Jesus 

Jesus, born as Joshua ben Joseph, lived a remarkable life filled with diverse experiences and significant milestones. His childhood was not without challenges. Herod's paranoia led to a massacre of male infants, prompting Joseph and Mary to flee to Egypt with Jesus. After returning home, Jesus grew up in a loving and learning environment. He developed intellectually and spiritually, engaging in deep conversations and questioning various subjects. Jesus assumed increasing responsibilities within his family, especially after the death of his father at age 14, shouldering the financial burden and caring for his widowed mother and eight siblings.

As Jesus matured, he balanced his family duties with a growing awareness of his divine mission. He studied different cultures and engaged with people from diverse backgrounds. Throughout his twenties, Jesus embarked on journeys, both within Palestine and beyond, learning, teaching, and deepening his understanding of human nature. He maintained humility, focusing on his spiritual purpose rather than seeking worldly recognition. In his late twenties, he took a Mediterranean tour, conducted a caravan, returned to Nazareth, and volunteered for another journey. These experiences exposed him to various peoples and cultures and refined his understanding of his divine mission.

At age 31, Jesus declared that his time had come, and this marked the beginning of his public ministry and the fulfillment of his Father's will. Jesus, along with his brothers James and Jude, was baptized by John the Baptist. As Jesus emerged from the water, a voice proclaimed him as the beloved Son of God. Following his baptism, Jesus secluded himself for forty days. Upon his return, he began assembling his apostles, selecting twelve men to carry on his work after his departure.

Jesus taught and performed miracles, gathering a large following, but also faced opposition from the religious authorities. He experienced the crisis at Capernaum and traveled to Phoenicia. Peter declared Jesus as the Messiah, and they witnessed the Mount of Transfiguration. Jesus ordained the seventy and raised Lazarus from the dead. He entered Jerusalem amidst celebration, cleansed the temple, and shared the Last Supper with his apostles. Jesus was arrested, tried before Pilate and Herod, and ultimately crucified. After his resurrection, he appeared to his followers and imparted final teachings related to the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of humanity.

Ultimately, Jesus was the visible form of the invisible God; his life was a perfect revelation of the Father and his love to us. And he said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”

Jesus was born Joshua ben Joseph on August 21, 7 BCE. His parents, Joseph and Mary, had already been married for 17 months and were in Bethlehem to register for the required census-taking. They found lodging in a stable since there were no available rooms in the overcrowded inn. Weeks after Jesus’ birth, priests from Mesopotamia arrived, guided by a dream, bringing gifts for the baby. The legend of the star of Bethlehem originated from an astronomical event.

Later, Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the temple, where Simeon and Anna proclaimed him as a child of promise. After the priests of Ur visited Bethlehem, Herod, the ruler of Judea, grew suspicious and ordered them to find the child. Failing to locate Jesus after more than a year of searching, Herod ordered the massacre of all male babies in Bethlehem under two years old. Warned by Zacharias who had been alerted by one of Herod’s court attaches, Joseph and Mary fled to Alexandria, Egypt with Jesus, staying there for two years before returning to Bethlehem.

Jesus was around three years and two months old when they returned to Bethlehem. He was full of joy, but he greatly missed his friends from Alexandria.

Jesus' fourth year was a period of normal physical development and extraordinary mental activity. In April of 3 BCE, his baby brother James was born. Later that year, Joseph built a small workshop near the village spring and the caravan tarrying lot. Jesus spent his time helping his mother at home and observing his father's work at the shop. He would also listen to the conversations and stories from travelers coming from all over the world.

In his fifth year, that being the calendar year in which he turned five, he was indwelt with a thought adjuster. His sister Miriam was born in July. Jesus had a conversation with his father about how living things are born as separate individuals and Joseph always made an effort to answer his numerous questions. With his mother's help, Jesus had learned the Galilean dialect of Aramaic, and now his father started teaching him Greek. They used a copy of the Hebrew Scriptures they received in Egypt as the textbook for learning Greek. By the end of the year, Jesus could read it easily.

During his sixth year, Jesus had a significant realization when he asked his father about the cause of a mild earthquake and Joseph admitted he didn't know. This was a turning point for Jesus, as he discovered that his parents weren't all-knowing. During this time, Joseph and Mary struggled with Jesus regarding his prayers. Jesus insisted on talking to his heavenly Father just as he would with his earthly father, despite attempts to persuade him otherwise. He would say his prayers as taught and then have a "little talk with my Father in heaven."

In his seventh year, Jesus had an accidental fall down the stone stairs in the backyard, which led to his father building protective railings. The next member of the Nazareth family, Joseph, was born. Jesus started his school life in Nazareth, learning to read, write, and speak Hebrew. He also had the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds at his father's repair shop. Jesus learned practical skills like taking care of animals, making cheese, and weaving.

Jesus was excelling in school during his eighth year and was even excused from attending one week per month. He developed a strong sense of numbers and proportions after meeting a mathematics teacher from Damascus. Jesus arranged to exchange dairy products for harp lessons and was known for asking thought-provoking questions about science and religion. He was also invited to attend an academy in Jerusalem, which he declined after his parents deferred the decision to him, and Jesus' third brother, Simon, was born.

During Jesus' ninth year, he experienced minor childhood ailments along with his siblings. In addition to school, he divided his time between trips with his father, working on his uncle's farm, and fishing. He faced trouble when challenging the teaching that images and drawings were idolatrous, but he effectively stood up for his viewpoint with his elder teachers at school. In this year, Jesus also climbed Mount Tabor with his father and was becoming a skilled teacher and a leader among his peers. Jesus’ second sister, Martha, was born in September.

Jesus started advanced school at the synagogue in his tenth year and caused a stir with his constant questioning and thirst for knowledge. He became a beloved leader among his peers, known for his understanding and compassion. He developed a preference for the company of older individuals and engaged them in discussions on various subjects. While considering various livelihoods, he leaned towards becoming a fisherman but later decided to follow his father's trade as a carpenter.

During his eleventh year, he continued to accompany his father on trips. He gained knowledge about international affairs through conversations with travelers, but had increased responsibilities due to his mother's illness. Jesus expressed admiration for the competitive games of the Greeks, despite his father's disapproval. His fourth brother, Jude, was born. Jesus became more contemplative, considering his obligations to his family and his mission to the world, realizing that his ministry would extend beyond the Jewish people.

