Knjiga Urantije
DIO IV. Isusov život i učenja
POGLAVLJE 124 : ISUSOVO KASNIJE DJETINJSTVO
Paper 124
The Later Childhood of Jesus
The Later Childhood of Jesus
PREMDA bi Isus u Aleksandriji vjerojatno imao bolje mogućnosti za formalno školovanje nego u Galileji, ondje ne bi uživao tako izvanredno okruženje za samostalno rješavanje životnih problema uz najmanje moguće obrazovno usmjeravanje, niti bi imao veliku prednost neprestanog kontakta s tako velikim brojem muškaraca i žena svih društvenih slojeva koji su dolazili iz svih dijelova civiliziranog svijeta. Da je ostao u Aleksandriji, njegovo bi obrazovanje bilo pod vodstvom Židova i gotovo isključivo židovskog usmjerenja. U Nazaretu je stekao obrazovanje i prošao obuku koja ga je mnogo bolje pripremila za razumijevanje nežidova te mu pružila uravnoteženiji i objektivniji pogled na relativne vrijednosti istočnih, odnosno babilonskih, i zapadnih, odnosno helenskih, tumačenja hebrejske teologije.
124:0.1 (1366.1)
ALTHOUGH Jesus might have enjoyed a better opportunity for schooling at Alexandria than in Galilee, he could not have had such a splendid environment for working out his own life problems with a minimum of educational guidance, at the same time enjoying the great advantage of constantly contacting with such a large number of all classes of men and women hailing from every part of the civilized world. Had he remained at Alexandria, his education would have been directed by Jews and along exclusively Jewish lines. At Nazareth he secured an education and received a training which more acceptably prepared him to understand the gentiles, and which gave him a better and more balanced idea of the relative merits of the Eastern, or Babylonian, and the Western, or Hellenic, views of Hebrew theology.
Školovanje se nastavilo, a Isus je i dalje bio među omiljenim učenicima te je svakoga mjeseca imao jedan slobodan tjedan. Nastavio je približno jednako dijeliti svoje vrijeme između putovanja s ocem u obližnje gradove, boravaka na ujakovu gospodarstvu južno od Nazareta i ribarenja u okolici Magdale.
Najozbiljniji problem koji se dotad pojavio u školi dogodio se krajem zime, kada se Isus usudio suprotstaviti hazanu glede učenja da su sve slike, prikazi i crteži po svojoj prirodi idolopoklonički. Isus je uživao crtati krajolike, kao i oblikovati različite predmete od lončarske gline. Židovski zakon strogo je zabranjivao sve takve aktivnosti, ali je Isus dotad uspio toliko ublažiti protivljenje svojih roditelja da su mu dopustili nastaviti s ovim aktivnostima.
124:1.3 (1366.4)
The most serious trouble as yet to come up at school occurred in late winter when Jesus dared to challenge the chazan regarding the teaching that all images, pictures, and drawings were idolatrous in nature. Jesus delighted in drawing landscapes as well as in modeling a great variety of objects in potter’s clay. Everything of that sort was strictly forbidden by Jewish law, but up to this time he had managed to disarm his parents’ objection to such an extent that they had permitted him to continue in these activities.
No problem se ponovno javio kada je jedan od slabijih učenika otkrio kako Isus ugljenom crta hazanovu sliku na podu učionice. Crtež je bio sasvim jasan i mnoge su ga starješine vidjele prije nego što je odbor otišao Josipu zahtijevati da se nešto poduzme kako bi se obuzdala samovolja njegova najstarijeg sina. Premda to nije bila prva pritužba koju su Josip i Marija primili na račun svojega svestranog i poduzetnog djeteta, bila je to najozbiljnija optužba koja je do tada bila podignuta protiv njega. Sjedeći na velikom kamenu pored stražnjeg ulaza, Isus je slušao dugu osudu svojih umjetničkih nastojanja. Nije mu bilo pravo što njegova oca okrivljuju za njegova navodna nedjela; zato je odlučno ušao i neustrašivo se suočio sa svojim optužiteljima. Starješine su ostale zbunjene. Neki su bili skloni promatrati cijeli događaj s dozom humora, dok je nekolicina smatrala da je dječakov postupak svetogrđe, ako ne i bogohuljenje. Josip je bio zbunjen, a Marija ogorčena, no Isus je inzistirao da ga saslušaju. Iznio je svoje razloge, hrabro obranio svoje stajalište i s izvanrednom samokontrolom izjavio da će se u ovom, kao i u svim drugim spornim pitanjima, povinovati odluci svoga oca. I odbor starješina razišao se u tišini.
124:1.4 (1366.5)
But trouble was again stirred up at school when one of the more backward pupils discovered Jesus drawing a charcoal picture of the teacher on the floor of the schoolroom. There it was, plain as day, and many of the elders had viewed it before the committee went to call on Joseph to demand that something be done to suppress the lawlessness of his eldest son. And though this was not the first time complaints had come to Joseph and Mary about the doings of their versatile and aggressive child, this was the most serious of all the accusations which had thus far been lodged against him. Jesus listened to the indictment of his artistic efforts for some time, being seated on a large stone just outside the back door. He resented their blaming his father for his alleged misdeeds; so in he marched, fearlessly confronting his accusers. The elders were thrown into confusion. Some were inclined to view the episode humorously, while one or two seemed to think the boy was sacrilegious if not blasphemous. Joseph was nonplused, Mary indignant, but Jesus insisted on being heard. He had his say, courageously defended his viewpoint, and with consummate self-control announced that he would abide by the decision of his father in this as in all other matters controversial. And the committee of elders departed in silence.
Dok je Marija nastojala uvjeriti Josipa da dopusti Isusu da kod kuće radi s glinom, pod uvjetom da obeća kako se neće baviti tim spornim aktivnostima u školi, Josip je smatrao da treba poštovati rabinsko tumačenje druge zapovijedi. Tako Isus od toga dana pa sve dok je živio u očevoj kući više nikada nije crtao niti oblikovao likove stvarnih predmeta i bića. Ipak, nikada nije povjerovao da je učinio nešto pogrešno, pa je odricanje od te omiljene razonode predstavljalo jednu od najvećih kušnji njegove mladosti.
124:1.5 (1367.1)
Mary endeavored to influence Joseph to permit Jesus to model in clay at home, provided he promised not to carry on any of these questionable activities at school, but Joseph felt impelled to rule that the rabbinical interpretation of the second commandment should prevail. And so Jesus no more drew or modeled the likeness of anything from that day as long as he lived in his father’s house. But he was unconvinced of the wrong of what he had done, and to give up such a favorite pastime constituted one of the great trials of his young life.
Isusova druga sestra, Marta, rođena je u četvrtak navečer, 13. rujna. Tri tjedna nakon Martinog rođenja Josip, koji je neko vrijeme boravio kod kuće, počeo je proširivati kuću, dodajući joj radionicu i spavaću sobu. Za Isusa je izradio malu radnu klupu, pa je dječak prvi put imao vlastiti alat. U slobodnim je trenucima tijekom mnogih narednih godina radio za tom klupom i postao vrlo vješt u izradi jarmova.
124:1.7 (1367.3)
Jesus’ second sister, Martha, was born Thursday night, September 13. Three weeks after the coming of Martha, Joseph, who was home for awhile, started the building of an addition to their house, a combined workshop and bedroom. A small workbench was built for Jesus, and for the first time he possessed tools of his own. At odd times for many years he worked at this bench and became highly expert in the making of yokes.
Ova i sljedeća zima bile su najhladnije u Nazaretu u mnogo desetljeća. Isus je već imao priliku vidjeti snijeg na planinama, a nekoliko je puta padao i u Nazaretu, premda se na tlu zadržavao samo kratko vrijeme; no tek je te zime prvi put vidio led. Činjenica da voda može postojati u čvrstom, tekućem i plinovitom stanju — dugo je promatrao paru koja se dizala iz kipućih lonaca — navela je mladića na duboko razmišljanje o fizičkom svijetu i njegovu ustrojstvu. A ipak je ličnost utjelovljena u tom mladiću svo to vrijeme bila stvarni Stvoritelj i Organizator svih tih pojava diljem prostranog svemira.
