Jesus' Twenty-Sixth Year – A Double Wedding 

During this period, Jesus became conscious of the amazing powers he possessed. He pondered deeply but rarely discussed his connection to his heavenly Father. His prayer on a hilltop conveyed that regardless of what personal powers he might have, he would always be subject to the will of his Paradise Father. While moving around Nazareth for his daily tasks, it was evident that he possessed unparalleled wisdom and knowledge, a fact that resonated throughout the universe.

Jesus wished to complete the task of being independent of his family, so he could venture out on his world mission. He trained James in the management of the repair shop and Joseph in home affairs. He would spend time with each member on long and frequent walks up the hill and through the countryside. Except for Jude, everything in the family ran smoothly this year.

Jesus had handed over the running of the family to James who could not convince his brother Jude to work or help with household expenses. Jesus was embarrassed by Jude’s belligerent exploits and numerous patriotic outbursts. James and Joseph voted in favor of throwing Jude out of the family, but Jesus would not consent. He said, “Be patient. Be wise in your counsel and eloquent in your lives, that your young brother may first know the better way and then be constrained to follow you in it.” This prevented a break in the family.

Before the harvest, Jesus took Jude to stay with his uncle, a farmer south of Nazareth. Jude ran away, and Simon later found him with the fishermen at the lake. Jesus talked things over with Jude, and since he wanted to be a fishman, went over to Magdala and put him in the care of a fisherman relative. Jude worked regularly as a fisherman from that point on until he got married, and he continued to do so following his marriage.

Finally the day came when all of Jesus’ brothers were gainfully employed, when Jesus’ family was taken care of and did not need him to personally handle things. They were all self-sufficient.

In November of 20 CE, the family rejoiced on the occasion of a double wedding, his brother James to Esta, and his sister Miriam to Jacob, Jesus’ childhood friend.

Joseph was then formally installed by Jesus as head of the family. Martha took Miriam’s place in the home. Jude, touched by the weddings, promised to do his share and more. Jesus formally had James replace his role as head and protector of their father Joseph’s house, and presented James the title to the repair shop. Jesus told James confidentially that he was preparing to leave home. The family ran smoothly by year’s end, and Jesus, having done his full duty to his earth family, left home at the beginning of the next year.