Urantia Book 8. The life of Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua ben Joseph, Christ Michael, Sovereign God of the Universe of Nebadon. During Jesus’ 14th year he was already expert at making yokes (they are put around a draft animal’s neck to pull a load), good with both canvas and leather and an expert cabinetmaker and carpenter. He was coming more self-conscious of the nature of his bestowal and meditated deeply about this bestowal. He continued advanced studies with synagogue teachers in Nazareth and continued to teach his brothers and sisters. Joseph and Mary had many doubts about Jesus because nothing miraculous ever happened. Mary was constantly disheartened by her expectations that Jesus would do something superhuman. But he refused to do anything special, Indeed, he didn’t even know she had these “great expectations.” Also, he was so difficult to understand. For all that, the future seemed bright, and Jesus was allowed to take music lessons on the harp. The future seems bright until it doesn’t. On Tuesday, September 25, a runner from Sepphoris came with a message that Joseph had been injured by the fall of a derrick while at work on the governor’s residence. Mary ran to Joseph’s side, taking James, now 10, and leaving Jesus in charge of the other children. Joseph died of his injuries before Mary could reach him. Joseph was brought to Nazareth and buried the next day. All future plans for this family were apparently smashed by a cruel fate. Jesus awoke to the fact that ” he had not only to fulfill the commission of his heavenly Father to reveal the divine nature on earth and in the flesh, but that his young human nature must also shoulder the responsibility of caring for his widowed mother and seven brothers and sisters–and another yet to be born. This lad of Nazareth now became the sole support and comfort of this so suddenly bereaved family” (126.2.2). These events were ordained to give Jesus “heavy but highly educational and disciplinary responsibilities attendant upon becoming the head of a human family, of becoming father to his own brothers and sisters, of supporting and protecting his mother, of functioning as guardian of his father’s home, the only home he was to know while on this world” (126.2.2). Jesus cheerfully accepted this responsibility; a problem had been solved for him: he wouldn’t be going to Jerusalem Temple School when he turned 15.* Jesus, as the years passed, measured religious and other institutions by this test: what does it do for the human soul? Does it bring God to man? Does it bring man to God? He devoted his time and energy to just two purposes: the care of his family and the preparation to do his Father’s heavenly will on earth (126.2.5). Jesus proved to be a good money manager, and Joseph had left enough money to keep the family from poverty. And Jesus had keen business and financial judgment. By the time Jesus was 15 (AD 9), he had a firm grip on the management of his family. They had run out of Joseph’s money and were forced to sell a house which Joseph co-owned with his neighbor Jacob. On Wednesday, April 17, AD 9 Ruth, the baby of the family was born. Jesus tried to give Ruth the love of a father. Also this year Jesus composed “The Lord’s Prayer,” which he would later teach to his Apostles. Jesus tried to teach his younger siblings to pray spontaneously, making up their own prayers, but it was a losing battle. They would constantly fall back into rote prayers. Jesus finally gave up. During this year, Jesus was troubled by confusion. He obviously couldn’t be about his Father’s business–he was weighed down with responsibilities. He rightly assumed that his first priority was the care of his family. At the same time he was making progress spiritually. He was reading a passage in the Book of Enoch, and the title ‘Son of Man’ was found in the passage. He had been wondering about his own designation as an Incarnated teacher and decided ‘Son of Man’ was just right. Also, he had spent many hours thinking about the Jewish Messiah, and “was firmly convinced that he was not to be that Messiah” (126.3.5). He didn’t see himself leading armies or sitting on a throne. Neither did he see his message as only to the Jews. He didn’t see himself fulfilling the Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures. Nor would he appear as the Son of Man depicted by the Prophet Daniel. Jesus said nothing to his mother about these plans and ideas; she still held on to the idea that he was the Jewish Messiah. Jesus wondered–Was he really a Jew? Was he of the House of David? His father said he was not. Had the prophets confused the nature and mission of the Messiah? How would he recognize a Messiah if one should appear in Nazareth? What would be his relation to this Messiah?*************** With money disappearing, Mary turned dove-selling over to James and bought a second cow. With the help of Miriam, they sold milk to their neighbors. With his frequent trips to the hill, his profound meditations and his strange ideas, Jesus thoroughly alarmed his mother. But Jesus was learning not to express every thought he had, especially thoughts that the average person can’t understand. I know the feeling. My previous blog was information about how the Illuminati and related forces are trying to destroy humanity, especially Americans. Some of the information was complicated and to some people could be conspiracy theories, although it was well-researched. There was also classified information in the blog that I obtained through underground resources. When I tell my relatives this kind of information, they think I’m crazy, so I know how Jesus felt. Now, back to the blog. “From this year on, Jesus’ disclosures about what was going on in his mind steadily diminished; he talked less about these things… which would lead to his being regarded as peculiar or different from ordinary folks” (126.3.13). Touche! Here’s a conspiracy theory. I had all kinds of trouble when I was typing the blog about the Illuminati. For example, I would be half-way finished and the text would disappear. This happened at least 3 times. There were other things as well, like I couldn’t see the last line as I was typing it–I couldn’t see it until I started typing the next line. The website is odd, too, but I won’t even get into that. Now I’ve started a blog about Jesus and I’m having none of those problems. For me, a picture is starting to emerge. Is someone monitoring my work? Did someone hack into my computer? Who would even care enough to interfere with my work? Why would anyone even care about my opinions? Would they care about the information in the blog? The same information is in the public domain. But maybe somebody doesn’t like how I connected the dots. OH WELL.OH HELL.