He began working in the carpenter shop and managed his own earnings during his twelfth year. He experienced uncertainty about the nature of his mission, struggling to fully grasp his dual nature. He also challenged certain Jewish customs and practices, seeking consistency in religious observance. He faced a conflict between his personal convictions and his duty to his parents, but strived to blend personal beliefs with family obligations based on loyalty, fairness, tolerance, and love.

In his thirteenth year, he began realizing his destiny to perform a mission on earth. His family grew with the birth of his fifth brother, Amos. While plans were made for him to study in Jerusalem, he knew that he would not pursue that path. The family journeyed to Jerusalem for Jesus’ first Passover where Jesus questioned the necessity of animal sacrifices in the temple and was later left behind by his parents by accident. On the eve of the Passover Sabbath, he received a spiritual message, signaling that the time had come for him to begin his Father's business.

Jesus’ fourteenth and fifteenth years were particularly formative. In his fourteenth year, he continued to develop his skills as a yoke maker, carpenter, and cabinetmaker. He frequently visited a hill for prayer and meditation, becoming more self-conscious of his purpose on earth. He pursued advanced studies under synagogue teachers, educated his younger siblings, and plans were made for his future education in Jerusalem.

However, tragedy struck when Joseph was fatally injured in an accident. Jesus, at just fourteen years old, assumed the responsibility of caring for his widowed and pregnant mother and siblings. He accepted these responsibilities and faithfully fulfilled them, becoming the head of the family. Jesus balanced caring for his family with preparing to fulfill his Father's will. Despite the sadness and loss, Jesus demonstrated financial wisdom and administered his father's estate effectively.

Jesus took on the responsibility of managing his family during his fifteenth year as their savings dwindled. He provided comfort and support to his mother during the birth of his third sister, Ruth, and formulated a prayer that would later become known as "The Lord's Prayer." Jesus grappled with the nature of his mission and decided that he was not to become the expected Jewish Messiah. He worked diligently as a carpenter, caring for his family and maintaining a frugal lifestyle while his family faced financial struggles.

In his sixteenth year, he took on the responsibility of teaching his sisters at home since the synagogue school wouldn't admit girls. He contemplated his future mission as a teacher and revealer of the heavenly Father to the world, but gradually spoke less about his purpose with anyone. Jesus devoted himself to his family and was deeply loved by his siblings.

During Jesus' seventeenth year, a nationalist movement against the payment of taxes to Rome gained momentum in Jerusalem and Judea. Jesus’ refusal to join this movement caused a division among the Jewish youths of Nazareth. When a wealthy Jew offered to support Jesus' family if he would assume leadership, he diplomatically stated that he had a duty to care for his widowed mother and siblings and that material support could not replace a father's guidance and love. The incident was ultimately resolved, but it was not forgotten, and Nazareth remained divided in its opinion of Jesus.

The family faced financial difficulties during Jesus' eighteenth year, and all their property, except for the home and garden, was sold. Jesus decided to take his younger brother James to the Passover in Jerusalem and he used the journey as an opportunity to teach James about their heritage and discuss personal, family, and national issues. The family faced another tragedy with the death of their youngest brother, Amos. Despite their declining standard of living and poverty, Jesus maintained his optimism and encouraged his family to hope for better days ahead.

During his nineteenth year, Jesus and his mother developed a better relationship as they focused on the support and upbringing of their family. Jesus won Mary over to his methods of positive child training, emphasizing doing good rather than forbidding evil. The children consulted Jesus about their troubles, and he became their confidant and mentor. Jesus continued to make changes to family practices and teachings, and Mary supported his efforts.

Meanwhile, Jesus gained a reputation as a remarkable young man in Nazareth, and Rebecca, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, was falling in love with him. Mary and Jesus’ sister Miriam attempted to dissuade her from her idea of proposing to Jesus, revealing their belief that he was a son of destiny. Rebecca persisted, persuading her father, and invited Jesus to their home. Jesus kindly declined her offer, emphasizing his commitment to his family's welfare and his obligation to fulfill the trust of raising his father's children. Rebecca, heartbroken, persuaded her father to move to Sepphoris, where she patiently awaited the day when Jesus would begin his career as a teacher of truth. She remained devoted to him throughout his public life, even witnessing his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and standing by Mary during his crucifixion.

During Jesus' twentieth year, the story of Rebecca's love for him spread in Nazareth. He longed to visit Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, considering them his closest companions. Jesus celebrated the Passover at Lazarus's house, challenging the traditional rituals by emphasizing the spiritual essence. Although his mother initially objected, she came to understand his perspective. Jesus continued to mature morally and spiritually, preparing himself for his mission of revealing God to humanity. Despite financial struggles, the family received some help from the sale of property in Capernaum. With Joseph graduating and joining the carpenter shop, they faced the future with newfound hope.

In Jesus' twenty-first year, he embarked on the task of fully mastering the knowledge and experience of mortal life. He was fully aware of his dual nature as both a man and a divine being. Jesus lived his human life in a natural and authentic manner, even though he possessed divine attributes. He demonstrated humility, obedience, and the ability to empathize with human struggles. Throughout this period, Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and understanding, preparing himself for his ministry. He journeyed to Jerusalem for the Passover with his younger brother Joseph, sharing intimate discussions with him and further deepening his understanding of his mission.

Jesus took on the responsibility of helping his younger siblings navigate the challenges of adolescence during his twenty-second year. Simon graduated from school and began working with a stone mason, while Jesus focused on cabinetwork and repair work at a caravan shop. He left Nazareth for a period to work with a blacksmith in Sepphoris, allowing his brother James to take charge of the family. He intentionally stayed away to train James and Joseph in handling family responsibilities and when he returned, six months later, James continued managing the family's finances and household affairs.

In his twenty-third year, the financial burden on the family eased slightly as four members were employed. Jesus took a three-week break from work to take Simon to Jerusalem for the Passover and, after they returned, Jesus spent the next four months in Damascus as a guest of a merchant who proposed creating a school of religious philosophy. Despite the tempting offer, Jesus declined, recognizing that his mission was not to be supported by institutions of learning. He intentionally kept his various episodes of life separate to prevent the building of a spectacular career that would overshadow his teachings.

