Jesus: I Speak to You Again

Chapter 43

My Education

Before I was even thirteen, I had completed my studies at the synagogue school and became a son of the law of Israel. In Jewish tradition, boys who finished their education at the synagogue school would go to Jerusalem with their parents to be formally consecrated as sons of the law of Israel in the city’s main synagogue. This ceremony marked their transition from adolescence to full manhood, usually at the age of fourteen. However, I was granted this sonship earlier due to my strong commitment to my studies and the dedication of my father, Joseph, who took responsibility for my education from the age of five.

My father provided me with thorough explanations about nature, human life, work, and social interactions. He would often take me on outings beyond Nazareth, where he showed me the surrounding environment and taught me history. I would also observe him at work and assist him, as he had made a small workbench for me so I could experience carpentry firsthand. My mother, Mary, also had a significant influence on me, especially in her explanations about God.

However, the teachings from my parents were not enough to answer all my questions. I often pondered why God seemed so merciless in punishing His erring children, and I spent a great deal of time thinking about God on my own. These meditations led to deeper insights.

My father had also taught me to read in both Aramaic and Greek, so my diligence in school was not extraordinary. I simply had a mind that sought to understand the reasons behind everything. I wasn’t satisfied with the traditional answer, “This is the will of Yahweh.” I wanted to know why Yahweh’s will was such, and my questions often caused discomfort for my parents, the adults in Nazareth, and even my teachers at the synagogue school.

This deep curiosity allowed me to grasp and absorb the subjects taught at school more easily, and I finished my studies before I turned thirteen. When my father first took me to Jerusalem, I was consecrated as a son of the law of Israel, officially marking my entry into manhood earlier than usual.