MARY’S PARENTS
(BMary 1:1-6; PsMt 1,2; PEv 1:1,2)
Jerusalem
{Here begins The Book of the Birth of the Blessed Mary and the
Childhood of our Savior; which was written in Hebrew by the Most
Reverend Apostle Matthew.}
The holy and majestic Virgin Mary was born in the city of Nazareth,
descended from David’s royal bloodline, and received her instruction
in the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. Her father’s name was Joachim
and his family was from Galilee and the city of Nazareth. Her
mother’s name was Anna, and her family was from Bethlehem. They
lived plainly and honestly before God; piously and blamelessly in the
sight of men.
According to The Chronicles of the Twelve Tribes of Israel,
Joachim, a wealthy man of Judah’s line, was in Jerusalem at this time.
He shepherded his own sheep, and loved the Lord wholeheartedly and
with all integrity. His entire concern was for the well-being of his
herds; and from the food that they produced, he fed every God-fearing
person, honoring God by offering a twofold charity to everyone who
served Him, and who worked at teaching. He brought all of his
offerings before the Lord, saying, “What I bring as a sacrifice for my
own sins will be dedicated to the Lord, that He might be appeased with
me. What is over and above that will be for the people to use.” So his
entire income--his lambs, his sheep, his wool, and everything else that
he owned--was split three ways: one part was devoted to orphans,
widows, foreigners and the needy; another to the temple, its officials,
and those who worship God; and the third part he reserved for his own needs and those of his entire family. He practiced this level of
generosity from the age of fifteen years, and all the while God
compounded his flocks and his wealth, such that there was no one else
like him in all of Israel. When he was twenty, he married Anna, the
daughter of Issachar, who shared his lineage from David. They
practiced this decent way of living for about twenty years; being approved by God and respected by men, yet she bore him neither sons
nor daughters.
The Great Day of the Lord was approaching, and the people of
Israel were bringing their oblations. Now during the festal days,
Joachim was gathering his gifts before the Lord in the company of
some other people who were offering their incense up. And this priest
named Reuben rose to his feet, walked over to Joachim and said, “It is
unlawful for you to stand here alongside these others and present your
offerings ahead of those who are sacrificing to God, seeing that you
have fathered no children in Israel.” (But they had solemnly pledged
that if God should bless them with a child, they would consecrate it to
the service of the Lord; which was why they went to the Lord’s temple
during every feast of the year.)
(BMary 1:1-6; PsMt 1,2; PEv 1:1,2)
Jerusalem
{Here begins The Book of the Birth of the Blessed Mary and the
Childhood of our Savior; which was written in Hebrew by the Most
Reverend Apostle Matthew.}
The holy and majestic Virgin Mary was born in the city of Nazareth,
descended from David’s royal bloodline, and received her instruction
in the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem. Her father’s name was Joachim
and his family was from Galilee and the city of Nazareth. Her
mother’s name was Anna, and her family was from Bethlehem. They
lived plainly and honestly before God; piously and blamelessly in the
sight of men.
According to The Chronicles of the Twelve Tribes of Israel,
Joachim, a wealthy man of Judah’s line, was in Jerusalem at this time.
He shepherded his own sheep, and loved the Lord wholeheartedly and
with all integrity. His entire concern was for the well-being of his
herds; and from the food that they produced, he fed every God-fearing
person, honoring God by offering a twofold charity to everyone who
served Him, and who worked at teaching. He brought all of his
offerings before the Lord, saying, “What I bring as a sacrifice for my
own sins will be dedicated to the Lord, that He might be appeased with
me. What is over and above that will be for the people to use.” So his
entire income--his lambs, his sheep, his wool, and everything else that
he owned--was split three ways: one part was devoted to orphans,
widows, foreigners and the needy; another to the temple, its officials,
and those who worship God; and the third part he reserved for his own needs and those of his entire family. He practiced this level of
generosity from the age of fifteen years, and all the while God
compounded his flocks and his wealth, such that there was no one else
like him in all of Israel. When he was twenty, he married Anna, the
daughter of Issachar, who shared his lineage from David. They
practiced this decent way of living for about twenty years; being approved by God and respected by men, yet she bore him neither sons
nor daughters.
The Great Day of the Lord was approaching, and the people of
Israel were bringing their oblations. Now during the festal days,
Joachim was gathering his gifts before the Lord in the company of
some other people who were offering their incense up. And this priest
named Reuben rose to his feet, walked over to Joachim and said, “It is
unlawful for you to stand here alongside these others and present your
offerings ahead of those who are sacrificing to God, seeing that you
have fathered no children in Israel.” (But they had solemnly pledged
that if God should bless them with a child, they would consecrate it to
the service of the Lord; which was why they went to the Lord’s temple
during every feast of the year.)
JOACHIM’S CENSURE
(BMary 1:7-1:12; PEv 1:3-7)
Jerusalem; The Hill Country
Now when the Dedication Feast was approaching during the high
priesthood of Issachar, Joachim and some others of his tribe traveled
up to Jerusalem. When he saw Joachim and his companions bringing
their offerings, he snubbed both him and his gifts, demanding, “Why
would a childless person like you be so presumptuous as to come and
stand here alongside those who are not? God will never accept any
offerings from you,” he added. “He hasn’t even deemed you worthy to
have children! Remember that the Scripture reads, ‘Accursed are all
who fail to father a son in Israel.’” He said, moreover, “You ought first
to free yourself from that curse by fathering a child, and only then
should you bring your offerings into the presence of the Lord.”
Taken aback by such a shameful and public censure, Joachim ran away from the Lord’s temple in tears. He felt discouraged and said to
himself, “I will check the register to see if I am indeed the only one in Israel who has not brought up any children.” So he consulted the
archives of the twelve tribes and learned that all of the upright in
Israel had indeed raised up children. Then he recalled that even as his
days were drawing to a close, God blessed the patriarch Abraham with
his son Isaac. Now since Joachim was so depressed, he did not wish to
go back home and face his wife and neighbors who, after all, had been
there and had heard all that the high priest had spoken, and feared
that they might publicly humiliate him as well. He therefore did not
go back home, but withdrew instead into the mountains of a faraway
land with his herdsmen, so that his wife Anna might hear nothing
about him. There he set up his tent, and after some time he started fasting. “For forty days and forty nights I will not eat or drink
anything,” he said to himself. “My prayer will be my only food and
drink until the Lord my God visits me.”
ANNA’S LAMENT
(PEv 2:1; 2:8-3:7; PsMt 2,3)
Jerusalem
His wife Anna sang two elegies, and uttered a double lament: “I will
weep for my widowhood and wail for my barrenness.” For because she
had heard nothing of what had become of Joachim, she complained to
God, and in tears did she plead, “Oh Lord, Great and Powerful God of
Israel, You have given me no children; why have You taken my
husband as well? Behold, it has been five months since I have seen
him, and I have no idea where he might be. If I knew that he were
dead, I could at least bury him.” Then she entered into the courtyard
of his house in the depth of her sorrow, fell to her face and prayed,
pouring forth her requests to the Lord.
And afterward, even though she felt dejected, Anna got up from her
prayers, took off her mourning clothes, washed her hair, and put on
her wedding garments. At about the ninth hour, she went for a walk in
her garden and saw a laurel tree there. And sitting down beneath it,
she begged the Lord, “Oh God of Our Fathers, hearken to my prayer
and bless me even as You blessed the womb of Sarah and graced her
with her son Isaac.”
Then Anna looked into the sky and sighed. And noticing a nest of sparrows in that laurel tree, she sang the following elegy:
“Poor little me! Who gave me life?
What womb brought me forth?
For I was born only to be cursed before the people--
Even the sons of Israel.
And I was censured; they ridiculed me
And threw me out of the Lord’s temple.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the birds of the sky,
Because, oh my Lord, even the birds of the sky produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the speechless beasts,
Because, oh my Lord, even the speechless beasts produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the earth’s wild animals,
Because, oh my Lord,
Even the wild animals of the earth produce for You. Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with these waters,
Because, oh my Lord, even these waters produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with this earth,
Because even this earth is productive in its season
And praises You, oh my Lord.”
And she spoke sorrowfully saying, “Lord God Almighty, the One
Who has given posterity to all living things; every creature, be they
either tame or wild; to serpents, birds, and fish as well, that they might
all take pleasure in their young. Only I am deprived of Your generous
gift. But You, dear God, know that from my wedding day, I promised
in my heart that if ever You gave me a son or a daughter, I would give
them back to You, to serve You in Your sacred temple.”