The next year, Jesus’ twenty-fourth, he experienced relative freedom from family responsibilities. A group of prominent Jews from Alexandria invited Jesus to establish himself as a religious teacher in their city. They emphasized the cultural significance of Alexandria and warned of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by Rome. Despite their enticements, Jesus declined the offer, stating that his time had not yet come. The year concluded with James expressing his desire to marry and Miriam seeking Jesus' approval for her own marriage plans. Jesus consented to both.

In his twenty-fifth year, Jesus decided to accompany his brother Jude on his first visit to the temple in Jerusalem. However, trouble arose when Jude confronted a Roman guard who made inappropriate remarks about a Jewish girl. Jude's fiery response led to his arrest and imprisonment. Jesus stayed with Jude in prison until his release, which occurred only after Jesus skillfully presented their case to the military magistrate. This year was the last Passover that Jesus celebrated with his family, as he became increasingly separated from them.

As Jesus reached his twenty-sixth year, he became increasingly aware of his potential power but remained steadfast in his commitment to follow his Father's will. Jude continued to cause trouble in the family, but Jesus counseled patience and wisdom, preventing a break. Jesus spent time training James and Joseph to prepare them to take over family responsibilities and set the stage for his departure from home. The day after James’ and Miriam’s double wedding, Jesus formally handed over the repair shop to James and released himself from financial obligations, preparing for the next phase of his life and mission.

The next few years of Jesus’ life were occupied with independence from his family and an opportunity for him to travel and get to know people from different parts of the world.

Upon leaving his family in Nazareth, Jesus' twenty-seventh year, he embarked on a journey to various cities around the Sea of Galilee. He stopped at Tiberias, Magdala, and Bethsaida before arriving in Capernaum, where he stayed with Zebedee, a long-time friend of the Joseph family and a boatbuilder. Jesus, being skilled in carpentry and boatbuilding, partnered with Zebedee to create a new style of boats that were safer for sailing the lake. He became well-known as the designer of these new boats and lived with Zebedee for over a year. Jesus also spent time studying in the Capernaum synagogue, conducted evening sessions of questions and answers, and formed a close bond with the Zebedee family.

Jesus left Capernaum and traveled to Jerusalem. There he spent two months, listening to temple discussions and visiting religious schools. During the Passover week, he met Gonod, a wealthy traveler from India, who offered to finance Jesus' journey as an interpreter and tutor for his son, Ganid. Jesus agreed to the proposal and this tour of the Mediterranean world consumed most of Jesus’ twenty-eighth and the entire twenty-ninth year of his life on earth.

During his tour of the Mediterranean world, he would spend half of each day teaching Ganid and assisting Gonod in his business conferences. He made personal connections with people from various walks of life, but this period of his life remained undisclosed to his family and apostles. He was known as the Damascus scribe and the Jewish tutor during this journey. Jesus aimed to avoid excessive personal attention during his travels. By the end of this tour, he had made significant progress in understanding human nature and his divine mission, solidifying his certainty that he was a Son of God.

Following the tour, Jesus returned to Nazareth, his family believing that he spent his time away in study at Alexandria. He attended the double wedding of Simon and Jude, this being his thirtieth year. After only a few weeks in Nazareth, he volunteered to become the conductor of a large caravan traveling to the Caspian Sea region and traveled for a full year. This trip brought Jesus closest to the Orient, allowing him to connect with the various races and cultures there.

Upon his return, Jesus made one more trip outside of Palestine, venturing into Syria. Following this period of over two months, in his thirty-first year, Jesus ascended Mount Hermon, where he communed with his Father and faced an important test. Jesus then returned to Capernaum, working in the boat shop alongside his brother James and listened to reports of John the Baptist's preaching. Jesus listened to these reports, but worked on until John had journeyed up the river to a point near Pella in the month of January, 26 CE, when he laid down his tools and declared to his brothers, “My hour has come.”

Jesus and his brothers, James and Jude, started for Pella on Sunday, January 13, 26 CE. They arrived on the scene of John baptizing about noon of the next day. When John recognized Jesus, the ceremonies were halted for a moment while he greeted his cousin in the flesh and asked, “But why do you come down into the water to greet me?” Jesus answered, “To be subject to your baptism.” John replied: “But I have need to be baptized by you. Why do you come to me?” And Jesus whispered to John: “Bear with me now, for it becomes us to set this example for my brothers standing here with me, and that the people may know that my hour has come.”

Thus did John baptize Jesus and his two brothers, James and Jude, and it was only these four men who heard a voice saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” While still in the water, Jesus prayed to his heavenly Father, expressing his desire for the manifestation of God's kingdom and the fulfillment of his will on earth, and the heavens opened; he had a vision that revealed his pre-existent state as the Son of God and his future state after completing his earthly mission.

After hearing the voice, Jesus’ face underwent a remarkable transformation, and without uttering a word, he walked towards the eastern hills. John followed him briefly and recounted the story of Gabriel's visit to his mother before their births. This revelation solidified John's belief that Jesus was the Deliverer, though Jesus remained silent. Following his baptism, Jesus secluded himself from public view for forty days.

Early on the morning of Sabbath, February 23, 26 CE, the company of John the Baptist looked up from their morning meal to behold Jesus returning from the hills and coming toward them. That day he became acquainted with his first two apostles:

1. Andrew, who decided to follow Jesus, and his brother,
2. Simon (later renamed Simon Peter) who was urged by Andrew to do so as well. Later that night, Jesus also welcomed,
3. James and,
4. John, the sons of Zebedee, as apostles.

On Sunday morning, February 24, 26 CE, Jesus took leave of John the Baptist by the river near Pella, never again to see him in the flesh. Jesus and his four apostles were well on their way toward Galilee when Jesus saw

5. Philip of Bethsaida with his friend,

6. Nathaniel, who became his next two apostles.

In a few days time, Jesus had assembled his first six apostles.

After four months of teaching and training and before they began their first two weeks of service, Jesus announced that he desired to ordain twelve apostles, in total, to continue the work of the kingdom after his departure, and he authorized each of them to choose one man from among his early converts for membership in the projected corps of apostles.

