Changes

==PAPER 127: THE ADOLESCENT YEARS==

==PAPER 127: THE ADOLESCENT YEARS==

127:0.1 As [[Jesus]] entered upon his [[adolescent]] years, he found himself the head and sole [[support]] of a large [[family]]. Within a few years after his [http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH father's death] all their [[property]] was gone. As time passed, he became increasingly [[conscious]] of his pre-existence; at the same time he began more fully to [[realize]] that he was present on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]] for the [[express]] [[purpose]] of [[revealing]] his [[Paradise Father]] to the children of men.

127:0.1 As [[Jesus]] entered upon his [[adolescent]] years, he found himself the head and sole [[support]] of a large [[family]]. Within a few years after his [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126#126:2._THE_DEATH_OF_JOSEPH father's death] all their [[property]] was gone. As time passed, he became increasingly [[conscious]] of his pre-existence; at the same time he began more fully to [[realize]] that he was present on [[earth]] and in the [[flesh]] for the [[express]] [[purpose]] of [[revealing]] his [[Paradise Father]] to the children of men.

127:0.2 No [[adolescent]] [[youth]] who has lived or ever will live on this world or any other world has had or ever will have more weighty [[problems]] to resolve or more intricate [[difficulties]] to untangle. No [[youth]] of [[Urantia]] will ever be called upon to pass through more testing [[conflicts]] or more trying situations than [[Jesus]] himself [[endured]] during those strenuous years from fifteen to twenty.

127:0.2 No [[adolescent]] [[youth]] who has lived or ever will live on this world or any other world has had or ever will have more weighty [[problems]] to resolve or more intricate [[difficulties]] to untangle. No [[youth]] of [[Urantia]] will ever be called upon to pass through more testing [[conflicts]] or more trying situations than [[Jesus]] himself [[endured]] during those strenuous years from fifteen to twenty.

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 [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].

127:2.12 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]].

==127:3. THE EIGHTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 12)==

==127:3. THE EIGHTEENTH YEAR (A.D. 12)==

127:3.14 For four years their [[standard of living]] had steadily declined; year by year they felt the pinch of increasing [[poverty]]. By the close of this year they faced one of the most [[difficult]] [[experiences]] of all their uphill struggles. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_brother_of_Jesus James] had not yet begun to earn much, and the expenses of a [[funeral]] on top of everything else staggered them. But [[Jesus]] would only say to his [[anxious]] and [[grieving]] [[mother]]: " [[Mother-Mary]], sorrow will not help us; we are all doing our best, and [[mother]]'s smile, perchance, might even [[inspire]] us to do better. Day by day we are strengthened for these tasks by our [[hope]] of better days ahead. " His sturdy and [[practical]] [[optimism]] was truly [[contagious]]; all the [[children]] lived in an [[atmosphere]] of [[anticipation]] of better times and better things. And this hopeful [[courage]] contributed mightily to the [[development]] of strong and [[noble]] [[characters]], in spite of the depressiveness of their [[poverty]].

127:3.14 For four years their [[standard of living]] had steadily declined; year by year they felt the pinch of increasing [[poverty]]. By the close of this year they faced one of the most [[difficult]] [[experiences]] of all their uphill struggles. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_brother_of_Jesus James] had not yet begun to earn much, and the expenses of a [[funeral]] on top of everything else staggered them. But [[Jesus]] would only say to his [[anxious]] and [[grieving]] [[mother]]: " [[Mother-Mary]], sorrow will not help us; we are all doing our best, and [[mother]]'s smile, perchance, might even [[inspire]] us to do better. Day by day we are strengthened for these tasks by our [[hope]] of better days ahead. " His sturdy and [[practical]] [[optimism]] was truly [[contagious]]; all the [[children]] lived in an [[atmosphere]] of [[anticipation]] of better times and better things. And this hopeful [[courage]] contributed mightily to the [[development]] of strong and [[noble]] [[characters]], in spite of the depressiveness of their [[poverty]].

127:3.15 [[Jesus]] [[possessed]] the [[ability]] effectively to mobilize all his [[powers]] of [[mind]], [[soul]], and [[body]] on the task immediately in hand. He could [[concentrate]] his deep-[[thinking]] [[mind]] on the one problem which he wished to solve, and this, in [[connection]] with his untiring [[patience]], enabled him serenely to [[endure]] the [[trials]] of a difficult [[mortal]] [[existence]]—to live as if he were " seeing Him who is invisible. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Letters_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XI]

127:3.15 [[Jesus]] [[possessed]] the [[ability]] effectively to mobilize all his [[powers]] of [[mind]], [[soul]], and [[body]] on the task immediately in hand. He could [[concentrate]] his deep-[[thinking]] [[mind]] on the one problem which he wished to solve, and this, in [[connection]] with his untiring [[patience]], enabled him serenely to [[endure]] the [[trials]] of a difficult [[mortal]] [[existence]]—to live as if he were " seeing Him who is invisible. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Letters_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XI]

