to lead them along by suggestive [[phrases]], and presently, without [[intention]] on his part, it [[developed]] that they were all using a form of [[prayer]] which was largely built up from these suggestive lines which [[Jesus]] had taught them.

126:3.4 At last [[Jesus]] gave up the [[idea]] of having each member of the [[family]] formulate [[spontaneous]] [[prayers]], and one evening in October he sat down by the little [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp squat lamp] on the low stone table, and, on a piece of smooth cedar board about eighteen inches square, with a piece of charcoal he wrote out the [[prayer]] which became from that time on the [[standard]] [[family]] [[petition]].

126:3.4 At last [[Jesus]] gave up the [[idea]] of having each member of the [[family]] formulate [[spontaneous]] [[prayers]], and one evening in October he sat down by the little [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp squat lamp] on the low stone table, and, on a piece of smooth cedar board about eighteen inches square, with a piece of charcoal he wrote out the [[prayer]] which became from that time on the [[standard]] [[family]] [[petition]].

126:3.5 This year [[Jesus]] was much troubled with [[confused]] [[thinking]]. [[Family]] [[responsibility]] had quite effectively removed all [[thought]] of [[immediately]] carrying out any [[plan]] for responding to the [[Jerusalem]] [[visitation]] directing him to " be about his Father's business. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] [[Jesus]] rightly reasoned that the watchcare of his [[earth]]ly [[father]]'s [[family]] must take precedence of all [[duties]]; that the [[support]] of his [[family]] must become his first [[obligation]].

126:3.5 This year [[Jesus]] was much troubled with [[confused]] [[thinking]]. [[Family]] [[responsibility]] had quite effectively removed all [[thought]] of [[immediately]] carrying out any [[plan]] for responding to the [[Jerusalem]] [[visitation]] directing him to " be about his Father's business. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] [[Jesus]] rightly reasoned that the watchcare of his [[earth]]ly [[father]]'s [[family]] must take precedence of all [[duties]]; that the [[support]] of his [[family]] must become his first [[obligation]].

126:3.6 In the [[course]] of this year [[Jesus]] found a passage in the so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_enoch Book of Enoch] which [[influenced]] him in the later adoption of the term " [http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/index.htm Son of Man] "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7] as a designation for his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal mission] on [[Urantia]]. He had thoroughly [[considered]] the [[idea]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah] and was firmly convinced that he was not to be that [[Messiah]]. He longed to help his [[father]]'s people, but he never [[expected]] to lead [[Jewish]] [[Military|armies]] in overthrowing the foreign [[domination]] of [[Palestine]]. He knew he would never sit on the throne of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] at [[Jerusalem]]. Neither did he believe that his [[mission]] was that of a [[spiritual]] deliverer or [[moral]] [[teacher]] solely to the Jewish people. In no sense, therefore, could his life [[mission]] be the [[fulfillment]] of the [[intense]] longings and supposed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messianic] [[prophecies]] of the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]]; at least, not as the [[Jews]] understood these [[predictions]] of the [[prophets]]. Likewise he was certain he was never to [[appear]] as the [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7 Son of Man] depicted by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Prophet Daniel].

126:3.6 In the [[course]] of this year [[Jesus]] found a passage in the so-called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_enoch Book of Enoch] which [[influenced]] him in the later adoption of the term " [https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/index.htm Son of Man] "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7] as a designation for his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal mission] on [[Urantia]]. He had thoroughly [[considered]] the [[idea]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah] and was firmly convinced that he was not to be that [[Messiah]]. He longed to help his [[father]]'s people, but he never [[expected]] to lead [[Jewish]] [[Military|armies]] in overthrowing the foreign [[domination]] of [[Palestine]]. He knew he would never sit on the throne of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] at [[Jerusalem]]. Neither did he believe that his [[mission]] was that of a [[spiritual]] deliverer or [[moral]] [[teacher]] solely to the Jewish people. In no sense, therefore, could his life [[mission]] be the [[fulfillment]] of the [[intense]] longings and supposed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messianic] [[prophecies]] of the [[Hebrew]] [[scriptures]]; at least, not as the [[Jews]] understood these [[predictions]] of the [[prophets]]. Likewise he was certain he was never to [[appear]] as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_7 Son of Man] depicted by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Prophet Daniel].

