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 [https://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, "[https://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_(ancient_city) 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 [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]].

126:1.5 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]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] The prospects of the [[family]] seemed good; the [[future]] was bright.

126:1.7 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.

126:2.5 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. "[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 [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. "[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]].

126:3.5 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] "[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 [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 [https://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 [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 [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 "[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 [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 [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 [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]].[https://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]

126:4.8 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==

126:5.2 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]] [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel 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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harp 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 [http://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.

126:5.6 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] at the time of his [[accidental]] [[death]]. [[Jesus]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had [[hoped]] for the receipt of a considerable sum of [[money]] when the treasurer at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] had offered them a paltry amount. Joseph's brothers had taken an appeal to [http://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 [http://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]

126:5.7 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 [http://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.

126:5.8 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 [[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]].

126:5.9 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 [[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.

126:5.10 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 [http://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 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod] refused to pay them any of the funds due [http://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]].

126:5.11 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 [[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]].

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]].