Urantia Book 7. The life of Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua ben Joseph, Christ Michael, Sovereign God of Nebadon. On the first day of the week after Passover ended, the company who had come to Jerusalem together arranged to meet near the Temple. While his parents were waiting for others to gather, Jesus went into the Temple to hear discussions. He was left behind when the company departed, men together and women together. The Bible is accurate on this incident, but it doesn’t convey the length of time his parents looked for Jesus. Jesus was so absorbed in these conferences that he did not realize the passage of time. His parents didn’t miss him because Mary thought he was with Joseph (now that he was a man), and Joseph thought he was with Mary because he had come with the women. They did not notice his absence until they stopped for the night at Jericho. They asked all the travelers had they seen Jesus but they received negative answers all around. They spent a sleepless night, wondering what could have happened to him. Jesus was enjoying the Temple after the Passover crowds had left Jerusalem. The atmosphere was quiet and decorous. Jesus went to Lazarus’ house for the night and spent the evening in the garden meditating. The next morning Jesus decided to take part in the discussions. Joseph and Mary came back to Jerusalem and looked for him everywhere. Jesus, in the discussions, asked questions, and “Sometimes his pointed questions were somewhat embarrassing to the learned teachers of Jewish law, but he evinced such a spirit of candid fairness, coupled with an evident hunger for knowledge, that the majority of the Temple teachers were disposed to treat him with every consideration” (125.4.3). But Jesus brought down the wrath on himself of a teacher when he questioned putting to death a drunken gentile who had wondered too close to the Holy of Holies. Jesus spent his second night in Bethany and again meditated in the garden. These meditations were very deep because they involved his future. On the third day people gathered at the conferences to see Jesus confuse the teachers of the law. He was gaining quite a reputation. Meanwhile, his parents were looking for him all over the Temple. By the end of the day, Jesus had focused the entire attention of the chief discussion group by asking these questions: “1.What really exists behind the veil in the Holy of Holies? 2.Why should mothers in Israel be segregated from the male Temple worshipers? 3. If God is a Father who loves his children, why all this slaughter of animals to gain divine favor–has the teaching of Moses been misunderstood? 4. Since the Temple has been dedicated to the worship of the Father in heaven, is it consistent to permit the presence of those who engage in secular barter and trade? 5. Is the expected Messiah to become a temporal prince to sit on the throne of David, or is he to function as the light of life in the establishment of a spiritual kingdom?” (125.5.2-7). Jesus actually taught his elders through the questions he asked them. His questions were thought-provoking and heart-searching. By the subtle phrasing of a question he would challenge their teaching and suggest his own. Jesus had a combination of humor and wisdom that endeared him to even those who resented his youthfulness. That night he again went to Bethany and meditated on how to enlighten his fellows. He was interested in one thing: to proclaim everlasting truth and thus effect a fuller revelation of the eternal God (125.5.8). As he meditated he tried to think of some kind of lifework in which he could reveal to his spiritually blinded countrymen a concept of a loving Father; and set them free from their bondage to the law. But he received no light on these questions.*************************** I have a problem with Jesus’ lack of awareness that his parents might be worried about him. I can only understand it if Jesus is in a fugue brought on by God-hood suddenly entering his psyche. He wouldn’t be able to think of anything else. And the way he charms the elders–an average boy could never do that.* On the fourth day Lazarus’ mother remarked that Jesus’ parents must be home by now. This passed right over Jesus’ head. That afternoon the leader of the discussion invited Jesus to come up, sit by him and talk about his views on prayer and worship. At this time Jesus’ parents decided to take one last walk through the Temple. Imagine their surprise when they recognized the voice that was expounding to the elders! And soon they saw him sitting among the teachers. When Mary rebuked Jesus, it was close to the Bible: “My child, why have you treated us like this? It is now more than three days that your father and I have been searching for you sorrowing. Whatever possessed you to desert us?” (125.6.5). Being treated like a child in front of these teachers must have been acutely embarrassing to Jesus. But Jesus didn’t show the anger he may have felt. Instead, the UB says, “the lad was equal to the occasion.” He answered, “Why is it that you have so long sought me? Would you not expect to find me in my Father’s house since the time has come when I should be about my Father’s business?” (125.6.7)***************** When leaving Jerusalem, Jesus paused on the brow of Olivet, raised his staff and quivering from head to foot with the surging of intense emotion, said: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem and the people thereof, what slaves you are–subservient to the Roman yoke, and victims of your own traditions–but I will return to cleanse yonder Temple and deliver my people from this bondage” (125.6.9).

