Changes

128:1.1 With the [[attainment]] of adult years [[Jesus]] began in [[earnest]] and with full [[self-consciousness]] the task of completing the [[experience]] of mastering the [[knowledge]] of the life of his lowest form of [[intelligent]] [[creatures]], thereby finally and fully earning the right of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY unqualified rulership] of his [[self]]-created [[universe]]. He entered upon this stupendous task fully [[realizing]] his [[dual]] nature. But he had already [[effectively]] combined these [[two]] natures into [[one]]—[[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

128:1.1 With the [[attainment]] of adult years [[Jesus]] began in [[earnest]] and with full [[self-consciousness]] the task of completing the [[experience]] of mastering the [[knowledge]] of the life of his lowest form of [[intelligent]] [[creatures]], thereby finally and fully earning the right of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_21#21:3._LOCAL_UNIVERSE_SOVEREIGNTY unqualified rulership] of his [[self]]-created [[universe]]. He entered upon this stupendous task fully [[realizing]] his [[dual]] nature. But he had already [[effectively]] combined these [[two]] natures into [[one]]—[[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]].

128:1.2 Joshua ben Joseph knew full well that he was a man, a [[mortal]] [[man]], [[born]] of [[woman]]. This is shown in the selection of his first title, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man]. He was truly a partaker of [[flesh]] and [[blood]], and even now, as he presides in [[sovereign]] [[authority]] over the [[destinies]] of a [[universe]], he still bears among his numerous well-earned titles that of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man]. It is [[literally]] true that the [[creative]] [[Word]]—the [[Creator Son]]—of the [[Universal Father]] was " made flesh and dwelt as a man of the realm on Urantia. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] He labored, grew weary, rested, and slept. He [[hungered]] and satisfied such cravings with [[food]]; he thirsted and quenched his [[thirst]] with [[water]]. He [[experienced]] the full [[gamut]] of human [[feelings]] and [[emotions]]; he was " in all things tested, even as you are, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_IV] and he suffered and died.

128:1.2 Joshua ben Joseph knew full well that he was a man, a [[mortal]] [[man]], [[born]] of [[woman]]. This is shown in the selection of his first title, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man]. He was truly a partaker of [[flesh]] and [[blood]], and even now, as he presides in [[sovereign]] [[authority]] over the [[destinies]] of a [[universe]], he still bears among his numerous well-earned titles that of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man]. It is [[literally]] true that the [[creative]] [[Word]]—the [[Creator Son]]—of the [[Universal Father]] was " made flesh and dwelt as a man of the realm on Urantia. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_1] He labored, grew weary, rested, and slept. He [[hungered]] and satisfied such cravings with [[food]]; he thirsted and quenched his [[thirst]] with [[water]]. He [[experienced]] the full [[gamut]] of human [[feelings]] and [[emotions]]; he was " in all things tested, even as you are, "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_IV] and he suffered and died.

128:1.3 He obtained [[knowledge]], gained [[experience]], and combined these into [[wisdom]], just as do other [[mortals]] of the realm. Until after his [[baptism]] he availed himself of no [[supernatural]] [[power]]. He employed no [[agency]] not a part of his [[human]] [[endowment]] as a son of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary].

128:1.3 He obtained [[knowledge]], gained [[experience]], and combined these into [[wisdom]], just as do other [[mortals]] of the realm. Until after his [[baptism]] he availed himself of no [[supernatural]] [[power]]. He employed no [[agency]] not a part of his [[human]] [[endowment]] as a son of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary].

128:1.7 He lived his [[mortal]] life just as all others of the [[human]] [[family]] may live theirs, " who in the days of the [[flesh]] so frequently offered up [[prayers]] and supplications, even with strong [[feelings]] and tears, to Him who is able to save from all [[evil]], and his prayers were [[effective]] because he believed. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_V] Wherefore it behooved him in every respect to be made like his brethren that he might become a [[merciful]] and [[understanding]] [[sovereign]] ruler over them.

128:1.7 He lived his [[mortal]] life just as all others of the [[human]] [[family]] may live theirs, " who in the days of the [[flesh]] so frequently offered up [[prayers]] and supplications, even with strong [[feelings]] and tears, to Him who is able to save from all [[evil]], and his prayers were [[effective]] because he believed. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_V] Wherefore it behooved him in every respect to be made like his brethren that he might become a [[merciful]] and [[understanding]] [[sovereign]] ruler over them.

128:1.8 Of his [[human]] [[nature]] he was never in [[doubt]]; it was self-evident and always present in his [[consciousness]]. But of his [[divine]] [[nature]] there was always room for [[doubt]] and [[conjecture]], at least this was true right up to the [[event]] of his [[baptism]]. The [[self-realization]] of [[divinity]] was a slow and, from the [[human]] [[standpoint]], a natural [[evolutionary]] [[revelation]]. This revelation and [[self-realization]] of [[divinity]] began in [[Jerusalem]] when he was not quite thirteen years old with the first [[supernatural]] occurrence of his [[human]] [[existence]]; and this [[experience]] of effecting the [[self-realization]] of his [[divine]] [[nature]] was completed at the time of his second [[supernatural]] [[experience]] while in the [[flesh]], the [[episode]] attendant upon his [[baptism]] by [[John the Baptist|John]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS], which [[event]] marked the beginning of his [[public]] [[career]] of [[ministry]] and [[teaching]].

128:1.8 Of his [[human]] [[nature]] he was never in [[doubt]]; it was self-evident and always present in his [[consciousness]]. But of his [[divine]] [[nature]] there was always room for [[doubt]] and [[conjecture]], at least this was true right up to the [[event]] of his [[baptism]]. The [[self-realization]] of [[divinity]] was a slow and, from the [[human]] [[standpoint]], a natural [[evolutionary]] [[revelation]]. This revelation and [[self-realization]] of [[divinity]] began in [[Jerusalem]] when he was not quite thirteen years old with the first [[supernatural]] occurrence of his [[human]] [[existence]]; and this [[experience]] of effecting the [[self-realization]] of his [[divine]] [[nature]] was completed at the time of his second [[supernatural]] [[experience]] while in the [[flesh]], the [[episode]] attendant upon his [[baptism]] by [[John the Baptist|John]] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river Jordan][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_136#136:2._THE_BAPTISM_OF_JESUS], which [[event]] marked the beginning of his [[public]] [[career]] of [[ministry]] and [[teaching]].

128:1.9 Between these [[two]] [[celestial]] [[visitations]], one in his thirteenth year and the other at his [[baptism]], there occurred nothing [[supernatural]] or [[superhuman]] in the life of this [[incarnated]] [[Creator Son]]. Notwithstanding this, the babe of [[Bethlehem]], the lad, [[youth]], and man of [[Nazareth]], was in [[reality]] the [[incarnated]] [[Creator]] of a [[universe]]; but he never once used aught of this [[power]], nor did he utilize the [[guidance]] of [[celestial]] [[personalities]], aside from that of his [[guardian seraphim]], in the living of his human life up to the day of his [[baptism]] by [[John the Baptist|John]]. And we who thus testify know whereof we speak.

128:1.9 Between these [[two]] [[celestial]] [[visitations]], one in his thirteenth year and the other at his [[baptism]], there occurred nothing [[supernatural]] or [[superhuman]] in the life of this [[incarnated]] [[Creator Son]]. Notwithstanding this, the babe of [[Bethlehem]], the lad, [[youth]], and man of [[Nazareth]], was in [[reality]] the [[incarnated]] [[Creator]] of a [[universe]]; but he never once used aught of this [[power]], nor did he utilize the [[guidance]] of [[celestial]] [[personalities]], aside from that of his [[guardian seraphim]], in the living of his human life up to the day of his [[baptism]] by [[John the Baptist|John]]. And we who thus testify know whereof we speak.

128:1.10 And yet, throughout all these years of his life in the [[flesh]] he was truly [[divine]]. He was actually a [[Creator Son]] of the [[Paradise Father]]. When once he had espoused his [[public]] [[career]], subsequent to the [[technical]] completion of his [[purely]] [[mortal]] [[experience]] of [[sovereignty]] acquirement, he did not hesitate publicly to admit that he was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God]. He did not hesitate to declare, " I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Revelation#Chapter_22] He made no [[protest]] in later years when he was called Lord of [[Glory]], Ruler of a [[Universe]], the Lord [[God]] of all [[creation]], the [[Holy]] One of [[Israel]], the Lord of all, our Lord and our God, God with us, having a [[name]] above every name and on all worlds, the [[Omnipotence]] of a [[universe]], the Universe [[Mind]] of this [[creation]], the One in whom are hid all treasures of [[wisdom]] and [[knowledge]], the fullness of Him who fills [[all things]], the [[eternal]] [[Word]] of the eternal [[God]], the One who was before all things and in whom all things consist, the [[Creator]] of the [[heaven]]s and the [[earth]], the Upholder of a universe, the [[Judge]] of all the earth, the Giver of life eternal, the True Shepherd, the Deliverer of the worlds, and the Captain of our [[salvation]].

128:1.10 And yet, throughout all these years of his life in the [[flesh]] he was truly [[divine]]. He was actually a [[Creator Son]] of the [[Paradise Father]]. When once he had espoused his [[public]] [[career]], subsequent to the [[technical]] completion of his [[purely]] [[mortal]] [[experience]] of [[sovereignty]] acquirement, he did not hesitate publicly to admit that he was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God]. He did not hesitate to declare, " I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Revelation#Chapter_22] He made no [[protest]] in later years when he was called Lord of [[Glory]], Ruler of a [[Universe]], the Lord [[God]] of all [[creation]], the [[Holy]] One of [[Israel]], the Lord of all, our Lord and our God, God with us, having a [[name]] above every name and on all worlds, the [[Omnipotence]] of a [[universe]], the Universe [[Mind]] of this [[creation]], the One in whom are hid all treasures of [[wisdom]] and [[knowledge]], the fullness of Him who fills [[all things]], the [[eternal]] [[Word]] of the eternal [[God]], the One who was before all things and in whom all things consist, the [[Creator]] of the [[heaven]]s and the [[earth]], the Upholder of a universe, the [[Judge]] of all the earth, the Giver of life eternal, the True Shepherd, the Deliverer of the worlds, and the Captain of our [[salvation]].

