Changes

127:2.1 At about this time there was considerable [[agitation]], especially at [[Jerusalem]] and in [[Judea]], in [[favor]] of [[rebellion]] against the payment of [[taxes]] to [[Rome]]. There was coming into [[existence]] a strong [[nationalist]] party, presently to be called the [[Zealots]]. The Zealots, unlike the [[Pharisees]], were not willing to await the coming of the [[Messiah]]. They proposed to bring things to a head through [[political]] [[revolt]].

127:2.1 At about this time there was considerable [[agitation]], especially at [[Jerusalem]] and in [[Judea]], in [[favor]] of [[rebellion]] against the payment of [[taxes]] to [[Rome]]. There was coming into [[existence]] a strong [[nationalist]] party, presently to be called the [[Zealots]]. The Zealots, unlike the [[Pharisees]], were not willing to await the coming of the [[Messiah]]. They proposed to bring things to a head through [[political]] [[revolt]].

127:2.2 A [[group]] of organizers from [[Jerusalem]] arrived in [[Galilee]] and were making good headway until they reached [[Nazareth]]. When they came to see [[Jesus]], he listened [[carefully]] to them and asked many questions but refused to join the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party party]. He declined fully to disclose his reasons for not enlisting, and his refusal had the [[effect]] of keeping out many of his [[youthful]] fellows in [[Nazareth]].

127:2.2 A [[group]] of organizers from [[Jerusalem]] arrived in [[Galilee]] and were making good headway until they reached [[Nazareth]]. When they came to see [[Jesus]], he listened [[carefully]] to them and asked many questions but refused to join the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_party party]. He declined fully to disclose his reasons for not enlisting, and his refusal had the [[effect]] of keeping out many of his [[youthful]] fellows in [[Nazareth]].

127:2.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] did her best to induce him to enlist, but she could not budge him. She went so far as to [[intimate]] that his refusal to espouse the [[nationalist]] [[cause]] at her behest was insubordination, a [[violation]] of his [[pledge]] made upon their return from [[Jerusalem]] that he would be subject to his [[parents]]; but in answer to this insinuation he only laid a kindly hand on her shoulder and, looking into her face, said: " My mother, how could you? " And [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] withdrew her [[statement]].

127:2.3 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] did her best to induce him to enlist, but she could not budge him. She went so far as to [[intimate]] that his refusal to espouse the [[nationalist]] [[cause]] at her behest was insubordination, a [[violation]] of his [[pledge]] made upon their return from [[Jerusalem]] that he would be subject to his [[parents]]; but in answer to this insinuation he only laid a kindly hand on her shoulder and, looking into her face, said: " My mother, how could you? " And [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] withdrew her [[statement]].

127:2.4 One of [[Jesus]]' uncles ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s brother Simon) had already joined this [[group]], subsequently becoming an officer in the [[Galilean]] division. And for several years there was something of an [[estrangement]] between Jesus and his uncle.

127:2.4 One of [[Jesus]]' uncles ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary]'s brother Simon) had already joined this [[group]], subsequently becoming an officer in the [[Galilean]] division. And for several years there was something of an [[estrangement]] between Jesus and his uncle.

127:2.5 But trouble began to brew in [[Nazareth]]. [[Jesus]]' [[attitude]] in these matters had resulted in creating a division among the [[Jewish]] [[youths]] of the [[city]]. About half had joined the [[nationalist]] [[organization]], and the other half began the formation of an opposing [[group]] of more moderate [[patriots]], expecting [[Jesus]] to assume the [[leadership]]. They were [[amazed]] when he refused the [[honor]] offered him, pleading as an excuse his heavy [[family]] [[responsibilities]], which they all allowed. But the situation was still further [[complicated]] when, presently, a [[wealthy]] Jew, Isaac, a moneylender to the [[gentiles]], came forward agreeing to [[support]] [[Jesus]]' [[family]] if he would lay down his [[tools]] and assume [[leadership]] of these [[Nazareth]] [[patriots]].