126:3.7 But when the time came for him to go forth as a world [[teacher]], what would he call himself? What claim should he make concerning his [[mission]]? By what [[name]] would he be called by the people who would become [[believers]] in his teachings?

126:3.7 But when the time came for him to go forth as a world [[teacher]], what would he call himself? What claim should he make concerning his [[mission]]? By what [[name]] would he be called by the people who would become [[believers]] in his teachings?

126:3.8 While turning all these [[problems]] over in his [[mind]], he found in the [[synagogue]] [[library]] at [[Nazareth]], among the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptic_literature apocalyptic books] which he had been [[studying]], this manuscript called " [http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm The Book of Enoch] "; and though he was certain that it had not been written by [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_45#45:4._THE_FOUR_AND_TWENTY_COUNSELORS Enoch] [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:2._CAIN_AND_ABEL of old], it proved very [[intriguing]] to him, and he read and reread it many times. There was one passage which particularly impressed him, a passage in which this term " Son of Man " appeared. The [[writer]] of this so-called [http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm Book of Enoch] went on to tell about this Son of Man, describing the [[work]] he would do on [[earth]] and explaining that this Son of Man, before coming down on this [[earth]] to bring [[salvation]] to [[mankind]], had walked through the [[courts]] of heavenly [[glory]] with his Father, [[the Father]] of all; and that he had turned his back upon all this grandeur and [[glory]] to come down on [[earth]] to proclaim [[salvation]] to needy [[mortals]]. As [[Jesus]] would read these passages (well [[understanding]] that much of the [[Oriental|Eastern]] [[mysticism]] which had become admixed with these teachings was [[erroneous]]), he [[responded]] in his [[heart]] and [[recognized]] in his [[mind]] that of all the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messianic] [[predictions]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] and of all the [[theories]] about the Jewish deliverer, none was so near the [[truth]] as this [[story]] tucked away in this only partially accredited [http://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm Book of Enoch]; and he then and there decided to adopt as his [[inaugural]] title " the Son of Man. " And this he did when he subsequently began his [[public]] [[work]]. [[Jesus]] had an unerring [[ability]] for the [[recognition]] of [[truth]], and truth he never [[hesitated]] to [[embrace]], no matter from what [[source]] it [[appeared]] to [[emanate]].

126:3.8 While turning all these [[problems]] over in his [[mind]], he found in the [[synagogue]] [[library]] at [[Nazareth]], among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalyptic_literature apocalyptic books] which he had been [[studying]], this manuscript called " [https://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm The Book of Enoch] "; and though he was certain that it had not been written by [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_45#45:4._THE_FOUR_AND_TWENTY_COUNSELORS Enoch] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_76#76:2._CAIN_AND_ABEL of old], it proved very [[intriguing]] to him, and he read and reread it many times. There was one passage which particularly impressed him, a passage in which this term " Son of Man " appeared. The [[writer]] of this so-called [https://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm Book of Enoch] went on to tell about this Son of Man, describing the [[work]] he would do on [[earth]] and explaining that this Son of Man, before coming down on this [[earth]] to bring [[salvation]] to [[mankind]], had walked through the [[courts]] of heavenly [[glory]] with his Father, [[the Father]] of all; and that he had turned his back upon all this grandeur and [[glory]] to come down on [[earth]] to proclaim [[salvation]] to needy [[mortals]]. As [[Jesus]] would read these passages (well [[understanding]] that much of the [[Oriental|Eastern]] [[mysticism]] which had become admixed with these teachings was [[erroneous]]), he [[responded]] in his [[heart]] and [[recognized]] in his [[mind]] that of all the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messianic] [[predictions]] of the [[Hebrew scriptures]] and of all the [[theories]] about the Jewish deliverer, none was so near the [[truth]] as this [[story]] tucked away in this only partially accredited [https://www.pseudepigrapha.com/pseudepigrapha/enoch1b.htm Book of Enoch]; and he then and there decided to adopt as his [[inaugural]] title " the Son of Man. " And this he did when he subsequently began his [[public]] [[work]]. [[Jesus]] had an unerring [[ability]] for the [[recognition]] of [[truth]], and truth he never [[hesitated]] to [[embrace]], no matter from what [[source]] it [[appeared]] to [[emanate]].

