1 Nazareth was proud of Jesus’ talks in the temple. He was communicating with his Thought Adjuster better, and more self-conscious of his divinity. After the Passover experience, Jesus held in contempt those Jewish leaders using God to control people and make money.
2 At 14 years old Jesus was skilled in sewing, fishing, carpentry, and caring for the family’s animals. He was studying, learning the harp, and helping raise his siblings. Jesus spent a lot of time thinking. Mary and Joseph were confused and hoping to see him do some miracles.
3 In September, Joseph was killed in an accident at work. Mary was pregnant. Jesus was now head of the household. He had to raise the kids, support the family, and care for Mary. They were sad. At night Jesus told stories, read the scriptures, or played the harp for everyone.
4 On April 17, A.D. 9, Ruth was born. Their money was running out. Jesus’ mission for his Father had to be put off. He knew his first responsibility was to care for his family. Mary was even more confused about her son, and Jesus spoke less and less to her of his thoughts.
5 As the father of the house, Jesus had to teach the other kids how to pray. He wanted them to talk to God in their mind like he did. But the family couldn’t get this, and fell back to saying rote prayers. So Jesus sat down and wrote what we now know as the Lord’s Prayer.
6 Jesus was confused. He knew he wouldn’t lead an army or sit on David’s throne. He knew he wasn’t born just for the Jews, but for all people. But if he wasn’t the messiah, who should he tell the people he was? When he taught them, what should he call himself?
7 Then Jesus read the Book of Enoch. It spoke about the coming of the Son of Man. This person had before walked with God in heaven, but gave up everything to come to Earth to save it’s people. Jesus saw truth in this passage, and decided to call himself the Son of Man.
8 For his first service at the synagogue, Jesus began: 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.
9 The family was poorer each month. Herod Antipas, that fox as Jesus called him, cheated the family out of Joseph’s back pay. The tax collector tried to take Jesus’ harp. Their food was plain but healthy. Everyone had their daily chores. They made the best with what they had.
10 Jesus met his problems as he found them. He worked to make life better for everyone. His plans were dashed, yet he wasn’t discouraged. Jesus showed the way with grace for all disillusioned idealists. Now on the verge of manhood, he’s about to begin his Father’s mission.
Okay everyone, those are the highlights of Son of Man, Chapter 5, “Two Crucial Years.” This week’s Chapter 6 is, “The Adolescent Years.” Enjoy, my friends, and have a super week.