124:1.8 (1367.4)
This winter and the next were the coldest in Nazareth for many decades. Jesus had seen snow on the mountains, and several times it had fallen in Nazareth, remaining on the ground only a short time; but not until this winter had he seen ice. The fact that water could be had as a solid, a liquid, and a vapor—he had long pondered over the escaping steam from the boiling pots—caused the lad to think a great deal about the physical world and its constitution; and yet the personality embodied in this growing youth was all this while the actual creator and organizer of all these things throughout a far-flung universe.
Klima u Nazaretu nije bila oštra. Siječanj je bio najhladniji mjesec, s prosječnom temperaturom od oko 10 °C. Tijekom srpnja i kolovoza, najtoplijih mjeseci, temperatura se kretala između 24 i 32 °C. Od planinskih područja pa do doline Jordana i Mrtvog mora, klima Palestine varirala je od vrlo hladne do vrlo vruće. Tako su Židovi, na neki način, bili pripremljeni za život u gotovo svim klimatskim uvjetima svijeta.
124:1.9 (1367.5)
The climate of Nazareth was not severe. January was the coldest month, the temperature averaging around 50° F. During July and August, the hottest months, the temperature would vary from 75° to 90° F. From the mountains to the Jordan and the Dead Sea valley the climate of Palestine ranged from the frigid to the torrid. And so, in a way, the Jews were prepared to live in about any and all of the world’s varying climates.
Čak je i tijekom najtoplijih ljetnih mjeseci od deset sati ujutro pa do približno deset sati navečer s mora obično puhao svjež zapadni povjetarac. No s vremena na vrijeme cijelom bi Palestinom zapuhali žarki vjetrovi iz istočne pustinje. Ti vrući naleti obično su dolazili u veljači i ožujku, pri kraju kišne sezone. U to je doba kiša padala u osvježavajućim pljuskovima od studenoga do travnja, ali nije padala neprekidno. Palestina je imala samo dva godišnja doba: ljeto i zimu, sušno i kišno razdoblje. U siječnju je počinjalo cvjetanje, a do kraja travnja cijela je zemlja nalikovala golemom cvjetnom vrtu.
124:1.10 (1367.6)
Even during the warmest summer months a cool sea breeze usually blew from the west from 10:00 A.M. until about 10:00 P.M. But every now and then terrific hot winds from the eastern desert would blow across all Palestine. These hot blasts usually came in February and March, near the end of the rainy season. In those days the rain fell in refreshing showers from November to April, but it did not rain steadily. There were only two seasons in Palestine, summer and winter, the dry and rainy seasons. In January the flowers began to bloom, and by the end of April the whole land was one vast flower garden.
U svibnju te godine Isus je na ujakovu gospodarstvu prvi put pomagao u žetvi žita. Prije nego što je navršio trinaest godina, uspio je naučiti ponešto o gotovo svakom poslu kojim su se bavili muškarci i žene u okolici Nazareta, izuzev obrade metala. Kasnije, nakon očeve smrti, proveo je nekoliko mjeseci u kovačnici.
124:1.11 (1367.7)
In May of this year, on his uncle’s farm, Jesus for the first time helped with the harvest of the grain. Before he was thirteen, he had managed to find out something about practically everything that men and women worked at around Nazareth except metal working, and he spent several months in a smith’s shop when older, after the death of his father.
Kada bi poslovi zamrli i karavanski promet oslabio, Isus je s ocem često odlazio na poslovna ili rekreativna putovanja u obližnju Kanu, Endor i Nain. Još kao dječak često je posjećivao Seforis, nešto više od pet kilometara sjeverozapadno od Nazareta, koji je od 4. godine pr. Kr. do približno 25. godine po Kr. bio glavni grad Galileje i jedno od sjedišta Heroda Antipe.
124:1.12 (1368.1)
When work and caravan travel were slack, Jesus made many trips with his father on pleasure or business to near-by Cana, Endor, and Nain. Even as a lad he frequently visited Sepphoris, only a little over three miles from Nazareth to the northwest, and from 4 {scaps{scaps{b.c.}scaps}scaps} to about {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 25 the capital of Galilee and one of the residences of Herod Antipas.
Isus je nastavio rasti fizički, intelektualno, društveno i duhovno. Zahvaljujući putovanjima stekao je bolje i velikodušnije razumijevanje vlastite obitelji, a sada su čak i njegovi roditelji počeli učiti od njega, a ne samo on od njih. Isus je bio osebujan mislilac i vješt učitelj čak i u svojoj mladosti. Bio je u stalnom sukobu s takozvanim „usmenim zakonom”, ali se uvijek nastojao prilagoditi običajima svoje obitelji. Prilično se dobro slagao s djecom svoje dobi, premda ga je često obeshrabrivala sporost njihova razmišljanja. Prije nego što je navršio deset godina, postao je vođa skupine od sedam dječaka koji su osnovali svojevrsno društvo za stjecanje odlika zrelog muškarca — fizičkih, intelektualnih i religioznih. Među tim dječacima Isus je uspio uvesti mnoge nove igre i razne poboljšane oblike tjelesne rekreacije.
124:1.13 (1368.2)
Jesus continued to grow physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. His trips away from home did much to give him a better and more generous understanding of his own family, and by this time even his parents were beginning to learn from him as well as to teach him. Jesus was an original thinker and a skillful teacher, even in his youth. He was in constant collision with the so-called “oral law,” but he always sought to adapt himself to the practices of his family. He got along fairly well with the children of his age, but he often grew discouraged with their slow-acting minds. Before he was ten years old, he had become the leader of a group of seven lads who formed themselves into a society for promoting the acquirements of manhood—physical, intellectual, and religious. Among these boys Jesus succeeded in introducing many new games and various improved methods of physical recreation.
Petoga srpnja prve subote u mjesecu, dok je s Josipom šetao okolicom Nazareta, Isus je prvi put izrazio osjećaje i misli koje su pokazivale da postaje svjestan neobične naravi svojega životnog poslanja. Josip je pozorno saslušao te značajne riječi svoga sina, ali ih je jedva komentirao; nije mu želio otkriti činjenice s kojima još nije bio upoznat. Sljedećega dana Isus je vodio sličan, ali nešto dulji razgovor sa svojom majkom. Marija je također pozorno saslušala dječakove riječi, ali mu ni ona nije htjela otkriti ono što još nije znao. Prošlo je gotovo dvije godine prije nego što je Isus ponovno govorio svojim roditeljima o sve jasnijem otkrivenju koje se razvijalo u njegovoj svijesti glede prirode njegove ličnosti i karaktera njegova poslanja na zemlji.
124:2.1 (1368.3)
It was the fifth of July, the first Sabbath of the month, when Jesus, while strolling through the countryside with his father, first gave expression to feelings and ideas which indicated that he was becoming self-conscious of the unusual nature of his life mission. Joseph listened attentively to the momentous words of his son but made few comments; he volunteered no information. The next day Jesus had a similar but longer talk with his mother. Mary likewise listened to the pronouncements of the lad, but neither did she volunteer any information. It was almost two years before Jesus again spoke to his parents concerning this increasing revelation within his own consciousness regarding the nature of his personality and the character of his mission on earth.
U kolovozu je prešao u višu sinagošku školu. U školi je neprestano izazivao poteškoće pitanjima koja je uporno postavljao. Sve je više držao cijeli Nazaret u stanju blagog uzbuđenja. Njegovi roditelji nisu imali srca zabraniti mu postavljati ta uznemirujuća pitanja, a njegov glavni učitelj bio je iskreno zaintrigiran dječakovom znatiželjom, pronicljivošću i žeđu za znanjem.
124:2.2 (1368.4)
He entered the advanced school of the synagogue in August. At school he was constantly creating trouble by the questions he persisted in asking. Increasingly he kept all Nazareth in more or less of a hubbub. His parents were loath to forbid his asking these disquieting questions, and his chief teacher was greatly intrigued by the lad’s curiosity, insight, and hunger for knowledge.