127:2.5 But trouble began to brew in [[Nazareth]]. [[Jesus]]' [[attitude]] in these matters had resulted in creating a division among the [[Jewish]] [[youths]] of the [[city]]. About half had joined the [[nationalist]] [[organization]], and the other half began the formation of an opposing [[group]] of more moderate [[patriots]], expecting [[Jesus]] to assume the [[leadership]]. They were [[amazed]] when he refused the [[honor]] offered him, pleading as an excuse his heavy [[family]] [[responsibilities]], which they all allowed. But the situation was still further [[complicated]] when, presently, a [[wealthy]] Jew, Isaac, a moneylender to the [[gentiles]], came forward agreeing to [[support]] [[Jesus]]' [[family]] if he would lay down his [[tools]] and assume [[leadership]] of these [[Nazareth]] [[patriots]].

127:2.6 [[Jesus]], then scarcely seventeen years of age, was [[confronted]] with one of the most delicate and [[difficult]] situations of his early life. [[Patriotic]] issues, especially when [[complicated]] by [[tax]]-gathering foreign [[oppressors]], are always [[difficult]] for [[spiritual]] [[leaders]] to relate themselves to, and it was doubly so in this case since the [[Jewish]] religion was involved in all this [[agitation]] against [[Rome]].

127:2.6 [[Jesus]], then scarcely seventeen years of age, was [[confronted]] with one of the most delicate and [[difficult]] situations of his early life. [[Patriotic]] issues, especially when [[complicated]] by [[tax]]-gathering foreign [[oppressors]], are always [[difficult]] for [[spiritual]] [[leaders]] to relate themselves to, and it was doubly so in this case since the [[Jewish]] religion was involved in all this [[agitation]] against [[Rome]].

127:2.7 [[Jesus]]' position was made more [[difficult]] because his [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) mother] and uncle, and even his younger [[brother]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], all urged him to join the [[nationalist]] cause. All the better [[Jews]] of [[Nazareth]] had enlisted, and those [[young men]] who had not joined the movement would all enlist the moment [[Jesus]] changed his [[mind]]. He had but one [[wise]] [[counselor]] in all [[Nazareth]], his old teacher, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan], who counseled him about his reply to the [[citizens]]' committee of [[Nazareth]] when they came to ask for his answer to the [[public]] appeal which had been made. In all [[Jesus]]' [[young life]] this was the very first time he had consciously resorted to [[public]] [[strategy]]. Theretofore, always had he depended upon a frank [[statement]] of [[truth]] to [[clarify]] the situation, but now he could not [[declare]] the full truth. He could not [[intimate]] that he was more than a man; he could not [[disclose]] his [[idea]] of the [[mission]] which awaited his [[attainment]] of a riper [[Maturity|manhood]]. Despite these [[limitations]] his [[religious]] [[fealty]] and [[national]] [[loyalty]] were directly [[challenged]]. His [[family]] was in a turmoil, his [[youthful]] [[friends]] in division, and the entire [[Jewish]] contingent of the town in a hubbub. And to think that he was to blame for it all! And how innocent he had been of all [[intention]] to make trouble of any kind, much less a disturbance of this sort.

127:2.7 [[Jesus]]' position was made more [[difficult]] because his [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) mother] and uncle, and even his younger [[brother]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], all urged him to join the [[nationalist]] cause. All the better [[Jews]] of [[Nazareth]] had enlisted, and those [[young men]] who had not joined the movement would all enlist the moment [[Jesus]] changed his [[mind]]. He had but one [[wise]] [[counselor]] in all [[Nazareth]], his old teacher, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan], who counseled him about his reply to the [[citizens]]' committee of [[Nazareth]] when they came to ask for his answer to the [[public]] appeal which had been made. In all [[Jesus]]' [[young life]] this was the very first time he had consciously resorted to [[public]] [[strategy]]. Theretofore, always had he depended upon a frank [[statement]] of [[truth]] to [[clarify]] the situation, but now he could not [[declare]] the full truth. He could not [[intimate]] that he was more than a man; he could not [[disclose]] his [[idea]] of the [[mission]] which awaited his [[attainment]] of a riper [[Maturity|manhood]]. Despite these [[limitations]] his [[religious]] [[fealty]] and [[national]] [[loyalty]] were directly [[challenged]]. His [[family]] was in a turmoil, his [[youthful]] [[friends]] in division, and the entire [[Jewish]] contingent of the town in a hubbub. And to think that he was to blame for it all! And how innocent he had been of all [[intention]] to make trouble of any kind, much less a disturbance of this sort.