Urantia Book 6. The story of Jesus of Nazareth, Joshua ben Joseph, Christ Michael, God of the Universe of Nebadon. In Jesus’ 13th year (AD 7) he passed into manhood due to several experiences. His voice started to change. He also became assured that he had a special mission for the enlightenment of man and the revelation of God. Also, on Sunday night, January 9, his brother Amos was born. On March 20 Jesus graduated from the course of training at the Nazareth synagogue. “This was a great day in the life of any ambitious Jewish family, the day when the first-born son was pronounced “a son of commandment” and the ransomed first-born of the Lord God of Israel, “a child of the Most High” and servant of the Lord of all the earth” (124.5.4). To explain: Yahweh demanded the sacrifice of the first-born male child, but He waived that sacrifice and settled for the dedication of the child to Himself. Joseph traveled from a work site to be present at the graduation. He was in charge of the work on a new public building in Sepphoris. The elders were very proud of Jesus and planned his further education in Jerusalem at the “renowned Hebrew academies.” Jesus knew he wouldn’t be fulfilling these plans, but had no idea that he would be raising his brothers and sisters, making higher education impossible.********** Jesus attended his first Passover, which fell on April 9. The family departed for Jerusalem as part of a group of 103 worshipers. They traveled through Archelaus’ region, but he had been deposed, so there was nothing to fear. By the 4th day the road was clogged with worshipers attending Passover. When Joseph told Jesus that the Holy City lay just beyond the next ridge, his “heart beat fast with joyous anticipation of soon beholding the city and house of his heavenly Father” (124.5.8). At Bethany the family was invited to rest and have a snack. Mary, Martha and Lazarus were about the age of Jesus, and they became lifelong friends. Jesus experienced his first human thrill in gazing down on Jerusalem from Olivet. As they hurried through Jerusalem, Jesus was impressed by the crowds, who came from every part of the known world. The family stayed in the large house of a relative who knew the story of Jesus and John through Zacharias. Joseph took Jesus to the Temple where it was planned that he would continue his education when he reached 15 years of age. Joseph couldn’t understand Jesus’ lack of interest in these plans. But Jesus did ask some embarrassing questions, such as why the heavenly Father required the death of so many helpless and innocent animals. “The day before the Passover Sabbath was one of the most extraordinary days that the Son of God spent in the flesh; and during the night, for the first time in his earth career, there appeared to him an assigned messenger from Salvington, commissioned by Immanuel, and this messenger said, “The hour has come. It is time that you began to be about your Father’s business.”” (124.6.15). The UB interprets this message to mean that Jesus must now take responsibility of running the universe as well as continue his bestowal activities. He was 13 at the time, so I’m not sure I agree with the UB interpretation of the message. I think the message means that he should start to preach the Word or the Revelation of God. He did decide to go back to Salvington after his Baptism, but he grew up after the experience at Passover.* Jesus was consecrated in the Temple, another milestone in his becoming a man. He was shocked, indignant and angry that his mother wasn’t allowed to witness his consecration–no women were allowed–there was a women’s court for women. He was also disappointed with the routine, perfunctory nature of the ritual. Afterwards, Joseph took Jesus on a tour of the Temple, which could hold 200,000 worshipers at one time. Jesus heard too much about God’s anger and punishment. He did not accept explanations of worship and religious devotion which involved belief in the wrath of God or the anger of the Almighty. When Joseph insisted that Jesus accept orthodox Jewish beliefs, Jesus appealed to Joseph, saying, “My father, it cannot be true–the Father in heaven cannot so regard his erring children on earth. The heavenly Father cannot love his children less than you love me. And I well know, no matter what unwise thing I might do, you would never pour out wrath upon me, nor vent anger against me. If you, my earthly father, possess such human reflections of the Divine, how much more must the heavenly Father be filled with goodness and overflowing with mercy. I refuse to believe that my Father in heaven loves me less that my father on earth” (125.0.6). Jesus was sickened by the court of the gentiles: noise, bleating of sheep, cursing, fighting, money changers, prostitutes, screams of dying animals–he couldn’t believe this was happening in his Father’s house. Farther in, the priests slaughtered the animals: more dying animals, blood, blood all over the priests. And the smell! And everywhere he went, he was depressed by the spirit of irreverence, and noise, clamor and yelling. Jesus complained to his parents about all this, but they didn’t say anything. They never again tried to change his mind about his Father’s love and mercy.