Vjerojatno njegova najneobičnija i najistaknutija osobina bila je to što se nije htio boriti za svoja prava. Budući da je za svoje godine bio dobro razvijen dječak, njegovi su se vršnjaci čudili što se nije želio braniti ni od nepravde ni od osobnih uvreda. Ipak, zbog prijateljstva s Jakovom, dječakom iz susjedstva koji je bio godinu dana stariji od njega, nije morao mnogo trpjeti zbog te osobine. Jakov je bio sin klesara, Josipova poslovnog suradnika. Silno se divio Isusu i smatrao svojom dužnošću da ga zaštiti od svakoga tko bi pokušao iskoristiti njegovu nesklonost fizičkom sukobu. Nekoliko su puta stariji i neotesaniji dječaci napali Isusa, računajući na njegovu poznatu blagost, ali bi se uvijek brzo suočili s odmazdom njegova samozvanog zaštitnika i uvijek spremnog branitelja, klesarova sina Jakova.
124:2.4 (1368.6)
Perhaps his most unusual and outstanding trait was his unwillingness to fight for his rights. Since he was such a well-developed lad for his age, it seemed strange to his playfellows that he was disinclined to defend himself even from injustice or when subjected to personal abuse. As it happened, he did not suffer much on account of this trait because of the friendship of Jacob, a neighbor boy, who was one year older. He was the son of the stone mason, a business associate of Joseph. Jacob was a great admirer of Jesus and made it his business to see that no one was permitted to impose upon Jesus because of his aversion to physical combat. Several times older and uncouth youths attacked Jesus, relying upon his reputed docility, but they always suffered swift and certain retribution at the hands of his self-appointed champion and ever-ready defender, Jacob the stone mason’s son.
Isus je bio općenito prihvaćen kao vođa nazaretskih mladića koji su zastupali ideale naprednije od standarda svoje dobi i generacije. Uživao je iskrenu ljubav svojih vršnjaka, ne samo zato što je bio pošten, već i zato što je posjedovao rijetku sposobnost razumijevanja i suosjećanja koja je svjedočila o ljubavi i graničila s diskretnom samilošću.
124:2.5 (1369.1)
Jesus was the generally accepted leader of the Nazareth lads who stood for the higher ideals of their day and generation. He was really loved by his youthful associates, not only because he was fair, but also because he possessed a rare and understanding sympathy that betokened love and bordered on discreet compassion.
Ove je godine počeo pokazivati izrazitu sklonost društvu starijih osoba. Uživao je razgovarati sa zrelijim ljudima o kulturnim, obrazovnim, društvenim, gospodarskim, političkim i religioznim pitanjima, a dubina njegova razmišljanja i pronicljivost njegovih zapažanja toliko su osvajali njegove odrasle sugovornike da su uvijek rado provodili vrijeme s njim. Sve dok nije postao odgovoran za uzdržavanje obitelji, njegovi su ga roditelji neprestano nastojali potaknuti da se više druži s vršnjacima ili barem s osobama približno svoje dobi, umjesto sa starijim i bolje upućenim ljudima prema kojima je pokazivao toliku sklonost.
124:2.6 (1369.2)
This year he began to show a marked preference for the company of older persons. He delighted in talking over things cultural, educational, social, economic, political, and religious with older minds, and his depth of reasoning and keenness of observation so charmed his adult associates that they were always more than willing to visit with him. Until he became responsible for the support of the home, his parents were constantly seeking to influence him to associate with those of his own age, or more nearly his age, rather than with older and better-informed individuals for whom he evinced such a preference.
Isus se nastavio razvijati fizički; u školi je bio napredan i povlašten učenik; kod kuće se dobro slagao sa svojom mlađom braćom i sestrama, imajući prednost od tri i pol godine nad svojim najstarijim bratom. Bio je omiljen u cijelom Nazaretu, osim među roditeljima neke manje bistre djece koji su ga smatrali previše samouvjerenim i lišenim primjerene poniznosti i mladenačke suzdržanosti. Pokazivao je sve veću sklonost da usmjerava slobodne aktivnosti svojih vršnjaka u ozbiljnijem i promišljenijem smjeru. Bio je rođeni učitelj koji se jednostavno nije mogao suzdržati od toga da poučava, čak i kad je navodno samo sudjelovao u igri.
124:2.8 (1369.4)
His physical development continued; he was an advanced and privileged pupil at school; he got along fairly well at home with his younger brothers and sisters, having the advantage of being three and one-half years older than the oldest of the other children. He was well thought of in Nazareth except by the parents of some of the duller children, who often spoke of Jesus as being too pert, as lacking in proper humility and youthful reserve. He manifested a growing tendency to direct the play activities of his youthful associates into more serious and thoughtful channels. He was a born teacher and simply could not refrain from so functioning, even when supposedly engaged in play.
Josip je rano počeo poučavati Isusa različitim načinima stjecanja sredstava za život, objašnjavajući prednosti poljoprivrede nad industrijom i trgovinom. Galileja je bila ljepša i bogatija provincija od Judeje, a život u Galileji stajao je otprilike četiri puta manje nego u Jeruzalemu i Judeji. Bila je to provincija poljoprivrednih sela i naprednih industrijskih gradova koja je brojila više od dvije stotine gradova s preko pet tisuća stanovnika i više od trideset s preko petnaest tisuća.
124:2.9 (1369.5)
Joseph early began to instruct Jesus in the diverse means of gaining a livelihood, explaining the advantages of agriculture over industry and trade. Galilee was a more beautiful and prosperous district than Judea, and it cost only about one fourth as much to live there as in Jerusalem and Judea. It was a province of agricultural villages and thriving industrial cities, containing more than two hundred towns of over five thousand population and thirty of over fifteen thousand.
Kad se tijekom svog prvog putovanja s Josipom upoznao s ribarenjem na Genezaretskom jezeru, Isus je gotovo odlučio postati ribar; nakon što se intenzivnije bavio očevim zanatom, odlučio je postati tesar, dok je kasnije, zahvaljujući spletu različitih utjecaja, donio konačnu odluku da postane religiozni učitelj novog reda.
124:2.10 (1369.6)
When on his first trip with his father to observe the fishing industry on the lake of Galilee, Jesus had just about made up his mind to become a fisherman; but close association with his father’s vocation later on influenced him to become a carpenter, while still later a combination of influences led him to the final choice of becoming a religious teacher of a new order.
Josip i Marija često su dolazili u iskušenje pokazati neku posebnu naklonost prema Isusu ili na druge načine otkriti da je on bio obećano dijete, sin sudbine. No oboje su se pokazali izuzetno mudrima i promišljenima u svim tim pitanjima. Kad bi mu u nekoliko navrata iskazali i najmanju prednost pred drugom djecom, Isus bi brzo odbio svaku takvu posebnu pozornost.
124:3.2 (1369.8)
Joseph and Mary were often tempted to show some special favoritism for Jesus or otherwise to betray their knowledge that he was a child of promise, a son of destiny. But both of his parents were extraordinarily wise and sagacious in all these matters. The few times they did in any manner exhibit any preference for him, even in the slightest degree, the lad was quick to refuse all such special consideration.
Isus je provodio dosta vremena u karavanskoj radnji i kroz razgovor s putnicima iz svih krajeva svijeta stekao zavidno znanje o međunarodnim prilikama, što je bilo zadivljujuće s obzirom na njegovu dob. Bila je to posljednja godina u kojoj je uživao mnogo slobodne igre i mladenačke bezbrižnosti. Od toga su se vremena teškoće i odgovornosti u njegovu životu počele ubrzano gomilati.
124:3.3 (1370.1)
Jesus spent considerable time at the caravan supply shop, and by conversing with the travelers from all parts of the world, he acquired a store of information about international affairs that was amazing, considering his age. This was the last year in which he enjoyed much free play and youthful joyousness. From this time on difficulties and responsibilities rapidly multiplied in the life of this youth.
Juda je rođen u srijedu navečer, 24. lipnja 5. godine po Kr. Porođaj ovog sedmog djeteta bio je popraćen komplikacijama. Marija je više tjedana bila toliko bolesna da je Josip odlučio ostati kod kuće. Isus je bio jako zauzet obavljanjem poslova za oca i mnogobrojnih dužnosti uzrokovanih majčinom teškom bolešću. Ovaj mladić nikada se više nije mogao vratiti djetinjoj bezbrižnosti svojih ranijih godina. Od vremena majčine bolesti — malo prije nego što je navršio jedanaest godina — bio je primoran preuzeti odgovornosti sina prvorođenca, i to punu godinu ili dvije prije nego što bi ti tereti uobičajeno pali na njegova pleća.
