Jesus' Final Period of Waiting 

When Jesus returned from Mount Hermon and his experience with the "great temptation," it was September of 25 CE, and summertime was about over. Jesus met with his family in Capernaum and then started on a three-week trip to Jerusalem with John Zebedee for the day of atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. On the way to Jerusalem, they spent the night at Bethany with Lazarus and his sisters. When they arrived in Jerusalem, John spent much of his time in and around the city; but Jesus preferred to be alone, wandering the hills and communing with the Father in heaven. They did not do a lot of visiting together; John could see that Jesus had undergone a great change.

For several years, Jesus had been undergoing a great transformation of mind and spirit – a transformation that was completed during his time on Mount Hermon. This change was so profound, that people who had known him during these times of his travels and personal ministry often did not recognize him in his later role as a public teacher of spiritual truth.

On the day of atonement, John thoroughly enjoyed the ritual and ceremonies, but Jesus just stood by, a silent spectator. Because of what he knew of the heavenly Father, he viewed the ceremonies as somewhat pitiful. He saw the rituals as sad distortions of the Father’s justice and mercy. He longed to tell the multitude assembled there the real truth of the heavenly Father’s loving character and his merciful nature, but his indwelling spirit advised him against it, telling him that his hour had not yet come. Later that night, Jesus said some pointed things that were disturbing to John, but John did not understand the comments that Jesus made.

Nevertheless, Jesus did enjoy the remainder of his time in Jerusalem with John as they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles for nearly the whole week; it was clear to see that he delighted in the lighthearted enjoyment of both the young and the old.

Jesus left John before the festivities in Jerusalem were finished and headed off alone once more to the hills near Bethany, where he spent another week in solitude. John wanted to go with him, but Jesus told him: "It is not required of you to bear the burden of the Son of Man; only the watchman must keep vigil while the city sleeps in peace."

On his way back to Capernaum, he spent one night in the hills of Mount Gilboa, and when he got home he seemed more cheerful than he was when he and John parted in Jerusalem.

Jesus, while awaiting his destined hour, returned to Zebedee’s workshop and immersed himself in boatmaking alongside his brother James. This period, lasting until January of the following year, solidified James's faith in Jesus' mission, despite future doubts. Jesus dedicated himself to crafting, finding satisfaction in completing quality work, and focusing on important aspects of each project.

Amidst rising rumors of John the Baptist baptizing and preaching in the Jordan Valley, Jesus continued his work until January of 26 CE. At that point, he laid down his tools, declared, "My hour has come," and journeyed to Pella with his brother James and Jude to present himself to John for baptism.