128:1.11 He never objected to any of these titles as they were applied to him subsequent to the [[emergence]] from his [[purely]] [[human]] life into the later years of his [[self-consciousness]] of the [[ministry]] of [[divinity]] in [[humanity]], and for humanity, and to humanity on this world and for all other worlds. [[Jesus]] objected to but one title as applied to him: When he was once called [[Immanuel]], he merely replied, " Not I, that is my [[elder]] [[brother]]. "

128:1.11 He never objected to any of these titles as they were applied to him subsequent to the [[emergence]] from his [[purely]] [[human]] life into the later years of his [[self-consciousness]] of the [[ministry]] of [[divinity]] in [[humanity]], and for humanity, and to humanity on this world and for all other worlds. [[Jesus]] objected to but one title as applied to him: When he was once called [[Immanuel]], he merely replied, " Not I, that is my [[elder]] [[brother]]. "

128:1.12 Always, even after his [[emergence]] into the larger life on [[earth]], Jesus was submissively subject to the [[Free will|will]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]].

128:1.12 Always, even after his [[emergence]] into the larger life on [[earth]], Jesus was submissively subject to the [[Free will|will]] of [[the Father]] in [[heaven]].

128:1.13 After his [[baptism]] he thought nothing of permitting his [[sincere]] believers and [[grateful]] followers to [[worship]] him. Even while he wrestled with [[poverty]] and toiled with his hands to provide the [[necessities]] of life for his [[family]], his [[awareness]] that he was a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God] was growing; he knew that he was the [[Creator|maker]] of the heavens and this very [[earth]] whereon he was now living out his [[human]] [[existence]]. And the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_37 hosts] of [[celestial]] [[beings]] throughout the great and onlooking [[universe]] likewise knew that this man of [[Nazareth]] was their beloved [[Sovereign]] and [[Creator]]-[[father]]. A [[profound]] [[suspense]] pervaded the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]] throughout these years; all celestial eyes were continuously [[focused]] on [[Urantia]]—on [[Palestine]].

128:1.13 After his [[baptism]] he thought nothing of permitting his [[sincere]] believers and [[grateful]] followers to [[worship]] him. Even while he wrestled with [[poverty]] and toiled with his hands to provide the [[necessities]] of life for his [[family]], his [[awareness]] that he was a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_god Son of God] was growing; he knew that he was the [[Creator|maker]] of the heavens and this very [[earth]] whereon he was now living out his [[human]] [[existence]]. And the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_37 hosts] of [[celestial]] [[beings]] throughout the great and onlooking [[universe]] likewise knew that this man of [[Nazareth]] was their beloved [[Sovereign]] and [[Creator]]-[[father]]. A [[profound]] [[suspense]] pervaded the [[universe]] of [[Nebadon]] throughout these years; all celestial eyes were continuously [[focused]] on [[Urantia]]—on [[Palestine]].

128:1.14 This year [[Jesus]] went up to [[Jerusalem]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to [[celebrate]] the [[Passover]]. Having taken [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_just James] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple] for [[consecration]], he deemed it his [[duty]] to take Joseph. [[Jesus]] never exhibited any [[degree]] of partiality in dealing with his [[family]]. He went with Joseph to [[Jerusalem]] by the usual [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] route, but he returned to [[Nazareth]] by the east Jordan way, which led through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amathus Amathus]. Going down the Jordan, [[Jesus]] narrated [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_history#Ancient_Jewish_history_.28before_37_BCE.29 Jewish history] to Joseph and on the return trip told him about the [[experiences]] of the reputed tribes of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_of_Reuben Ruben], [[Gad]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilead_(tribal_group) Gilead] that [[traditionally]] had dwelt in these regions east of the river.

128:1.14 This year [[Jesus]] went up to [[Jerusalem]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] to [[celebrate]] the [[Passover]]. Having taken [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_just James] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple] for [[consecration]], he deemed it his [[duty]] to take Joseph. [[Jesus]] never exhibited any [[degree]] of partiality in dealing with his [[family]]. He went with Joseph to [[Jerusalem]] by the usual [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_(Middle_East) Jordan valley] route, but he returned to [[Nazareth]] by the east Jordan way, which led through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amathus Amathus]. Going down the Jordan, [[Jesus]] narrated [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_history#Ancient_Jewish_history_.28before_37_BCE.29 Jewish history] to Joseph and on the return trip told him about the [[experiences]] of the reputed tribes of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_of_Reuben Ruben], [[Gad]], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilead_(tribal_group) Gilead] that [[traditionally]] had dwelt in these regions east of the river.

128:1.15 Joseph asked [[Jesus]] many leading questions concerning his life [[mission]], but to most of these [[inquiries]] Jesus would only reply, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_2] However, in these [[intimate]] [[discussions]] many [[words]] were dropped which Joseph [[remembered]] during the stirring [[events]] of subsequent years. [[Jesus]], with Joseph, spent this [[Passover]] with his three friends at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], as was his [[custom]] when in [[Jerusalem]] attending these festival commemorations.

128:1.15 Joseph asked [[Jesus]] many leading questions concerning his life [[mission]], but to most of these [[inquiries]] Jesus would only reply, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_2] However, in these [[intimate]] [[discussions]] many [[words]] were dropped which Joseph [[remembered]] during the stirring [[events]] of subsequent years. [[Jesus]], with Joseph, spent this [[Passover]] with his three friends at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany], as was his [[custom]] when in [[Jerusalem]] attending these festival commemorations.

==128:2. THE TWENTY-SECOND YEAR (A.D. 16)==

==128:2. THE TWENTY-SECOND YEAR (A.D. 16)==

128:2.1 This was one of several years during which [[Jesus]]' brothers and sisters were facing the [[trials]] and tribulations peculiar to the [[problems]] and readjustments of [[adolescence]]. Jesus now had brothers and sisters ranging in ages from seven to eighteen, and he was kept busy helping them to [[adjust]] themselves to the new [[awakenings]] of their [[intellectual]] and [[emotional]] lives. He had thus to grapple with the [[problems]] of [[adolescence]] as they became [[manifest]] in the lives of his younger brothers and sisters.

128:2.1 This was one of several years during which [[Jesus]]' brothers and sisters were facing the [[trials]] and tribulations peculiar to the [[problems]] and readjustments of [[adolescence]]. Jesus now had brothers and sisters ranging in ages from seven to eighteen, and he was kept busy helping them to [[adjust]] themselves to the new [[awakenings]] of their [[intellectual]] and [[emotional]] lives. He had thus to grapple with the [[problems]] of [[adolescence]] as they became [[manifest]] in the lives of his younger brothers and sisters.

128:2.2 This year Simon [[graduated]] from school and began [[work]] with [[Jesus]]' old boyhood playmate and ever-ready defender, Jacob the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry stone mason]. As a result of several [[family]] [[conferences]] it was decided that it was unwise for all the boys to take up [[carpentry]]. It was thought that by [[diversifying]] their trades they would be [[prepared]] to take contracts for putting up entire buildings. Again, they had not all kept busy since three of them had been working as full-time [[carpenter]]s.

128:2.2 This year Simon [[graduated]] from school and began [[work]] with [[Jesus]]' old boyhood playmate and ever-ready defender, Jacob the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masonry stone mason]. As a result of several [[family]] [[conferences]] it was decided that it was unwise for all the boys to take up [[carpentry]]. It was thought that by [[diversifying]] their trades they would be [[prepared]] to take contracts for putting up entire buildings. Again, they had not all kept busy since three of them had been working as full-time [[carpenter]]s.

128:2.3 [[Jesus]] continued this year at house finishing and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinetry cabinetwork] but spent most of his time at the [[caravan]] repair shop. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] was beginning to alternate with him in attendance at the shop. The latter part of this year, when [[carpenter]] work was slack about [[Nazareth]], Jesus left James in charge of the repair shop and Joseph at the home bench while he went over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] to work with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith smith]. He worked six months with metals and acquired considerable skill at the anvil.

128:2.3 [[Jesus]] continued this year at house finishing and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinetry cabinetwork] but spent most of his time at the [[caravan]] repair shop. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] was beginning to alternate with him in attendance at the shop. The latter part of this year, when [[carpenter]] work was slack about [[Nazareth]], Jesus left James in charge of the repair shop and Joseph at the home bench while he went over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] to work with a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacksmith smith]. He worked six months with metals and acquired considerable skill at the anvil.

128:2.4 Before taking up his new employment at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], [[Jesus]] held one of his periodic [[family]] [[conferences]] and [[solemn]]ly installed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], then just past eighteen years old, as acting head of the family. He [[promised]] his [[brother]] hearty [[support]] and full [[co-operation]] and exacted [[formal]] [[promises]] of [[obedience]] to James from each member of the family. From this day James [[assumed]] full [[financial]] [[responsibility]] for the family, [[Jesus]] making his weekly payments to his [[brother]]. Never again did [[Jesus]] take the reins out of James's hands. While working at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] he could have walked [[home]] every night if [[necessary]], but he [[purposely]] remained away, assigning [[weather]] and other reasons, but his true [[motive]] was to train James and Joseph in the bearing of the [[family]] [[responsibility]]. He had begun the slow [[process]] of [[weaning]] his [[family]]. Each [[Sabbath]] [[Jesus]] returned to [[Nazareth]], and sometimes during the week when occasion required, to [[observe]] the working of the new [[plan]], to give [[advice]] and offer helpful suggestions.