124:3.4 (1370.2)
On Wednesday evening, June 24, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 5, Jude was born. Complications attended the birth of this, the seventh child. Mary was so very ill for several weeks that Joseph remained at home. Jesus was very much occupied with errands for his father and with many duties occasioned by his mother’s serious illness. Never again did this youth find it possible to return to the childlike attitude of his earlier years. From the time of his mother’s illness—just before he was eleven years old—he was compelled to assume the responsibilities of the first-born son and to do all this one or two full years before these burdens should normally have fallen on his shoulders.
Hazan je svakog tjedna provodio jednu večer s Isusom, pomažući mu da ovlada hebrejskim spisima. Bio je jako zainteresiran za napredak ovog nadarenog učenika te mu je rado pomagao na različite načine. Ovaj je židovski pedagog snažno utjecao na mladićev rastući um, premda nikada nije bio u stanju shvatiti Isusovu ravnodušnost prema svim njegovim prijedlozima da nastavi obrazovanje pod nadzorom učenih rabina u Jeruzalemu.
124:3.5 (1370.3)
The chazan spent one evening each week with Jesus, helping him to master the Hebrew scriptures. He was greatly interested in the progress of his promising pupil; therefore was he willing to assist him in many ways. This Jewish pedagogue exerted a great influence upon this growing mind, but he was never able to comprehend why Jesus was so indifferent to all his suggestions regarding the prospects of going to Jerusalem to continue his education under the learned rabbis.
Mladić se otprilike sredinom svibnja pridružio ocu na poslovnom putovanju u Skitopol, glavni grčki grad Dekapolisa, drevni hebrejski Bet-Šan. Josip je putem mnogo govorio o kralju Šaulu, Filistejcima i kasnijim događajima iz burne povijesti Izraela. Isus je bio jako impresioniran redom i organizacijom ovog takozvanog poganskog grada. Divio se otvorenom kazalištu, dok je s poštovanjem promatrao lijepi mramorni hram posvećen obožavanju „poganskih” bogova. Josipa je jako uznemirilo mladićevo oduševljenje pa je nastojao suzbiti te povoljne dojmove veličajući ljepotu i veličanstvo židovskog hrama u Jeruzalemu. Isus je često radoznalo promatrao ovaj veličanstveni grčki grad s nazaretskog brežuljka i mnogo se puta raspitivao o njegovim opsežnim javnim radovima i kitnjastim zgradama, ali je njegov otac uvijek nastojao izbjeći odgovore na ta pitanja. Sada su se našli licem u lice s ljepotama ovog nežidovskog grada i Josip više nije mogao tek tako zanemariti Isusova pitanja.
124:3.6 (1370.4)
About the middle of May the lad accompanied his father on a business trip to Scythopolis, the chief Greek city of the Decapolis, the ancient Hebrew city of Beth-shean. On the way Joseph recounted much of the olden history of King Saul, the Philistines, and the subsequent events of Israel’s turbulent history. Jesus was tremendously impressed with the clean appearance and well-ordered arrangement of this so-called heathen city. He marveled at the open-air theater and admired the beautiful marble temple dedicated to the worship of the “heathen” gods. Joseph was much perturbed by the lad’s enthusiasm and sought to counteract these favorable impressions by extolling the beauty and grandeur of the Jewish temple at Jerusalem. Jesus had often gazed curiously upon this magnificent Greek city from the hill of Nazareth and had many times inquired about its extensive public works and ornate buildings, but his father had always sought to avoid answering these questions. Now they were face to face with the beauties of this gentile city, and Joseph could not gracefully ignore Jesus’ inquiries.
Upravo se u to vrijeme u amfiteatru u Skitopolu održavalo godišnje natjecanje i javne demonstracije tjelesne spretnosti između grčkih gradova Dekapolisa, a Isus je bio toliko uporan u traženju da ga otac povede na igre da se Josip ustručavao uskratiti njegovu želju. Dječak je bio jako oduševljen igrama i svesrdno je uživao u prikazima tjelesne snage i atletskog umijeća. Josip je bio neizrecivo šokiran što je njegov sin bio toliko oduševljen ovim izrazima „poganske” taštine. Po završetku igara, Josip je doživio najveće iznenađenje u svom životu kada je čuo kako Isus s odobravanjem govori o igrama i predlaže da bi i mladići iz Nazareta mogli imati velike koristi od tako zdravih fizičkih aktivnosti na otvorenom. Josip je vrlo ozbiljno i nadugo razgovarao s Isusom, ističući zlu narav takvih običaja, ali je dobro znao da njegove riječi nisu promijenile Isusovo mišljenje.
124:3.7 (1370.5)
It so happened that just at this time the annual competitive games and public demonstrations of physical prowess between the Greek cities of the Decapolis were in progress at the Scythopolis amphitheater, and Jesus was insistent that his father take him to see the games, and he was so insistent that Joseph hesitated to deny him. The boy was thrilled with the games and entered most heartily into the spirit of the demonstrations of physical development and athletic skill. Joseph was inexpressibly shocked to observe his son’s enthusiasm as he beheld these exhibitions of “heathen” vaingloriousness. After the games were finished, Joseph received the surprise of his life when he heard Jesus express his approval of them and suggest that it would be good for the young men of Nazareth if they could be thus benefited by wholesome outdoor physical activities. Joseph talked earnestly and long with Jesus concerning the evil nature of such practices, but he well knew that the lad was unconvinced.
Isus je samo jednom doživio očevu istinsku ljutnju, i to one noći kad su se vratili u gostionicu. Tijekom razgovora toliko je zaboravio na židovski način razmišljanja da je predložio kako bi se po povratku u Nazaret mogli prihvatiti izgradnje amfiteatra. Kad je Josip čuo kako njegov prvorođenac izražava takve nežidovske ideje, zaboravio je svoje uobičajeno mirno držanje te je, uhvativši Isusa za rame, ljutito uzviknuo: „Sine moj, da više nikada nisi izrekao takvu zlu misao dok si živ.” Isus je bio zaprepašten očevim snažnim osjećajima; nikada prije nije osobno osjetio očev gnjev i ostao je toliko zatečen da nije znao što bi rekao. Samo je odgovorio: „Dobro, oče, tako će i biti.” I mladić više nikada ni u najmanjoj mjeri nije spomenuo natjecateljske igre niti druge grčke atletske aktivnosti za Josipova života.
124:3.8 (1371.1)
The only time Jesus ever saw his father angry with him was that night in their room at the inn when, in the course of their discussions, the boy so far forgot the trends of Jewish thought as to suggest that they go back home and work for the building of an amphitheater at Nazareth. When Joseph heard his first-born son express such un-Jewish sentiments, he forgot his usual calm demeanor and, seizing Jesus by the shoulder, angrily exclaimed, “My son, never again let me hear you give utterance to such an evil thought as long as you live.” Jesus was startled by his father’s display of emotion; he had never before been made to feel the personal sting of his father’s indignation and was astonished and shocked beyond expression. He only replied, “Very well, my father, it shall be so.” And never again did the boy even in the slightest manner allude to the games and other athletic activities of the Greeks as long as his father lived.
Kasnije je Isus vidio grčki amfiteatar u Jeruzalemu i naučio koliko su takve stvari bile mrske sa židovskog stajališta. No unatoč tome, uvijek je nastojao promicati zdravu rekreaciju u osobnom životu i, koliko su to dopuštali židovski običaji, u kasnijim redovitim aktivnostima dvanaestorice apostola.
124:3.9 (1371.2)
Later on, Jesus saw the Greek amphitheater at Jerusalem and learned how hateful such things were from the Jewish point of view. Nevertheless, throughout his life he endeavored to introduce the idea of wholesome recreation into his personal plans and, as far as Jewish practice would permit, into the later program of regular activities for his twelve apostles.