************** Jesus’ family celebrated Passover with his friends in Bethany. He was asked to recount the origin of Passover, but, to his parents’ chagrin, he included comments on the condition of the Temple. Jesus began to think of someday having a bloodless Passover–no lamb. His sleep was very disturbed that night, with dreams of slaughter and suffering. His mind and heart were tortured by the eyes of the innocent animals. He obsessed about the inconsistencies of the theology of the Jewish ceremonial system. His parents couldn’t sleep, either. They were upset by their son’s strange reaction to everything. Why was this not a good experience for Jesus? Why was he reacting this way? Why was he different? They were both afraid to talk to Jesus, but he would have freely told them what was in his mind. In fact, he should have had somebody he could have talked to. The next day was much better for Jesus. Lazarus took Jesus to parts of the Temple where discussions took place, and they spent a large part of the day listening to these discussions. Also the day’s services were more acceptable to Jesus. He also visited the Holy of Holys and reflected on what might or might not be behind the curtain. During Passover week Jesus was deep in contemplation of many problems that he had to work out in order to assume the status of a man and a God. His parents would come upon him sitting with his head in his hands, and this caused them to want him safely back in Nazareth.

Urantia Book 5. Jesus, in hanging at the workshop at Nazareth, had the opportunity to make constant contact with a large number of men and women from every part of the civilized world. This, more than higher Hebrew education, prepared him to understand gentiles and gave him a balanced idea of the Babylonian and Hellenic views of Hebrew theology. When Jesus was 9 in AD 3, he got into trouble at school. The Jews allowed no statues, drawings or paintings, considering them idolatrous. Jesus drew a charcoal picture of the teacher on the floor of the schoolroom. Another student told the teacher, and a big fuss ensued. The elders sent a committee to Joseph “to demand that something be done to suppress the lawlessness of his eldest son” (124.1.4). This was the most serious of all the many accusations that Mary and Joseph had faced. Jesus didn’t like his parents being blamed for his misdeeds, so he confronted his accusers. The adults had various reactions to this assertive upstart. But he finally announced he would obey Joseph in this and all other controversial matters. The committee left silently. Jesus was prohibited from making objects out of clay, a favorite activity. Joseph decreed that the rabbinical interpretation of the 2nd commandment should prevail, so Jesus never drew again, either. This was the year that Jesus’ second sister, Martha, was born, on Thursday night, September 13. Joseph built an addition on their house, a combined workshop and bedroom. A small workbench was made for Jesus and he was given his own tools. On and off he would work at this bench, and became expert in the making of yokes. During the winter there was ice, and Jesus pondered the fact that water had three forms: solid, liquid and vapor. And yet this child had created the universe and decided what form the animals would take, decided what form the will creatures on planets would take, decided what kind of vegetation habitable planets would have. When Jesus was 10 years old, he became the leader of a group of boys who formed themselves into a society for promoting the acquirements of manhood—physical, intellectual and religious. Also, Jesus introduced new games and physical recreation. When Jesus was 10 in AD 4 he, while on a walk with Joseph, revealed that he was somewhat conscious of his mission. Later, he revealed the same to Mary. Neither parent asked a question or said anything. It was 2 years before Jesus revealed to his parents again that he was aware of the nature of his personality and the character of his mission on earth. At school Jesus continued asking questions, but he had one outstanding trait: he was unwilling to fight for his rights. He was strong and well-developed for his age, so it was strange that he let himself be abused. His friend, Jacob, however, so to it that Jesus was not harmed. Oddly, Jesus was the leader of the boys; he was fair and sympathetic. About this time Jesus started visiting with older people. He liked to talk about culture, education, social and economic issues, and political and religious ideas. But Mary and Joseph tried to steer Jesus to children his own age. Some of the parents of the other children spoke of Jesus as being too pert and lacking in proper humility. Jesus tended to direct the other children into a thoughtful mode. He played teacher with them. “Joseph and Mary were often tempted to show