==127:4. THE NINETEENTH YEAR (A.D. 13)==

==127:4. THE NINETEENTH YEAR (A.D. 13)==

127:5.3 [[Jesus]] listened [[attentively]] and [[sympathetically]] to the [[recital]] of these things, first by the [[father]], then by Rebecca herself. He made kindly reply to the [[effect]] that no amount of [[money]] could take the place of his [[obligation]] personally to rear his [[father]]'s [[family]], to " fulfill the most [[sacred]] of all [[human]] trusts—[[loyalty]] to one's own flesh and blood. " Rebecca's [[father]] was deeply [[touch]]ed by [[Jesus]]' [[words]] of [[family]] [[devotion]] and retired from the [[conference]]. His only remark to Mary, his [[wife]], was: " We can't have him for a son; he is too [[noble]] for us. "

127:5.3 [[Jesus]] listened [[attentively]] and [[sympathetically]] to the [[recital]] of these things, first by the [[father]], then by Rebecca herself. He made kindly reply to the [[effect]] that no amount of [[money]] could take the place of his [[obligation]] personally to rear his [[father]]'s [[family]], to " fulfill the most [[sacred]] of all [[human]] trusts—[[loyalty]] to one's own flesh and blood. " Rebecca's [[father]] was deeply [[touch]]ed by [[Jesus]]' [[words]] of [[family]] [[devotion]] and retired from the [[conference]]. His only remark to Mary, his [[wife]], was: " We can't have him for a son; he is too [[noble]] for us. "

127:5.4 Then began that eventful talk with Rebecca. Thus far in his life, [[Jesus]] had made little distinction in his [[association]] with [[Male|boys]] and [[Female|girls]], with young men and young women. His [[mind]] had been altogether too much occupied with the pressing [[problems]] of [[practical]] earthly affairs and the [[intriguing]] [[contemplation]] of his eventual [[career]] " about his Father's business "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] ever to have given serious [[consideration]] to the consummation of [[personal]] [[love]] in human [[marriage]]. But now he was face to face with another of those [[problems]] which every [[average]] [[human being]] must [[confront]] and [[decide]]. Indeed was he " tested in all points like as you are. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_IV]

127:5.4 Then began that eventful talk with Rebecca. Thus far in his life, [[Jesus]] had made little distinction in his [[association]] with [[Male|boys]] and [[Female|girls]], with young men and young women. His [[mind]] had been altogether too much occupied with the pressing [[problems]] of [[practical]] earthly affairs and the [[intriguing]] [[contemplation]] of his eventual [[career]] " about his Father's business "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Gospel_of_Luke#Chapter_2] ever to have given serious [[consideration]] to the consummation of [[personal]] [[love]] in human [[marriage]]. But now he was face to face with another of those [[problems]] which every [[average]] [[human being]] must [[confront]] and [[decide]]. Indeed was he " tested in all points like as you are. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_IV]

127:5.5 After [[listening]] [[attentively]], he [[sincerely]] thanked Rebecca for her [[expressed]] [[admiration]], adding, " it shall cheer and [[comfort]] me all the days of my life. " He explained that he was not [[free]] to enter into [[relations]] with any [[woman]] other than those of simple brotherly regard and  [[friendship]]. He made it clear that his first and [[paramount]] [[duty]] was the rearing of his [[father]]'s [[family]], that he could not consider [[marriage]] until that was accomplished; and then he added: " If I am a son of [[destiny]], I must not assume [[obligations]] of lifelong duration until such a time as my destiny shall be made [[manifest]]. "

127:5.5 After [[listening]] [[attentively]], he [[sincerely]] thanked Rebecca for her [[expressed]] [[admiration]], adding, " it shall cheer and [[comfort]] me all the days of my life. " He explained that he was not [[free]] to enter into [[relations]] with any [[woman]] other than those of simple brotherly regard and  [[friendship]]. He made it clear that his first and [[paramount]] [[duty]] was the rearing of his [[father]]'s [[family]], that he could not consider [[marriage]] until that was accomplished; and then he added: " If I am a son of [[destiny]], I must not assume [[obligations]] of lifelong duration until such a time as my destiny shall be made [[manifest]]. "

127:6.6 On this [[visit]] occurred one of those periodic outbreaks of [[rebellion]] against [[tradition]]—the [[expression]] of resentment for those [[ceremonial]] [[practices]] which [[Jesus]] deemed misrepresentative of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in heaven. Not knowing [[Jesus]] was coming, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] had arranged to celebrate the [[Passover]] with [[friends]] in an adjoining village down the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho] road. [[Jesus]] now [[proposed]] that they celebrate the feast where they were, at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus]'s house. " But, " said Lazarus, " we have no [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach paschal lamb]. " And then Jesus entered upon a prolonged and convincing [[dissertation]] to the [[effect]] that [[the Father]] in heaven was not truly concerned with such childlike and meaningless [[rituals]]. After solemn and fervent [[prayer]] they rose, and [[Jesus]] said: " Let the childlike and [[darkened]] [[minds]] of my people serve their [[God]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] directed; it is better that they do, but let us who have seen the [[light]] of life no longer approach [[our Father]] by the [[darkness]] of [[death]]. Let us be [[free]] in the [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]] of [[our Father]]'s [[eternal]] [[love]]. "