Pred kraj svoje jedanaeste godine, Isus je bio snažan, dobro razvijen, umjereno vedar i prilično bezbrižan mladić, ali se od ove godine sve više počeo povlačiti u neuobičajena razdoblja duboke meditacije i ozbiljnog razmišljanja. Mnogo je razmišljao o tome kako ispuniti svoje obveze prema obitelji i istodobno odgovoriti na poziv svoje misije u svijetu; već je uviđao da njegova služba neće biti ograničena samo na dobrobit židovskog naroda.
124:3.10 (1371.3)
At the end of this eleventh year Jesus was a vigorous, well-developed, moderately humorous, and fairly lighthearted youth, but from this year on he was more and more given to peculiar seasons of profound meditation and serious contemplation. He was much given to thinking about how he was to carry out his obligations to his family and at the same time be obedient to the call of his mission to the world; already he had conceived that his ministry was not to be limited to the betterment of the Jewish people.
Bila je to sadržajna godina u Isusovu životu. Nastavio je napredovati u školi i neumorno raditi na proučavanju prirode, dok se sve više zanimao za studij različitih metoda kojima ljudi zarađuju za život. Počeo je redovno raditi u kućnoj tesarskoj radionici i bilo mu je dopušteno samostalno raspolagati vlastitom zaradom, što je bilo vrlo neuobičajeno u židovskoj obitelji. Ove je godine naučio da je mudro takve stvari zadržati unutar obitelji. Postao je svjestan kako je svojim postupcima znao izazvati poteškoće u selu te je od tada postajao sve diskretniji u prikrivanju svega što bi moglo navesti druge da ga smatraju drukčijim od njegovih vršnjaka.
124:4.1 (1371.4)
This was an eventful year in Jesus’ life. He continued to make progress at school and was indefatigable in his study of nature, while increasingly he prosecuted his study of the methods whereby men make a living. He began doing regular work in the home carpenter shop and was permitted to manage his own earnings, a very unusual arrangement to obtain in a Jewish family. This year he also learned the wisdom of keeping such matters a secret in the family. He was becoming conscious of the way in which he had caused trouble in the village, and henceforth he became increasingly discreet in concealing everything which might cause him to be regarded as different from his fellows.
Tijekom ove godine prolazio je kroz mnoga razdoblja nesigurnosti, ako ne i stvarne sumnje, u pogledu naravi svoje misije. Njegov prirodno razvijajući ljudski um još nije u potpunosti shvaćao stvarnost svoje dvojne naravi. Činjenica da je posjedovao jedinstvenu ličnost otežavala je njegovoj svijesti prepoznavanje dvostrukog porijekla onih čimbenika koji su sačinjavali narav povezanu s tom istom ličnošću.
124:4.2 (1371.5)
Throughout this year he experienced many seasons of uncertainty, if not actual doubt, regarding the nature of his mission. His naturally developing human mind did not yet fully grasp the reality of his dual nature. The fact that he had a single personality rendered it difficult for his consciousness to recognize the double origin of those factors which composed the nature associated with that selfsame personality.
Od ovog vremena nadalje postajao je sve uspješniji u odnosima sa svojom braćom i sestrama. Sve je više pokazivao taktičnost te je uvijek bio suosjećajan i obziran prema njihovoj dobrobiti i sreći, uživajući dobre odnose s njima sve do početka svoje javne službe. Preciznije rečeno, izvrsno se slagao s Jakovom, Marijam i dvoje mlađe djece, Amosom i Rutom, koji se još nisu bili rodili. S Martom se uvijek prilično dobro slagao. Poteškoće koje je imao kod kuće uglavnom su proizlazile iz nesuglasica s Josipom i Judom, osobito s ovim potonjim.
124:4.3 (1371.6)
From this time on he became more successful in getting along with his brothers and sisters. He was increasingly tactful, always compassionate and considerate of their welfare and happiness, and enjoyed good relations with them up to the beginning of his public ministry. To be more explicit: He got along with James, Miriam, and the two younger (as yet unborn) children, Amos and Ruth, most excellently. He always got along with Martha fairly well. What trouble he had at home largely arose out of friction with Joseph and Jude, particularly the latter.
Josip i Marija su prošli kroz veliko iskušenje nastojeći odgojiti ovaj jedinstveni spoj božanstvenosti i ljudskosti i zaslužuju svaku pohvalu za vjerno i uspješno izvršenje svojih roditeljskih dužnosti. Isusovi roditelji su sve više spoznavali da je u njihovom najstarijem sinu postojalo nešto nadljudsko, ali nikada nisu ni sanjali da je ovaj sin obećanja doista bio Stvoritelj svih stvari i bića ovog lokalnog svemira. Josip i Marija su živjeli i umrli bez saznanja da je njihov sin Isus doista bio Stvoritelj ovog lokalnog Svemira utjelovljen u smrtnom tijelu.
124:4.4 (1372.1)
It was a trying experience for Joseph and Mary to undertake the rearing of this unprecedented combination of divinity and humanity, and they deserve great credit for so faithfully and successfully discharging their parental responsibilities. Increasingly Jesus’ parents realized that there was something superhuman resident within this eldest son, but they never even faintly dreamed that this son of promise was indeed and in truth the actual creator of this local universe of things and beings. Joseph and Mary lived and died without ever learning that their son Jesus really was the Universe Creator incarnate in mortal flesh.
Isus je ove godine posvetio više pažnje glazbi nego ikada prije, dok je kod kuće nastavio poučavati svoju mlađu braću i sestre. Otprilike u to vrijeme mladić je postao duboko svjestan razlike u stavovima Josipa i Marije u pogledu naravi svoje misije. Dosta je razmišljao o različitim pogledima svojih roditelja, često slušajući njihove rasprave dok su mislili da čvrsto spava. Isus je sve više naginjao mišljenju svoga oca, tako da je njegovoj majci bilo suđeno da bude povrijeđena spoznajom kako se njezin sin postupno oslobađa njezina utjecaja u pitanjima vezanim uz njegov životni poziv. Kako su godine prolazile, jaz u njihovu razumijevanju sve se više produbljivao. Marija je sve manje bila u stanju razumjeti značaj Isusove misije, a ova je dobra majka bila sve više povrijeđena što njezin omiljeni sin nije ispunjavao njezina najdublja očekivanja.
124:4.5 (1372.2)
This year Jesus paid more attention than ever to music, and he continued to teach the home school for his brothers and sisters. It was at about this time that the lad became keenly conscious of the difference between the viewpoints of Joseph and Mary regarding the nature of his mission. He pondered much over his parents’ differing opinions, often hearing their discussions when they thought he was sound asleep. More and more he inclined to the view of his father, so that his mother was destined to be hurt by the realization that her son was gradually rejecting her guidance in matters having to do with his life career. And, as the years passed, this breach of understanding widened. Less and less did Mary comprehend the significance of Jesus’ mission, and increasingly was this good mother hurt by the failure of her favorite son to fulfill her fond expectations.
Tijekom svoje posljednje godine u školi, kad mu je bilo dvanaest godina, Isus je prigovorio Josipu zbog židovskog običaja dodirivanja malog pergamenta pribijenog na dovratku pri svakom ulasku i izlasku iz kuće, a zatim ljubljenja prsta koji je dotaknuo pergament. Kao dio ovog obreda bilo je uobičajeno reći: „Čuvao Jahve tvoj izlazak i povratak odsada dovijeka.” Josip i Marija su Isusu više puta objasnili razloge zabrane crtanja i modeliranja, navodeći da su takvi predmeti mogli poslužiti u idolopokloničke svrhe. Premda Isus nije bio u stanju u potpunosti shvatiti tu zabranu, imao je vrlo razvijen osjećaj za dosljednost te je stoga ukazao svome ocu na bitno idolopokloničku narav tog običaja iskazivanja poštovanja pergamentu na dovratku. Nakon tog razgovora s Isusom, Josip je uklonio pergament.
124:4.7 (1372.4)
During his last year at school, when he was twelve years old, Jesus remonstrated with his father about the Jewish custom of touching the bit of parchment nailed upon the doorpost each time on going into, or coming out of, the house and then kissing the finger that touched the parchment. As a part of this ritual it was customary to say, “The Lord shall preserve our going out and our coming in, from this time forth and even forevermore.” Joseph and Mary had repeatedly instructed Jesus as to the reasons for not making images or drawing pictures, explaining that such creations might be used for idolatrous purposes. Though Jesus failed fully to grasp their proscriptions against images and pictures, he possessed a high concept of consistency and therefore pointed out to his father the essentially idolatrous nature of this habitual obeisance to the doorpost parchment. And Joseph removed the parchment after Jesus had thus remonstrated with him.