(BMary 1:7-1:12; PEv 1:3-7)
Jerusalem; The Hill Country
Now when the Dedication Feast was approaching during the high
priesthood of Issachar, Joachim and some others of his tribe traveled
up to Jerusalem. When he saw Joachim and his companions bringing
their offerings, he snubbed both him and his gifts, demanding, “Why
would a childless person like you be so presumptuous as to come and
stand here alongside those who are not? God will never accept any
offerings from you,” he added. “He hasn’t even deemed you worthy to
have children! Remember that the Scripture reads, ‘Accursed are all
who fail to father a son in Israel.’” He said, moreover, “You ought first
to free yourself from that curse by fathering a child, and only then
should you bring your offerings into the presence of the Lord.”
Taken aback by such a shameful and public censure, Joachim ran away from the Lord’s temple in tears. He felt discouraged and said to
himself, “I will check the register to see if I am indeed the only one in Israel who has not brought up any children.” So he consulted the
archives of the twelve tribes and learned that all of the upright in
Israel had indeed raised up children. Then he recalled that even as his
days were drawing to a close, God blessed the patriarch Abraham with
his son Isaac. Now since Joachim was so depressed, he did not wish to
go back home and face his wife and neighbors who, after all, had been
there and had heard all that the high priest had spoken, and feared
that they might publicly humiliate him as well. He therefore did not
go back home, but withdrew instead into the mountains of a faraway
land with his herdsmen, so that his wife Anna might hear nothing
about him. There he set up his tent, and after some time he started fasting. “For forty days and forty nights I will not eat or drink
anything,” he said to himself. “My prayer will be my only food and
drink until the Lord my God visits me.”
ANNA’S LAMENT
(PEv 2:1; 2:8-3:7; PsMt 2,3)
Jerusalem
His wife Anna sang two elegies, and uttered a double lament: “I will
weep for my widowhood and wail for my barrenness.” For because she
had heard nothing of what had become of Joachim, she complained to
God, and in tears did she plead, “Oh Lord, Great and Powerful God of
Israel, You have given me no children; why have You taken my
husband as well? Behold, it has been five months since I have seen
him, and I have no idea where he might be. If I knew that he were
dead, I could at least bury him.” Then she entered into the courtyard
of his house in the depth of her sorrow, fell to her face and prayed,
pouring forth her requests to the Lord.
And afterward, even though she felt dejected, Anna got up from her
prayers, took off her mourning clothes, washed her hair, and put on
her wedding garments. At about the ninth hour, she went for a walk in
her garden and saw a laurel tree there. And sitting down beneath it,
she begged the Lord, “Oh God of Our Fathers, hearken to my prayer
and bless me even as You blessed the womb of Sarah and graced her
with her son Isaac.”
Then Anna looked into the sky and sighed. And noticing a nest of sparrows in that laurel tree, she sang the following elegy:
“Poor little me! Who gave me life?
What womb brought me forth?
For I was born only to be cursed before the people--
Even the sons of Israel.
And I was censured; they ridiculed me
And threw me out of the Lord’s temple.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the birds of the sky,
Because, oh my Lord, even the birds of the sky produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the speechless beasts,
Because, oh my Lord, even the speechless beasts produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with the earth’s wild animals,
Because, oh my Lord,
Even the wild animals of the earth produce for You. Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with these waters,
Because, oh my Lord, even these waters produce for You.
Poor little me! With what am I to be compared?
I am not to be compared with this earth,
Because even this earth is productive in its season
And praises You, oh my Lord.”
And she spoke sorrowfully saying, “Lord God Almighty, the One
Who has given posterity to all living things; every creature, be they
either tame or wild; to serpents, birds, and fish as well, that they might
all take pleasure in their young. Only I am deprived of Your generous
gift. But You, dear God, know that from my wedding day, I promised
in my heart that if ever You gave me a son or a daughter, I would give
them back to You, to serve You in Your sacred temple.”
AN ANGEL APPEARS TO ANNA
(BMary 3:1-5; PEv 4:1,2; 2:2-7; PsMt 2,3)
Jerusalem
And behold, even as she was saying all this, one of God’s angels
suddenly appeared to her and said, “Anna, Anna, do not be afraid! Do
not think that what you see is some delusion, for I am the angel who
has presented your petitions and charitable donations in the presence
of God. The Lord God has heard your plea and ordained seed for you.
You will conceive and give birth, and your child’s name will be the talk
of the whole earth. All generations will marvel at what you are to bear;
even until the end of the age.” “As my Lord is the Living God,” Anna replied, “if a child is given to me, be it either a boy or a girl, I will give
it to the Lord my God, and it will serve Him all the days of its life.”
Then the angel said to her, “I have been sent to you to let you know
that you are to bear a daughter. You are to name her Mary, and she
will be favored above all other women. And as soon as she is born, she
will exhibit qualities like those of the Lord. She will be brought up in
her father’s house until the three years of her weaning run out, then
she will be given to the service of the Lord. She will never set foot off
the temple grounds until she reaches the age of discretion. In short, in
that place she will serve the Lord, fasting and praying day and night,
keeping away from every unclean thing, and never lying with a man.
This will be unparalleled--a virgin will give birth to a son in a pure and
undefiled manner; without sleeping with a man, a young woman will
bring forth the Lord, who will rescue the world through his divine
nature, power, and labors.” And after he had spoken this, the angel
vanished from her sight. But because she had seen all this and heard such words, she withdrew to her bedroom in fear and dread, threw
herself over her bed as dead, and stayed there all day and night in
prayer and trembling.
When all of this had taken place, she called her servant to herself
and said, “Do you not see how my widowhood has deluded me and
caused me no end of confusion? Even so, you have been unwilling to
come in and visit me!” Now the Great Day of the Lord was
approaching, so her servant Judith asked Anna, “How long are you
going to wallow in your self-pity, because the Lord’s Great Day is
nearly upon us and you will be unable to do any mourning then.
Behold, here is a head-covering. A seamstress had given it to me, but
because I am just a servant I cannot wear it. Why not take it to
yourself instead, since it so greatly befits your regal appearance!”
“Go away!” Anna replied, “I will not accept this thing from you. The
Lord has humiliated me and who knows but that some evildoer has
not given it to you. Your passing it on to me might only get me caught
up in your sin!” Somewhat sullenly, Judith replied, “And how am I
supposed to bring a curse down on you seeing that you never even
listen to me? The Lord God has sealed your womb that you might not
bring forth any children in Israel. If God Himself has closed your
womb and taken your husband away from you, what could I possibly
do to you?” And when Anna heard that, she raised her voice and wept aloud.
(BMary 3:1-5; PEv 4:1,2; 2:2-7; PsMt 2,3)
Jerusalem
And behold, even as she was saying all this, one of God’s angels
suddenly appeared to her and said, “Anna, Anna, do not be afraid! Do
not think that what you see is some delusion, for I am the angel who
has presented your petitions and charitable donations in the presence
of God. The Lord God has heard your plea and ordained seed for you.
You will conceive and give birth, and your child’s name will be the talk
of the whole earth. All generations will marvel at what you are to bear;
even until the end of the age.” “As my Lord is the Living God,” Anna replied, “if a child is given to me, be it either a boy or a girl, I will give
it to the Lord my God, and it will serve Him all the days of its life.”
Then the angel said to her, “I have been sent to you to let you know
that you are to bear a daughter. You are to name her Mary, and she
will be favored above all other women. And as soon as she is born, she
will exhibit qualities like those of the Lord. She will be brought up in
her father’s house until the three years of her weaning run out, then
she will be given to the service of the Lord. She will never set foot off
the temple grounds until she reaches the age of discretion. In short, in
that place she will serve the Lord, fasting and praying day and night,
keeping away from every unclean thing, and never lying with a man.
This will be unparalleled--a virgin will give birth to a son in a pure and
undefiled manner; without sleeping with a man, a young woman will
bring forth the Lord, who will rescue the world through his divine
nature, power, and labors.” And after he had spoken this, the angel
vanished from her sight. But because she had seen all this and heard such words, she withdrew to her bedroom in fear and dread, threw
herself over her bed as dead, and stayed there all day and night in
prayer and trembling.