some special favoritism for Jesus or otherwise to betray their knowledge that he was a child of promise, a son of destiny… The few times they did in any manner exhibit any preference for him, even in the slightest degree, the lad was quick to refuse all such special consideration”(124.3.2)*** Joseph instructed Jesus in the many ways to gain a livelihood, explaining to him the advantages of agriculture over industry and trade. But in a trip to the Lake of Galilee, he decided to be a fisherman. Later, his father’s work influenced him to become a carpenter. Still later, a combination of influences led him to the final choice–to become a religious teacher of a new order. On Wednesday, June 24, AD 5, Jude was born, Jesus was 11 years old. Mary was ill with this baby and Joseph had to stay at home to take care of her. He sent Jesus on numerous errands. This is when Jesus lost his childhood, and the world became a serious place. “From the time of his mother’s illness he was compelled to assume the responsibilities of the first-born son and do all this one or two years before these burdens should normally had fallen on his shoulders” (124.3.4). The rabbi continued to help Jesus at home, but he couldn’t understand why Jesus was so indifferent to studying with the learned rabbis at Jerusalem. In the middle of May, Jesus went with Joseph to the Greek city of Scythopolis. Jesus was impressed with how clean it was and the well-ordered arrangement of the beautiful buildings. He was amazed at the marble temple dedicated to a pagan god. There were annual games taking place, and Jesus begged Joseph to take him. Joseph didn’t understand any of Jesus’ reactions to this city, but he let Jesus drag him to the games. Later, Joseph tried to convince Jesus that the games were pagan and evil, but Jesus wasn’t on his frequency. Nor did Jesus realize he was in danger. Jesus went on and on and thought it would be great to have games and competition in Nazareth. At this point Joseph exploded and told Jesus a lot of things about being Jewish vs. being pagan, which Jesus should have known by then and then told Jesus “never to express an such an evil thought again.” Jesus was shocked because Joseph had never revealed this side of himself before. Later, though, he used these games as recreation for his Apostles.* When Jesus was 12 in AD 6, he began doing regular work in the carpenter shop. He was allowed to manage his own money, which was unusual in Jewish families. He also learned to keep such matters secret in the family. He also became conscious of the ways he had caused trouble in the village, and became discrete in the ways he was different from the other children. “But his natural developing human mind did not yet fully grasp the reality of his dual nature. The fact that he had a single personality rendered it difficult for his consciousness to recognize the double origin of those factors which composed the nature associated with that self-same personality” (124.4.2) Jesus took pains to get along with his brothers and sisters, but he had trouble with Jude. Joseph and Mary increasingly realized that there was something superhuman in Jesus, but it never occurred to them that he was the Creator of the universe. They lived and died not knowing that unbelievable fact about their son. Jesus, at 12 years old, taught the home school for his younger brothers and sisters. During this year Jesus had a conflict between two great commandments: 1.” Be loyal to the highest convictions of truth and righteousness. and 2. Honor your father and mother, for they have given you life and the nurture there-of…Jesus was able to blend these personal convictions and family obligations into a concept of group solidarity based on loyalty, fairness, tolerance and love.”

tual

The Urantia Book 4. Joseph proceeded to teach Jesus from the Greek scriptures. There were only 2 copies of the Greek scriptures in Nazareth so students came to Joseph’s house in an endless stream to learn the Greek version of the scriptures. This enabled Jesus to meet many different students and intellectuals and sincere truth seekers. Jesus received a mild shock in his sixth year when he asked Joseph the cause of an earthquake they had experienced. Jesus thought Joseph knew everything. Joseph answered his question by saying, “My son, I really do not know.” Jesus then began a long disillusionment that his earthly parents weren’t all-knowing. Joseph knew that telling Jesus that God or the devil did it would not satisfy Jesus, or it would just lead to more questions. It would also be an insult to Jesus’ intelligence. As young as Jesus was–6 years old–he became curious about Israel’s history, sabbath rules, feast days and synagogue sermons. Joseph explained all this to him. The first was the mid-winter 8 day festival of lights called Hannukah. Next was the springtime festival of Purim. Then followed Passover, which Jews celebrated in Jerusalem, arriving from all over the Empire. The Day of Atonement was next, followed by the Feast of Tabernacles, when people made tents or booths and just had a good time. During this 6th year Mary and Joseph had trouble with Jesus about his prayers. He would say his prayers as taught, but afterward he would “just have a little talk with my Father in heaven.” Unfortunately this talk was aloud, to the embarrassment of those around him.