127:6.6 On this [[visit]] occurred one of those periodic outbreaks of [[rebellion]] against [[tradition]]—the [[expression]] of resentment for those [[ceremonial]] [[practices]] which [[Jesus]] deemed misrepresentative of [[Universal Father|his Father]] in heaven. Not knowing [[Jesus]] was coming, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus] had arranged to celebrate the [[Passover]] with [[friends]] in an adjoining village down the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jericho Jericho] road. [[Jesus]] now [[proposed]] that they celebrate the feast where they were, at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus Lazarus]'s house. " But, " said Lazarus, " we have no [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach paschal lamb]. " And then Jesus entered upon a prolonged and convincing [[dissertation]] to the [[effect]] that [[the Father]] in heaven was not truly concerned with such childlike and meaningless [[rituals]]. After solemn and fervent [[prayer]] they rose, and [[Jesus]] said: " Let the childlike and [[darkened]] [[minds]] of my people serve their [[God]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] directed; it is better that they do, but let us who have seen the [[light]] of life no longer approach [[our Father]] by the [[darkness]] of [[death]]. Let us be [[free]] in the [[knowledge]] of the [[truth]] of [[our Father]]'s [[eternal]] [[love]]. "

127:6.7 That evening about [[twilight]] these four sat down and partook of the first [[Passover]] feast ever to be [[celebrated]] by [[devout]] [[Jews]] without the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach paschal lamb]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unleavened_bread unleavened bread] and the wine had been made ready for this [[Passover]], and these emblems, which [[Jesus]] termed " the bread of life " and " the water of life, " he served to his [[companions]], and they ate in [[solemn]] [[conformity]] with the teachings just imparted. It was his [[custom]] to [[engage]] in this sacramental [[ritual]] whenever he paid subsequent visits to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. When he returned [[home]], he told all this to his [[mother]]. She was [[shocked]] at first but came [[gradually]] to see his [[viewpoint]]; nevertheless, she was greatly relieved when [[Jesus]] assured her that he did not [[intend]] to introduce this new [[idea]] of the [[Passover]] in their [[family]]. At [[home]] with the [[children]] he continued, year by year, to eat the [[Passover]] " according to the law of Moses. "[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.12]

127:6.7 That evening about [[twilight]] these four sat down and partook of the first [[Passover]] feast ever to be [[celebrated]] by [[devout]] [[Jews]] without the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korban_Pesach paschal lamb]. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unleavened_bread unleavened bread] and the wine had been made ready for this [[Passover]], and these emblems, which [[Jesus]] termed " the bread of life " and " the water of life, " he served to his [[companions]], and they ate in [[solemn]] [[conformity]] with the teachings just imparted. It was his [[custom]] to [[engage]] in this sacramental [[ritual]] whenever he paid subsequent visits to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethany Bethany]. When he returned [[home]], he told all this to his [[mother]]. She was [[shocked]] at first but came [[gradually]] to see his [[viewpoint]]; nevertheless, she was greatly relieved when [[Jesus]] assured her that he did not [[intend]] to introduce this new [[idea]] of the [[Passover]] in their [[family]]. At [[home]] with the [[children]] he continued, year by year, to eat the [[Passover]] " according to the law of Moses. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.12]

127:6.8 It was during this year that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had a long talk with [[Jesus]] about [[marriage]]. She frankly asked him if he would get married if he were free from his [[family]] [[responsibilities]]. Jesus explained to her that, since immediate [[duty]] forbade his [[marriage]], he had given the subject little [[thought]]. He expressed himself as doubting that he would ever enter the [[marriage]] state; he said that all such things must await " my hour, " the time when " [[our Father|my Father]]'s work must begin. " Having settled already in his [[mind]] that he was not to become the [[father]] of [[children]] in the [[flesh]], he gave very little [[thought]] to the subject of human [[marriage]].

127:6.8 It was during this year that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus) Mary] had a long talk with [[Jesus]] about [[marriage]]. She frankly asked him if he would get married if he were free from his [[family]] [[responsibilities]]. Jesus explained to her that, since immediate [[duty]] forbade his [[marriage]], he had given the subject little [[thought]]. He expressed himself as doubting that he would ever enter the [[marriage]] state; he said that all such things must await " my hour, " the time when " [[our Father|my Father]]'s work must begin. " Having settled already in his [[mind]] that he was not to become the [[father]] of [[children]] in the [[flesh]], he gave very little [[thought]] to the subject of human [[marriage]].

127:6.16 And now as a full-grown man—an adult of the realm—he [[prepares]] to continue his  [[mission]] of [[revealing]] [[God]] to men and leading men to God.

127:6.16 And now as a full-grown man—an adult of the realm—he [[prepares]] to continue his  [[mission]] of [[revealing]] [[God]] to men and leading men to God.

<center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_128 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[http://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126 Go to Previous Paper]</center>

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_128 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_126 Go to Previous Paper]</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: PART IV: The Life and Teachings of Jesus]]

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