The newly selected apostles were:

7. Matthew Levi, the customs collector of Capernaum, selected by Andrew.

8. Thomas Didymus, a fisherman of Tarichea, selected by Philip.

9. James Alpheus, a fisherman and farmer of Kheresa, selected by James Zebedee.

10. Judas Alpheus, the twin brother of James Alpheus, selected by John Zebedee.

11. Simon Zelotes, a high officer in the patriotic organization of the Zealots who gave up his position to join Jesus’ apostles. He was selected by Peter.

12. Judas Iscariot, an only son of wealthy Jewish parents living in Jericho, selected by Nathaniel.

On January 12, 27 CE, Jesus ordained the apostles as public preachers of the gospel of the kingdom. He instructed them and formally ordained each apostle, concluding with Andrew. Afterward, Jesus delivered an ordination sermon, charging them with instructions for their work. This sermon, known as the "Sermon on the Mount," serves as a commission to spread the gospel and represent Jesus, as he represented his heavenly Father.

Jesus and his twelve apostles spent time teaching near Pella and began taking over John the Baptist's work in Perea and Judea. Jesus emphasized the importance of personal religious experience and taught about God as a Father. They arrived in Jerusalem for the Passover festivities and Jesus taught daily in the temple as the message of the kingdom began to spread beyond Palestine. He emphasized the loving nature of God and met with Nicodemus to share about the nature of the kingdom.

In June, 27 CE, the group traveled through Samaria, where they faced opposition from the Jews. Jesus preached to the Samaritans who responded positively to his message about the importance of balanced worship and service.

Jesus spent the month of September, 27 CE with his apostles in Gilboa and the Decapolis, focusing on teaching and preparing them for the next phase of their work. He emphasized prayer and worship, teaching the apostles the ideal form of spiritual communion and the importance of persistence in seeking the Father's will. Jesus also provided them the Lord’s Prayer, which included seeking forgiveness, deliverance from evil, and a desire for spiritual perfection.

Jesus arrived in Capernaum January, 28 CE and began his ministry there. He spoke at the synagogue, emphasizing that religion was a personal experience and encouraging individuals to approach God as his children. After the sermon, Jesus healed a young man suffering from epilepsy, which led to rumors of a miraculous healing in the synagogue. Later, in the evening, a large crowd of sick people gathered outside Zebedee's house, pleading for healing. Jesus responded by miraculously healing 683 individuals, astonishing everyone present, including himself.

Despite the excitement and admiration from the crowd, Jesus remained focused on the spiritual significance of his mission. He reminded the apostles not to rejoice solely in physical healings but to recognize the Father's power to save souls. Jesus sought solitude and spent the night in prayer, asking for wisdom and judgment in balancing physical ministry with spiritual priorities. He later shared with Peter, James, and John why the kingdom of the Father could not be built solely on physical healing, but they struggled to comprehend his teachings.

Jesus organized three public preaching tours throughout Galilee and surrounding areas that, inclusive of training periods, extended from January of 28 CE through March of 29 CE.

In the first tour, Jesus allowed his associates to preach freely for the first time. They visited Rimmon, a city formerly dedicated to the worship of a Babylonian god, where they explained the differences between old beliefs and the new gospel. At Jotapata, Jesus engaged in a lengthy discussion with Nathaniel about prayer, thanksgiving, and worship, emphasizing the importance of persistent faith and the detrimental effects of harboring iniquity in one's heart. He taught that prayer is a means to align one's attitude with the unchanging Father, rather than changing God's attitude towards humanity. He clarified that spirits of the dead do not return to earth or communicate with their living counterparts, healed a leper at Iron, and saved a widow’s sleeping son during a funeral procession.

During an interlude trip to Jerusalem, Jesus gave a discourse on affliction and a discourse on the rule of living. He dined at the house of Simon, where a woman anointed his feet and was forgiven of her sins. Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual progress and warned against misinterpreting his teachings. On return to Capernaum, spies sent by the religious leaders accused Jesus and his disciples of Sabbath breaking, to which Jesus responded by affirming his authority and the true purpose of the Sabbath.

Jesus then organized a five-month training period in Bethsaida. A school of evangelists was established and a hospital was organized and Jesus visited frequently to minister to the sick. He gave a discourse on evil, sin, and iniquity, emphasizing that imperfections and inherent evil tendencies are not necessarily sinful, and he gave a discourse on the purposes of affliction and the misunderstandings of suffering. Jesus also healed a man with a withered hand and a paralytic man.

During the second preaching tour, an effort was made to provide experience for the corps of 117 newly trained evangelists. During their travels, they brought hope to the afflicted and shared the good news of the kingdom. Jesus emphasized the importance of love, mercy, and forgiveness, and he gave a discourse about anger. He taught his disciples about the desirability of developing well-balanced characters, lessons regarding contentment, and the importance of loving God instead of fearing him. Jesus' teachings were gaining widespread fame, and his reputation as a healer spread. However, the religious leaders became increasingly hostile, plotting against him and seeking his destruction. Despite the opposition, Jesus continued his mission, challenging the traditions of the time.

In the third preaching tour, Jesus commissioned a group of ten women to minister in the kingdom, marking a significant shift in the role of women. They became powerful advocates for the gospel, and their presence and effectiveness were evident, even during the most challenging times. During this tour, Jesus gave s discourse on magic and superstition, and he addressed the question of what people must do to be saved.

Overall, this period was marked by Jesus' teachings on prayer, love, character development, and the inclusion of women in the ministry. Despite the growing opposition, Jesus remained committed to his mission, leading his disciples and impacting the lives of those they encountered.

Jesus returned to Nazareth on March 4, 29 CE and spoke at the synagogue, where he had previously attended as a young man. He read from the Scriptures and delivered a discourse on "The Sons and Daughters of God." However, the crowd became hostile and tried to harm Jesus. His disciples, fueled by resentment, intervened and Jesus was able to leave unharmed. This incident had a sobering effect on his followers, who realized that the establishment of the kingdom would be met with challenges and disappointments. They regrouped in Bethsaida as a serious and disillusioned group of preachers.

In Bethsaida, they spent time fishing, attending the synagogue, and teaching the gospel. Jesus, still affected by his rejection in Nazareth, spent most of one Sabbath day alone in the hills. That evening, he delivered a lesson on the spiritual value of adversity and disappointment. The disciples noticed a change in Jesus' demeanor, and James and John accompanied him more often while Peter took on leadership responsibilities. Nevertheless, his followers increased and the crowds grew larger each day.