128:2.4 Before taking up his new employment at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris], [[Jesus]] held one of his periodic [[family]] [[conferences]] and [[solemn]]ly installed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], then just past eighteen years old, as acting head of the family. He [[promised]] his [[brother]] hearty [[support]] and full [[co-operation]] and exacted [[formal]] [[promises]] of [[obedience]] to James from each member of the family. From this day James [[assumed]] full [[financial]] [[responsibility]] for the family, [[Jesus]] making his weekly payments to his [[brother]]. Never again did [[Jesus]] take the reins out of James's hands. While working at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] he could have walked [[home]] every night if [[necessary]], but he [[purposely]] remained away, assigning [[weather]] and other reasons, but his true [[motive]] was to train James and Joseph in the bearing of the [[family]] [[responsibility]]. He had begun the slow [[process]] of [[weaning]] his [[family]]. Each [[Sabbath]] [[Jesus]] returned to [[Nazareth]], and sometimes during the week when occasion required, to [[observe]] the working of the new [[plan]], to give [[advice]] and offer helpful suggestions.

128:2.5 Living much of the time in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] for six months afforded [[Jesus]] a new [[opportunity]] to become better acquainted with the [[gentile]] [[viewpoint]] of life. He worked with [[gentiles]], lived with gentiles, and in every possible [[manner]] did he make a close and painstaking [[study]] of their [[habits]] of living and of the gentile [[mind]].

128:2.5 Living much of the time in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] for six months afforded [[Jesus]] a new [[opportunity]] to become better acquainted with the [[gentile]] [[viewpoint]] of life. He worked with [[gentiles]], lived with gentiles, and in every possible [[manner]] did he make a close and painstaking [[study]] of their [[habits]] of living and of the gentile [[mind]].

128:2.6 The [[moral]] [[standards]] of this [[home]] [[city]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] were so far below those of even the [[caravan]] city of [[Nazareth]] that after six months' [[sojourn]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] [[Jesus]] was not averse to finding an excuse for returning to [[Nazareth]]. The [[group]] he worked for were to become [[engaged]] on public work in both Sepphoris and the new city of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias], and [[Jesus]] was disinclined to have anything to do with any sort of employment under the supervision of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas]. And there were still other reasons which made it [[wise]], in the [[opinion]] of [[Jesus]], for him to go back to [[Nazareth]]. When he returned to the repair shop, he did not again [[assume]] the [[personal]] direction of [[family]] affairs. He worked in [[association]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] at the shop and as far as possible [[permitted]] him to continue oversight of the [[home]]. James's [[management]] of [[family]] expenditures and his [[administration]] of the [[home]] [[budget]] were undisturbed.

128:2.6 The [[moral]] [[standards]] of this [[home]] [[city]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas] were so far below those of even the [[caravan]] city of [[Nazareth]] that after six months' [[sojourn]] at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris Sepphoris] [[Jesus]] was not averse to finding an excuse for returning to [[Nazareth]]. The [[group]] he worked for were to become [[engaged]] on public work in both Sepphoris and the new city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiberias Tiberias], and [[Jesus]] was disinclined to have anything to do with any sort of employment under the supervision of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herod_Antipas Herod Antipas]. And there were still other reasons which made it [[wise]], in the [[opinion]] of [[Jesus]], for him to go back to [[Nazareth]]. When he returned to the repair shop, he did not again [[assume]] the [[personal]] direction of [[family]] affairs. He worked in [[association]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] at the shop and as far as possible [[permitted]] him to continue oversight of the [[home]]. James's [[management]] of [[family]] expenditures and his [[administration]] of the [[home]] [[budget]] were undisturbed.

128:2.7 It was by just such [[wise]] and [[thoughtful]] planning that [[Jesus]] [[prepared]] the way for his [[eventual]] withdrawal from [[active]] [[participation]] in the affairs of his [[family]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had had two years' [[experience]] as acting head of the [[family]]—and two full years before he (James) was to be [[married]]—Joseph was placed in charge of the household funds and intrusted with the general [[management]] of the [[home]].

128:2.7 It was by just such [[wise]] and [[thoughtful]] planning that [[Jesus]] [[prepared]] the way for his [[eventual]] withdrawal from [[active]] [[participation]] in the affairs of his [[family]]. When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had had two years' [[experience]] as acting head of the [[family]]—and two full years before he (James) was to be [[married]]—Joseph was placed in charge of the household funds and intrusted with the general [[management]] of the [[home]].

==128:3. THE TWENTY-THIRD YEAR (A.D. 17)==

==128:3. THE TWENTY-THIRD YEAR (A.D. 17)==

128:3.1 This year the [[financial]] [[pressure]] was slightly [[relaxed]] as four were at [[work]]. Miriam earned considerable by the sale of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dairy milk and butter]; Martha had become an expert [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving weaver]. The purchase price of the repair shop was over one third paid. The situation was such that [[Jesus]] stopped work for three weeks to take Simon to [[Jerusalem]] for the [[Passover]], and this was the longest period away from daily toil he had enjoyed since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH death of his father].

128:3.1 This year the [[financial]] [[pressure]] was slightly [[relaxed]] as four were at [[work]]. Miriam earned considerable by the sale of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dairy milk and butter]; Martha had become an expert [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weaving weaver]. The purchase price of the repair shop was over one third paid. The situation was such that [[Jesus]] stopped work for three weeks to take Simon to [[Jerusalem]] for the [[Passover]], and this was the longest period away from daily toil he had enjoyed since the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH death of his father].

128:3.2 They [[journeyed]] to [[Jerusalem]] by way of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis] and through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerash Gerasa], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heshbon Heshbon], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho]. They returned to [[Nazareth]] by the coast route, touching [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lod Lydda], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa Joppa], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea], thence around [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel Mount Carmel] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acre,_Israel Ptolemais] and [[Nazareth]]. This trip fairly well acquainted [[Jesus]] with the whole of [[Palestine]] north of the [[Jerusalem]] district.

128:3.2 They [[journeyed]] to [[Jerusalem]] by way of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decapolis Decapolis] and through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pella,_Jordan Pella], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerash Gerasa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heshbon Heshbon], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho]. They returned to [[Nazareth]] by the coast route, touching [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lod Lydda], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa Joppa], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea], thence around [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Carmel Mount Carmel] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acre,_Israel Ptolemais] and [[Nazareth]]. This trip fairly well acquainted [[Jesus]] with the whole of [[Palestine]] north of the [[Jerusalem]] district.

128:3.3 At [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia] [[Jesus]] and Simon became acquainted with a merchant from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] who developed such a great liking for the [[Nazareth]] couple that he insisted they stop with him at his [[Jerusalem]] headquarters. While Simon gave attendance at the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple], [[Jesus]] spent much of his time talking with this well-[[educated]] and much-[[traveled]] man of world affairs. This merchant owned over four thousand [[caravan]] camels; he had interests all over the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman world] and was now on his way to [[Rome]]. He [[proposed]] that Jesus come to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] to enter his [[Oriental]] import business, but [[Jesus]] explained that he did not feel justified in going so far away from his [[family]] just then. But on the way back [[home]] he thought much about these distant cities and the even more remote countries of the [[Occident|Far West]]and the [[Orient|Far East]], countries he had so frequently heard spoken of by the [[caravan]] passengers and conductors.

128:3.3 At [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia] [[Jesus]] and Simon became acquainted with a merchant from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] who developed such a great liking for the [[Nazareth]] couple that he insisted they stop with him at his [[Jerusalem]] headquarters. While Simon gave attendance at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple], [[Jesus]] spent much of his time talking with this well-[[educated]] and much-[[traveled]] man of world affairs. This merchant owned over four thousand [[caravan]] camels; he had interests all over the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Empire Roman world] and was now on his way to [[Rome]]. He [[proposed]] that Jesus come to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] to enter his [[Oriental]] import business, but [[Jesus]] explained that he did not feel justified in going so far away from his [[family]] just then. But on the way back [[home]] he thought much about these distant cities and the even more remote countries of the [[Occident|Far West]]and the [[Orient|Far East]], countries he had so frequently heard spoken of by the [[caravan]] passengers and conductors.

128:3.4 Simon greatly enjoyed his [[visit]] to [[Jerusalem]]. He was duly received into the [[commonwealth]] of [[Israel]] at the [[Passover]] [[consecration]] of the new [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_mitzvah sons of the commandment]. While Simon attended the [[Passover]] [[ceremonies]], [[Jesus]] mingled with the throngs of visitors and [[engaged]] in many interesting [[personal]] [[conferences]] with numerous [[gentile]] proselytes.

128:3.4 Simon greatly enjoyed his [[visit]] to [[Jerusalem]]. He was duly received into the [[commonwealth]] of [[Israel]] at the [[Passover]] [[consecration]] of the new [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_mitzvah sons of the commandment]. While Simon attended the [[Passover]] [[ceremonies]], [[Jesus]] mingled with the throngs of visitors and [[engaged]] in many interesting [[personal]] [[conferences]] with numerous [[gentile]] proselytes.

128:3.5 Perhaps the most notable of all these [[contacts]] was the one with a young [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenist] named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen]. This young man was on his first visit to [[Jerusalem]] and chanced to meet Jesus on Thursday afternoon of [[Passover]] week. While they both strolled about viewing the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasmoneans Asmonean palace], [[Jesus]] began the casual [[conversation]] that resulted in their becoming interested in each other, and which led to a four-hour [[discussion]] of the way of life and the true [[God]] and his [[worship]]. Stephen was tremendously impressed with what [[Jesus]] said; he never forgot his [[words]].