*********** During this year Joseph became a contractor and the family’s income tripled. They now had no money worries and could take trips and buy more things. When James was old enough, he helped Mary in the house while Jesus worked with Joseph. Jesus, in his trips with Joseph, was always studying people and how they lived. Joseph, though, would explain to Jesus that it was necessary to curtail “personal desires in deference to the welfare and tranquility of the entire family.” You can be sure that Jesus got the message. But one troublesome thing he liked to do was stay up beyond his bedtime and stare at the stars. Children of those days didn’t have organized games like we do today. They mostly played at things they saw their parents doing. There was little outlet for Jesus’ capacity for play and humor. But he did play with James in the workshop with blocks of wood. Up to the age of 14, he was cheerful and lighthearted most of the time. Mary had a dovecote on top of the animal annex, and they used the profit from the sale of doves as a special charity fund. Jesus deducted a tithe and took it to the officer at the synagogue. He was in charge of the fund. There were 2 events of note in AD 1. First, Jesus caused Mary great anxiety by falling down the stone stairs from the roof. He liked to play up there, but he saw a sandstorm coming. Coming down the stairs, he was blinded by the sand and fell. Joseph subsequently built rails on both sides of the stairway. “There was no way in which this accident could have been prevented. It was not chargeable to the neglect of the midway temporal guardians, one primary and one 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” (123.4.6). Celestial beings do not as a rule interfere with accidents of a physical nature. Only midway creatures, able to act on physical reality, will act for persons of destiny, but then only with permission of superiors. Jesus turned 7 years old, the age at which formal education begins in the synagogue school. Jesus came to school fluent in Greek and Aramaic. Next, he must learn to read, write and speak Hebrew. Until he was 10, he attended the elementary school of the Nazareth synagogue. He studied the Law as it was recorded in Hebrew. After the 3rd year, he spent 3 more years studying the deeper aspects of the Law. He graduated when he was 13, and Jewish boys are then considered men. He was expected to attend Passover in the Temple at Jerusalem. “Jesus received his moral training and spiritual culture mainly in his own home. He secured much of his intellectual and theological education from the rabbi. 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 other people, 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). The synagogue in Nazareth was very modern and liberal, and thus Joseph was able to take Jesus for long walks on the Sabbath. They would climb the hill near their home, and get a panoramic view of all Galilee. They could see Mount Hermon, almost 3000 feet of the upper slopes glistening white with perpetual snow. Or they would just stroll through the countryside and study nature. When Jesus was 8 he learned to milk the family cow, care for the other animals, make cheese, and learned to weave. But the big family event was the birth of Joseph on Wednesday morning, March 16, AD 1. Jesus was such a good student that he was allowed 1 week off every month. He would spend the week with an uncle on his farm or with another uncle who was a fisherman. Also about this time, AD 2, he met a teacher of mathematics and for several years spent much time on math. He developed a keen sense of numbers, distances and proportions. Jesus also became a skillful harpist. But despite his progress, things did not always go smoothly for parents or teachers. He persisted in asking many embarrassing questions about science and religion, especially about geography and astronomy. Also he asked why there was a dry season and a rainy season. He never ceased to ask such perplexing questions. Maybe the birth of his 3rd brother Simon took his mind off his questions. It happened on Friday, April 14, AD 2. A teacher from the academy of rabbis at Jerusalem, named Nahor, came to Nazareth to invite Jesus to the school , where he could learn so much more at the center for learning and culture. He wanted to take Jesus back with him. Mary was inclined to consent. Joseph not so much. Nahor suggested they leave the decision to Jesus. Jesus consulted with all the adults, prayed, and couldn’t come up with a solid decision either way. So, since he didn’t feel old enough to make the decision on his own, he decided not to go. I think his intuition told him that he wouldn’t like it. Jesus liked his freedom.