Jesus began using parables to teach the crowds that gathered around him, explaining their use would help those who genuinely sought the truth while confounding those who sought to harm him. Ironically, one of the first parables he taught was the Parable of the Sower and varied interpretations of it caused much debate among his apostles. The next day, he introduced parables on the kingdom of heaven.

As the multitude continued to grow, Jesus sought refuge in the hills on the Sabbath but returned to address the crowds the next afternoon. Feeling weary from the throngs, he decided to cross to the other side of the lake with his apostles for some rest. However, they encountered a violent windstorm that was characteristic of the Sea of Galilee and their boat was tossed about. Jesus, asleep in the stern during the storm, was awakened by Peter, who feared they would perish. Jesus rebuked their fear, and the storm calmed, leading the apostles to see it as a nature miracle, which it was not.

After the storm, they arrived at the eastern shore of the lake near Kheresa. There, a man afflicted with a periodic form of insanity named Amos approached Jesus. Jesus told him he was not possessed of a devil and told him to come out of his spell. Upon hearing Jesus speak, Amos experienced a profound transformation in his intellect and regained control over his emotions. The incident led to the belief that Jesus had cast out demons into a herd of swine, causing them to rush into the sea. The villagers, fearing further harm, asked Jesus and his disciples to leave their region.

On Friday, March 25, 29 CE, he declared a furlough of one week, but more than one-half of his disciples refused to leave him, and the multitude continued to increase in size daily. The Master had so little rest over the Sabbath that on Sunday morning, March 27, he sought to get away.

The people saw the direction taken by Jesus’ boat and started out in pursuit. By late afternoon, more than a thousand persons had located the Master in one of the parks. The people continued to gather in small groups while Jesus’ apostles and disciples taught them. By Wednesday, five thousand people had assembled. and food had become scarce. Jesus asked his disciples what they should do about the hungry multitude and expressed his desire to feed them. Andrew found they had only five loaves of bread and two fishes. Jesus instructed the crowd to sit in groups, blessed the food, and miraculously multiplied it. Everyone ate and was satisfied, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected.

This event, known as the "Feeding of the Five Thousand", showcased Jesus' forethought and supernatural power. It was a genuine miracle resulting from his conscious preplanning. Jesus' compassion and creative power combined to provide an unexpected feast for the multitude. But he also knew the large crowds were a fickle and sign-seeking generation. No sooner were they fed and they rose to make the Master king. He stood on a large rock and commandingly but kindly rebuked their effort. He refused to be made the material Messiah of their expectations. And by doing so, the crowd was discouraged and many no longer followed him from that day. The apostles were crushed, deflated, and confused. They could not comprehend why Jesus had not seized the moment in power.

For most of the month of April, Jesus stayed in Bethany, near Jerusalem. Jesus entered Jerusalem only once during this Passover, and that was on the great day of the feast. Jesus and the apostles arrived back in Bethsaida on April 29, 29 CE and Jesus dispatched Andrew to ask the ruler of the synagogue for permission to speak the next day.

Fifty-three Pharisees and Sadducees had arrived from Jerusalem, each acting directly under orders from the Sanhedrin, and they constituted the orthodox vanguard who had come to inaugurate open warfare on Jesus and his disciples. During the delivery of his epochal sermon, Jesus challenged the traditional beliefs of the Jewish leaders and emphasized the importance of spiritual conversion. He declared himself as the bread of life and criticized the religious leaders for their adherence to outward rituals while neglecting the inner transformation of the heart.

Jesus then performed a miraculous healing of a possessed youth and engaged in a heated debate with the Pharisees, who accused him of being in partnership with Satan. The disciples were bewildered by the sudden change in Jesus' approach and the growing opposition they faced. They faced disappointment and feared for their safety as many followers deserted the cause, and Jesus subsequently isolated himself, causing further distress among his disciples.

Despite the challenges and doubts, Jesus encouraged his disciples to remain steadfast and not stumble at his words. He explained that the sifting of the kingdom is inevitable and that the time had come for the spiritual teachings of the kingdom of heaven to shine forth with new glory. Jesus assured his disciples that he had not abandoned them and urged them to prepare for the time when he would ascend to the Father.

Based on Jesus’ open criticism of the religious leaders, the Sanhedrin passed a decree in Jerusalem closing all the synagogues of Palestine to Jesus and his followers on May 8, 29 CE. Meanwhile, fifty leading citizens in Capernaum met to discuss what should be done with Jesus. While they failed to reach consensus, there were concerns that his teachings were impractical and could disrupt society if followed.

On a momentous Sunday morning, before daybreak, news arrived that Herod had authorized or was about to authorize Jesus' arrest. Thus, Jesus, accompanied by his apostles and evangelists, embarked on a hasty flight to evade the officers of the Sanhedrin. They rowed to the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and began their eventful journey, leaving behind their former headquarters in Bethsaida. The Jerusalem officers, unable to locate Jesus, spent nearly a week searching for him around Capernaum

While Jesus was absent from Capernaum and Galilee, his enemies reckoned that the whole movement had been broken up. Philip, the brother of Herod, had become a halfhearted believer in Jesus and sent word that the Master was free to live and work in his domains.

In early August of 29 CE, Jesus and the twelve apostles left Magadan Park for Caesarea-Philippi, the capital of the Tetrarch Philip’s domain. As they paused for lunch, Jesus suddenly confronted the twelve, asking, “Who do men say that I am?”

More than half the apostles participated in answering Jesus’ question. They told him he was regarded as a prophet or as an extraordinary man by all who knew him. Some in Judea and Samaria believed he was John the Baptist risen from the dead. Peter explained that he had been compared with Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.

When Jesus had listened to this report, he drew himself upon his feet, and looking down upon the twelve, he pointed to them with a sweeping gesture of his hand and asked, “But who say you that I am?” There was a moment of tense silence and then Simon Peter, springing to his feet, exclaimed: “You are the Deliverer, the Son of the living God.” And the eleven sitting apostles arose to their feet with one accord, thereby indicating that Peter had spoken for all of them.

