Jesus' Eleventh Year 

During his eleventh year (5 CE), Jesus continued to accompany his father on trips to work sites. He gained knowledge about international affairs through conversations with travelers. Jesus expressed admiration for the competitive games of the Greeks, despite his father's disapproval. His fourth brother, Jude, was born, which brought Jesus increased responsibilities due to his mother's consequent illness. Jesus became more contemplative, considering his obligations to family and to the world.

Jesus enjoyed going with his father on trips away from home. He also visited his uncle’s farm, and occasionally went fishing with his uncle in Magdala.

Joseph and Mary restrained themselves from the temptation of telling others that they were raising a son of destiny. They held their excitement within. They were also farsighted in not showing him any favoritism. And if he sensed any preferential treatment, Jesus immediately refused it.

Jesus could frequently be found at the caravan supply shop, fascinated by conversations with so many travelers from so many parts of the world. His knowledge of international affairs bordered on amazing.

The chazan came by once a week in the evening to help Jesus master the Hebrew scriptures. He found Jesus to be a bright and promising pupil, but he could never understand why Jesus seemed indifferent to his suggestions of the prospect of continuing his education under the learned rabbis in Jerusalem.

In May, Jesus went with his father on a business trip to the Greek city of Scythopolis. Jesus was overwhelmed by the clean and well-ordered buildings, the open-air theater, and the beautiful marble temple. Joseph was perturbed by a show of enthusiasm over a city of “heathen” gods, and immediately reminded Jesus of the wondrous features of the temple at Jerusalem. But being surrounded by such pleasing sites, even Joseph knew his argument was weak. Joseph’s issue consisted more with knowing of Israel’s history with the Philistines.

At the Scythopolis amphitheater, the annual competitive games and public displays of physical prowess between the Greek cities of the Decapolis were in progress, and Jesus insisted that his father take him to see them. Joseph hesitated to deny him. Jesus loved the games and enjoyed the physical development and athletic skill demonstrations. Joseph was appalled by his son's enthusiasm for these "heathen" displays of vainglory. After the games, Joseph was surprised to hear Jesus praise them and suggest that Nazareth's young men would benefit from healthy outdoor physical activity. Joseph spent a lot of time explaining to Jesus why such practices were wrong, but he knew he was not convinced.

In the room that night, Jesus suggested that his father begin building an amphitheater at Nazareth when they return. Jesus witnessed his father for the first time get angry with him. Joseph seized Jesus by the shoulder and angrily exclaimed that he never ever utter such evil plans. Jesus stood stunned, feeling for the first time his father’s sting of righteous indignation. Jesus answered, “Very well, my father, it shall be so.” Later, in Jerusalem, Jesus learned how hateful such activities were from the Jewish point of view. Still, he always included wholesome recreation into the work of his apostles.

On Wednesday evening, June 24, Mary gave birth to her seventh child, Jude.She developed complications and became ill, preventing Joseph from returning to work for several weeks. Jesus ran errands for this father and fulfilled any duties required for his mother’s recovery. Jesus assumed the duties of a first-born son many years before they would normally be expected. The carefree attitude of his earlier years evaporated and were gone forever.

This was the last year Jesus still had some free time, which he so enjoyed. Difficulties and responsibilities began to pile up after this year.

At the end of this year, Jesus remained physical fit, with a good sense of humor, and usually lighthearted. He deliberated much about how he could meet his family obligations and still answer the call of his mission to the world. He resolved that his mission included the entire world, and not just the Jewish people.