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Jesus' Early Years
Religious Education
That Jesus' parents, Joseph, a carpenter, and Mary, his wife, and their children lived in a town in Galilee seems to be accepted. That Nazareth was the name of the town is disputed. That Jesus was born in Bethlehem is disputed and that he was taken to Egypt as a baby is also disputed. I will leave it to others to continue these debates.
Joseph was responsible for seeing all of his children, upon reaching the age of 10, begin their religious education by being "instructed in the Book of Meditation and taught the precepts of the Covenant" by the local priest. This education continued until the child reached age 20.
| At age 20, if their progress was satisfactory, the men, not the women, were enrolled as lay members of the Essene organization and might be called upon "to witness judgments and assist at the hearing of judgments". Whether Jesus was ever called upon to perform these duties is not known. |
Jesus in the Bible: At age 12, Jesus accompanied his parents on a visit to the temple in Jerusalem where he astounded everyone by his religious knowledge. This is the last we hear of Jesus in the Bible until he starts his ministry 18 years later.
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| Preamble |
Position in Society |
Rabbi |
Religious Education |
Ages 25-28 | Scribe | Teacher & Master | Contact Author |