Upon reaching Caesarea-Philippi, Jesus waited a full day before asking his gathered apostles if they still concurred with Peter’s confession, and all said: “Yes, Master, we do. We believe that you are the Son of the living God.” Jesus then said to the twelve: “You are my chosen ambassadors, but I know that, in the circumstances, you could not entertain this belief as a result of mere human knowledge. This is a revelation of the spirit of my Father to your inmost souls. And when, therefore, you make this confession by the insight of the spirit of my Father which dwells within you, I am led to declare that upon this foundation will I build the brotherhood of the kingdom of heaven.”

On the morning of Friday, August 12, 29 CE, Jesus said to the twelve that they should make preparations and gather supplies for a journey to a mountain where he needed to go to receive the power to complete his mission on earth. He invited them to come along, as he believed it would strengthen them for the challenges they would face together.

Early on the morning of Monday, August 15, Jesus and three apostles Peter, James, and John began the ascent of Mount Hermon. About three o’clock that afternoon, Jesus took leave of the three apostles, saying – “I go apart by myself for a season to commune with the Father and his messengers; I bid you tarry here and, while awaiting my return, pray that the Father’s will may be done in all your experience in connection with the further bestowal mission of the Son of Man.”

When the three had been fast asleep for about half an hour, they were suddenly awakened by a nearby crackling sound, then beheld Jesus in intimate conversation with two brilliant beings clothed in light, and Jesus’ face and form shone with the luminosity of a heavenly light. Then a silvery cloud drew near and overshadowed the four of them, and a voice rang out – “This is my beloved Son; give heed to him.”

In November, 29 CE, there were assembled at Magadan Camp the evangelistic corps, the women’s corps, and about one hundred and fifty other disciples from all parts of Palestine. After devoting a few days to visiting and the reorganization of the camp, Jesus and the twelve began a course of intensive training for this special group of believers, and from these well-trained and experienced disciples, the Master subsequently chose the seventy teachers and sent them forth to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom.

Jesus gave a talk to this company each morning. Peter taught methods of public preaching; Nathaniel instructed them in the art of teaching; Thomas explained how to answer questions; and Matthew directed the organization of their group finances. The other apostles also participated in this training in accordance with their special experience and natural talents.

The seventy were ordained by Jesus on Sabbath afternoon, November 19, at the Magadan Camp, and Abner was placed at the head of these gospel preachers and teachers. This corps of seventy consisted of Abner and ten of the former apostles of John, fifty-one of the earlier evangelists, and eight other disciples who had distinguished themselves in the service of the kingdom.

In late February, 30 CE, Jesus learned that Lazarus was near death. His immediate reaction was to go to him and help. Instead, a plan occurred to him whereby he could help his friend and also present to the Jerusalem rulers one final demonstration of his divinity – the power over life and death.

Jesus understood that it took about four days for everyone to agree that a person had truly died, as sometimes individuals were mistaken for dead when they were actually in a coma. While some had seemingly revived after two or three days, no one had ever returned after four days due to the onset of physical decay. Based on this reasoning, Jesus and his apostles remained in Philadelphia for two additional days instead of immediately heading to Bethany.

When Jesus arrived in Bethany on Thursday, four days after his death, he commanded that the stone be rolled away, then said, “Lazarus, come forth!” In just twelve seconds, the previously lifeless form of Lazarus began to move and sat up on the edge of the stone shelf whereon it had rested. His body was bound about with grave clothes, and his face was covered with a napkin. And as he stood up before them, alive, Jesus said, “Loose him and let him go.”

The next day, Friday, the Sanhedrin met to deliberate further on the question, “What shall we do with Jesus of Nazareth?” After more than two hours of discussion, a certain Pharisee presented a resolution calling for Jesus’ immediate death, proclaiming that he was a menace to all Israel and formally committing the Sanhedrin to the decision of death, without trial and in defiance of all precedent.

Six days before the Passover, on the evening after the Sabbath, all Bethany and Bethpage joined in celebrating the arrival of Jesus by a public banquet. This supper was in honor of both Jesus and Lazarus and was tendered in defiance of the Sanhedrin.

Bethany was about two miles from the temple, and when Jesus made ready to start for Jerusalem, he told Peter and John: “Go to Bethpage, and when you come to the junction of the roads, you will find the colt of an ass tied there. Loose the colt and bring it back with you. If anyone asks you why you do this, merely say, `The Master has need of him.'”

Jesus remained on his colt as they neared Jerusalem, but the crowd around him became more demonstrative, so much so that some of the Pharisees made their way up alongside Jesus and said: “Teacher, you should rebuke your disciples and exhort them to behave more seemly.” Jesus answered: “It is only fitting that these children should welcome the Son of Peace, whom the chief priests have rejected. It would be useless to stop them lest in their stead these stones by the roadside cry out.”

Early Monday morning, April 3, 30 CE, Jesus and the apostles set out for the Temple in Jerusalem. In the midst of a noisy aggregation of money-changers, merchandisers, and cattle sellers, Jesus attempted to teach the gospel of the heavenly kingdom.

As Jesus paused, silently but thoughtfully contemplating this scene of commerce and confusion, he beheld a simple-minded Galilean being ridiculed and jostled about by would-be superior Judeans; and all of this combined to produce an uprising of indignant emotion in the soul of Jesus.

To the amazement of his apostles, Jesus stepped down from the teaching platform and, going over to the lad who was driving the cattle through the court, took from him his whip of cords and swiftly drove the animals from the temple. He next proceeded to open the gates of every stall and to drive out the imprisoned animals. By this time, the assembled pilgrims moved toward the bazaars and began to overturn the tables of the money-changers. In less than five minutes, all commerce had been swept from the temple. Jesus, returning to the speaker’s stand, spoke to the multitude: “You have this day witnessed that which is written in the Scriptures: `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.’”

This event of cleansing the temple highlighted Jesus' stance against commercializing religion and his disapproval of unfairness and profiteering at the expense of the vulnerable.

On Tuesday, April 4, Jesus delivered his last temple discourse and addressed the people, expressing disappointment that despite his teachings and miracles, many still rejected the gospel. He warned the leaders of Israel that their refusal to accept the truth would lead to their downfall and the loss of their privileged position. Jesus condemned their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and failure to prioritize mercy and justice. He offered them a final chance to repent and embrace the kingdom of heaven but predicted their continued rejection. Jesus concluded his discourse, declaring that he would no longer teach in the temple, leaving their house desolate.