When all of this had taken place, she called her servant to herself
and said, “Do you not see how my widowhood has deluded me and
caused me no end of confusion? Even so, you have been unwilling to
come in and visit me!” Now the Great Day of the Lord was
approaching, so her servant Judith asked Anna, “How long are you
going to wallow in your self-pity, because the Lord’s Great Day is
nearly upon us and you will be unable to do any mourning then.
Behold, here is a head-covering. A seamstress had given it to me, but
because I am just a servant I cannot wear it. Why not take it to
yourself instead, since it so greatly befits your regal appearance!”
“Go away!” Anna replied, “I will not accept this thing from you. The
Lord has humiliated me and who knows but that some evildoer has
not given it to you. Your passing it on to me might only get me caught
up in your sin!” Somewhat sullenly, Judith replied, “And how am I
supposed to bring a curse down on you seeing that you never even
listen to me? The Lord God has sealed your womb that you might not
bring forth any children in Israel. If God Himself has closed your
womb and taken your husband away from you, what could I possibly
do to you?” And when Anna heard that, she raised her voice and wept aloud.
AN ANGEL APPEARS TO JOACHIM
(BMary 2:1-14; PsMt 3)
The Mountainous Countryside
Joachim, meanwhile, was alone on the mountains feeding his
flocks. One day a young boy appeared to him and asked, “Why not go
back home to your wife?” “I have been with her for twenty years now,”
explained Joachim, “and it has not been God’s will to give me any
children through her. With shame and reproach have I been cast away
from the temple of the Lord. Why should I return to her seeing that I
have already been completely scorned and driven out? So as long as
God gives me light in this life, I will simply stay here with my sheep.
With a little help from my servants, I will give the poor, the orphans,
and the God-fearing their portions.” And after he had spoken this, the
young man, an angel of the Lord, stood there bathed in a dazzling
light! Now because Joachim had been rattled by the visitation, the
angel who had shown himself to Joachim tried to console him, saying,
“Do not be shaken by my manifestation to you, for I am the Angel of
the Lord, sent to you by Him in order to let you know that He has heard your prayers and seen your alms. He has also seen your
humiliation and heard the unjust accusations leveled against you with
regard to your childlessness. But it is on account of their own sins that
God punishes people, and not their physical condition. Whenever He
closes a woman’s womb, He has its miraculous opening in mind; so
that what it brings forth might be seen as the gift of God, and not as
8
the result of mere passion. For was not Sarah, the mother of your
people, childless until her eightieth year? And did she not bring to
pass the blessing promised to every nation, bringing forth Isaac at
such an old age?
“And Rachel, who was so favored by God and beloved of Jacob,
went on for a long time before she ever bore a child, yet she later went
on to bear Joseph, who not only governed Egypt, but also spared many
nations a famine’s death. And even though both of their mothers were
barren, who among the Judges was braver than Samson, or holier than
Samuel? But if reason should fail to convince you of the soundness of
my speech, that many who were barren have conceived in their old age
and brought forth to their surprise, this very day I have appeared to
your wife as she sat weeping and praying, and comforted her. Know,
therefore, that your wife Anna will bring forth a daughter from your
very own seed, and you have abandoned her without even knowing
this. You are to name her Mary, and she is to be set apart to the Lord’s
service from the time of her birth, even as you have promised. She will
be filled with the Holy Spirit from her mother’s womb, and will remain
within the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit will live in her. She
will never eat or drink any unclean thing, and will speak only with
those inside the Lord’s temple, and never outside with the rest of the
world, that she might avoid slanderous and evil suspicions. She will moreover, be venerated above all other holy women, such that no one
will be able to say that any woman before her was ever like her, nor
indeed will anyone in this world come along hereafter who ever will
be. And even as she will be born in a miraculous fashion, so also in
due course will she bear in a way unparalleled--while yet a virgin she
will bring forth the Most High God, Who will rescue all nations, as His
name, Jesus, signifies.
“Get down from these mountains, therefore, and return to your
wife, whom you will find is pregnant. God has raised up a seed inside
her, and you will thank Him for it. Her child will be blessed, and so
will she. Indeed, she is to be made the mother of everlasting blessing.
And as a sign of what I have told you, as soon as you arrive at the
Golden Gate in Jerusalem, you will meet up with your wife Anna, who, though downcast over your not returning sooner, will be joyful at the
sight of you.”
Then Joachim worshiped the angel and said, “If I have found favor
in your eyes, then come, sit in my tent awhile and bless your servant.”
But the angel corrected him, saying, “Do not say ‘servant,’ but ‘fellow
servant,’ for we both serve a single Master. But my food cannot be
seen and my drink is invisible to men. You should therefore not invite
me into your tent. If, however, you were ready to offer me something,
sacrifice it instead as a burnt offering to the Lord.” And taking a
spotless lamb Joachim said to the angel, “I would never have taken it
upon myself to present a burnt offering to the Lord had you not first
commanded me and given me the priestly authority to do so.” “I
would never have said that you could,” the angel replied, “unless I had
first known the will of the Lord.” And as Joachim was offering up his
sacrifice to God, the angel ascended with the fragrance of the smoke
right up into the sky.
Then Joachim fell to his face and prayed from the sixth hour until
dusk. And the young men and hired hands who were with him there,
unaware of why he was lying there face down, supposed that he had
passed away. They hurried over to him and, with great difficulty, they
lifted him up off of the ground. And when Joachim related the vision
of the angel to them, they were stricken with alarm and amazement,
and advised him to do according to the angelic vision and hurry back
home to his wife just as soon as possible. And even as Joachim was considering whether or not he ought to go back, a deep sleep
overwhelmed him. And behold, the angel who had shown himself to
him before when he was awake now appeared to him in his sleep and
said, “God has appointed me to be your guardian angel. Go down
therefore, and return to Anna in complete assurance, because the
merciful deeds that you and your wife have performed have been
spoken in the presence of the Highest. God is giving you fruit such as
has never been given to either prophet or saint; nor will ever be given
hereafter.”
Now when Joachim stirred from his slumber, he went down,
summoned his herdsmen and related his dream to them. “Bring me
ten spotless ewe-lambs,” he instructed them, “that I might give them
to the Lord my God. Bring me also twelve unblemished calves, which
will be for the elders and the priests, as well as a hundred young hegoats,
which will be for the entire nation.” Then they worshiped the
Lord. “See to it that you never again disregard an angel’s words!” they cautioned Joachim. “Let us rise up and move on! We will return at a
leisurely pace, feeding our flocks along the way.”
(BMary 2:1-14; PsMt 3)
The Mountainous Countryside
Joachim, meanwhile, was alone on the mountains feeding his
flocks. One day a young boy appeared to him and asked, “Why not go
back home to your wife?” “I have been with her for twenty years now,”
explained Joachim, “and it has not been God’s will to give me any
children through her. With shame and reproach have I been cast away
from the temple of the Lord. Why should I return to her seeing that I
have already been completely scorned and driven out? So as long as
God gives me light in this life, I will simply stay here with my sheep.
With a little help from my servants, I will give the poor, the orphans,
and the God-fearing their portions.” And after he had spoken this, the
young man, an angel of the Lord, stood there bathed in a dazzling
light! Now because Joachim had been rattled by the visitation, the
angel who had shown himself to Joachim tried to console him, saying,
“Do not be shaken by my manifestation to you, for I am the Angel of
the Lord, sent to you by Him in order to let you know that He has heard your prayers and seen your alms. He has also seen your
humiliation and heard the unjust accusations leveled against you with
regard to your childlessness. But it is on account of their own sins that
God punishes people, and not their physical condition. Whenever He
closes a woman’s womb, He has its miraculous opening in mind; so
that what it brings forth might be seen as the gift of God, and not as
8
the result of mere passion. For was not Sarah, the mother of your
people, childless until her eightieth year? And did she not bring to
pass the blessing promised to every nation, bringing forth Isaac at
such an old age?