128:3.5 Perhaps the most notable of all these [[contacts]] was the one with a young [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization Hellenist] named [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen]. This young man was on his first visit to [[Jerusalem]] and chanced to meet Jesus on Thursday afternoon of [[Passover]] week. While they both strolled about viewing the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasmoneans Asmonean palace], [[Jesus]] began the casual [[conversation]] that resulted in their becoming interested in each other, and which led to a four-hour [[discussion]] of the way of life and the true [[God]] and his [[worship]]. Stephen was tremendously impressed with what [[Jesus]] said; he never forgot his [[words]].

128:3.6 And this was the same [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] who subsequently became a believer in the teachings of [[Jesus]], and whose [[boldness]] in preaching this early [[gospel]] resulted in his being [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen#Martyrdom stoned to death] by irate [[Jews]]. Some of Stephen's extraordinary boldness in proclaiming his view of the new [[gospel]] was the direct result of this earlier interview with [[Jesus]]. But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] never even faintly surmised that the Galilean he had talked with some fifteen years previously was the very same [[person]] whom he later [[proclaimed]] the world's Savior, and for whom he was so soon to die, thus becoming the first [[martyr]] of the newly evolving [[Christian]] [[faith]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] yielded up his life as the price of his attack upon the [[Jewish]] [[temple]] and its [[traditional]] [[practices]], there stood by one named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus Saul], a citizen of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus_(city) Tarsus]. And when Saul saw how this [[Greek]] could die for his [[faith]], there were aroused in his [[heart]] those [[emotions]] which [[eventually]] led him to espouse the [[cause]] for which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] died; later on he became the [[aggressive]] and indomitable Paul, the [[philosopher]], if not the sole founder, of the [[Christian]] [[religion]].

128:3.6 And this was the same [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] who subsequently became a believer in the teachings of [[Jesus]], and whose [[boldness]] in preaching this early [[gospel]] resulted in his being [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen#Martyrdom stoned to death] by irate [[Jews]]. Some of Stephen's extraordinary boldness in proclaiming his view of the new [[gospel]] was the direct result of this earlier interview with [[Jesus]]. But [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] never even faintly surmised that the Galilean he had talked with some fifteen years previously was the very same [[person]] whom he later [[proclaimed]] the world's Savior, and for whom he was so soon to die, thus becoming the first [[martyr]] of the newly evolving [[Christian]] [[faith]]. When [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] yielded up his life as the price of his attack upon the [[Jewish]] [[temple]] and its [[traditional]] [[practices]], there stood by one named [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul_of_Tarsus Saul], a citizen of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus_(city) Tarsus]. And when Saul saw how this [[Greek]] could die for his [[faith]], there were aroused in his [[heart]] those [[emotions]] which [[eventually]] led him to espouse the [[cause]] for which [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Stephen Stephen] died; later on he became the [[aggressive]] and indomitable Paul, the [[philosopher]], if not the sole founder, of the [[Christian]] [[religion]].

128:3.7 On the Sunday after [[Passover]] week Simon and [[Jesus]] started on their way back to [[Nazareth]]. Simon never forgot what [[Jesus]] taught him on this trip. He had always loved [[Jesus]], but now he felt that he had begun to know his [[father]]-[[brother]]. They had many heart-to-heart talks as they [[journeyed]] through the [[Rural|country]] and [[prepared]] their meals by the wayside. They arrived home Thursday noon, and Simon kept the [[family]] up late that night relating his [[experiences]].

128:3.7 On the Sunday after [[Passover]] week Simon and [[Jesus]] started on their way back to [[Nazareth]]. Simon never forgot what [[Jesus]] taught him on this trip. He had always loved [[Jesus]], but now he felt that he had begun to know his [[father]]-[[brother]]. They had many heart-to-heart talks as they [[journeyed]] through the [[Rural|country]] and [[prepared]] their meals by the wayside. They arrived home Thursday noon, and Simon kept the [[family]] up late that night relating his [[experiences]].

128:3.8 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much upset by Simon's report that [[Jesus]] spent most of the time when in [[Jerusalem]] " visiting with the strangers, especially those from the far countries. " [[Jesus]]' [[family]] never could [[comprehend]] his great interest in people, his urge to visit with them, to learn about their way of living, and to find out what they were [[thinking]] about.

128:3.8 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was much upset by Simon's report that [[Jesus]] spent most of the time when in [[Jerusalem]] " visiting with the strangers, especially those from the far countries. " [[Jesus]]' [[family]] never could [[comprehend]] his great interest in people, his urge to visit with them, to learn about their way of living, and to find out what they were [[thinking]] about.

128:3.9 More and more the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] became engrossed with their [[immediate]] and [[human]] [[problems]]; not often was mention made of the [[future]] [[mission]] of [[Jesus]], and very seldom did he himself speak of his [[future]] [[career]]. His [[mother]] rarely thought about his being a child of promise. She was slowly giving up the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] was to fulfill any [[divine]] [[mission]] on [[earth]], yet at times her [[faith]] was revived when she paused to recall the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:3._GABRIEL.27S_ANNOUNCEMENT_TO_MARY Gabriel visitation] before the child was [[born]].

128:3.9 More and more the [[Nazareth]] [[family]] became engrossed with their [[immediate]] and [[human]] [[problems]]; not often was mention made of the [[future]] [[mission]] of [[Jesus]], and very seldom did he himself speak of his [[future]] [[career]]. His [[mother]] rarely thought about his being a child of promise. She was slowly giving up the [[idea]] that [[Jesus]] was to fulfill any [[divine]] [[mission]] on [[earth]], yet at times her [[faith]] was revived when she paused to recall the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:3._GABRIEL.27S_ANNOUNCEMENT_TO_MARY Gabriel visitation] before the child was [[born]].

==128:4. THE DAMASCUS EPISODE==

==128:4. THE DAMASCUS EPISODE==

128:4.1 The last four months of this year [[Jesus]] spent in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] as the guest of the merchant whom he first met at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia] when on his way to [[Jerusalem]]. A [[representative]] of this merchant had sought out [[Jesus]] when passing through [[Nazareth]] and escorted him to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus]. This part-Jewish merchant [[proposed]] to [[devote]] an extraordinary sum of [[money]] to the establishment of a [[school]] of religious [[philosophy]] at Damascus. He planned to create a [[center]] of [[learning]] which would out-rival [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. And he proposed that [[Jesus]] should immediately begin a long tour of the world's [[educational]] [[centers]] [[preparatory]] to becoming the head of this new project. This was one of the greatest [[temptations]] that [[Jesus]] ever faced in the [[course]] of his purely human [[career]].

128:4.1 The last four months of this year [[Jesus]] spent in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] as the guest of the merchant whom he first met at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amman Philadelphia] when on his way to [[Jerusalem]]. A [[representative]] of this merchant had sought out [[Jesus]] when passing through [[Nazareth]] and escorted him to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus]. This part-Jewish merchant [[proposed]] to [[devote]] an extraordinary sum of [[money]] to the establishment of a [[school]] of religious [[philosophy]] at Damascus. He planned to create a [[center]] of [[learning]] which would out-rival [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria]. And he proposed that [[Jesus]] should immediately begin a long tour of the world's [[educational]] [[centers]] [[preparatory]] to becoming the head of this new project. This was one of the greatest [[temptations]] that [[Jesus]] ever faced in the [[course]] of his purely human [[career]].

128:4.2 Presently this merchant brought before [[Jesus]] a group of twelve merchants and bankers who agreed to [[support]] this newly projected [[school]]. Jesus [[manifested]] deep interest in the proposed [[school]], helped them plan for its [[organization]], but always [[expressed]] the fear that his other and unstated but prior [[obligations]] would prevent his [[accepting]] the direction of such a pretentious [[enterprise]]. His would-be [[benefactor]] was [[persistent]], and he profitably employed [[Jesus]] at his [[home]] doing some [[translating]] while he, his [[wife]], and their sons and daughters sought to prevail upon [[Jesus]] to accept the proffered [[honor]]. But he would not [[consent]]. He well knew that his [[mission]] on [[earth]] was not to be [[supported]] by [[institutions]] of [[learning]]; he knew that he must not [[obligate]] himself in the least to be directed by the " [[councils]] of men, " no matter how well-[[intentioned]].

128:4.2 Presently this merchant brought before [[Jesus]] a group of twelve merchants and bankers who agreed to [[support]] this newly projected [[school]]. Jesus [[manifested]] deep interest in the proposed [[school]], helped them plan for its [[organization]], but always [[expressed]] the fear that his other and unstated but prior [[obligations]] would prevent his [[accepting]] the direction of such a pretentious [[enterprise]]. His would-be [[benefactor]] was [[persistent]], and he profitably employed [[Jesus]] at his [[home]] doing some [[translating]] while he, his [[wife]], and their sons and daughters sought to prevail upon [[Jesus]] to accept the proffered [[honor]]. But he would not [[consent]]. He well knew that his [[mission]] on [[earth]] was not to be [[supported]] by [[institutions]] of [[learning]]; he knew that he must not [[obligate]] himself in the least to be directed by the " [[councils]] of men, " no matter how well-[[intentioned]].

128:4.3 He who was [[rejected]] by the [[Jerusalem]] [[religious]] [[leaders]], even after he had [[demonstrated]] his [[leadership]], was recognized and hailed as a master [[teacher]] by the businessmen and bankers of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and all this when he was an obscure and [[unknown]] [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]].

128:4.3 He who was [[rejected]] by the [[Jerusalem]] [[religious]] [[leaders]], even after he had [[demonstrated]] his [[leadership]], was recognized and hailed as a master [[teacher]] by the businessmen and bankers of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus], and all this when he was an obscure and [[unknown]] [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]].

128:4.4 He never spoke about this offer to his [[family]], and the end of this year found him back in [[Nazareth]] going about his daily [[duties]] just as if he had never been [[tempted]] by the flattering [[proposition]]s of his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] [[friends]]. Neither did these men of Damascus ever [[associate]] the later [[citizen]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] who turned all Jewry upside down with the former [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]] who had dared to refuse the [[honor]] which their combined [[wealth]] might have procured.