On Wednesday, the day before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus decided to spend a day of rest in the hills. Initially planning to go alone, he was joined by John Mark, who insisted on coming along. They shared a meaningful day together, during which Jesus imparted wisdom to the young boy, emphasizing the importance of a loving and nurturing family environment in shaping one's character and understanding of the world. This day has become known as One Day Alone with God, symbolizing the profound impact of their fellowship.

The Passover supper was due to be eaten on Friday evening, so the apostles were at a loss to understand the Master’s announcement that they would celebrate the Passover one day early. Some of them thought that he knew he would be placed under arrest before the time of the Passover supper on Friday night.

Jesus arranged the Last Supper at the Mark home because he wanted to be sure he would have this one last meal undisturbed with his apostles. He then surprised his disciples by taking on the role of a servant and washing their feet, teaching them about humility and the importance of serving others. This act left them astonished and uncomfortable, particularly Peter, who initially refused to let Jesus wash his feet. However, Jesus insisted and explained that his actions were meant as an example for them to follow, emphasizing that greatness in the spiritual kingdom came from serving others rather than seeking positions of honor.

Amidst this poignant moment, Jesus also had an exchange with Judas Iscariot, whom he knew would betray him. As Jesus spoke about one of them betraying him, the disciples, including Judas, asked if it was them. Jesus identified Judas as the betrayer and handed him a piece of bread. Subsequently, Judas left the room to fulfill his plan of betrayal. The other disciples, initially unaware of the full implications of Jesus' words to Judas, assumed he had been given a task or errand by Jesus, as he was the one entrusted with the money bag.

Jesus gave his remaining apostles a farewell discourse and expressed his desire to give them a new commandment: to love one another as he had loved them. This commandment would distinguish them as his disciples. Jesus assured them that by obeying this commandment, they would experience new joy and find pleasure in showing affection to their fellow human beings. He emphasized that the greatest act of love is to lay down one's life for friends, and they were his friends if they obeyed his teachings. Jesus reminded them that he had chosen them and ordained them to go forth into the world and serve others with love. He assured them that he and the Father would work with them and fill their lives with divine joy through their obedience to this commandment.

In addition, Jesus addressed the disciples' concerns about his departure. He explained that he would send the Spirit of Truth, who believers would welcome this gift within their hearts and reveal the Father's truths to them. He assured them that he would not leave them alone in the world, and even though he would physically leave them, he would always be present with them in spirit. He encouraged them to trust in God and believe in him, assuring them that he would be with them throughout their spiritual journey.

After the farewell discourse, Jesus began imparting his final admonitions and warnings to the apostles. He emphasized that life in the eternal creation of the Father is a ceaseless progression in grace, truth, and glory, and that they should strive to live according to the spirit of his teachings and the ideal of his life rather than trying to imitate his natural life in the flesh. Jesus encouraged them to be of good cheer and not be dismayed, even in times of tribulation, for he had triumphed in the world and shown them the way to eternal joy and everlasting service.

After the final instructions, Jesus proceeded to bid farewell to each apostle individually, giving them personal advice and his parting blessing. As he went around the table, each of the eleven apostles rose to his feet when addressed by Jesus.

After all was still and quiet about the camp, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a nearby ravine where he often went to pray and commune. The three apostles could not help recognizing that he was heavy-laden and sorrowful. When they arrived at the place of his devotions, he asked the three to sit down and watch with him while he went off a short distance to pray.

Three times the Master went off to pray and returned to find his apostles sleeping. The third time, he surveyed them with a pitying gesture and said “Sleep on now and take your rest; the time of decision is past. The hour is now upon us wherein the Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.”

As he reached down to awaken them, he said: “Arise, let us be going back to the camp, for, behold, he who betrays me is at hand, and the hour has come when my flock shall be scattered. But I have already told you about these things.”

After leaving the last supper, Judas informed the captain of the temple guards that he was ready to lead them to Jesus. Arriving at the expected location, Jesus had already left with the apostles, causing Judas to fear their retaliation. He went to Gethsemane instead and requested a company of forty armed soldiers from the Jewish rulers. After facing obstacles, they obtained permission from Pilate and, accompanied by over sixty individuals, including armed soldiers and temple guards, Judas set out to arrest Jesus.

Their arrival at Gethsemane aroused the apostles, who headed to where Jesus was sitting alone in the moonlight. The apostles approached from one side and Judas and the armed soldiers approached from the other side. Judas stepped out in front, hoping that he could identify Jesus quickly and the arrest could be made with little fuss. But Jesus stepped up and asked the guards who they wanted before Judas could reach him. He immediately identified himself as the one they were looking for.

Judas could have stopped there and not carried out his betrayal, but he needed to carry out his bargain with the rulers who were going to reward him. So he embraced Jesus and placed a kiss on his face. It was a shocking scene. Jesus once again asked the soldiers who they were looking for, and again he identified himself as the one they wanted. He told them he was ready to go with them.

The soldiers took custody of Jesus and walked with him from Gethsemane, with Judas walking alongside the soldiers.

Jesus spent about three hours at the palace of Annas on Mount Olivet. Some thirty members of the Sanhedrin had gathered at the home of the high priest by midnight so that they would be ready to sit in judgment on Jesus when he might be brought before them. Only those members were assembled who were strongly and openly opposed to Jesus and his teaching.

It was about half past three o’clock this Friday morning when the chief priest, Caiaphas, called the Sanhedrist court of inquiry to order and asked that Jesus be brought before them for his formal trial. Thirty prejudiced and tradition-blinded false judges, with their false witnesses, presumed to sit in judgment on the righteous Creator of a universe, but were exasperated by his majestic silence and superb bearing.

The second session of the court lasted only a half hour, and when they adjourned to go before Pilate, they had drawn up the indictment of Jesus, as being worthy of death, under three heads:

1. That he was a perverter of the Jewish nation; he deceived the people and incited them to rebellion.
2. That he taught the people to refuse to pay tribute to Caesar.
3. That, by claiming to be a king and the founder of a new sort of kingdom, he incited treason against the emperor.