126:3.9 By this [[time]] he had quite thoroughly settled many [[things]] about his forthcoming [[work]] for the world, but he said nothing of these matters to his [[mother]], who still held stoutly to the [[idea]] of his being the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah].

126:3.9 By this [[time]] he had quite thoroughly settled many [[things]] about his forthcoming [[work]] for the world, but he said nothing of these matters to his [[mother]], who still held stoutly to the [[idea]] of his being the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah].

126:3.10 The great [[confusion]] of [[Jesus]]' younger days now arose. Having settled something about the [[nature]] of his [[mission]] on [[earth]], " to be about his Father's business "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]—to show forth [[the Father|his Father]]'s [[loving]] [[nature]] to all [[mankind]]—he began to [[ponder]] anew the many [[statements]] in the [[Scriptures]] referring to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism coming of a national deliverer], a [[Jewish]] [[teacher]] or [[king]]. To what [[event]] did these [[prophecies]] refer? Was not he a [[Jew]]? or was he? Was he or was he not of the house of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]? His [[mother]] averred he was; his [[father]] had ruled that he was not. He decided he was not. But had the [[prophets]] [[confused]] the [[nature]] and [[mission]] of the [[Messiah]]?

126:3.10 The great [[confusion]] of [[Jesus]]' younger days now arose. Having settled something about the [[nature]] of his [[mission]] on [[earth]], " to be about his Father's business "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2]—to show forth [[the Father|his Father]]'s [[loving]] [[nature]] to all [[mankind]]—he began to [[ponder]] anew the many [[statements]] in the [[Scriptures]] referring to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism coming of a national deliverer], a [[Jewish]] [[teacher]] or [[king]]. To what [[event]] did these [[prophecies]] refer? Was not he a [[Jew]]? or was he? Was he or was he not of the house of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]? His [[mother]] averred he was; his [[father]] had ruled that he was not. He decided he was not. But had the [[prophets]] [[confused]] the [[nature]] and [[mission]] of the [[Messiah]]?

126:3.11 After all, could it be possible that his [[mother]] was right? In most matters, when [[differences]] of [[opinion]] had arisen in the past, she had been right. If he were a new [[teacher]] and not the [[Messiah]], then how should he [[recognize]] the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah] if such a one should [[appear]] in [[Jerusalem]] during the time of his [[earth]] [[mission]]; and, further, what should be his [[relation]] to this [[Jewish]] [[Messiah]]? And what should be his [[relation]], after embarking on his life [[mission]], to his [[family]]? to the [[Jewish]] [[commonwealth]] and [[religion]]? to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire]? to the [[gentiles]] and their [[religions]]? Each of these momentous [[problems]] this young [[Galilean]] turned over in his [[mind]] and seriously [[pondered]] while he continued to [[work]] at the [[carpenter]]'s bench, laboriously making a living for himself, his [[mother]], and eight other [[hungry]] mouths.

126:3.11 After all, could it be possible that his [[mother]] was right? In most matters, when [[differences]] of [[opinion]] had arisen in the past, she had been right. If he were a new [[teacher]] and not the [[Messiah]], then how should he [[recognize]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Jewish Messiah] if such a one should [[appear]] in [[Jerusalem]] during the time of his [[earth]] [[mission]]; and, further, what should be his [[relation]] to this [[Jewish]] [[Messiah]]? And what should be his [[relation]], after embarking on his life [[mission]], to his [[family]]? to the [[Jewish]] [[commonwealth]] and [[religion]]? to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman Empire]? to the [[gentiles]] and their [[religions]]? Each of these momentous [[problems]] this young [[Galilean]] turned over in his [[mind]] and seriously [[pondered]] while he continued to [[work]] at the [[carpenter]]'s bench, laboriously making a living for himself, his [[mother]], and eight other [[hungry]] mouths.

126:3.12 Before the end of this year [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] saw the [[family]] [[Money|funds]] diminishing. She turned the sale of doves over to James. Presently they bought a second cow, and with the aid of Miriam they began the sale of milk to their [[Nazareth]] [[neighbors]].