128:4.4 He never spoke about this offer to his [[family]], and the end of this year found him back in [[Nazareth]] going about his daily [[duties]] just as if he had never been [[tempted]] by the flattering [[proposition]]s of his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] [[friends]]. Neither did these men of Damascus ever [[associate]] the later [[citizen]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] who turned all Jewry upside down with the former [[carpenter]] of [[Nazareth]] who had dared to refuse the [[honor]] which their combined [[wealth]] might have procured.

128:4.5 [[Jesus]] most cleverly and [[intentionally]] contrived to detach various [[episodes]] of his life so that they never became, in the eyes of the world, [[associated]] [[together]] as the doings of a single [[individual]]. Many times in subsequent years he [[listened]] to the [[recital]] of this very [[story]] of the strange [[Galilean]] who declined the [[opportunity]] of founding a [[school]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] to compete with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

128:4.5 [[Jesus]] most cleverly and [[intentionally]] contrived to detach various [[episodes]] of his life so that they never became, in the eyes of the world, [[associated]] [[together]] as the doings of a single [[individual]]. Many times in subsequent years he [[listened]] to the [[recital]] of this very [[story]] of the strange [[Galilean]] who declined the [[opportunity]] of founding a [[school]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damascus Damascus] to compete with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

128:4.6 One [[purpose]] which [[Jesus]] had in [[mind]], when he sought to [[segregate]] certain features of his [[earthly]] [[experience]], was to prevent the building up of such a [[versatile]] and [[spectacular]] [[career]] as would cause subsequent [[generations]] to [[venerate]] the [[teacher]] in place of [[obeying]] the [[truth]] which he had lived and taught. [[Jesus]] did not want to build up such a [[human]] [[record]] of [[achievement]] as would attract [[attention]] from his teaching. Very early he recognized that his followers would be [[tempted]] to [[formulate]] a [[religion]] about him which might become a [[competitor]] of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom that he [[intended]] to [[proclaim]] to the world. Accordingly, he [[consistently]] sought to suppress everything during his [[eventful]] [[career]] which he thought might be made to serve this [[natural]] [[human]] tendency to exalt the teacher in place of proclaiming his teachings.

128:4.6 One [[purpose]] which [[Jesus]] had in [[mind]], when he sought to [[segregate]] certain features of his [[earthly]] [[experience]], was to prevent the building up of such a [[versatile]] and [[spectacular]] [[career]] as would cause subsequent [[generations]] to [[venerate]] the [[teacher]] in place of [[obeying]] the [[truth]] which he had lived and taught. [[Jesus]] did not want to build up such a [[human]] [[record]] of [[achievement]] as would attract [[attention]] from his teaching. Very early he recognized that his followers would be [[tempted]] to [[formulate]] a [[religion]] about him which might become a [[competitor]] of the [[gospel]] of the kingdom that he [[intended]] to [[proclaim]] to the world. Accordingly, he [[consistently]] sought to suppress everything during his [[eventful]] [[career]] which he thought might be made to serve this [[natural]] [[human]] tendency to exalt the teacher in place of proclaiming his teachings.

128:4.7 This same [[motive]] also explains why he permitted himself to be known by [[different]] titles during various [[epochs]] of his [[diversified]] life on [[earth]]. Again, he did not want to bring any undue [[influence]] to bear upon his [[family]] or others which would lead them to believe in him against their [[honest]] [[convictions]]. He always refused to take undue or unfair [[advantage]] of the [[human]] [[mind]]. He did not want men to believe in him unless their [[hearts]] were [[responsive]] to the [[spiritual]] [[realities]] [[revealed]] in his [[teachings]].

128:4.7 This same [[motive]] also explains why he permitted himself to be known by [[different]] titles during various [[epochs]] of his [[diversified]] life on [[earth]]. Again, he did not want to bring any undue [[influence]] to bear upon his [[family]] or others which would lead them to believe in him against their [[honest]] [[convictions]]. He always refused to take undue or unfair [[advantage]] of the [[human]] [[mind]]. He did not want men to believe in him unless their [[hearts]] were [[responsive]] to the [[spiritual]] [[realities]] [[revealed]] in his [[teachings]].

128:4.8 By the end of this year the [[Nazareth]] home was running fairly smoothly. The [[children]] were growing up, and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was becoming accustomed to [[Jesus]]' being away from [[home]]. He continued to turn over his earnings to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] for the [[support]] of the [[family]], retaining only a small portion for his [[immediate]] personal expenses.

128:4.8 By the end of this year the [[Nazareth]] home was running fairly smoothly. The [[children]] were growing up, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was becoming accustomed to [[Jesus]]' being away from [[home]]. He continued to turn over his earnings to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] for the [[support]] of the [[family]], retaining only a small portion for his [[immediate]] personal expenses.

128:4.9 As the years passed, it became more [[difficult]] to [[realize]] that this man was a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God] on [[earth]]. He seemed to become quite like an [[individual]] of the realm, just another man among men. And it was [[ordained]] by [[the Father]] in [[heaven]] that the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal] should unfold in this very way.

128:4.9 As the years passed, it became more [[difficult]] to [[realize]] that this man was a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God Son of God] on [[earth]]. He seemed to become quite like an [[individual]] of the realm, just another man among men. And it was [[ordained]] by [[the Father]] in [[heaven]] that the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL bestowal] should unfold in this very way.

==128:5. THE TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR (A.D. 18)==  

==128:5. THE TWENTY-FOURTH YEAR (A.D. 18)==  

128:5.1 This was [[Jesus]]' first year of [[comparative]] [[freedom]] from [[family]] [[responsibility]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] was very successful in managing the [[home]] with [[Jesus]]' help in [[counsel]] and [[finances]].

128:5.1 This was [[Jesus]]' first year of [[comparative]] [[freedom]] from [[family]] [[responsibility]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] was very successful in managing the [[home]] with [[Jesus]]' help in [[counsel]] and [[finances]].

128:5.2 The week following the [[Passover]] of this year a young man from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] came down to [[Nazareth]] to arrange for a meeting, later in the year, between [[Jesus]] and a group of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Alexandrian Jews] at some point on the [[Palestine|Palestinian]] coast. This [[conference]] was set for the middle of June, and [[Jesus]] went over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea] to meet with five prominent Jews of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], who besought him to [[establish]] himself in their [[city]] as a religious [[teacher]], offering as an inducement to begin with, the position of assistant to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] in their chief [[synagogue]].

128:5.2 The week following the [[Passover]] of this year a young man from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] came down to [[Nazareth]] to arrange for a meeting, later in the year, between [[Jesus]] and a group of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Alexandrian Jews] at some point on the [[Palestine|Palestinian]] coast. This [[conference]] was set for the middle of June, and [[Jesus]] went over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea] to meet with five prominent Jews of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], who besought him to [[establish]] himself in their [[city]] as a religious [[teacher]], offering as an inducement to begin with, the position of assistant to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] in their chief [[synagogue]].

128:5.3 The spokesmen for this committee explained to [[Jesus]] that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] was [[destined]] to become the [[headquarters]] of [[Jewish]] [[culture]] for the entire world; that the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenistic trend of Jewish affairs] had virtually outdistanced the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_Jews Babylonian school of thought]. They reminded [[Jesus]] of the ominous rumblings of [[rebellion]] in [[Jerusalem]] and throughout [[Palestine]] and [[assured]] him that any uprising of the Palestinian Jews would be equivalent to [[national]] [[suicide]], that the iron hand of [[Rome]] would crush the rebellion in three months, and that [[Jerusalem]] would be destroyed and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple] demolished, that not one stone would be left upon another.

128:5.3 The spokesmen for this committee explained to [[Jesus]] that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria] was [[destined]] to become the [[headquarters]] of [[Jewish]] [[culture]] for the entire world; that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_Judaism Hellenistic trend of Jewish affairs] had virtually outdistanced the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_Jews Babylonian school of thought]. They reminded [[Jesus]] of the ominous rumblings of [[rebellion]] in [[Jerusalem]] and throughout [[Palestine]] and [[assured]] him that any uprising of the Palestinian Jews would be equivalent to [[national]] [[suicide]], that the iron hand of [[Rome]] would crush the rebellion in three months, and that [[Jerusalem]] would be destroyed and the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple] demolished, that not one stone would be left upon another.

128:5.4 [[Jesus]] [[listened]] to all they had to say, [[Gratitude|thanked]] them for their [[confidence]], and, in declining to go to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], in substance said, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] They were nonplused by his apparent indifference to the [[honor]] they had sought to confer upon him. Before taking leave of [[Jesus]], they presented him with a purse in token of the [[esteem]] of his Alexandrian [[friends]] and in compensation for the time and expense of coming over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea] to confer with them. But he likewise refused the [[money]], saying: " The house of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] has never received [[Charity|alms]], and we cannot eat another's bread as long as I have strong arms and my brothers can [[labor]]. "

128:5.4 [[Jesus]] [[listened]] to all they had to say, [[Gratitude|thanked]] them for their [[confidence]], and, in declining to go to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria], in substance said, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_john#Chapter_2] They were nonplused by his apparent indifference to the [[honor]] they had sought to confer upon him. Before taking leave of [[Jesus]], they presented him with a purse in token of the [[esteem]] of his Alexandrian [[friends]] and in compensation for the time and expense of coming over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea Caesarea] to confer with them. But he likewise refused the [[money]], saying: " The house of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph] has never received [[Charity|alms]], and we cannot eat another's bread as long as I have strong arms and my brothers can [[labor]]. "

128:5.5 His [[friends]] from Egypt set sail for [[home]], and in subsequent years, when they heard rumors of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] boatbuilder who was creating such a commotion in [[Palestine]], few of them surmised that he was the babe of [[Bethlehem]] grown up and the same strange-acting [[Galilean]] who had so unceremoniously declined the [[invitation]] to become a great [[teacher]] in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

128:5.5 His [[friends]] from Egypt set sail for [[home]], and in subsequent years, when they heard rumors of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] boatbuilder who was creating such a commotion in [[Palestine]], few of them surmised that he was the babe of [[Bethlehem]] grown up and the same strange-acting [[Galilean]] who had so unceremoniously declined the [[invitation]] to become a great [[teacher]] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria Alexandria].