Isus je s vremenom uveo mnoge promjene u njihov način prakticiranja religijskih obreda, kao što su bile obiteljske molitve i drugi običaji. Takve su promjene bile moguće u Nazaretu jer je tamošnja sinagoga bila pod utjecajem liberalne škole rabinskog učenja, čiji je istaknuti predstavnik bio poznati nazaretski učitelj Joza.
124:4.8 (1372.5)
As time passed, Jesus did much to modify their practice of religious forms, such as the family prayers and other customs. And it was possible to do many such things at Nazareth, for its synagogue was under the influence of a liberal school of rabbis, exemplified by the renowned Nazareth teacher, Jose.
Tijekom ove i dviju narednih godina Isus je prolazio kroz veliku duševnu borbu u svom neprestanom nastojanju da uskladi svoje osobne religiozne prakse i društvene konvencije s ustaljenim vjerovanjima svojih roditelja. Bio je rastrgan sukobom između poriva da ostane vjeran svojim uvjerenjima i glasa savjesti koji je nalagao poslušnu pokornost roditeljima; najviše ga je razdirao sukob između dvije velike zapovijedi koje su dominirale njegovim mladenačkim umom. Jedna je bila: „Budi vjeran diktatu svojih najviših uvjerenja istine i pravednosti.” Druga je bila: „Poštuj svoga oca i majku svoju, jer ti oni dadoše život i uzdržavanje.” Međutim, nikada nije zanemarivao odgovornost svakodnevnog usklađivanja odanosti osobnim uvjerenjima i dužnosti prema obitelji te je nalazio zadovoljstvo u sve skladnijem povezivanju osobnih uvjerenja i obiteljskih dužnosti u jedinstven koncept grupne solidarnosti utemeljene na odanosti, poštenju, toleranciji i ljubavi.
124:4.9 (1372.6)
Throughout this and the two following years Jesus suffered great mental distress as the result of his constant effort to adjust his personal views of religious practices and social amenities to the established beliefs of his parents. He was distraught by the conflict between the urge to be loyal to his own convictions and the conscientious admonition of dutiful submission to his parents; his supreme conflict was between two great commands which were uppermost in his youthful mind. The one was: “Be loyal to the dictates of your highest convictions of truth and righteousness.” The other was: “Honor your father and mother, for they have given you life and the nurture thereof.” However, he never shirked the responsibility of making the necessary daily adjustments between these realms of loyalty to one’s personal convictions and duty toward one’s family, and he achieved the satisfaction of effecting an increasingly harmonious blending of personal convictions and family obligations into a masterful concept of group solidarity based upon loyalty, fairness, tolerance, and love.
U nedjelju navečer, 9. siječnja 7. godine po Kr., rodio se njegov mlađi brat Amos. Juda još nije bio navršio dvije godine, a najmlađa sestra Ruta tek je trebala doći na svijet; stoga je Isusu ostala na brizi prilično brojna skupina male djece kada je njegov otac sljedeće godine poginuo u nesretnom slučaju.
124:5.2 (1373.2)
On Sunday night, January 9, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 7, his baby brother, Amos, was born. Jude was not yet two years of age, and the baby sister, Ruth, was yet to come; so it may be seen that Jesus had a sizable family of small children left to his watchcare when his father met his accidental death the following year.
Bilo je to otprilike sredinom veljače kada je Isus, s ljudskog stajališta, postao siguran da mu je suđeno izvršiti misiju na zemlji radi prosvjetljenja čovječanstva i objave Boga. U umu ovog mladića, koji je izvana izgledao kao sasvim običan židovski dječak iz Nazareta, oblikovale su se važne odluke i dalekosežni planovi. Inteligentna bića cijelog Nebadona promatrala su sa zanosom i divljenjem kako se sve to počinje razotkrivati u mislima i djelima ovog tesarova sina koji je upravo ulazio u doba adolescencije.
124:5.3 (1373.3)
It was about the middle of February that Jesus became humanly assured that he was destined to perform a mission on earth for the enlightenment of man and the revelation of God. Momentous decisions, coupled with far-reaching plans, were formulating in the mind of this youth, who was, to outward appearances, an average Jewish lad of Nazareth. The intelligent life of all Nebadon looked on with fascination and amazement as all this began to unfold in the thinking and acting of the now adolescent carpenter’s son.
Prvog dana u tjednu, 20. ožujka 7. godine po Kr., Isus je završio školovanje u mjesnoj školi povezanoj sa sinagogom u Nazaretu. Bio je to veliki dan u životu svake ambiciozne židovske obitelji, dan kada je prvorođeni sin bio proglašen „sinom zapovijedi” i otkupljenim prvorođencem Gospodina Boga Izraelova, „djetetom Svevišnjega” i slugom Gospodara cijele zemlje.
124:5.4 (1373.4)
On the first day of the week, March 20, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 7, Jesus graduated from the course of training in the local school connected with the Nazareth synagogue. This was a great day in the life of any ambitious Jewish family, the day when the first-born son was pronounced a “son of the commandment” and the ransomed first-born of the Lord God of Israel, a “child of the Most High” and servant of the Lord of all the earth.
U petak prethodnog tjedna Josip je došao iz Seforisa, gdje je nadzirao radove na novoj javnoj građevini, kako bi prisustvovao ovoj radosnoj prigodi. Isusov učitelj bio je čvrsto uvjeren da je njegov budni i marljivi učenik predodređen za neku istaknutu karijeru, za neku posebnu misiju. Unatoč svim nevoljama koje su imali s Isusovom sklonošću nekonformizmu, starješine su bile vrlo ponosne na dječaka i već su počele kovati planove koji bi mu omogućili odlazak u Jeruzalem radi nastavka školovanja na glasovitim hebrejskim akademijama.
124:5.5 (1373.5)
Friday of the week before, Joseph had come over from Sepphoris, where he was in charge of the work on a new public building, to be present on this glad occasion. Jesus’ teacher confidently believed that his alert and diligent pupil was destined to some outstanding career, some distinguished mission. The elders, notwithstanding all their trouble with Jesus’ nonconformist tendencies, were very proud of the lad and had already begun laying plans which would enable him to go to Jerusalem to continue his education in the renowned Hebrew academies.
Kako je Isus s vremena na vrijeme imao priliku čuti o ovim planovima, postajao je sve sigurniji da nikada neće otići u Jeruzalem učiti kod rabina. Ali nije ni slutio skoru tragediju koja će poremetiti sve takve planove i prisiliti ga da preuzme odgovornost za uzdržavanje i vođenje svoje velike obitelji, koja će uskoro brojiti petero braće i tri sestre, uz njegovu majku i njega samoga. Isus je stekao više i dugotrajnije iskustvo u podizanju svoje obitelji nego što je to bilo dano njegovu ocu Josipu; i doista je bio dorastao mjerilu koje je kasnije postavio sam sebi: da bude mudar, strpljiv, suosjećajan i učinkovit učitelj i najstariji brat ovoj obitelji — svojoj obitelji — tako iznenada ožalošćenoj i tako neočekivano pogođenoj gubitkom oca.
124:5.6 (1373.6)
As Jesus heard these plans discussed from time to time, he became increasingly sure that he would never go to Jerusalem to study with the rabbis. But he little dreamed of the tragedy, so soon to occur, which would insure the abandonment of all such plans by causing him to assume the responsibility for the support and direction of a large family, presently to consist of five brothers and three sisters as well as his mother and himself. Jesus had a larger and longer experience rearing this family than was accorded to Joseph, his father; and he did measure up to the standard which he subsequently set for himself: to become a wise, patient, understanding, and effective teacher and eldest brother to this family—his family—so suddenly sorrow-stricken and so unexpectedly bereaved.