“And Rachel, who was so favored by God and beloved of Jacob,
went on for a long time before she ever bore a child, yet she later went
on to bear Joseph, who not only governed Egypt, but also spared many
nations a famine’s death. And even though both of their mothers were
barren, who among the Judges was braver than Samson, or holier than
Samuel? But if reason should fail to convince you of the soundness of
my speech, that many who were barren have conceived in their old age
and brought forth to their surprise, this very day I have appeared to
your wife as she sat weeping and praying, and comforted her. Know,
therefore, that your wife Anna will bring forth a daughter from your
very own seed, and you have abandoned her without even knowing
this. You are to name her Mary, and she is to be set apart to the Lord’s
service from the time of her birth, even as you have promised. She will
be filled with the Holy Spirit from her mother’s womb, and will remain
within the temple of God, where the Holy Spirit will live in her. She
will never eat or drink any unclean thing, and will speak only with
those inside the Lord’s temple, and never outside with the rest of the
world, that she might avoid slanderous and evil suspicions. She will moreover, be venerated above all other holy women, such that no one
will be able to say that any woman before her was ever like her, nor
indeed will anyone in this world come along hereafter who ever will
be. And even as she will be born in a miraculous fashion, so also in
due course will she bear in a way unparalleled--while yet a virgin she
will bring forth the Most High God, Who will rescue all nations, as His
name, Jesus, signifies.
“Get down from these mountains, therefore, and return to your
wife, whom you will find is pregnant. God has raised up a seed inside
her, and you will thank Him for it. Her child will be blessed, and so
will she. Indeed, she is to be made the mother of everlasting blessing.
And as a sign of what I have told you, as soon as you arrive at the
Golden Gate in Jerusalem, you will meet up with your wife Anna, who, though downcast over your not returning sooner, will be joyful at the
sight of you.”
Then Joachim worshiped the angel and said, “If I have found favor
in your eyes, then come, sit in my tent awhile and bless your servant.”
But the angel corrected him, saying, “Do not say ‘servant,’ but ‘fellow
servant,’ for we both serve a single Master. But my food cannot be
seen and my drink is invisible to men. You should therefore not invite
me into your tent. If, however, you were ready to offer me something,
sacrifice it instead as a burnt offering to the Lord.” And taking a
spotless lamb Joachim said to the angel, “I would never have taken it
upon myself to present a burnt offering to the Lord had you not first
commanded me and given me the priestly authority to do so.” “I
would never have said that you could,” the angel replied, “unless I had
first known the will of the Lord.” And as Joachim was offering up his
sacrifice to God, the angel ascended with the fragrance of the smoke
right up into the sky.
Then Joachim fell to his face and prayed from the sixth hour until
dusk. And the young men and hired hands who were with him there,
unaware of why he was lying there face down, supposed that he had
passed away. They hurried over to him and, with great difficulty, they
lifted him up off of the ground. And when Joachim related the vision
of the angel to them, they were stricken with alarm and amazement,
and advised him to do according to the angelic vision and hurry back
home to his wife just as soon as possible. And even as Joachim was considering whether or not he ought to go back, a deep sleep
overwhelmed him. And behold, the angel who had shown himself to
him before when he was awake now appeared to him in his sleep and
said, “God has appointed me to be your guardian angel. Go down
therefore, and return to Anna in complete assurance, because the
merciful deeds that you and your wife have performed have been
spoken in the presence of the Highest. God is giving you fruit such as
has never been given to either prophet or saint; nor will ever be given
hereafter.”
Now when Joachim stirred from his slumber, he went down,
summoned his herdsmen and related his dream to them. “Bring me
ten spotless ewe-lambs,” he instructed them, “that I might give them
to the Lord my God. Bring me also twelve unblemished calves, which
will be for the elders and the priests, as well as a hundred young hegoats,
which will be for the entire nation.” Then they worshiped the
Lord. “See to it that you never again disregard an angel’s words!” they cautioned Joachim. “Let us rise up and move on! We will return at a
leisurely pace, feeding our flocks along the way.”
AN ANGEL AGAIN APPEARS TO ANNA
(BMary 3:6-10; PEv 4:3-5:5; PsMt 3)
Jerusalem
Now after they had traveled for thirty days and drawn near to the
place, behold, two angels of the Lord came and appeared to Anna, who
was standing in the midst of prayer, and (one of them) proclaimed to
her, “Look, your husband Joachim is coming with his driver and his
droves of sheep, cattle, and goats. An angel, you see, has come down
to him from the Lord saying, ‘Joachim! Joachim! The Lord Himself
has heard your prayer. You must leave this place at once, for your wife
Anna is to bear you a child.’ Get up therefore, and as proof of what I
have told you, set out for Jerusalem, and when you reach that entrance
which, because it is overlaid with gold, is referred to as ‘The Golden
Gate,’ you will meet up with your husband, whose safety has so
concerned you, for he is coming back to you. When you see these
things happen as I have described them, believe that everything else I
have spoken to you will certainly come to pass.” So with all speed, she
and her maidens went out to greet him. They each therefore left their
places as they had been told by the angels, and they each arrived at the
specified place, where they met up. Anna, nearly exhausted from
standing and waiting at the gate so long and praying for him to show,
lifted up her eyes; and behold, she saw Joachim approaching in the distance with his droves! Now when Anna saw Joachim coming, she
ran up to him, threw her arms around his neck, offered up her thanks
to God and said, “Now I am certain that the Lord God has regarded me
highly; for I was a widow, but now I am a widow no more; barren, but
now I have conceived a child.” Then they, exulting in their respective
visions and fully convinced that they would bring forth a child, paid
their debt of gratitude to the Lord, who honors those who exercise
humility. Then, after they had praised the Lord, they both went home,
and Joachim spent his first day home at rest.
The following day he went to offer up his beasts, saying in his heart,
“The frontlet of the priest will clearly reveal whether the Lord is
favorable toward me.” And as Joachim was offering them up, he
ascended to the Lord’s altar, looked into the plate on the forehead of
the priest, and saw no sin within himself. “Now I am certain,” said
Joachim, “that the Lord God has favored me and forgiven me of all my
sins.” And fully vindicated, he left the Lord’s temple and went down to
his house, where they lived in joy and complete assurance that God would do what He had promised. And when word of this had gotten
around, there was much joy among all of their friends and neighbors,
inasmuch as the entire nation of Israel offered them congratulations.
(BMary 3:6-10; PEv 4:3-5:5; PsMt 3)
Jerusalem
Now after they had traveled for thirty days and drawn near to the
place, behold, two angels of the Lord came and appeared to Anna, who
was standing in the midst of prayer, and (one of them) proclaimed to
her, “Look, your husband Joachim is coming with his driver and his
droves of sheep, cattle, and goats. An angel, you see, has come down
to him from the Lord saying, ‘Joachim! Joachim! The Lord Himself
has heard your prayer. You must leave this place at once, for your wife
Anna is to bear you a child.’ Get up therefore, and as proof of what I
have told you, set out for Jerusalem, and when you reach that entrance
which, because it is overlaid with gold, is referred to as ‘The Golden
Gate,’ you will meet up with your husband, whose safety has so
concerned you, for he is coming back to you. When you see these
things happen as I have described them, believe that everything else I
have spoken to you will certainly come to pass.” So with all speed, she
and her maidens went out to greet him. They each therefore left their
places as they had been told by the angels, and they each arrived at the
specified place, where they met up. Anna, nearly exhausted from
standing and waiting at the gate so long and praying for him to show,
lifted up her eyes; and behold, she saw Joachim approaching in the distance with his droves! Now when Anna saw Joachim coming, she
ran up to him, threw her arms around his neck, offered up her thanks
to God and said, “Now I am certain that the Lord God has regarded me
highly; for I was a widow, but now I am a widow no more; barren, but
now I have conceived a child.” Then they, exulting in their respective
visions and fully convinced that they would bring forth a child, paid
their debt of gratitude to the Lord, who honors those who exercise
humility. Then, after they had praised the Lord, they both went home,
and Joachim spent his first day home at rest.
The following day he went to offer up his beasts, saying in his heart,
“The frontlet of the priest will clearly reveal whether the Lord is
favorable toward me.” And as Joachim was offering them up, he
ascended to the Lord’s altar, looked into the plate on the forehead of
the priest, and saw no sin within himself. “Now I am certain,” said
Joachim, “that the Lord God has favored me and forgiven me of all my
sins.” And fully vindicated, he left the Lord’s temple and went down to
his house, where they lived in joy and complete assurance that God would do what He had promised. And when word of this had gotten
around, there was much joy among all of their friends and neighbors,
inasmuch as the entire nation of Israel offered them congratulations.