128:5.6 [[Jesus]] returned to [[Nazareth]]. The remainder of this year was the most uneventful six months of his whole [[career]]. He enjoyed this temporary respite from the usual [[program]] of [[problems]] to solve and [[difficulties]] to surmount. He [[communed]] much with his Father in heaven and made tremendous [[progress]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_110#110:6._THE_SEVEN_PSYCHIC_CIRCLES mastery of his human mind].

128:5.6 [[Jesus]] returned to [[Nazareth]]. The remainder of this year was the most uneventful six months of his whole [[career]]. He enjoyed this temporary respite from the usual [[program]] of [[problems]] to solve and [[difficulties]] to surmount. He [[communed]] much with his Father in heaven and made tremendous [[progress]] in the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_110#110:6._THE_SEVEN_PSYCHIC_CIRCLES mastery of his human mind].

128:5.7 But [[human]] affairs on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49#PAPER_49:_THE_INHABITED_WORLDS worlds] of [[time and space]] do not run smoothly for long. In December [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had a [[private]] talk with [[Jesus]], explaining that he was much in [[love]] with Esta, a young [[woman]] of [[Nazareth]], and that they would sometime like to be [[married]] if it could be arranged. He called [[attention]] to the [[fact]] that Joseph would soon be eighteen years old, and that it would be a good [[experience]] for him to have a [[chance]] to serve as the acting head of the [[family]]. Jesus gave consent for James's [[marriage]] two years later, provided he had, during the [[intervening]] time, properly [[trained]] Joseph to [[assume]] direction of the [[home]].

128:5.7 But [[human]] affairs on the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_49#PAPER_49:_THE_INHABITED_WORLDS worlds] of [[time and space]] do not run smoothly for long. In December [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had a [[private]] talk with [[Jesus]], explaining that he was much in [[love]] with Esta, a young [[woman]] of [[Nazareth]], and that they would sometime like to be [[married]] if it could be arranged. He called [[attention]] to the [[fact]] that Joseph would soon be eighteen years old, and that it would be a good [[experience]] for him to have a [[chance]] to serve as the acting head of the [[family]]. Jesus gave consent for James's [[marriage]] two years later, provided he had, during the [[intervening]] time, properly [[trained]] Joseph to [[assume]] direction of the [[home]].

128:5.8 And now things began to happen—[[marriage]] was in the air. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]'s success in gaining [[Jesus]]' assent to his [[marriage]] emboldened Miriam to approach her [[brother]]-[[father]] with her plans. Jacob, the younger stone mason, onetime self-appointed [[champion]] of [[Jesus]], now business associate of James and Joseph, had long sought to gain Miriam's hand in [[marriage]]. After Miriam had laid her [[plans]] before Jesus, he directed that Jacob should come to him making [[formal]] request for her and [[promised]] his [[blessing]] for the [[marriage]] just as soon as she felt that Martha was competent to [[assume]] her [[duties]] as eldest daughter.

128:5.8 And now things began to happen—[[marriage]] was in the air. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]'s success in gaining [[Jesus]]' assent to his [[marriage]] emboldened Miriam to approach her [[brother]]-[[father]] with her plans. Jacob, the younger stone mason, onetime self-appointed [[champion]] of [[Jesus]], now business associate of James and Joseph, had long sought to gain Miriam's hand in [[marriage]]. After Miriam had laid her [[plans]] before Jesus, he directed that Jacob should come to him making [[formal]] request for her and [[promised]] his [[blessing]] for the [[marriage]] just as soon as she felt that Martha was competent to [[assume]] her [[duties]] as eldest daughter.

128:5.9 When at [[home]], he continued to teach the evening [[school]] three times a week, read the [[Scriptures]] often in the [[synagogue]] on the [[Sabbath]], visited with his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) mother], taught the [[children]], and in general conducted himself as a [[worthy]] and respected [[citizen]] of [[Nazareth]] in the [[commonwealth]] of [[Israel]].

128:5.9 When at [[home]], he continued to teach the evening [[school]] three times a week, read the [[Scriptures]] often in the [[synagogue]] on the [[Sabbath]], visited with his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) mother], taught the [[children]], and in general conducted himself as a [[worthy]] and respected [[citizen]] of [[Nazareth]] in the [[commonwealth]] of [[Israel]].

==128:6. THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR (A.D. 19)==

==128:6. THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR (A.D. 19)==

128:6.2 [[Jesus]] was one of the most [[robust]] and refined [[specimen]]s of manhood to appear on [[earth]] since the days of [[Adam]]. His [[physical]] [[development]] was superb. His [[mind]] was [[active]], keen, and penetrating—[[compared]] with the [[average]] mentality of his contemporaries, it had developed gigantic [[proportions]]—and his [[spirit]] was indeed humanly [[divine]].

128:6.2 [[Jesus]] was one of the most [[robust]] and refined [[specimen]]s of manhood to appear on [[earth]] since the days of [[Adam]]. His [[physical]] [[development]] was superb. His [[mind]] was [[active]], keen, and penetrating—[[compared]] with the [[average]] mentality of his contemporaries, it had developed gigantic [[proportions]]—and his [[spirit]] was indeed humanly [[divine]].

128:6.3 The [[family]] [[finance]]s were in the best condition since the disappearance of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s estate. The final payments had been made on the [[caravan]] repair shop; they owed no man and for the first time in years had some funds ahead. This being true, and since he had taken his other brothers to [[Jerusalem]] for their first [[Passover]] ceremonies, [[Jesus]] decided to accompany [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] (who had just [[graduated]] from the [[synagogue]] [[school]]) on his first visit to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple].

128:6.3 The [[family]] [[finance]]s were in the best condition since the disappearance of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s estate. The final payments had been made on the [[caravan]] repair shop; they owed no man and for the first time in years had some funds ahead. This being true, and since he had taken his other brothers to [[Jerusalem]] for their first [[Passover]] ceremonies, [[Jesus]] decided to accompany [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] (who had just [[graduated]] from the [[synagogue]] [[school]]) on his first visit to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple].

128:6.4 They went up to [[Jerusalem]] and returned by the same route, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_%28Middle_East%29 Jordan valley], as [[Jesus]] feared trouble if he took his young brother through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria]. Already at [[Nazareth]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] had got into slight trouble several times because of his hasty disposition, coupled with his strong [[patriotic]] sentiments.

128:6.4 They went up to [[Jerusalem]] and returned by the same route, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Valley_%28Middle_East%29 Jordan valley], as [[Jesus]] feared trouble if he took his young brother through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria]. Already at [[Nazareth]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] had got into slight trouble several times because of his hasty disposition, coupled with his strong [[patriotic]] sentiments.

128:6.5 They arrived at [[Jerusalem]] in due time and were on their way for a first [[visit]] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple], the very sight of which had stirred and thrilled [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] to the very depths of his [[soul]], when they chanced to meet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. While [[Jesus]] talked with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] and sought to arrange for their joint [[celebration]] of the [[Passover]], Jude started up real trouble for them all. Close at hand stood a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guard] who made some improper remarks regarding a [[Jewish]] girl who was passing. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] flushed with fiery [[indignation]] and was not slow in expressing his resentment of such an impropriety directly to and within hearing of the [[soldier]]. Now the Roman legionnaires were very [[sensitive]] to anything bordering on Jewish disrespect; so the guard promptly placed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]] under [[arrest]]. This was too much for the young [[patriot]], and before [[Jesus]] could caution him by a warning glance, he had delivered himself of a voluble denunciation of pent-up anti-Roman feelings, all of which only made a bad matter worse. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude], with [[Jesus]] by his side, was taken at once to the [[military]] [[prison]].

128:6.5 They arrived at [[Jerusalem]] in due time and were on their way for a first [[visit]] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_temple temple], the very sight of which had stirred and thrilled [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] to the very depths of his [[soul]], when they chanced to meet [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. While [[Jesus]] talked with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] and sought to arrange for their joint [[celebration]] of the [[Passover]], Jude started up real trouble for them all. Close at hand stood a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_soldier Roman guard] who made some improper remarks regarding a [[Jewish]] girl who was passing. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] flushed with fiery [[indignation]] and was not slow in expressing his resentment of such an impropriety directly to and within hearing of the [[soldier]]. Now the Roman legionnaires were very [[sensitive]] to anything bordering on Jewish disrespect; so the guard promptly placed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]] under [[arrest]]. This was too much for the young [[patriot]], and before [[Jesus]] could caution him by a warning glance, he had delivered himself of a voluble denunciation of pent-up anti-Roman feelings, all of which only made a bad matter worse. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude], with [[Jesus]] by his side, was taken at once to the [[military]] [[prison]].

128:6.6 [[Jesus]] endeavored to obtain either an [[immediate]] hearing for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] or else his release in time for the [[Passover]] [[celebration]] that evening, but he failed in these attempts. Since the next day was a " holy [[convocation]] " in [[Jerusalem]], even the Romans would not presume to hear charges against a [[Jew]]. Accordingly, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] remained in confinement until the morning of the second day after his [[arrest]], and [[Jesus]] stayed at the [[prison]] with him. They were not present in the [[temple]] at the [[ceremony]] of receiving the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_mitzvah sons of the law] into the full [[citizenship]] of [[Israel]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] did not pass through this [[formal]] [[ceremony]] for several years, until he was next in [[Jerusalem]] at a [[Passover]] and in [[connection]] with his [[propaganda]] work in behalf of the [[Zealots]], the [[patriotic]] [[organization]] to which he belonged and in which he was very [[active]].