127:2.8 Something had to be done. He must state his position, and this he did [[bravely]] and [[diplomatically]] to the satisfaction of many, but not all. He [[adhered]] to the terms of his [[original]] plea, maintaining that his first [[duty]] was to his [[family]], that a [[widow]]ed [[mother]] and eight brothers and sisters needed something more than mere [[money]] could buy—the [[physical]] [[necessities]] of life—that they were entitled to a [[father]]'s watchcare and [[guidance]], and that he could not in clear conscience release himself from the [[obligation]] which a cruel [[accident]] had thrust upon him. He paid compliment to his [[mother]] and eldest [[brother]] for being willing to release him but reiterated that [[loyalty]] to a dead [[father]] forbade his leaving the [[family]] no matter how much [[money]] was forthcoming for their [[material]] [[support]], making his never-to-be-forgotten [[statement]] that " [[money]] cannot [[love]]. "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_Buy_Me_Love] In the [[course]] of this address [[Jesus]] made several veiled [[references]] to his " life [[mission]] " but explained that, regardless of whether or not it might be inconsistent with the [[military]] idea, it, along with everything else in his life, had been given up in order that he might be able to discharge [[faithfully]] his [[obligation]] to his [[family]]. Everyone in [[Nazareth]] well knew he was a [[good]] [[father]] to his [[family]], and this was a matter so near the [[heart]] of every [[noble]] [[Jew]] that [[Jesus]]' plea found an [[appreciative]] response in the hearts of many of his hearers; and some of those who were not thus minded were disarmed by a [[speech]] made by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], which, while not on the [[program]], was delivered at this time. That very day the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] had rehearsed James in his speech, but that was their [[secret]].

127:2.8 Something had to be done. He must state his position, and this he did [[bravely]] and [[diplomatically]] to the satisfaction of many, but not all. He [[adhered]] to the terms of his [[original]] plea, maintaining that his first [[duty]] was to his [[family]], that a [[widow]]ed [[mother]] and eight brothers and sisters needed something more than mere [[money]] could buy—the [[physical]] [[necessities]] of life—that they were entitled to a [[father]]'s watchcare and [[guidance]], and that he could not in clear conscience release himself from the [[obligation]] which a cruel [[accident]] had thrust upon him. He paid compliment to his [[mother]] and eldest [[brother]] for being willing to release him but reiterated that [[loyalty]] to a dead [[father]] forbade his leaving the [[family]] no matter how much [[money]] was forthcoming for their [[material]] [[support]], making his never-to-be-forgotten [[statement]] that " [[money]] cannot [[love]]. "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can%27t_Buy_Me_Love] In the [[course]] of this address [[Jesus]] made several veiled [[references]] to his " life [[mission]] " but explained that, regardless of whether or not it might be inconsistent with the [[military]] idea, it, along with everything else in his life, had been given up in order that he might be able to discharge [[faithfully]] his [[obligation]] to his [[family]]. Everyone in [[Nazareth]] well knew he was a [[good]] [[father]] to his [[family]], and this was a matter so near the [[heart]] of every [[noble]] [[Jew]] that [[Jesus]]' plea found an [[appreciative]] response in the hearts of many of his hearers; and some of those who were not thus minded were disarmed by a [[speech]] made by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James], which, while not on the [[program]], was delivered at this time. That very day the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chazan chazan] had rehearsed James in his speech, but that was their [[secret]].