THE BIRTH AND INFANCY OF MARY
DETAILS ABOUT JESUS’ FAMILY LIFE
(PEv 5:6-8:1; BMary 3:11-4:11;
PsMt 4,5,42; Qur 3:35-36)
Jerusalem
So Anna conceived and then proclaimed, “Lord, please accept
what’s in my womb, for I am consecrating it to Your service, for You
surely know and hear all things.” And during her ninth month, after
coming to full term, Anna gave birth. “What have I borne?” she asked
the midwife. “A little girl,” the midwife answered. And Anna cried
out, “Today my soul is magnified! Lord, I have brought forth a
daughter and named her ‘Mary.’ Protect her and all of her children
from that Accursed One, Satan!” then she lay down. And when the
time of her purification had passed, Anna began to nurse the child.
Then, on the eighth day, they named her Mary, as the angel had
instructed them, for her name will never fade.
And the girl grew more robust with each day that passed. Now
when she was six months old, her mother set her on the ground to see
if she could but stand on her feet. And after taking seven steps, she
returned to her mother’s lap. Then Anna lifted her up and exclaimed,
“As my Lord is the Living God, you will no more walk upon this ground until such time as I take you into the Lord’s temple.” She then
converted Mary’s nursery into a sanctuary and allowed nothing defiled
or polluted to pass through. Then Anna sought assistance from the
Jewish virgins, and they took Mary to themselves, serving her, caring
for her, and keeping her amused.
And on Mary’s first birthday, Joachim readied a great banquet and
invited all of the priests, teachers of the law, and the elders--even the
entire nation of Israel. And he presented the girl to the priests, who
blessed her, saying, “God of our Fathers, bless this child and give her
an illustrious reputation that shines eternally throughout the
generations.” And all who were there replied, “Amen! Amen! Amen!”
From there they took her over to the chief priests, who blessed her,
saying, “God of the Highest heaven, look upon this little girl and grace
her with a perfect and unsurpassable blessing.”
Then her mother took her into her nursery and suckled her there,
singing this song to the Lord:
“I will praise the Lord with a song, For He has come and cleared me
Of the dishonor heaped upon me by my enemies.
And the Lord has given me virtue in its full fruitage,
Unparalleled--yet everywhere before Him!
Who will proclaim to the sons of Reuben that Anna is nursing?
Listen closely, you twelve tribes of Israel, Anna is nursing!”
She then placed Mary to sleep on her bed in her recently enshrined
nursery and then returned to serve at the feast. After the banquet,
they left rejoicing and praising the God of Israel.
The child grew apace as the months went by, and when she was two
years old, Joachim said, “Let’s take her up to the Lord’s temple, for we
made a promise which we must fulfill. Otherwise the Lord might
curse us and refuse our offering.” But Anna said, “We should wait
until the three years have passed, so the girl will no longer yearn for
her father and mother.” “Very well,” said Joachim, “we can wait.”
And when the child had turned three, the time allotted for her weaning
had run out, so Joachim said, “Summon the Jewish virgins and light a
torch for each of them, so that the girl might not return heart and
mind distracted from the temple of the Lord.” Joachim and his wife
Anna gave all diligence to this right up to the time that they reached
the Lord’s temple with the sacrifices they had brought to offer God.
There they entered the young Mary into the Society of Virgins, where
the other virgins stayed, praising God both night and day.
Now around the temple and before its doors were fifteen steps to
climb, which correspond to the fifteen Psalms of Ascent, and the
temple was built into the mountain in such a way that the altar for
burnt offerings, being outside, could not be approached except by these. And the holy and virgin Mary’s parents placed her on the first
step before the temple doors and, according to the practice, went to
change out of their traveling clothes and into some that were nice and
clean. Meanwhile, the Lord’s Virgin, not needing anyone to help or
lead her, ascended all of the steps one by one so quickly that she did
not even look behind, nor did she seek out her parents as other
children typically do. Anyone would have thought her to be of a
proper age.
The priest then hugged and blessed Mary. “The Lord has magnified
your name throughout the generations,” he said, “for at the close of
this age the Lord will unveil His plan to deliver all of the tribes of
Israel through you.” Then the priest placed her on the third step of the
altar, and the Lord filled her with such joy that her feet started
dancing, and all of the families of Israel adored her. Her parents, who had each been running around looking anxiously for the child until
they found her in the temple, were equally amazed. The priests were
also taken aback. This was how the Lord chose to bring to pass this
wonderful work--to show forth the greatness that the Virgin would one
day come to embody by means of this marvel done in her childhood.
Then Anna, filled with the Holy Spirit, said before them all:
“The All-Powerful Lord, the God of Hosts,
Has come to visit His people in holiness and benevolence,
Being ever mindful of His Word;
To cut to size the hearts of the Gentiles
Who had been rising up against us,
And convert them to Himself.
He has unstopped His ears to hearken to our prayers,
And has silenced the gloating of our enemies.
The barren one has become a mother,
Bringing forth joy and celebration to Israel,
For behold the gifts that I have brought to offer to my Lord!
And powerless were my adversaries to stop me,
For you see, God has opened their hearts to me,
And given me eternal gladness.”
And after her parents had offered up their sacrifices and completed
their pledge, even as the law directs, they left the Virgin in the temple
housing with the other virgins who were to be brought up there, and
they returned to their own home, exulting in the Lord, amazed that the
girl did not turn back.
(Now it was during that same year that Anna was widowed. Anna
and Emerina were sisters, you see, and Emerina was the mother of Elizabeth, who brought forth John the Baptist. And because Anna, the
mother of the blessed Mary, was so beautiful, she married Cleophas by
order of the Lord after Joachim had passed away. Now within a year
she bore a second daughter through Cleophas, whom she likewise
named ‘Mary.’ Anna then gave this Mary over to Alphaeus to wed, and
she later bore him James, son of Alphaeus, and also Philip, his
brother. Her second husband, Cleophas also died before the child
could be born, so an angel commanded her to take a third husband by
whom she bore her third daughter, Salome, whom she would also refer
to as ‘Mary.’ Anna then gave her in marriage to Zebedee, through
whom she bore the sons of Zebedee, James and John the evangelist.)
DETAILS ABOUT JESUS’ FAMILY LIFE
(PEv 5:6-8:1; BMary 3:11-4:11;
PsMt 4,5,42; Qur 3:35-36)
Jerusalem
So Anna conceived and then proclaimed, “Lord, please accept
what’s in my womb, for I am consecrating it to Your service, for You
surely know and hear all things.” And during her ninth month, after
coming to full term, Anna gave birth. “What have I borne?” she asked
the midwife. “A little girl,” the midwife answered. And Anna cried
out, “Today my soul is magnified! Lord, I have brought forth a
daughter and named her ‘Mary.’ Protect her and all of her children
from that Accursed One, Satan!” then she lay down. And when the
time of her purification had passed, Anna began to nurse the child.
Then, on the eighth day, they named her Mary, as the angel had
instructed them, for her name will never fade.
And the girl grew more robust with each day that passed. Now
when she was six months old, her mother set her on the ground to see
if she could but stand on her feet. And after taking seven steps, she
returned to her mother’s lap. Then Anna lifted her up and exclaimed,
“As my Lord is the Living God, you will no more walk upon this ground until such time as I take you into the Lord’s temple.” She then
converted Mary’s nursery into a sanctuary and allowed nothing defiled
or polluted to pass through. Then Anna sought assistance from the
Jewish virgins, and they took Mary to themselves, serving her, caring
for her, and keeping her amused.
And on Mary’s first birthday, Joachim readied a great banquet and
invited all of the priests, teachers of the law, and the elders--even the
entire nation of Israel. And he presented the girl to the priests, who
blessed her, saying, “God of our Fathers, bless this child and give her
an illustrious reputation that shines eternally throughout the
generations.” And all who were there replied, “Amen! Amen! Amen!”
From there they took her over to the chief priests, who blessed her,
saying, “God of the Highest heaven, look upon this little girl and grace
her with a perfect and unsurpassable blessing.”
Then her mother took her into her nursery and suckled her there,
singing this song to the Lord:
“I will praise the Lord with a song, For He has come and cleared me
Of the dishonor heaped upon me by my enemies.
And the Lord has given me virtue in its full fruitage,
Unparalleled--yet everywhere before Him!
Who will proclaim to the sons of Reuben that Anna is nursing?
Listen closely, you twelve tribes of Israel, Anna is nursing!”