126:3.12 Before the end of this year [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] saw the [[family]] [[Money|funds]] diminishing. She turned the sale of doves over to James. Presently they bought a second cow, and with the aid of Miriam they began the sale of milk to their [[Nazareth]] [[neighbors]].

126:3.13 His [[profound]] periods of [[meditation]], his frequent [[journeys]] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth#Geography_and_population the hilltop] for [[prayer]], and the many strange [[ideas]] which [[Jesus]] advanced from time to time, thoroughly alarmed his [[mother]]. Sometimes she [[thought]] the lad was [[Sanity|beside himself]], and then she would steady her [[fears]], remembering that he was, after all, a [[child]] of [[promise]] and in some [[manner]] [[different]] from other [[youths]].

126:3.13 His [[profound]] periods of [[meditation]], his frequent [[journeys]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazareth#Geography_and_population the hilltop] for [[prayer]], and the many strange [[ideas]] which [[Jesus]] advanced from time to time, thoroughly alarmed his [[mother]]. Sometimes she [[thought]] the lad was [[Sanity|beside himself]], and then she would steady her [[fears]], remembering that he was, after all, a [[child]] of [[promise]] and in some [[manner]] [[different]] from other [[youths]].

126:3.14 But [[Jesus]] was learning not to speak of all his [[thoughts]], not to present all his [[ideas]] to the world, not even to his own [[mother]]. From this year on, [[Jesus]]' [[disclosures]] about what was going on in his [[mind]] steadily diminished; that is, he talked less about those [[things]] which an [[average]] [[person]] could not grasp, and which would lead to his being regarded as peculiar or [[different]] from ordinary folks. To all [[appearances]] he became commonplace and [[conventional]], though he did long for someone who could [[understand]] his [[problems]]. He craved a trustworthy and confidential [[friend]], but his [[problems]] were too [[complex]] for his [[human]] associates to [[comprehend]]. The [[uniqueness]] of the unusual situation [[compelled]] him to bear his burdens [[alone]].

126:3.14 But [[Jesus]] was learning not to speak of all his [[thoughts]], not to present all his [[ideas]] to the world, not even to his own [[mother]]. From this year on, [[Jesus]]' [[disclosures]] about what was going on in his [[mind]] steadily diminished; that is, he talked less about those [[things]] which an [[average]] [[person]] could not grasp, and which would lead to his being regarded as peculiar or [[different]] from ordinary folks. To all [[appearances]] he became commonplace and [[conventional]], though he did long for someone who could [[understand]] his [[problems]]. He craved a trustworthy and confidential [[friend]], but his [[problems]] were too [[complex]] for his [[human]] associates to [[comprehend]]. The [[uniqueness]] of the unusual situation [[compelled]] him to bear his burdens [[alone]].

==126:4. FIRST SERMON IN THE SYNAGOGUE==

==126:4. FIRST SERMON IN THE SYNAGOGUE==

126:4.1 With the coming of his fifteenth birthday, [[Jesus]] could officially occupy the [[synagogue]] [[pulpit]] on the [[Sabbath]] day. Many times before, in the [[absence]] of speakers, [[Jesus]] had been asked to read the [[Scriptures]], but now the day had come when, according to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law law], he could conduct the [[Worship|service]]. Therefore on the first [[Sabbath]] after his fifteenth birthday the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] arranged for [[Jesus]] to conduct the morning service of the [[synagogue]]. And when all the [[faithful]] in [[Nazareth]] had assembled, the [[young man]], having made his selection of [[Scriptures]], stood up and began to read:

126:4.1 With the coming of his fifteenth birthday, [[Jesus]] could officially occupy the [[synagogue]] [[pulpit]] on the [[Sabbath]] day. Many times before, in the [[absence]] of speakers, [[Jesus]] had been asked to read the [[Scriptures]], but now the day had come when, according to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_law law], he could conduct the [[Worship|service]]. Therefore on the first [[Sabbath]] after his fifteenth birthday the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] arranged for [[Jesus]] to conduct the morning service of the [[synagogue]]. And when all the [[faithful]] in [[Nazareth]] had assembled, the [[young man]], having made his selection of [[Scriptures]], stood up and began to read:

126:4.2 " 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]]; to [[proclaim]] the year of God's favor and the day of our God's reckoning; to [[comfort]] all [[Grief|mourners]], to give them [[beauty]] for ashes, the oil of [[joy]] in the place of mourning, a [[song]] of praise instead of the spirit of sorrow, that they may be called trees of [[righteousness]], the planting of the Lord, wherewith he may be [[glorified]].