128:6.6 [[Jesus]] endeavored to obtain either an [[immediate]] hearing for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] or else his release in time for the [[Passover]] [[celebration]] that evening, but he failed in these attempts. Since the next day was a " holy [[convocation]] " in [[Jerusalem]], even the Romans would not presume to hear charges against a [[Jew]]. Accordingly, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] remained in confinement until the morning of the second day after his [[arrest]], and [[Jesus]] stayed at the [[prison]] with him. They were not present in the [[temple]] at the [[ceremony]] of receiving the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_mitzvah sons of the law] into the full [[citizenship]] of [[Israel]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] did not pass through this [[formal]] [[ceremony]] for several years, until he was next in [[Jerusalem]] at a [[Passover]] and in [[connection]] with his [[propaganda]] work in behalf of the [[Zealots]], the [[patriotic]] [[organization]] to which he belonged and in which he was very [[active]].

128:6.7 The morning following their second day in [[prison]] Jesus appeared before the [[military]] [[magistrate]] in behalf of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]. By making [[apologies]] for his brother's [[youth]] and by a further [[explanatory]] but judicious [[statement]] with [[reference]] to the provocative [[nature]] of the [[episode]] which had led up to the [[arrest]] of his brother, [[Jesus]] so handled the case that the [[magistrate]] [[expressed]] the [[opinion]] that the young Jew might have had some possible excuse for his [[violent]] outburst. After warning [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] not to allow himself again to be [[guilty]] of such rashness, he said to Jesus in dismissing them: " You had better keep your eye on the lad; he's liable to make a lot of trouble for all of you. " And the [[Roman]] [[judge]] spoke the [[truth]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] did make considerable [[trouble]] for [[Jesus]], and always was the trouble of this same [[nature]]—clashes with the civil [[authorities]] because of his thoughtless and unwise [[patriotic]] outbursts.

128:6.7 The morning following their second day in [[prison]] Jesus appeared before the [[military]] [[magistrate]] in behalf of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]. By making [[apologies]] for his brother's [[youth]] and by a further [[explanatory]] but judicious [[statement]] with [[reference]] to the provocative [[nature]] of the [[episode]] which had led up to the [[arrest]] of his brother, [[Jesus]] so handled the case that the [[magistrate]] [[expressed]] the [[opinion]] that the young Jew might have had some possible excuse for his [[violent]] outburst. After warning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] not to allow himself again to be [[guilty]] of such rashness, he said to Jesus in dismissing them: " You had better keep your eye on the lad; he's liable to make a lot of trouble for all of you. " And the [[Roman]] [[judge]] spoke the [[truth]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] did make considerable [[trouble]] for [[Jesus]], and always was the trouble of this same [[nature]]—clashes with the civil [[authorities]] because of his thoughtless and unwise [[patriotic]] outbursts.

128:6.8 [[Jesus]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] walked over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] for the night, explaining why they had failed to keep their appointment for the [[Passover]] supper, and set out for [[Nazareth]] the following day. [[Jesus]] did not tell the [[family]] about his young brother's [[arrest]] at [[Jerusalem]], but he had a long talk with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] about this [[episode]] some three weeks after their return. After this talk with [[Jesus]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] himself told the [[family]]. He never forgot the [[patience]] and forbearance his [[brother]]-[[father]] [[manifested]] throughout the whole of this trying [[experience]].

128:6.8 [[Jesus]] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] walked over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany] for the night, explaining why they had failed to keep their appointment for the [[Passover]] supper, and set out for [[Nazareth]] the following day. [[Jesus]] did not tell the [[family]] about his young brother's [[arrest]] at [[Jerusalem]], but he had a long talk with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] about this [[episode]] some three weeks after their return. After this talk with [[Jesus]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] himself told the [[family]]. He never forgot the [[patience]] and forbearance his [[brother]]-[[father]] [[manifested]] throughout the whole of this trying [[experience]].

128:6.9 This was the last [[Passover]] [[Jesus]] attended with any member of his own [[family]]. Increasingly the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] was to become separated from close [[association]] with his own [[flesh]] and [[blood]].

128:6.9 This was the last [[Passover]] [[Jesus]] attended with any member of his own [[family]]. Increasingly the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_man Son of Man] was to become separated from close [[association]] with his own [[flesh]] and [[blood]].

128:6.10 This year his [[seasons]] of deep [[meditation]] were often broken into by Ruth and her playmates. And always was [[Jesus]] ready to postpone the [[contemplation]] of his [[future]] [[work]] for the world and the [[universe]] that he might [[share]] in the childish [[joy]] and [[youth]]ful gladness of these youngsters, who never tired of [[listening]] to [[Jesus]] relate the [[experiences]] of his various trips to [[Jerusalem]]. They also greatly enjoyed his [[stories]] about [[animals]] and [[nature]].

128:6.10 This year his [[seasons]] of deep [[meditation]] were often broken into by Ruth and her playmates. And always was [[Jesus]] ready to postpone the [[contemplation]] of his [[future]] [[work]] for the world and the [[universe]] that he might [[share]] in the childish [[joy]] and [[youth]]ful gladness of these youngsters, who never tired of [[listening]] to [[Jesus]] relate the [[experiences]] of his various trips to [[Jerusalem]]. They also greatly enjoyed his [[stories]] about [[animals]] and [[nature]].

==128:7. THE TWENTY-SIXTH YEAR (A.D. 20)==   

==128:7. THE TWENTY-SIXTH YEAR (A.D. 20)==   

128:7.1 As this year began, [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] became strongly [[conscious]] that he [[possessed]] a wide range of [[potential]] [[power]]. But he was likewise fully [[persuaded]] that this power was not to be employed by his [[personality]] as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], at least not until his hour should come.

128:7.1 As this year began, [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] became strongly [[conscious]] that he [[possessed]] a wide range of [[potential]] [[power]]. But he was likewise fully [[persuaded]] that this power was not to be employed by his [[personality]] as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_Man Son of Man], at least not until his hour should come.

128:7.2 At this time he [[thought]] much but said little about the [[relation]] of himself to his [[Universal Father|Father in heaven]]. And the conclusion of all this [[thinking]] was [[expressed]] once in his prayer on the hilltop, when he said: " Regardless of who I am and what power I may or may not wield, I always have been, and always will be, subject to the will of my [[Paradise Father]]. " And yet, as this man walked about [[Nazareth]] to and from his [[work]], it was [[literally]] true—as concerned a vast [[universe]]—that " in him were hidden all the treasures of [[wisdom]] and [[knowledge]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Colossians#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Colossians.2C_II]

128:7.2 At this time he [[thought]] much but said little about the [[relation]] of himself to his [[Universal Father|Father in heaven]]. And the conclusion of all this [[thinking]] was [[expressed]] once in his prayer on the hilltop, when he said: " Regardless of who I am and what power I may or may not wield, I always have been, and always will be, subject to the will of my [[Paradise Father]]. " And yet, as this man walked about [[Nazareth]] to and from his [[work]], it was [[literally]] true—as concerned a vast [[universe]]—that " in him were hidden all the treasures of [[wisdom]] and [[knowledge]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Colossians#The_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Colossians.2C_II]

128:7.3 All this year the [[family]] affairs ran smoothly except for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]. For years [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had trouble with his youngest brother, who was not inclined to settle down to [[work]] nor was he to be depended upon for his [[share]] of the [[home]] expenses. While he would live at home, he was not [[conscientious]] about earning his [[share]] of the [[family]] upkeep.

128:7.3 All this year the [[family]] affairs ran smoothly except for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]. For years [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] had trouble with his youngest brother, who was not inclined to settle down to [[work]] nor was he to be depended upon for his [[share]] of the [[home]] expenses. While he would live at home, he was not [[conscientious]] about earning his [[share]] of the [[family]] upkeep.

128:7.4 [[Jesus]] was a man of [[peace]], and ever and anon was he embarrassed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]'s [[belligerent]] exploits and numerous [[patriotic]] outbursts. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and Joseph were in favor of casting him out, but [[Jesus]] would not consent. When their [[patience]] would be severely tried, [[Jesus]] would only [[counsel]]: " Be [[patient]]. Be [[wise]] in your [[counsel]] and [[eloquent]] in your lives, that your young brother may first know the better way and then be constrained to follow you in it. " The wise and loving [[counsel]] of [[Jesus]] prevented a break in the [[family]]; they remained [[together]]. But Jude never was brought to his [[sober]] senses until after his [[marriage]].

128:7.4 [[Jesus]] was a man of [[peace]], and ever and anon was he embarrassed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude]'s [[belligerent]] exploits and numerous [[patriotic]] outbursts. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and Joseph were in favor of casting him out, but [[Jesus]] would not consent. When their [[patience]] would be severely tried, [[Jesus]] would only [[counsel]]: " Be [[patient]]. Be [[wise]] in your [[counsel]] and [[eloquent]] in your lives, that your young brother may first know the better way and then be constrained to follow you in it. " The wise and loving [[counsel]] of [[Jesus]] prevented a break in the [[family]]; they remained [[together]]. But Jude never was brought to his [[sober]] senses until after his [[marriage]].

128:7.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] seldom spoke of [[Jesus]]' [[future]] [[mission]]. Whenever this subject was referred to, Jesus only replied, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_2] [[Jesus]] had about completed the [[difficult]] task of [[weaning]] his [[family]] from dependence on the [[immediate]] [[presence]] of his [[personality]]. He was rapidly [[preparing]] for the day when he could [[consistently]] leave this [[Nazareth]] home to begin the more [[active]] prelude to his real [[ministry]] for men.