Nakon što je dosegao prag mladićke dobi i službeno završio školovanje u sinagoškoj školi, Isus je stekao pravo poći sa svojim roditeljima u Jeruzalem i sudjelovati u proslavi svoje prve Pashe. Pasha je te godine pala u subotu, 9. travnja 7. godine po Kr. U ponedjeljak ujutro, 4. travnja, veća skupina hodočasnika (103 osobe) krenula je iz Nazareta prema Jeruzalemu. Putovali su prema Samariji, a kada su stigli do Jizreela, skrenuli su prema istoku i zaobišli goru Gilbou kroz Jordansku dolinu kako bi izbjegli prolazak kroz Samariju. Josip i njegova obitelj rado bi putovali kroz Samariju preko Jakovljeva zdenca i Betela, ali budući da Židovi nisu htjeli imati posla sa Samarijancima, odlučili su poći sa svojim susjedima putem kroz Jordansku dolinu.
124:6.1 (1374.1)
Jesus, having now reached the threshold of young manhood and having been formally graduated from the synagogue schools, was qualified to proceed to Jerusalem with his parents to participate with them in the celebration of his first Passover. The Passover feast of this year fell on Saturday, April 9, {scaps{scaps{a.d.}scaps}scaps} 7. A considerable company (103) made ready to depart from Nazareth early Monday morning, April 4, for Jerusalem. They journeyed south toward Samaria, but on reaching Jezreel, they turned east, going around Mount Gilboa into the Jordan valley in order to avoid passing through Samaria. Joseph and his family would have enjoyed going down through Samaria by way of Jacob’s well and Bethel, but since the Jews disliked to deal with the Samaritans, they decided to go with their neighbors by way of the Jordan valley.
Prije nego što su stigli do raskrižja kod Jizreela, prošli su s lijeve strane pokraj prastarog sela Šunema, pa je Isus ponovno imao priliku čuti priču o najljepšoj djevojci u cijelom Izraelu koja je nekoć ondje živjela, kao i o čudesnim djelima koja je na tom mjestu učinio Elizej. Prolazeći pokraj Jizreela, Isusovi roditelji govorili su o Ahabu i Izebeli te o podvizima Jehua. Zaobilazeći goru Gilbou, mnogo su razgovarali o Šaulu koji je položio život na njezinim padinama, o kralju Davidu i drugim događajima vezanim uz to povijesno mjesto.
124:6.3 (1374.3)
Before reaching the Jezreel junction, and as they journeyed on, very soon, on the left, they passed the ancient village of Shunem, and Jesus heard again about the most beautiful maiden of all Israel who once lived there and also about the wonderful works Elisha performed there. In passing by Jezreel, Jesus’ parents recounted the doings of Ahab and Jezebel and the exploits of Jehu. In passing around Mount Gilboa, they talked much about Saul, who took his life on the slopes of this mountain, King David, and the associations of this historic spot.
Nakon što su zaobišli podnožje Gilboe, pred hodočasnicima se s desne strane ukazao pogled na grčki grad Skitopol. Dok su izdaleka promatrali njegove mramorne građevine, nisu htjeli prići ovom nežidovskom gradu da se ne okaljaju, jer tako ne bi mogli sudjelovati u predstojećim svečanim i svetim obredima Pashe u Jeruzalemu. Marija nije mogla razumjeti zašto Josip i Isus nisu htjeli govoriti o Skitopolu. Nije znala za njihovu polemiku iz prethodne godine jer nikada nisu spomenuli taj događaj.
124:6.4 (1374.4)
As they rounded the base of Gilboa, the pilgrims could see the Greek city of Scythopolis on the right. They gazed upon the marble structures from a distance but went not near the gentile city lest they so defile themselves that they could not participate in the forthcoming solemn and sacred ceremonies of the Passover at Jerusalem. Mary could not understand why neither Joseph nor Jesus would speak of Scythopolis. She did not know about their controversy of the previous year as they had never revealed this episode to her.
Put ih je sada vodio ravno kroz tropsku dolinu Jordana i nije dugo prošlo kad se pred Isusovim začuđenim očima ukazao krivudavi i neprestano vijugavi Jordan, sa svojim blistavim i mreškavim vodama koje su tekle prema Mrtvom moru. Odložili su svoje gornje ogrtače dok su putovali ovom tropskom dolinom i uživali u bujnim žitnim poljima i lijepim oleanderima prepunim ružičastih cvjetova, dok se daleko na sjeveru uzdizala snijegom prekrivena planina Hermon koja je u svoj svojoj veličanstvenosti nadgledala ovu povijesnu dolinu. Nakon nešto više od tri sata hoda od mjesta nasuprot Skitopolu naišli su na žuboreće vrelo i tu se utaborili da prenoće pod otvorenim zvjezdanim nebom.
124:6.5 (1374.5)
The road now led immediately down into the tropical Jordan valley, and soon Jesus was to have exposed to his wondering gaze the crooked and ever-winding Jordan with its glistening and rippling waters as it flowed down toward the Dead Sea. They laid aside their outer garments as they journeyed south in this tropical valley, enjoying the luxurious fields of grain and the beautiful oleanders laden with their pink blossoms, while massive snow-capped Mount Hermon stood far to the north, in majesty looking down on the historic valley. A little over three hours’ travel from opposite Scythopolis they came upon a bubbling spring, and here they camped for the night, out under the starlit heavens.
Drugoga dana putovanja prošli su pokraj mjesta gdje se Jabok s istoka ulijeva u Jordan, a gledajući prema istoku uz riječnu dolinu te rijeke prisjećali su se Gideonovih dana, kada su Midijanci nahrupili u ovo područje kako bi osvojili zemlju. Pred kraj drugoga dana putovanja utaborili su se podno najviše planine koja se uzdizala nad Jordanskom dolinom, Sartabe, na čijem se vrhu nalazila aleksandrijska tvrđava gdje je Herod nekoć utamničio jednu od svojih žena i pokopao svoja dva zadavljena sina.
124:6.6 (1374.6)
On their second day’s journey they passed by where the Jabbok, from the east, flows into the Jordan, and looking east up this river valley, they recounted the days of Gideon, when the Midianites poured into this region to overrun the land. Toward the end of the second day’s journey they camped near the base of the highest mountain overlooking the Jordan valley, Mount Sartaba, whose summit was occupied by the Alexandrian fortress where Herod had imprisoned one of his wives and buried his two strangled sons.
Treći dan prošli su pokraj dva sela koja je Herod nedavno podigao, diveći se njihovoj arhitekturi i prelijepim vrtovima punim palmi. Prije sumraka stigli su u Jerihon, gdje su prenoćili. Te večeri Josip, Marija i Isus prepješačili su jednu i pol milju do mjesta starog Jerihona, gdje je Jošua, po kojem je Isus dobio ime, prema židovskoj tradiciji izveo svoje glasovite podvige.
124:6.7 (1375.1)
The third day they passed by two villages which had been recently built by Herod and noted their superior architecture and their beautiful palm gardens. By nightfall they reached Jericho, where they remained until the morrow. That evening Joseph, Mary, and Jesus walked a mile and a half to the site of the ancient Jericho, where Joshua, for whom Jesus was named, had performed his renowned exploits, according to Jewish tradition.
Četvrtoga i posljednjeg dana putovanja cesta je bila neprekinuta povorka hodočasnika. Sada su se počeli uspinjati brdima koja su vodila prema Jeruzalemu. Kako su se približavali vrhu, pred njima se otvorio pogled na planine s druge strane Jordana, a prema jugu na trome vode Mrtvog mora. Otprilike na pola puta prema Jeruzalemu Isus je prvi put ugledao Maslinsku goru, područje koje će kasnije imati tako važnu ulogu u njegovu životu, a kada mu je Josip pokazao da se Sveti Grad nalazi odmah iza toga grebena, mladićevo je srce poskočilo od radosnog iščekivanja da ugleda grad i kuću svoga nebeskog Oca.
124:6.8 (1375.2)
By the fourth and last day’s journey the road was a continuous procession of pilgrims. They now began to climb the hills leading up to Jerusalem. As they neared the top, they could look across the Jordan to the mountains beyond and south over the sluggish waters of the Dead Sea. About halfway up to Jerusalem, Jesus gained his first view of the Mount of Olives (the region to be so much a part of his subsequent life), and Joseph pointed out to him that the Holy City lay just beyond this ridge, and the lad’s heart beat fast with joyous anticipation of soon beholding the city and house of his heavenly Father.