Shortly after six in the morning on Friday, April 7, 30 CE, Jesus was brought before Pilate, the Roman procurator who governed Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. The Master was taken into the presence of the Roman governor by the temple guards, bound, and was accompanied by about fifty of his accusers.

Even when Pilate told Jesus to answer his accusers, he did not speak. Pilate was so astonished at the unfairness of the whole proceeding and so impressed by Jesus’ silent and masterly bearing that he decided to take the prisoner inside the hall and examine him privately. When he heard them say that he began his work in Galilee, he thought to avoid the responsibility of deciding the case by sending Jesus to appear before Herod, who was then in the city attending the Passover.

When they brought Jesus before Herod, the Tetrarch was startled by his stately appearance and the calm composure of his countenance. For some fifteen minutes, Herod asked Jesus questions, but the Master would not answer. Finally, being convinced that Jesus would neither talk nor perform a miracle, Herod placed him in an old purple royal robe and sent him back to Pilate.

When the guards had brought Jesus back to Pilate, he called together the chief priests and Sanhedrists, and explained that he found no fault with Jesus. Just as the Jews were about to engage in shouting their protests against Jesus’s release, a vast crowd came marching up to the praetorium asking for the release of a prisoner in honor of the Passover feast.

Pilate thought he might extricate himself from the dilemma and offer Jesus as the prisoner to be released. But they came loudly shouting the name, “Barabbas.” Said Pilate: “Which, therefore, would you prefer that I release to you, this Barabbas, the murderer, or this Jesus of Galilee?” And when Pilate had thus spoken, the chief priests and the Sanhedrin councilors all shouted at the top of their voices, “Barabbas, Barabbas!” And when the people saw that the chief priests were minded to have Jesus put to death, they quickly joined in the clamor for his life.

Fearing the crowd and the chief priests, Pilate ordered a basin of water and ritually “washed his hands” to be “innocent of the blood of this man.”

It was about half past eight o’clock when the hearing of Jesus before Pilate ended and the Master was placed in the custody of the Roman soldiers who were to crucify him. It was a little before nine o'clock when they started for the scene of the crucifixion. During this period of more than half an hour, Jesus never spoke a word.

According to custom, the captain led the procession carrying small white boards on which had been written with charcoal the names of the criminals and the nature of the crimes for which they had been condemned. The legend that the centurion carried to put on the cross of Jesus had been written by Pilate himself in Latin, Greek, and Aramaic: “Jesus of Nazareth – the king of the Jews.”

The soldiers first bound the Master’s arms with cords to the crossbeam, and then they nailed his hands to the wood. When they had hoisted this crossbeam up on the post, and after they had nailed it securely to the upright timber of the cross, they bound and nailed his feet to the wood, using one long nail to penetrate both feet. The cross was not high, the Master’s feet being only about three feet from the ground. He was able to hear all that was said of him in derision and could plainly see the expression on the faces of all those who so thoughtlessly mocked him. Jesus’ only words, as they nailed him to the crossbeam, were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The last request that the mortal Jesus made of his fellows was about half past one o’clock when, a second time, he said, “I thirst,” and the captain of the guard again moistened his lips with a sponge wet in the sour wine.

It was just before three o’clock when Jesus, with a loud voice, cried out, “It is finished! Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” And when he had thus spoken, he bowed his head and gave up his life.

Joseph of Arimathea, accompanied by Nicodemus, had gone to Pilate and asked that the body of Jesus be turned over to them for proper burial. When he heard the request, Pilate quickly signed the order which authorized Joseph to proceed to Golgotha and take immediate and full possession of the Master’s body.

When Joseph presented Pilate’s order for the Master’s body to the centurion, the Jews raised a tumult and clamored for its possession. When order had been restored, the centurion read the permit from Pilate to the Jews and, stepping aside, said to Joseph: “This body is yours to do with as you see fit. I and my soldiers will stand by to see that no man interferes.” At half past four o’clock, a burial procession of Jesus started from Golgotha for Joseph’s tomb.

At two forty-five Sunday morning, seven unidentified celestial personalities arrived where Jesus' body lay in Joseph’s new tomb and, at ten minutes before three, intense vibrations of commingled material and morontia activities began to emanate from the tomb. At two minutes past three o’clock, this Sunday morning, April 9, 30 CE, the resurrected morontia form and personality of Jesus of Nazareth came forth from the tomb.

From the time of the morontia resurrection until the hour of his spirit ascension on high, Jesus made nineteen separate appearances in visible form to his believers on earth. He did not appear to his enemies nor to those who could not make spiritual use of his manifestation in visible form.

Early Thursday morning, May 18, Jesus made his last appearance on earth as a morontia personality. As the eleven apostles were about to sit down to breakfast in the upper chamber of Mary Mark's home, Jesus appeared to them and said: "Peace be upon you. I have asked you to tarry here in Jerusalem until I ascend to the Father, even until I send you the Spirit of Truth, who shall soon be poured out upon all flesh, and who shall endow you with power from on high."

Jesus took his eleven silent and somewhat bewildered apostles to the western slope of Mount Olivet. As he stood there before them, they knelt about him in a circle, and the Master said: "I bade you tarry in Jerusalem until you were endowed with power from on high. I am now about to take leave of you; I am about to ascend to my Father, and soon, very soon, will we send into this world of my sojourn the Spirit of Truth; and when he has come, you shall begin the new proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom, first in Jerusalem and then to the uttermost parts of the world. Love men with the love wherewith I have loved you and serve your fellow mortals even as I have served you. By the spirit fruits of your lives impel souls to believe the truth that man is a son of God, and that all men are brethren. Remember all I have taught you and the life I have lived among you. My love overshadows you, my spirit will dwell with you, and my peace shall abide upon you. Farewell."

The gospel of Jesus, his good news, is encompassed in one simple teaching: the Fatherhood of God and correlated fact of the brotherhood of men. To understand this uncomplicated message, meant for all humankind, is to grasp the gift of faith offered by God, and to consequently choose to be like him in every way we can. It is the intention to follow his will that counts to our credit.

Contrary to the atonement doctrine of the Christian religions, Jesus did not die for our sins but rather opened the way for each individual to choose salvation by faith. Though Jesus was not a sacrificer, a ransomer, or a redeemer, it is correct to refer to him as a savior. He forever made the way of salvation and survival more clear and certain.