She then placed Mary to sleep on her bed in her recently enshrined
nursery and then returned to serve at the feast. After the banquet,
they left rejoicing and praising the God of Israel.
The child grew apace as the months went by, and when she was two
years old, Joachim said, “Let’s take her up to the Lord’s temple, for we
made a promise which we must fulfill. Otherwise the Lord might
curse us and refuse our offering.” But Anna said, “We should wait
until the three years have passed, so the girl will no longer yearn for
her father and mother.” “Very well,” said Joachim, “we can wait.”
And when the child had turned three, the time allotted for her weaning
had run out, so Joachim said, “Summon the Jewish virgins and light a
torch for each of them, so that the girl might not return heart and
mind distracted from the temple of the Lord.” Joachim and his wife
Anna gave all diligence to this right up to the time that they reached
the Lord’s temple with the sacrifices they had brought to offer God.
There they entered the young Mary into the Society of Virgins, where
the other virgins stayed, praising God both night and day.
Now around the temple and before its doors were fifteen steps to
climb, which correspond to the fifteen Psalms of Ascent, and the
temple was built into the mountain in such a way that the altar for
burnt offerings, being outside, could not be approached except by these. And the holy and virgin Mary’s parents placed her on the first
step before the temple doors and, according to the practice, went to
change out of their traveling clothes and into some that were nice and
clean. Meanwhile, the Lord’s Virgin, not needing anyone to help or
lead her, ascended all of the steps one by one so quickly that she did
not even look behind, nor did she seek out her parents as other
children typically do. Anyone would have thought her to be of a
proper age.
The priest then hugged and blessed Mary. “The Lord has magnified
your name throughout the generations,” he said, “for at the close of
this age the Lord will unveil His plan to deliver all of the tribes of
Israel through you.” Then the priest placed her on the third step of the
altar, and the Lord filled her with such joy that her feet started
dancing, and all of the families of Israel adored her. Her parents, who had each been running around looking anxiously for the child until
they found her in the temple, were equally amazed. The priests were
also taken aback. This was how the Lord chose to bring to pass this
wonderful work--to show forth the greatness that the Virgin would one
day come to embody by means of this marvel done in her childhood.
Then Anna, filled with the Holy Spirit, said before them all:
“The All-Powerful Lord, the God of Hosts,
Has come to visit His people in holiness and benevolence,
Being ever mindful of His Word;
To cut to size the hearts of the Gentiles
Who had been rising up against us,
And convert them to Himself.
He has unstopped His ears to hearken to our prayers,
And has silenced the gloating of our enemies.
The barren one has become a mother,
Bringing forth joy and celebration to Israel,
For behold the gifts that I have brought to offer to my Lord!
And powerless were my adversaries to stop me,
For you see, God has opened their hearts to me,
And given me eternal gladness.”
And after her parents had offered up their sacrifices and completed
their pledge, even as the law directs, they left the Virgin in the temple
housing with the other virgins who were to be brought up there, and
they returned to their own home, exulting in the Lord, amazed that the
girl did not turn back.
(Now it was during that same year that Anna was widowed. Anna
and Emerina were sisters, you see, and Emerina was the mother of Elizabeth, who brought forth John the Baptist. And because Anna, the
mother of the blessed Mary, was so beautiful, she married Cleophas by
order of the Lord after Joachim had passed away. Now within a year
she bore a second daughter through Cleophas, whom she likewise
named ‘Mary.’ Anna then gave this Mary over to Alphaeus to wed, and
she later bore him James, son of Alphaeus, and also Philip, his
brother. Her second husband, Cleophas also died before the child
could be born, so an angel commanded her to take a third husband by
whom she bore her third daughter, Salome, whom she would also refer
to as ‘Mary.’ Anna then gave her in marriage to Zebedee, through
whom she bore the sons of Zebedee, James and John the evangelist.)
MARY IN THE TEMPLE
(Luke 1:5-7; BMary 5:1,2; PEv 8:2;
PsMt 6; Qur 3:37; QBar 2:15-21; LJB pt.1)
Jerusalem
{With the aid of God and His divine guidance, we begin to write
about the life of that holy man, John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah.
May he intercede on our behalf. Amen.}
In the days of Herod, the King of Judea, there was this Levite priest
of Abijah’s course whose name was Zechariah, of the tribe of Judah.
He was a prophet who arose at that time from among the children of
Israel. And he had a God-loving wife, whose name was Elizabeth, and
she was of the daughters of the line of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. Both
were righteous in God’s sight, and blamelessly lived according to all of
the Lord’s commandments and ordinances. And because they had
both grown old and Elizabeth was barren, they remained without
children.
Mary’s Lord graciously accepted her and placed her under the care
of Zechariah, and everyone in Israel held her in the highest of regard.
By the time that she was three, she walked so gracefully, spoke so
fittingly, and praised God so passionately, that everyone was
impressed by her. So amazed were they, in fact, that she was not
thought of as a child at all, but even as a thirty-year-old adult. And as
the Lord’s Virgin matured, He modeled her into an exemplary child.
She grew more holy every day, and was the fulfillment of the Scripture
written in the Psalms that reads, “Her parents delivered her over, but
the Lord nurtured her,” and she remained continuously in prayer. So
truly beautiful and splendid was her appearance, that one could hardly look her in the face. She always kept herself busy with her
woolworking. So much so, as a matter of fact, that from her youth she
could do everything that even the elderly women could not. And this
was her daily schedule: from dawn until the third hour, she would
pray; from the third hour until the ninth, she would weave; and from
the ninth hour on, she would return to her prayers. She would not
stop until an angel of the Lord would visit her, at which point she
would eat food right out of his hand. Every day she spoke with them,
and every day she received visitors from God, which kept her from
every form of evil and caused her to overflow with the richest of
blessings. It was in this way that she became ever more perfect in the
work of God.
And she never rested a bit from praising God, even when the older
virgins would leave off, so that when it came to exaltations and vigils
to God, no one was found to surpass her, nor indeed were any more
knowledgeable in the wisdom of God’s law. No one was more meek or
modest, none could sing more beautifully, nor was any more complete in virtue. Truly she was steady, unmoving, and constant; and each day
she grew closer to perfection. No one ever saw her get angry, or heard
her speak wickedly. Her speech was marked by such eloquence, that it
was quite clear that God was in her tongue. She prayed without
ceasing, and diligently searched the law, ever mindful lest with so
much as a single word she should sin against any of her companions.
She was concerned that through her laughter, or the sound of her
melodious voice, she should cause offense; or that her elation should,
perchance, betray any misconduct or arrogance on her part to one of
her companions. She glorified God ceaselessly, and if anyone ever
greeted her, she would simply respond, “Give thanks to God,” that she
might never have to leave off, and this is where the custom among
men of saying, “Give thanks to God,” when greeting one another came
from. She nourished herself exclusively on the food that the angel
would hand-feed her daily, and would distribute every morsel that the
priests would give her to the poor. The angels of God were frequently
seen talking with her, and would obey her without question. If anyone
who was sick ever touched her, he would return home healed that very
hour.
“One day,” Mary related, “while I was living in God’s temple and
receiving my food from an angel’s hand, someone who had the
appearance of an angel revealed himself to me, but I could not make
out His face, and He did not have a cup or any bread in his hand like
the angel did that came before. Right away the temple’s veil was
ripped in two and the earth shook with tremendous force, and because
I could not look at Him, I fell to the ground. But He reached beneath
me and lifted me up. And I looked into the heavens and behold, a
dewy cloud came down and drenched me from my head to my feet; and with His robe, he dried me off. And the ‘angel’ greeted me, saying
to me, ‘Hello there, you favored one and chosen vessel, everlasting
mercy to you.’ Then He struck the right hand side of his robe and out
came a giant loaf, and He placed it on the altar of the temple, ate
therefrom and gave some to me. Once again He struck his robe on the
left hand side, and out came a giant cup that was brimming with wine.
He placed it on the temple’s altar, drank therefrom and gave some to me. Then I looked at them again and I saw that the bread and wine
had been restored to the way they were before.
And He said to me, ‘Three years from now I will send you My Word,
and you will bear Me My Son. He will renew everything in all of
creation. My beloved, go in peace, and My peace will be with you.’ And after telling me all of these things, He disappeared before my
eyes, and the temple was restored to the way it was before.”