128:7.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] seldom spoke of [[Jesus]]' [[future]] [[mission]]. Whenever this subject was referred to, Jesus only replied, " My hour has not yet come. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_2] [[Jesus]] had about completed the [[difficult]] task of [[weaning]] his [[family]] from dependence on the [[immediate]] [[presence]] of his [[personality]]. He was rapidly [[preparing]] for the day when he could [[consistently]] leave this [[Nazareth]] home to begin the more [[active]] prelude to his real [[ministry]] for men.

128:7.6 Never lose [[sight]] of the [[fact]] that the prime [[mission]] of [[Jesus]] in his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL seventh bestowal] was the acquirement of [[creature]] [[experience]], the [[achievement]] of the [[sovereignty]] of [[Nebadon]]. And in the gathering of this very [[experience]] he made the supreme [[revelation]] of the [[Paradise Father]] to [[Urantia]] and to his entire [[local universe]]. Incidental to these [[purposes]] he also undertook to untangle the [[complicated]] affairs of this [[planet]] as they were related to the [[Lucifer rebellion]].

128:7.6 Never lose [[sight]] of the [[fact]] that the prime [[mission]] of [[Jesus]] in his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_119#119:7._THE_SEVENTH_AND_FINAL_BESTOWAL seventh bestowal] was the acquirement of [[creature]] [[experience]], the [[achievement]] of the [[sovereignty]] of [[Nebadon]]. And in the gathering of this very [[experience]] he made the supreme [[revelation]] of the [[Paradise Father]] to [[Urantia]] and to his entire [[local universe]]. Incidental to these [[purposes]] he also undertook to untangle the [[complicated]] affairs of this [[planet]] as they were related to the [[Lucifer rebellion]].

128:7.7 This year [[Jesus]] enjoyed more than usual [[leisure]], and he [[devoted]] much [[time]] to [[training]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] in the [[management]] of the repair shop and Joseph in the direction of [[home]] affairs. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] sensed that he was making ready to leave them. Leave them to go where? To do what? She had about given up the [[thought]] that [[Jesus]] was the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. She could not [[understand]] him; she simply could not [[fathom]] her first-born son.

128:7.7 This year [[Jesus]] enjoyed more than usual [[leisure]], and he [[devoted]] much [[time]] to [[training]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] in the [[management]] of the repair shop and Joseph in the direction of [[home]] affairs. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] sensed that he was making ready to leave them. Leave them to go where? To do what? She had about given up the [[thought]] that [[Jesus]] was the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_messianism Messiah]. She could not [[understand]] him; she simply could not [[fathom]] her first-born son.

128:7.8 [[Jesus]] spent a great deal of [[time]] this year with the [[individual]] members of his [[family]]. He would take them for long and frequent strolls up the hill and through the [[countryside]]. Before [[harvest]] he took [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] to the [[farmer]] uncle south of [[Nazareth]], but Jude did not remain long after the [[harvest]]. He ran away, and Simon later found him with the fishermen at the lake. When Simon brought him back [[home]], [[Jesus]] talked things over with the runaway lad and, since he wanted to be a fisherman, went over to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] with him and put him in the care of a [[relative]], a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman]; and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] worked fairly well and regularly from that time on until his [[marriage]], and he continued as a fisherman after his [[marriage]].

128:7.8 [[Jesus]] spent a great deal of [[time]] this year with the [[individual]] members of his [[family]]. He would take them for long and frequent strolls up the hill and through the [[countryside]]. Before [[harvest]] he took [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] to the [[farmer]] uncle south of [[Nazareth]], but Jude did not remain long after the [[harvest]]. He ran away, and Simon later found him with the fishermen at the lake. When Simon brought him back [[home]], [[Jesus]] talked things over with the runaway lad and, since he wanted to be a fisherman, went over to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magdala Magdala] with him and put him in the care of a [[relative]], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fisherman fisherman]; and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude] worked fairly well and regularly from that time on until his [[marriage]], and he continued as a fisherman after his [[marriage]].

128:7.9 At last the day had come when all [[Jesus]]' brothers had chosen, and were [[established]] in, their [[career|lifework]]. The [[stage]] was being set for [[Jesus]]' departure from [[home]].

128:7.9 At last the day had come when all [[Jesus]]' brothers had chosen, and were [[established]] in, their [[career|lifework]]. The [[stage]] was being set for [[Jesus]]' departure from [[home]].

128:7.10 In November a double [[wedding]] occurred. James and Esta, and Miriam and Jacob were [[married]]. It was truly a [[joyous]] occasion. Even [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was once more [[happy]] except every now and then when she [[realized]] that [[Jesus]] was [[preparing]] to go away. She [[suffered]] under the burden of a great [[uncertainty]]: If [[Jesus]] would only sit down and talk it all over freely with her as he had done when he was a boy, but he was [[consistently]] uncommunicative; he was [[profoundly]] [[silent]] about the [[future]].

128:7.10 In November a double [[wedding]] occurred. James and Esta, and Miriam and Jacob were [[married]]. It was truly a [[joyous]] occasion. Even [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] was once more [[happy]] except every now and then when she [[realized]] that [[Jesus]] was [[preparing]] to go away. She [[suffered]] under the burden of a great [[uncertainty]]: If [[Jesus]] would only sit down and talk it all over freely with her as he had done when he was a boy, but he was [[consistently]] uncommunicative; he was [[profoundly]] [[silent]] about the [[future]].

128:7.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and his bride, Esta, moved into a neat little [[home]] on the west side of town, the [[gift]] of her [[father]]. While James continued his [[support]] of his [[mother]]'s [[home]], his quota was cut in half because of his [[marriage]], and Joseph was [[formally]] installed by [[Jesus]] as head of the [[family]]. Jude was now very [[faithfully]] sending his share of funds [[home]] each month. The [[weddings]] of James and Miriam had a very beneficial [[influence]] on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude], and when he left for the fishing grounds, the day after the double [[wedding]], he [[assured]] Joseph that he could depend on him " to do my full [[duty]], and more if it is needed. " And he kept his [[promise]].

128:7.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] and his bride, Esta, moved into a neat little [[home]] on the west side of town, the [[gift]] of her [[father]]. While James continued his [[support]] of his [[mother]]'s [[home]], his quota was cut in half because of his [[marriage]], and Joseph was [[formally]] installed by [[Jesus]] as head of the [[family]]. Jude was now very [[faithfully]] sending his share of funds [[home]] each month. The [[weddings]] of James and Miriam had a very beneficial [[influence]] on [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude,_brother_of_Jesus Jude], and when he left for the fishing grounds, the day after the double [[wedding]], he [[assured]] Joseph that he could depend on him " to do my full [[duty]], and more if it is needed. " And he kept his [[promise]].

128:7.12 Miriam lived next door to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] in the home of Jacob, Jacob the [[elder]] having been laid to rest with his [[fathers]]. Martha took Miriam's place in the [[home]], and the new [[organization]] was working smoothly before the year ended.

128:7.12 Miriam lived next door to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] in the home of Jacob, Jacob the [[elder]] having been laid to rest with his [[fathers]]. Martha took Miriam's place in the [[home]], and the new [[organization]] was working smoothly before the year ended.

128:7.13 The day after this double [[wedding]] [[Jesus]] held an important [[conference]] with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]. He told James, confidentially, that he was [[preparing]] to leave [[home]]. He presented full title to the repair shop to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], formally and [[solemn]]lyd abdicated as head of Joseph's house, and most [[touchingly]] established his brother James as " head and protector of my [[father]]'s house. " He drew up, and they both signed, a [[secret]] compact in which it was stipulated that, in return for the gift of the repair shop, James would henceforth [[assume]] full [[financial]] [[responsibility]] for the [[family]], thus releasing [[Jesus]] from all further [[obligations]] in these matters. After the [[contract]] was signed, after the [[budget]] was so arranged that the [[actual]] expenses of the [[family]] would be met without any contribution from [[Jesus]], Jesus said to James: " But, my son, I will continue to send you something each month until my hour shall have come, but what I send shall be used by you as the occasion demands. Apply my funds to the [[family]] [[necessities]] or [[pleasures]] as you see fit. Use them in case of sickness or apply them to meet the unexpected [[emergencies]] which may befall any [[individual]] member of the [[family]]. "

128:7.13 The day after this double [[wedding]] [[Jesus]] held an important [[conference]] with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James]. He told James, confidentially, that he was [[preparing]] to leave [[home]]. He presented full title to the repair shop to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], formally and [[solemn]]lyd abdicated as head of Joseph's house, and most [[touchingly]] established his brother James as " head and protector of my [[father]]'s house. " He drew up, and they both signed, a [[secret]] compact in which it was stipulated that, in return for the gift of the repair shop, James would henceforth [[assume]] full [[financial]] [[responsibility]] for the [[family]], thus releasing [[Jesus]] from all further [[obligations]] in these matters. After the [[contract]] was signed, after the [[budget]] was so arranged that the [[actual]] expenses of the [[family]] would be met without any contribution from [[Jesus]], Jesus said to James: " But, my son, I will continue to send you something each month until my hour shall have come, but what I send shall be used by you as the occasion demands. Apply my funds to the [[family]] [[necessities]] or [[pleasures]] as you see fit. Use them in case of sickness or apply them to meet the unexpected [[emergencies]] which may befall any [[individual]] member of the [[family]]. "

128:7.14 And thus did [[Jesus]] make ready to enter upon the second and [[home]]-detached [[phase]] of his adult life before the [[public]] entrance upon [[Universal Father|his Father's]] business.

128:7.14 And thus did [[Jesus]] make ready to enter upon the second and [[home]]-detached [[phase]] of his adult life before the [[public]] entrance upon [[Universal Father|his Father's]] business.