The Urantia Book 3. Jesus’ father Joseph had mild depression when Jesus was very young, but when he became a contractor and the family’s financial condition improved, he was happier. Mary was the opposite of Joseph. She was cheerful and rarely depressed. She was free about expressing her feelings and emotions. But Jesus was an unusual child and took all the wisdom she had. Jesus derived his understanding of human nature from Joseph; he inherited his capacity for righteous indignation from Mary. Joseph trained Jesus in Jewish ceremonials and Hebrew scriptures; but from Mary he derived a more liberal concept of personal freedom (122.5.1-4). Joseph and Mary were educated far above the average for their day and station in life. Mary would often doubt that Jesus had a special mission in life, especially if others doubted, but then she would remember Gabriel’s visit and come back to faith. Joseph and Mary were married after a courtship of two years. Their courtship started when Mary brought Joseph a cup of water as he was helping her father build an addition to his house. Joseph was not an old man, as tradition has it; he was only 21 years old (122.5.8).* The house Jesus lived in was stone with an annex for the animals. There was a stone table, which the family gathered around to eat. There were also several stools, a lampstand, a loom and earthenware and stone pots. There were mats that would be spread on the floor for sleeping. The was a mill for grinding and an oven in the backyard. When Jesus’ sister Martha was born, a room was added at the back of the house. At mealtimes they gathered around the low table and helped themselves from a common pot.** Joseph and Mary were married in March of 8 BC. Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken in 8 BC for more thorough taxation. It was postponed a year in Palestine because the Jews objected to any attempt to number them. So Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem on the morning of August 18, 7 BC. Joseph didn’t want Mary to go, but her sense of adventure overruled him. The Bible is accurate in its story of the birth of Jesus. There were no accommodations in Bethlehem; it was too busy with people registering for the census. But below the Inn there were caravan stables carved out of the rock, and it had been cleaned out for lodgers. Mary and Joseph occupied a room used for grain, and curtains had been put up for privacy. Mary went into labor that night, and with the help of other female travelers, gave birth to Jesus at noon the next day, August 21, 7 BC. Mary had brought clothes for this possibility, and she did lay the baby Jesus in a nearby manger (122.8.1). According to Jewish practice Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day and formally named Joshua. Today’s Messianic Jews refer to Jesus as Joshua, his real name. When Jesus was born, the seraphim (angels) of Urantia, assembled under their directors, did sing anthems of glory over the Bethlehem manger, but these songs of praise were not heard by human ears. No shepherds came to the manger. There was no bright guiding star. Oddly, though, there were 3 conjunctions that year: on May 29 there was a conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn in the constellation Pisces. Similar conjunctions occurred on September 29 and December 5. There were priests who came looking for Jesus on the strength of a dream. They were from the city of Ur in Mesopotamia (Iraq), and they did have gifts. They were about to give up looking when they were told by Zacharias in the Temple in Jerusalem where to find Jesus. So they went to Bethlehem and delivered their gifts. After this Mary had to go to Temple for ritual Purification, and two Temple regulars made a huge fuss over Jesus, calling him the King of the Jews. This came to Herod’s ears, and he sent for the priests from Ur. They refused to satisfy his curiosity and headed back to Ur. Herod searched for Jesus for a year, and finally took an evil step. He ordered that every Jewish boy 2 years of age be killed. This massacre of 16 boys took place in October of 6 BC. Mary and Joseph were warned and left Bethlehem the night before the massacre. They went to Alexandria in Egypt and stayed there for 2 years, until after the death of Herod.* In Alexandria Joseph worked as the foreman on the construction of a public building. Mary was very over-protective of Jesus, but there were other children of Jesus’ age, so she was persuaded to let him grow up as a normal child. The news was out that Jesus had a mission, so descendants of Ikhnaton presented Jesus with a Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures. Mary and Joseph then left Egypt and arrived at the port of Joppa in August of 4 BC. But there was a question of where it was safest to live–Bethlehem or Nazareth. They went to Bethlehem, but Herod Antipas’ brother Archelaus ruled there, and Joseph thought he might be a danger to Jesus, so they returned to Nazareth, thinking Antipas the lesser of two evils. Several relatives accompanied them and they avoided Jerusalem. They settled into their home very happily; Jesus was 3 years and 2 months old. Joseph and Mary made a strict agreement not to mention to anyone that Jesus was “a child of promise,” and they kept the agreement. Jesus found a new friend named Jacob when he was 4, but the big event was the birth of his brother James on April 2, 3 BC. Jesus was thrilled with his baby brother, and loved to stand and watch him.**************** Joseph built a workshop near the caravan parking lot, and as Jesus grew up, he spent his time either at the workshop or helping his mother with his younger siblings. A year after the return to Nazareth, when Jesus was about 5 years old, ” he arrived at the age of his first personal and wholehearted moral decision; and there came to abide with him a Thought Adjuster, a divine gift of the Paradise Father…This event occurred on February 11, 2 BC. Jesus was no more aware of the coming of the TA than are million upon millions of other children. TAs indwell their minds and work for the ultimate spiritualization of these minds and the eternal survival of their evolving immortal souls” (123.2.1). The Universe Rulers terminated their supervision of Michael and left him in the hands of his TA and seraphic guardians and midwayers with special assignments. Also in 2 BC when Jesus was 5, his sister Miriam was born on July 11. The next day Joseph talked with Jesus about how living things are born into the world. Joseph and Mary always took pains to answer Jesus’ questions. From age 5 to age 10 Jesus was “one continuous question mark.” It was tradition in Jewish homes for the mother to train the child until age 5, and then turn the child over to the father for further education. And so on August 21, 2 BC Mary turned Jesus over to Joseph.