Na istočnim padinama Maslinske gore zaustavili su se da predahnu na rubu malog sela po imenu Betanija. Gostoljubivi mještani pohitali su poslužiti hodočasnike, a Josip i njegova obitelj zaustavili su se pokraj kuće jednog Šimuna koji je imao troje djece približno Isusove dobi — Mariju, Martu i Lazara. Pozvali su nazaretsku obitelj na okrjepu i tako je između dviju obitelji započelo prijateljstvo koje će trajati cijeloga života. Mnogo puta nakon toga, tijekom svog sadržajnog života, Isus je boravio u ovoj kući.
124:6.9 (1375.3)
On the eastern slopes of Olivet they paused for rest in the borders of a little village called Bethany. The hospitable villagers poured forth to minister to the pilgrims, and it happened that Joseph and his family had stopped near the house of one Simon, who had three children about the same age as Jesus—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They invited the Nazareth family in for refreshment, and a lifelong friendship sprang up between the two families. Many times afterward, in his eventful life, Jesus stopped in this home.
Nastavili su putovanje i uskoro se našli na Maslinskoj gori, odakle je Isus prvi put u svom sjećanju ugledao Sveti Grad, njegove raskošne palače i veličanstveni hram svoga Oca. Tijekom cijelog života nikada nije doživio snažnije čisto ljudsko uzbuđenje od onoga koje ga je toga travanjskog poslijepodneva potpuno obuzelo dok je stajao na Maslinskoj gori i upijao svoj prvi pogled na Jeruzalem. A godinama kasnije stajao je na tom istom mjestu i plakao nad gradom koji se spremao odbaciti još jednog proroka, posljednjeg i najvećeg od svojih nebeskih učitelja.
124:6.10 (1375.4)
They pressed on, soon standing on the brink of Olivet, and Jesus saw for the first time (in his memory) the Holy City, the pretentious palaces, and the inspiring temple of his Father. At no time in his life did Jesus ever experience such a purely human thrill as that which at this time so completely enthralled him as he stood there on this April afternoon on the Mount of Olives, drinking in his first view of Jerusalem. And in after years, on this same spot he stood and wept over the city which was about to reject another prophet, the last and the greatest of her heavenly teachers.
124:6.12 (1375.6)
Soon they reached the place prearranged for their accommodation during the Passover week, the large home of a well-to-do relative of Mary’s, one who knew something of the early history of both John and Jesus, through Zacharias. The following day, the day of preparation, they made ready for the appropriate celebration of the Passover Sabbath.
Dok je cijeli Jeruzalem bio uskomešan pripremama za Pashu, Josip je našao vremena da povede sina u posjet akademiji u kojoj je bilo predviđeno da Isus nastavi školovanje za dvije godine, čim navrši potrebnu dob od petnaest godina. Josip je bio doista zbunjen kad je primijetio koliko je malo zanimanja Isus pokazivao za ove pomno pripremljene planove.
124:6.13 (1375.7)
While all Jerusalem was astir in preparation for the Passover, Joseph found time to take his son around to visit the academy where it had been arranged for him to resume his education two years later, as soon as he reached the required age of fifteen. Joseph was truly puzzled when he observed how little interest Jesus evinced in all these carefully laid plans.
Isus je bio duboko impresioniran hramom, njegovim obredima i drugim aktivnostima. Po prvi put otkako je imao četiri godine bio je previše zaokupljen vlastitim mislima da bi postavljao mnogo pitanja. No ipak je pitao svoga oca nekoliko neugodnih pitanja, kao što je činio i ranije, o tome zašto nebeski Otac traži pokolj toliko nedužnih i bespomoćnih životinja. A njegov je otac prema izrazu na mladićevu licu dobro znao da njegovi odgovori i pokušaji objašnjenja nisu zadovoljavali njegova dubokomislenog i pronicljivog sina.
124:6.14 (1375.8)
Jesus was profoundly impressed by the temple and all the associated services and other activities. For the first time since he was four years old, he was too much preoccupied with his own meditations to ask many questions. He did, however, ask his father several embarrassing questions (as he had on previous occasions) as to why the heavenly Father required the slaughter of so many innocent and helpless animals. And his father well knew from the expression on the lad’s face that his answers and attempts at explanation were unsatisfactory to his deep-thinking and keen-reasoning son.
Dan prije pashalne subote bujice duhovnog prosvjetljenja preplavile su Isusov smrtni um, a njegovo ljudsko srce ispunile do vrha nježnim sažaljenjem prema duhovno slijepim i moralno neukim masama okupljenim radi proslave drevnog spomena na Pashu. Bio je to jedan od najneobičnijih dana koje je Sin Božji proveo u tijelu; a tijekom te noći prvi put mu se u zemaljskom životu ukazao dodijeljeni glasnik iz Salvingtona, poslan po Imanuelovoj zapovijedi, koji je rekao: „Došao je čas. Vrijeme je da se počneš baviti poslovima svoga Oca.”
124:6.15 (1376.1)
On the day before the Passover Sabbath, flood tides of spiritual illumination swept through the mortal mind of Jesus and filled his human heart to overflowing with affectionate pity for the spiritually blind and morally ignorant multitudes assembled for the celebration of the ancient Passover commemoration. This was one of the most extraordinary days that the Son of God spent in the flesh; and during the night, for the first time in his earth career, there appeared to him an assigned messenger from Salvington, commissioned by Immanuel, who said: “The hour has come. It is time that you began to be about your Father’s business.”
I tako, čak i prije nego što su se teške odgovornosti nazaretske obitelji svalile na njegova mladenačka ramena, stigao je nebeski glasnik da podsjeti ovog mladića, koji još nije bio navršio trinaest godina, da je došao čas da ponovno počne preuzimati odgovornosti za svemir. Bio je to prvi čin u dugom slijedu događaja koji su konačno kulminirali dovršenjem Sinova darivanja na Urantiji i vraćanjem svemirske uprave na njegova ljudsko-božanska ramena.
124:6.16 (1376.2)
And so, even ere the heavy responsibilities of the Nazareth family descended upon his youthful shoulders, there now arrived the celestial messenger to remind this lad, not quite thirteen years of age, that the hour had come to begin the resumption of the responsibilities of a universe. This was the first act of a long succession of events which finally culminated in the completion of the Son’s bestowal on Urantia and the replacing of “the government of a universe on his human-divine shoulders.”
Kako je vrijeme prolazilo, misterija utjelovljenja svima nam je postajala sve nedokučivija. Bilo nam je teško shvatiti da je ovaj mladić iz Nazareta bio stvoritelj cijelog Nebadona. Ni danas ne možemo shvatiti kako su duh ovog Sina Stvoritelja i duh njegova Rajskog Oca povezani s ljudskim dušama. S vremenom smo mogli vidjeti kako je njegov ljudski um postajao sve svjesniji da je, dok je živio svoj život u tijelu, u duhu na njegovim ramenima počivala odgovornost za svemir.
124:6.17 (1376.3)
As time passed, the mystery of the incarnation became, to all of us, more and more unfathomable. We could hardly comprehend that this lad of Nazareth was the creator of all Nebadon. Neither do we nowadays understand how the spirit of this same Creator Son and the spirit of his Paradise Father are associated with the souls of mankind. With the passing of time, we could see that his human mind was increasingly discerning that, while he lived his life in the flesh, in spirit on his shoulders rested the responsibility of a universe.
I tako završava razdoblje nazaretskog dječaka, a počinje pripovijest o adolescentu — sve svjesnijem božanskom čovjeku — koji sada počinje promišljati svoju misiju u svijetu nastojeći uskladiti sve širu svrhu svoga života sa željama svojih roditelja i obvezama prema svojoj obitelji te društvu svoga vremena.
124:6.18 (1376.4)
Thus ends the career of the Nazareth lad, and begins the narrative of that adolescent youth—the increasingly self-conscious divine human—who now begins the contemplation of his world career as he strives to integrate his expanding life purpose with the desires of his parents and his obligations to his family and the society of his day and age.