126:4.2 " 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]]; to [[proclaim]] the year of God's favor and the day of our God's reckoning; to [[comfort]] all [[Grief|mourners]], to give them [[beauty]] for ashes, the oil of [[joy]] in the place of mourning, a [[song]] of praise instead of the spirit of sorrow, that they may be called trees of [[righteousness]], the planting of the Lord, wherewith he may be [[glorified]].

126:4.3 " Seek [[good]] and not [[evil]] that you may live, and so the Lord, the [[God]] of [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 hosts], shall be with you. Hate the [[evil]] and [[love]] the [[good]]; establish [[judgment]] in the gate. Perhaps the Lord God will be [[gracious]] to the remnant of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob) Joseph].

126:4.3 " Seek [[good]] and not [[evil]] that you may live, and so the Lord, the [[God]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_39 hosts], shall be with you. Hate the [[evil]] and [[love]] the [[good]]; establish [[judgment]] in the gate. Perhaps the Lord God will be [[gracious]] to the remnant of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_(son_of_Jacob) Joseph].

126:4.4 " Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the [[evil]] of your [[doing]]s from before my eyes; cease to do [[evil]] and [[learn]] to do [[good]]; seek [[justice]], relieve the [[oppressed]]. Defend the fatherless and plead for the [[widow]].[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.1]

126:4.4 " Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the [[evil]] of your [[doing]]s from before my eyes; cease to do [[evil]] and [[learn]] to do [[good]]; seek [[justice]], relieve the [[oppressed]]. Defend the fatherless and plead for the [[widow]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.1]

126:4.5 " Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, to bow myself before the Lord of all the [[earth]]? Shall I come before him with [[Sacrifice|burnt offerings]], with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousands of sheep, or with [[rivers]] of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my [[body]] for the [[sin]] of my [[soul]]? for the Lord has showed us, O men, what is [[good]]. And what does the Lord require of you but to deal [[justly]], [[love]] [[mercy]], and walk [[humbly]] with your [[God]]?[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.6]

126:4.5 " Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, to bow myself before the Lord of all the [[earth]]? Shall I come before him with [[Sacrifice|burnt offerings]], with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousands of sheep, or with [[rivers]] of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my [[body]] for the [[sin]] of my [[soul]]? for the Lord has showed us, O men, what is [[good]]. And what does the Lord require of you but to deal [[justly]], [[love]] [[mercy]], and walk [[humbly]] with your [[God]]?[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.6]

126:4.6 " To whom, then, will you liken [[God]] who sits upon the [[circle]] of the [[earth]]? Lift up your eyes and behold who has created all these worlds, who brings forth their host by [[number]] and calls them all by their [[names]]. He does all these [[things]] by the greatness of his [[Power|might]], and because he is strong in power, not one fails. He gives power to the weak, and to those who are weary he increases [[strength]]. [[Fear]] not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your [[God]]. I will strengthen you and I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my [[righteousness]], for I am the Lord your [[God]]. And I will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, for I will help you.[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]

126:4.6 " To whom, then, will you liken [[God]] who sits upon the [[circle]] of the [[earth]]? Lift up your eyes and behold who has created all these worlds, who brings forth their host by [[number]] and calls them all by their [[names]]. He does all these [[things]] by the greatness of his [[Power|might]], and because he is strong in power, not one fails. He gives power to the weak, and to those who are weary he increases [[strength]]. [[Fear]] not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your [[God]]. I will strengthen you and I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my [[righteousness]], for I am the Lord your [[God]]. And I will hold your right hand, saying to you, fear not, for I will help you.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]

126:4.7 " And you are my [[witness]], says the Lord, and my servant whom I have [[chosen]] that all may know and [[believe]] me and [[understand]] that I am the [[Eternal]]. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no [[savior]]. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43]

126:4.7 " And you are my [[witness]], says the Lord, and my servant whom I have [[chosen]] that all may know and [[believe]] me and [[understand]] that I am the [[Eternal]]. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no [[savior]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43]

126:4.8 And when he had thus [[read]], he sat down, and the people went to their [[homes]], [[pondering]] over the words which he had so [[graciously]] read to them. Never had his townspeople seen him so [[magnificently]] [[solemn]]; never had they heard his [[voice]] so [[earnest]] and so [[sincere]]; never had they [[observed]] him so manly and [[decisive]], so [[authoritative]].