(Luke 1:5-7; BMary 5:1,2; PEv 8:2;
PsMt 6; Qur 3:37; QBar 2:15-21; LJB pt.1)
Jerusalem
{With the aid of God and His divine guidance, we begin to write
about the life of that holy man, John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah.
May he intercede on our behalf. Amen.}
In the days of Herod, the King of Judea, there was this Levite priest
of Abijah’s course whose name was Zechariah, of the tribe of Judah.
He was a prophet who arose at that time from among the children of
Israel. And he had a God-loving wife, whose name was Elizabeth, and
she was of the daughters of the line of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. Both
were righteous in God’s sight, and blamelessly lived according to all of
the Lord’s commandments and ordinances. And because they had
both grown old and Elizabeth was barren, they remained without
children.
Mary’s Lord graciously accepted her and placed her under the care
of Zechariah, and everyone in Israel held her in the highest of regard.
By the time that she was three, she walked so gracefully, spoke so
fittingly, and praised God so passionately, that everyone was
impressed by her. So amazed were they, in fact, that she was not
thought of as a child at all, but even as a thirty-year-old adult. And as
the Lord’s Virgin matured, He modeled her into an exemplary child.
She grew more holy every day, and was the fulfillment of the Scripture
written in the Psalms that reads, “Her parents delivered her over, but
the Lord nurtured her,” and she remained continuously in prayer. So
truly beautiful and splendid was her appearance, that one could hardly look her in the face. She always kept herself busy with her
woolworking. So much so, as a matter of fact, that from her youth she
could do everything that even the elderly women could not. And this
was her daily schedule: from dawn until the third hour, she would
pray; from the third hour until the ninth, she would weave; and from
the ninth hour on, she would return to her prayers. She would not
stop until an angel of the Lord would visit her, at which point she
would eat food right out of his hand. Every day she spoke with them,
and every day she received visitors from God, which kept her from
every form of evil and caused her to overflow with the richest of
blessings. It was in this way that she became ever more perfect in the
work of God.
And she never rested a bit from praising God, even when the older
virgins would leave off, so that when it came to exaltations and vigils
to God, no one was found to surpass her, nor indeed were any more
knowledgeable in the wisdom of God’s law. No one was more meek or
modest, none could sing more beautifully, nor was any more complete in virtue. Truly she was steady, unmoving, and constant; and each day
she grew closer to perfection. No one ever saw her get angry, or heard
her speak wickedly. Her speech was marked by such eloquence, that it
was quite clear that God was in her tongue. She prayed without
ceasing, and diligently searched the law, ever mindful lest with so
much as a single word she should sin against any of her companions.
She was concerned that through her laughter, or the sound of her
melodious voice, she should cause offense; or that her elation should,
perchance, betray any misconduct or arrogance on her part to one of
her companions. She glorified God ceaselessly, and if anyone ever
greeted her, she would simply respond, “Give thanks to God,” that she
might never have to leave off, and this is where the custom among
men of saying, “Give thanks to God,” when greeting one another came
from. She nourished herself exclusively on the food that the angel
would hand-feed her daily, and would distribute every morsel that the
priests would give her to the poor. The angels of God were frequently
seen talking with her, and would obey her without question. If anyone
who was sick ever touched her, he would return home healed that very
hour.
“One day,” Mary related, “while I was living in God’s temple and
receiving my food from an angel’s hand, someone who had the
appearance of an angel revealed himself to me, but I could not make
out His face, and He did not have a cup or any bread in his hand like
the angel did that came before. Right away the temple’s veil was
ripped in two and the earth shook with tremendous force, and because
I could not look at Him, I fell to the ground. But He reached beneath
me and lifted me up. And I looked into the heavens and behold, a
dewy cloud came down and drenched me from my head to my feet; and with His robe, he dried me off. And the ‘angel’ greeted me, saying
to me, ‘Hello there, you favored one and chosen vessel, everlasting
mercy to you.’ Then He struck the right hand side of his robe and out
came a giant loaf, and He placed it on the altar of the temple, ate
therefrom and gave some to me. Once again He struck his robe on the
left hand side, and out came a giant cup that was brimming with wine.
He placed it on the temple’s altar, drank therefrom and gave some to me. Then I looked at them again and I saw that the bread and wine
had been restored to the way they were before.
And He said to me, ‘Three years from now I will send you My Word,
and you will bear Me My Son. He will renew everything in all of
creation. My beloved, go in peace, and My peace will be with you.’ And after telling me all of these things, He disappeared before my
eyes, and the temple was restored to the way it was before.”
ABIATHAR ASKS MARY
TO WED HIS SON
(PsMt 7; PEv 8:3)
The Temple, Jerusalem
Now when Mary turned twelve, the priests all got together and said,
“Behold, Mary is now twelve years old. What are we to do with her, for
we do not wish to see the pollution of the holy place of the Lord our
God.” Abiathar the priest offered numerous gifts to the other high
priests in exchange for Mary’s hand in marriage to his son. But Mary
utterly refused, saying, “It can never be that I should ever know a man,
or that a man should ever know me.” All of the priests, and her family
as well, kept saying to her, “God is shown love through children, and is
worshiped in progeny, even as it has ever been among the children of
Israel.” “God is worshiped through chastity,” answered Mary. “This
was first demonstrated through Abel, before whom there was none
among mankind who was righteous. God was pleased with his
offerings, but Abel was mercilessly slain by the one who did not please
Him. He received two crowns as his reward; one for his offering, and
one for his virginity, since his body remained unsullied. And since
Elijah also kept his body undefiled the whole time that he was in the
flesh, he was taken up therein. And now, since I have been in God’s
temple from the time of my youth, I have come to learn that virginity
can be pleasing to God. So because I am able to offer to God the thing
that He holds dear, in my heart of hearts I have firmly decided that I
ought never to know any man.” MARY GOES TO LIVE AS JOSEPH’S WARD
(HJC 2-4; BMary 6:1)
Bethlehem
Now there was this elderly man named Joseph who was from the
family and city of King David, the Judean town of Bethlehem. This
man was trained in all knowledge and wisdom, and had been made a
priest in the Lord’s temple. He was skilled in his carpenter’s trade,
and he took a wife as other men do--fathering four sons, whose names
were Judas, Justus, James, and Simon; and also two daughters, whose
names were Assia and Lydia. In due course, the wife of the righteous
Joseph, a woman who was bent on holiness in all that she did, passed
away. But that venerable man Joseph, my father according to the
flesh, and husband to my mother Mary, went off to his business and
practiced carpentry with his sons. Now my blessed, holy, and unblemished mother Mary was already
twelve years old by the time the honorable Joseph had become a
widower. Her parents had dedicated her to the temple when she was
three, you see, and for nine years she lived in the temple of the Lord.
Then, when the priests recognized that the saintly and God-loving
Virgin was coming of age, they talked it over with one another. “Let us
try and find a just and pious man,” they agreed, “to whom we may
entrust Mary until such time as she should wed, just in case what
normally happens among women should take place within her while
housed in it, for should we fail to do this thing, we might bring God’s
wrath down on ourselves.”
So they promptly sent word, and assembled twelve elderly men
from the line of Judah. They wrote out the names of the twelve
Israelite tribes, and the lot fell upon the elderly, devout, and upright
Joseph. Now when at last the priests were resolved, they said to my
blessed mother: “Go with Joseph, and remain with him until it’s time
for you to wed.” So the righteous Joseph accepted my mother and
took her away to his own home. And Mary found the Lesser James
heartbroken and downcast over the recent loss of his mother, so she
looked after him in his father’s house; and this is why Mary is spoken
of as the mother of James. From that time forward Joseph left her at home and went away to his carpenter’s shop and practiced his trade.
And after living in his home for two years from the time that he took
her in, Mary was fourteen years of age.
