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Jesus' Sixteenth Year
Jesus transitioned into adolescence, growing into a robust, kind young man with a blend of human and divine qualities. His family struggled to grasp his unique mission, while he worked as a carpenter and contemplated his future.
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Summary
In the sixteenth year of his life, Jesus transitioned from an uneventful childhood to a thoughtful and physically robust adolescent. He displayed a remarkable combination of human and divine qualities, exuding kindness, authority, and a captivating smile. While his family struggled to comprehend him due to their expectations of him becoming a Jewish deliverer, Jesus focused on his destiny. He diligently worked as a carpenter, supporting his family, and began to distance himself from discussions about his peculiar mission, which he believed no one on earth could advise him on.
Despite the misunderstandings, Jesus remained a loving presence for his family, especially his younger siblings, who held a deep affection for him, while Mary admired his unwavering commitment to their home and well-being.
Jesus Matures
In his sixteenth year (CE 10), Jesus developed into a physically strong and energetic youth. He realized his full physical growth, and was the picture of health. He was a virile and strikingly handsome youth.
The balance between his human and divine natures began to manifest through his personality. He was able to display two seemingly different traits, and reconcile them together. His voice was melodious, yet always authoritative. His gaze searched down deep, yet was filled with compassion. His smile immediately made you feel better. He was serious and thoughtful, yet always showed feeling. He was an affectionate friend, and an imposing teacher.
Jesus also gained full growth of his human intellect. He did not yet experience all phases of human thinking, but he possessed the capacity to process all such future occasions.
Jesus possessed a healthy and well-proportioned body, a keen and analytical mind, a kind and sympathetic disposition, a somewhat fluctuating but aggressive temperament, all of which were becoming organized into a strong, striking, and attractive personality.
Family Helps One Another
Everyone in the family pitched in. Simon was old enough to start school. Jesus’ three sisters were taught by James. Little Ruth emulated Miriam and Martha, as they guided her. Although girls of Jewish families were not expected to receive an education, Jesus insisted, and Mary fully assented, that they should have the same education as the boys. Since the synagogue school disagreed, they conducted a home school for them.
Misunderstood
As Jesus matured, it became increasingly challenging for his family, including his mother and siblings, to comprehend him. Mary had raised them with the expectation that Jesus would become the Jewish deliverer, causing confusion when he denied such intentions. Despite his family's misunderstandings, Jesus focused on his destiny, knowing he was meant for a distinctive mission. He continued to work diligently as a carpenter, providing for his family, and spent quality time with his siblings, forging strong bonds. While Mary grieved the path he had chosen, she admired his dedication and responsibility to their home, even if his mission remained a mystery to her.
Meanwhile, Jesus formulated his plans. First, he knew his family would need to be taken care of. He foresaw himself as a spiritual teacher, but he knew he would never conform to the expected Jewish Messiah. By the end of the year, Jesus spoke less to his mother or to anyone else about this topic. There really was no human on earth who could advise him.