126:4.8 And when he had thus [[read]], he sat down, and the people went to their [[homes]], [[pondering]] over the words which he had so [[graciously]] read to them. Never had his townspeople seen him so [[magnificently]] [[solemn]]; never had they heard his [[voice]] so [[earnest]] and so [[sincere]]; never had they [[observed]] him so manly and [[decisive]], so [[authoritative]].

126:4.9 This [[Sabbath]] afternoon [[Jesus]] climbed the [[Nazareth]] hill with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and, when they returned [[home]], wrote out the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Commandments Ten Commandments] in [[Greek]] on two smooth boards in charcoal. Subsequently Martha colored and decorated these boards, and for long they hung on the wall over James's small workbench.

126:4.9 This [[Sabbath]] afternoon [[Jesus]] climbed the [[Nazareth]] hill with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and, when they returned [[home]], wrote out the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Commandments Ten Commandments] in [[Greek]] on two smooth boards in charcoal. Subsequently Martha colored and decorated these boards, and for long they hung on the wall over James's small workbench.

==126:5. THE FINANCIAL STRUGGLE==

==126:5. THE FINANCIAL STRUGGLE==

126:5.1 Gradually Jesus and his family returned to the simple life of their earlier years. Their clothes and even their food became simpler. They had plenty of milk, butter, and cheese. In season they enjoyed the produce of their garden, but each passing month necessitated the practice of greater frugality. Their breakfasts were very plain; they saved their best food for the evening meal. However, among these Jews lack of wealth did not imply social inferiority.

126:5.1 [[Gradually]] [[Jesus]] and his [[family]] returned to the [[simple]] life of their earlier years. Their [[clothes]] and even their [[food]] became simpler. They had plenty of milk, butter, and cheese. In [[season]] they enjoyed the produce of their [[garden]], but each passing month [[necessitated]] the [[practice]] of greater [[frugality]]. Their breakfasts were very [[plain]]; they saved their best food for the evening meal. However, among these [[Jews]] lack of [[wealth]] did not imply [[social]] inferiority.

126:5.2 Already had this youth well-nigh encompassed the comprehension of how men lived in his day. And how well he understood life in the home, field, and workshop is shown by his subsequent teachings, which so repletely reveal his intimate contact with all phases of human experience.

126:5.2 Already had this [[youth]] well-nigh [[encompassed]] the [[comprehension]] of how men lived in his day. And how well he [[understood]] life in the [[home]], field, and workshop is shown by his subsequent [[teachings]], which so repletely [[reveal]] his [[intimate]] [[contact]] with all [[phases]] of [[human]] [[experience]].

126:5.3 The Nazareth chazan continued to cling to the belief that Jesus was to become a great teacher, probably the successor of the renowned Gamaliel at Jerusalem.

126:5.3 The [[Nazareth]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] continued to cling to the [[belief]] that [[Jesus]] was to become a great [[teacher]], probably the successor of the renowned [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel Gamaliel] at [[Jerusalem]].

126:5.4 Apparently all Jesus' plans for a career were thwarted. The future did not look bright as matters now developed. But he did not falter; he was not discouraged. He lived on, day by day, doing well the present duty and faithfully discharging the immediate responsibilities of his station in life. Jesus' life is the everlasting comfort of all disappointed idealists.

126:5.4 Apparently all [[Jesus]]' [[plans]] for a [[career]] were thwarted. The [[future]] did not look bright as matters now [[developed]]. But he did not falter; he was not discouraged. He lived on, day by day, doing well the [[present]] [[duty]] and [[faithfully]] discharging the [[immediate]] [[responsibilities]] of his station in life. [[Jesus]]' life is the everlasting [[comfort]] of all [[disappointed]] [[idealists]].