127:2.9 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] stated that he was sure [[Jesus]] would help to [[liberate]] his people if he (James) were only old enough to assume [[responsibility]] for the [[family]], and that, if they would only [[consent]] to allow [[Jesus]] to remain " with us, to be our [[father]] and [[teacher]], then you will have not just one [[leader]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[family]], but presently you will have five [[loyal]] nationalists, for are there not five of us boys to grow up and come forth from our brother-father's [[guidance]] to serve our nation? " And thus did the lad bring to a fairly [[happy]] ending a very tense and threatening situation.

127:2.9 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Just James] stated that he was sure [[Jesus]] would help to [[liberate]] his people if he (James) were only old enough to assume [[responsibility]] for the [[family]], and that, if they would only [[consent]] to allow [[Jesus]] to remain " with us, to be our [[father]] and [[teacher]], then you will have not just one [[leader]] from [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph Joseph]'s [[family]], but presently you will have five [[loyal]] nationalists, for are there not five of us boys to grow up and come forth from our brother-father's [[guidance]] to serve our nation? " And thus did the lad bring to a fairly [[happy]] ending a very tense and threatening situation.

127:2.10 The [[crisis]] for the time being was over, but never was this incident forgotten in [[Nazareth]]. The [[agitation]] persisted; not again was [[Jesus]] in [[universal]] [[favor]]; the division of sentiment was never fully overcome. And this, augmented by other and subsequent occurrences, was one of the chief reasons why he moved to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] in later years. Henceforth [[Nazareth]] maintained a division of sentiment regarding the Son of Man.

127:2.10 The [[crisis]] for the time being was over, but never was this incident forgotten in [[Nazareth]]. The [[agitation]] persisted; not again was [[Jesus]] in [[universal]] [[favor]]; the division of sentiment was never fully overcome. And this, augmented by other and subsequent occurrences, was one of the chief reasons why he moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capernaum Capernaum] in later years. Henceforth [[Nazareth]] maintained a division of sentiment regarding the Son of Man.

127:2.11 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph James] [[graduated]] at school this year and began full-time [[work]] at [[home]] in the [[carpenter]] shop. He had become a clever worker with [[tools]] and now took over the making of yokes and plows while [[Jesus]] began to do more house finishing and expert [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_making cabinet work].

127:2.11 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph James] [[graduated]] at school this year and began full-time [[work]] at [[home]] in the [[carpenter]] shop. He had become a clever worker with [[tools]] and now took over the making of yokes and plows while [[Jesus]] began to do more house finishing and expert [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_making cabinet work].

127:2.12 This year Jesus made great [[progress]] in the [[organization]] of his [[mind]]. [[Gradually]] he had brought his [[divine]] and [[human]] [[natures]] together, and he accomplished all this organization of [[intellect]] by the [[force]] of his own [[decisions]] and with only the aid of his [[indwelling Monitor]], just such a Monitor as all [[normal]] [[mortals]] on all [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:5._POST-BESTOWAL_SON_MAN postbestowal-Son worlds] have within their [[minds]]. So far, nothing [[supernatural]] had happened in this [[young man]]'s [[career]] except the visit of a [[messenger]], dispatched by his [[elder]] [[brother]] [[Immanuel]], who once appeared to him during the night at [[Jerusalem]].

127:2.12 This year Jesus made great [[progress]] in the [[organization]] of his [[mind]]. [[Gradually]] he had brought his [[divine]] and [[human]] [[natures]] together, and he accomplished all this organization of [[intellect]] by the [[force]] of his own [[decisions]] and with only the aid of his [[indwelling Monitor]], just such a Monitor as all [[normal]] [[mortals]] on all [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:5._POST-BESTOWAL_SON_MAN postbestowal-Son worlds] have within their [[minds]]. So far, nothing [[supernatural]] had happened in this [[young man]]'s [[career]] except the visit of a [[messenger]], dispatched by his [[elder]] [[brother]] [[Immanuel]], who once appeared to him during the night at [[Jerusalem]].

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_127 Go to Paper 127]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_127 Go to Paper 127]</center>

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

[[Category:Paper 127 - The Adolescent Years]]

[[Category:Paper 127 - The Adolescent Years]]