Changes

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

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

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

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

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

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

==123:1. BACK IN NAZARETH==

==123:1. BACK IN NAZARETH==

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

123:2.9 Though [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] often talked about the [[future]] of their eldest [[child]], had you been there, you would only have [[observed]] the [[Mature|growing up]] of a [[normal]], [[health]]y, carefree, but exceedingly [[inquisitive]] child of that [[time]] and place.

123:2.9 Though [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_122#122:1._JOSEPH_AND_MARY Joseph and Mary] often talked about the [[future]] of their eldest [[child]], had you been there, you would only have [[observed]] the [[Mature|growing up]] of a [[normal]], [[health]]y, carefree, but exceedingly [[inquisitive]] child of that [[time]] and place.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

123:5.6 Next, in addition to his more [[formal]] schooling, [[Jesus]] began to make [[contact]] with [[human]] nature from the four quarters of the [[earth]] as men from many lands passed in and out of his [[father]]'s repair shop. When he grew older, he mingled freely with the caravans as they tarried near the spring for rest and nourishment. Being a fluent speaker of [[Greek]], he had little trouble in [[conversing]] with the [[majority]] of the [[caravan]] [[travelers]] and conductors.

123:5.6 Next, in addition to his more [[formal]] schooling, [[Jesus]] began to make [[contact]] with [[human]] nature from the four quarters of the [[earth]] as men from many lands passed in and out of his [[father]]'s repair shop. When he grew older, he mingled freely with the caravans as they tarried near the spring for rest and nourishment. Being a fluent speaker of [[Greek]], he had little trouble in [[conversing]] with the [[majority]] of the [[caravan]] [[travelers]] and conductors.

123:5.7 [[Nazareth]] was a [[caravan]] way station and crossroads of [[travel]] and largely [[gentile]] in [[population]]; at the same time it was widely known as a [[center]] of [[liberal]] [[interpretation]] of [[Jewish]] traditional [[law]]. In [[Galilee]] the Jews mingled more freely with the [[gentiles]] than was their practice in [[Judea]]. And of all the [[cities]] of [[Galilee]], the Jews of [[Nazareth]] were most [[liberal]] in their [[interpretation]] of the social restrictions based on the [[fears]] of contamination as a result of [[contact]] with the [[gentiles]]. And these conditions gave rise to the common saying in [[Jerusalem]], " Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_1]

123:5.7 [[Nazareth]] was a [[caravan]] way station and crossroads of [[travel]] and largely [[gentile]] in [[population]]; at the same time it was widely known as a [[center]] of [[liberal]] [[interpretation]] of [[Jewish]] traditional [[law]]. In [[Galilee]] the Jews mingled more freely with the [[gentiles]] than was their practice in [[Judea]]. And of all the [[cities]] of [[Galilee]], the Jews of [[Nazareth]] were most [[liberal]] in their [[interpretation]] of the social restrictions based on the [[fears]] of contamination as a result of [[contact]] with the [[gentiles]]. And these conditions gave rise to the common saying in [[Jerusalem]], " Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_John#Chapter_1]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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