126:5.5 The pay of a common day-laboring carpenter was slowly diminishing. By the end of this year Jesus could earn, by working early and late, only the equivalent of about twenty-five cents a day. By the next year they found it difficult to pay the civil taxes, not to mention the synagogue assessments and the temple tax of one-half shekel. During this year the tax collector tried to squeeze extra revenue out of Jesus, even threatening to take his harp.

126:5.5 The pay of a common day-laboring [[carpenter]] was slowly diminishing. By the end of this year [[Jesus]] could earn, by working early and late, only the equivalent of about twenty-five cents a day. By the next year they found it [[difficult]] to pay the civil [[taxes]], not to mention the [[synagogue]] assessments and the [[temple]] tax of one-half shekel. During this year the tax collector tried to squeeze extra [[revenue]] out of [[Jesus]], even threatening to take his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp harp].

126:5.6 Fearing that the copy of the Greek scriptures might be discovered and confiscated by the tax collectors, Jesus, on his fifteenth birthday, presented it to the Nazareth synagogue library as his maturity offering to the Lord.

126:5.6 Fearing that the [[copy]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septuagint Greek scriptures] might be [[discovered]] and confiscated by the tax collectors, [[Jesus]], on his fifteenth birthday, presented it to the [[Nazareth]] [[synagogue]] [[library]] as his [[maturity]] offering to the Lord.

126:5.7 The great shock of his fifteenth year came when Jesus went over to Sepphoris to receive the decision of Herod regarding the appeal taken to him in the dispute about the amount of money due Joseph at the time of his accidental death. Jesus and Mary had hoped for the receipt of a considerable sum of money when the treasurer at Sepphoris had offered them a paltry amount. Joseph's brothers had taken an appeal to Herod himself, and now Jesus stood in the palace and heard Herod decree that his father had nothing due him at the time of his death. And for such an unjust decision Jesus never again trusted Herod Antipas. It is not surprising that he once alluded to Herod as " that fox. "

126:5.7 The great [[shock]] of his fifteenth year came when [[Jesus]] went over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] to receive the [[decision]] of Herod regarding the appeal taken to him in the dispute about the amount of [[money]] due [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] at the time of his [[accidental]] [[death]]. [[Jesus]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had [[hoped]] for the receipt of a considerable sum of [[money]] when the treasurer at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] had offered them a paltry amount. Joseph's brothers had taken an appeal to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] himself, and now [[Jesus]] stood in the palace and heard Herod [[decree]] that his [[father]] had nothing due him at the time of his [[death]]. And for such an unjust decision Jesus never again trusted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas]. It is not surprising that he once alluded to Herod as " that fox. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_13]

126:5.8 The close work at the carpenter's bench during this and subsequent years deprived Jesus of the opportunity of mingling with the caravan passengers. The family supply shop had already been taken over by his uncle, and Jesus worked altogether in the home shop, where he was near to help Mary with the family. About this time he began sending James up to the camel lot to gather information about world events, and thus he sought to keep in touch with the news of the day.

126:5.8 The close [[work]] at the [[carpenter]]'s bench during this and subsequent years deprived [[Jesus]] of the [[opportunity]] of mingling with the [[caravan]] passengers. The [[family]] supply shop had already been taken over by his uncle, and [[Jesus]] worked altogether in the [[home]] shop, where he was near to help [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] with the [[family]]. About this time he began sending James up to the camel lot to gather [[information]] about world [[events]], and thus he sought to keep in [[touch]] with the news of the day.

126:5.9 As he grew up to manhood, he passed through all those conflicts and confusions which the average young persons of previous and subsequent ages have undergone. And the rigorous experience of supporting his family was a sure safeguard against his having overmuch time for idle meditation or the indulgence of mystic tendencies.

126:5.9 As he grew up to [[Maturity|manhood]], he passed through all those [[conflicts]] and [[confusions]] which the [[average]] [[young persons]] of previous and subsequent ages have undergone. And the rigorous [[experience]] of [[supporting]] his [[family]] was a sure safeguard against his having overmuch time for idle [[meditation]] or the indulgence of [[mystic]] [[tendencies]].