The Urantia Book. I read in EraOfLight that many of the top cabalists are still at large but running for cover. I thought they had been rounded up. It seems like I still have to fear for the children. Now the blog. The supreme spiritual purpose of the Michael bestowal was to enhance the revelation of God. The context into which Michael was born was ideal for the spread of a new religion. Three extraordinary influences came together: the Roman political and social systems, the Greek language and philosophy and the spreading influence of Jewish religious and moral teachings. Michael was born into a unified Empire with good roads enabling trade and travel. The Jews occupied the crossroads of 3 continents, and roads passed Nazareth. Jewish synagogues scattered all over the Empire gave the new religion of Christianity its first hearing. Paul made converts among the gentiles who attended these synagogues services. In Antioch Paul’s disciples were first called Christians. The great Temple at Jerusalem, drawing Jews and gentiles from everywhere, was the secret of the survival of monotheism. So, Michael decided to be born a Jew at the height of the Roman Empire. * The gentile world was dominated by four great philosophies: Epicurean, Stoic, Cynic and Skeptic. The Epicureans were dedicated to the pursuit of happiness. Stoics tried to attune their minds to the Universal Mind. The Cynics preached simplicity and virtue and urged men to meet death fearlessly. Skepticism held that all knowledge was fallacious and nothing could be assured. This is similar to the Buddhist “all is illusion.” There were religions also: pagan cults, emperor worship, astrology and mystery religions. Mystery religions had a dying and resurrecting god, salvation, communion, sacrifice, ritual, etc. Mithraism was a popular mystery religion. Today’s Satanic sacrificial sex rituals to raise demons has come down from ancient mystery religions.*** Jesus was born into a context where three languages were spoken. The common people spoke Aramaic, the priests and rabbis spoke Hebrew and the educated class spoke Greek. Jesus could speak and write all three. Joseph taught him Greek from a Greek Bible that had been given to the family. There is evidence that the disciples could read and speak Hebrew. Philo of Alexandria harmonized and systematized Greek philosophy and Hebrew theology into a compact and fairly consistent system of religious belief and practice (121.6.3). Gabriel made a personal visit to Urantia to find out which nation or group of people would be best for Michael’s bestowal. He decided on the Hebrews and Michael agreed. Then the Family Commission of Twelve were called to Urantia to survey couples and nominate 3 that would be equally favorable for Michael’s incarnation. Gabriel chose Joseph and Mary; and he subsequently appeared to Mary announcing that she would give birth to Michael/Joshua. Joseph would be the father of Joshua, better known as Jesus. Joseph’s ancestry did not include David and Solomon, nor did it go directly back to Adam. Joseph’s ancestors were builders: masons, smiths, carpenters. Joseph was a carpenter, then a contractor. Mary had many famous women in her ancestry; her racial background was broader than Joseph’s- she was barely Jewish. Mary and Joseph were chosen because they were average, but had wide racial connections and superior personality endowments. So, Mary and her cousin Elizabeth were going to give birth to special babies. Elizabeth received an announcement from Gabriel that she would give birth to the forerunner to the child Mary was carrying, and she was to call him John. Her husband, Zechariah, was skeptical because they were so old. In the New Testament (Luke 1:18-22) he is struck dumb until John’s baptism, but the UB says nothing about this. When Gabriel told Mary that Elizabeth had a similar announcement, Mary went to visit her. She stayed with Elisabeth 3 weeks, not 3 months, as it says in Luke 1: 56. Gabriel also told Mary that she would call the baby Joshua, and that he would inaugurate the kingdom of heaven on earth and among men. He said, “The power of the Most High will strengthen you, and the Lord of all the earth shall overshadow you” (122.3.1). Gabriel’s announcement to Mary was made the day following the conception of Jesus…(122.3.4). Mary was not a virgin and she bore 6 other children after Jesus. Poor Joseph was very confused when Mary told him about Gabriel’s visit and announcement–until he had a dream. In his dream Gabriel appeared to him and told him that the son Mary would bear will become a great light in the world. In him will be life and his life will become the light of mankind. He will preach first to his own people, but they won’t accept him. But to those who accept him, he will reveal to them that they are children of God. Now, what did Gabriel NOT say: that Jesus was in the line of King David; that Jesus would deliver the Jews from the Romans; that Jesus was the long-expected Messiah. Prophecies like Isaiah 52 and 53 were misapplied to Jesus. Jesus himself denied any connection with the royal house of David. The passage “a maiden shall bear a son” was mistranslated to “a virgin shall bear a son.” The genealogies in the gospels are also not accurate. On the other hand, Jesus WAS the world’s deliverer. His mission was to all the races and peoples, not to just one group.