126:5.10 This was the year that Jesus rented a considerable piece of land just to the north of their home, which was divided up as a family garden plot. Each of the older children had an individual garden, and they entered into keen competition in their agricultural efforts. Their eldest brother spent some time with them in the garden each day during the season of vegetable cultivation. As Jesus worked with his younger brothers and sisters in the garden, he many times entertained the wish that they were all located on a farm out in the country where they could enjoy the liberty and freedom of an unhampered life. But they did not find themselves growing up in the country; and Jesus, being a thoroughly practical youth as well as an idealist, intelligently and vigorously attacked his problem just as he found it, and did everything within his power to adjust himself and his family to the realities of their situation and to adapt their condition to the highest possible satisfaction of their individual and collective longings.

126:5.10 This was the year that [[Jesus]] rented a considerable piece of [[land]] just to the north of their [[home]], which was divided up as a [[family]] [[garden]] plot. Each of the older [[children]] had an [[individual]] [[garden]], and they entered into keen [[competition]] in their [[agricultural]] [[efforts]]. Their eldest [[brother]] spent some time with them in the [[garden]] each day during the [[season]] of [[vegetable]] cultivation. As [[Jesus]] worked with his younger brothers and sisters in the garden, he many times entertained the [[wish]] that they were all located on a [[farm]] out in the [[Rural|country]] where they could enjoy the [[liberty]] and [[freedom]] of an unhampered life. But they did not find themselves growing up in the country; and [[Jesus]], being a thoroughly [[practical]] [[youth]] as well as an [[idealist]], [[intelligently]] and vigorously attacked his [[problem]] just as he found it, and did [[everything]] within his [[power]] to [[adjust]] himself and his [[family]] to the [[realities]] of their situation and to [[adapt]] their condition to the highest possible [[satisfaction]] of their [[individual]] and [[collective]] longings.

126:5.11 At one time Jesus faintly hoped that he might be able to gather up sufficient means, provided they could collect the considerable sum of money due his father for work on Herod's palace, to warrant undertaking the purchase of a small farm. He had really given serious thought to this plan of moving his family out into the country. But when Herod refused to pay them any of the funds due Joseph, they gave up the ambition of owning a home in the country. As it was, they contrived to enjoy much of the experience of farm life as they now had three cows, four sheep, a flock of chickens, a donkey, and a dog, in addition to the doves. Even the little tots had their regular duties to perform in the well-regulated scheme of management which characterized the home life of this Nazareth family.

126:5.11 At one time [[Jesus]] faintly [[hoped]] that he might be able to gather up sufficient means, provided they could collect the considerable sum of [[money]] due his [[father]] for work on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod]'s palace, to warrant undertaking the purchase of a small [[farm]]. He had really given serious [[thought]] to this plan of moving his [[family]] out into the [[Rural|country]]. But when [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] refused to pay them any of the funds due [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph], they gave up the [[ambition]] of owning a [[home]] in the [[Rural|country]]. As it was, they contrived to [[enjoy]] much of the [[experience]] of [[farm]] life as they now had three cows, four sheep, a flock of chickens, a donkey, and a dog, in addition to the doves. Even the little tots had their regular [[duties]] to [[perform]] in the well-regulated [[scheme]] of [[management]] which characterized the [[home]] life of this [[Nazareth]] [[family]].

126:5.12 With the close of this fifteenth year Jesus completed the traversal of that dangerous and difficult period in human existence, that time of transition between the more complacent years of childhood and the consciousness of approaching manhood with its increased responsibilities and opportunities for the acquirement of advanced experience in the development of a noble character. The growth period for mind and body had ended, and now began the real career of this young man of Nazareth.

126:5.12 With the close of this fifteenth year [[Jesus]] completed the traversal of that [[dangerous]] and difficult period in [[human]] [[existence]], that time of [[transition]] between the more complacent years of [[childhood]] and the [[consciousness]] of approaching [[Maturity|manhood]] with its increased [[responsibilities]] and [[opportunities]] for the acquirement of advanced [[experience]] in the [[development]] of a [[noble]] [[character]]. The [[growth]] period for [[mind]] and [[body]] had ended, and now began the real [[career]] of this [[young man]] of [[Nazareth]].

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

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