TO WED HIS SON
(PsMt 7; PEv 8:3)
The Temple, Jerusalem
Now when Mary turned twelve, the priests all got together and said,
“Behold, Mary is now twelve years old. What are we to do with her, for
we do not wish to see the pollution of the holy place of the Lord our
God.” Abiathar the priest offered numerous gifts to the other high
priests in exchange for Mary’s hand in marriage to his son. But Mary
utterly refused, saying, “It can never be that I should ever know a man,
or that a man should ever know me.” All of the priests, and her family
as well, kept saying to her, “God is shown love through children, and is
worshiped in progeny, even as it has ever been among the children of
Israel.” “God is worshiped through chastity,” answered Mary. “This
was first demonstrated through Abel, before whom there was none
among mankind who was righteous. God was pleased with his
offerings, but Abel was mercilessly slain by the one who did not please
Him. He received two crowns as his reward; one for his offering, and
one for his virginity, since his body remained unsullied. And since
Elijah also kept his body undefiled the whole time that he was in the
flesh, he was taken up therein. And now, since I have been in God’s
temple from the time of my youth, I have come to learn that virginity
can be pleasing to God. So because I am able to offer to God the thing
that He holds dear, in my heart of hearts I have firmly decided that I
ought never to know any man.” MARY GOES TO LIVE AS JOSEPH’S WARD
(HJC 2-4; BMary 6:1)
Bethlehem
Now there was this elderly man named Joseph who was from the
family and city of King David, the Judean town of Bethlehem. This
man was trained in all knowledge and wisdom, and had been made a
priest in the Lord’s temple. He was skilled in his carpenter’s trade,
and he took a wife as other men do--fathering four sons, whose names
were Judas, Justus, James, and Simon; and also two daughters, whose
names were Assia and Lydia. In due course, the wife of the righteous
Joseph, a woman who was bent on holiness in all that she did, passed
away. But that venerable man Joseph, my father according to the
flesh, and husband to my mother Mary, went off to his business and
practiced carpentry with his sons. Now my blessed, holy, and unblemished mother Mary was already
twelve years old by the time the honorable Joseph had become a
widower. Her parents had dedicated her to the temple when she was
three, you see, and for nine years she lived in the temple of the Lord.
Then, when the priests recognized that the saintly and God-loving
Virgin was coming of age, they talked it over with one another. “Let us
try and find a just and pious man,” they agreed, “to whom we may
entrust Mary until such time as she should wed, just in case what
normally happens among women should take place within her while
housed in it, for should we fail to do this thing, we might bring God’s
wrath down on ourselves.”
So they promptly sent word, and assembled twelve elderly men
from the line of Judah. They wrote out the names of the twelve
Israelite tribes, and the lot fell upon the elderly, devout, and upright
Joseph. Now when at last the priests were resolved, they said to my
blessed mother: “Go with Joseph, and remain with him until it’s time
for you to wed.” So the righteous Joseph accepted my mother and
took her away to his own home. And Mary found the Lesser James
heartbroken and downcast over the recent loss of his mother, so she
looked after him in his father’s house; and this is why Mary is spoken
of as the mother of James. From that time forward Joseph left her at home and went away to his carpenter’s shop and practiced his trade.
And after living in his home for two years from the time that he took
her in, Mary was fourteen years of age.
MARY ORDERED TO WED
(BMary 5:3-17; PEv 8:3-6; PsMt 8)
The Temple, Jerusalem
And it happened that by the time Mary had reached the age of
fourteen, every upright person who had ever met her respected her
lifestyle and manner of speaking, and no malicious person could
accuse her of any wrongdoing. Then the Pharisees affirmed that
because she had turned fourteen, and because it had been such a
longstanding practice, no woman who had reached that particular age
should remain within the temple of God. So the high priest issued this
decree: “All fourteen-year-old virgins who have reached physical
maturity, and who reside in the temple’s public housing, should return
to their own homes and seek to be wed in accordance with the custom
of their nation.” Mary, the Lord’s Virgin, was the only one to refuse,
even though the other virgins were eager to comply, saying that she
could not for the following reasons: that both she and her parents had
given her to the Lord’s service and that, moreover, she had pledged her virginity to the Lord, which was a vow that she was determined
never to break by sleeping with a man.
This put the high priest in a difficult position because he realized
that he could not annul the vow, disobeying the Scripture that reads,
“vow and pay,” nor did he wish to set a precedent that would seem
foreign to the people. So he ordered all of the prominent people of
Jerusalem and its surrounding areas to convene during the
approaching feast, and to offer up their recommendations as to the
most prudent option for such a difficult situation. And after they had
gathered together, he said to them, “Look, Mary has turned fourteen
in the temple of the Lord. What should we do to keep her from
polluting the Lord’s temple?” They all agreed that it would be best to
consult the Lord and to seek His advice. They therefore said to the
high priest: “You serve at the Lord’s altar. Enter into the sanctuary
and pray with regard to her situation, and we will comply with
whatever the Lord should reveal to you.” Then they joined together in
prayer, and the high priest took the breastplate of judgment, entered
into the holy of holies and prayed her circumstances over. Then an
angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Zechariah, Zechariah, go
and gather all of the widowers from among the people.” And all who
were there heard a voice coming from the ark and the mercy seat,
which said that the virgin ought to be betrothed to the one determined
according to the prophecy out of the book of Isaiah, for Isaiah says,
“A staff will proceed from the stem of Jesse,
And a flower will bud from its root,
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him The Spirit that enkindles wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit that delivers power and instruction,
The Spirit that conveys knowledge and virtue,
And the Spirit that inspires an awe of the Lord will direct him.”
And so it happened that they came across the idea of sending a herald
out to the Israelite tribes and gathering them together in the Lord’s
temple on the third day.
(BMary 5:3-17; PEv 8:3-6; PsMt 8)
The Temple, Jerusalem
And it happened that by the time Mary had reached the age of
fourteen, every upright person who had ever met her respected her
lifestyle and manner of speaking, and no malicious person could
accuse her of any wrongdoing. Then the Pharisees affirmed that
because she had turned fourteen, and because it had been such a
longstanding practice, no woman who had reached that particular age
should remain within the temple of God. So the high priest issued this
decree: “All fourteen-year-old virgins who have reached physical
maturity, and who reside in the temple’s public housing, should return
to their own homes and seek to be wed in accordance with the custom
of their nation.” Mary, the Lord’s Virgin, was the only one to refuse,
even though the other virgins were eager to comply, saying that she
could not for the following reasons: that both she and her parents had
given her to the Lord’s service and that, moreover, she had pledged her virginity to the Lord, which was a vow that she was determined
never to break by sleeping with a man.
This put the high priest in a difficult position because he realized
that he could not annul the vow, disobeying the Scripture that reads,
“vow and pay,” nor did he wish to set a precedent that would seem
foreign to the people. So he ordered all of the prominent people of
Jerusalem and its surrounding areas to convene during the
approaching feast, and to offer up their recommendations as to the
most prudent option for such a difficult situation. And after they had
gathered together, he said to them, “Look, Mary has turned fourteen
in the temple of the Lord. What should we do to keep her from
polluting the Lord’s temple?” They all agreed that it would be best to
consult the Lord and to seek His advice. They therefore said to the
high priest: “You serve at the Lord’s altar. Enter into the sanctuary
and pray with regard to her situation, and we will comply with
whatever the Lord should reveal to you.” Then they joined together in
prayer, and the high priest took the breastplate of judgment, entered
into the holy of holies and prayed her circumstances over. Then an
angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Zechariah, Zechariah, go
and gather all of the widowers from among the people.” And all who
were there heard a voice coming from the ark and the mercy seat,
which said that the virgin ought to be betrothed to the one determined
according to the prophecy out of the book of Isaiah, for Isaiah says,
“A staff will proceed from the stem of Jesse,
And a flower will bud from its root,
And the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him The Spirit that enkindles wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit that delivers power and instruction,
The Spirit that conveys knowledge and virtue,
And the Spirit that inspires an awe of the Lord will direct him.”
And so it happened that they came across the idea of sending a herald
out to the Israelite tribes and gathering them together in the Lord’s
temple on the third day.
JOSEPH CHOSEN TO TAKE MARY
(BMary 6:1-7; PEv 8:7-16; PsMt 8)
The Temple, Jerusalem
So in accordance with this prophecy, he ordered every available and
eligible man of David’s line to bring his own rod up to the altar. The
man from whose staff a flower would bud, and upon which the Lord’s
Spirit would alight in the form of a dove would be the one to whom the
Virgin should be betrothed. And the criers went throughout the Judean countryside. Then the Lord’s trumpet blared and everyone
came running up. Among them was Joseph, who tossed aside his
carpenter’s ax and joined in the gathering. And when they had all
assembled in one place, the high priest Abiathar got up and ascended
to a higher step, that all of the people might see him and hear. And
when he had gotten them to quiet down, Abiathar declared, “Sons of
Israel, listen! Open your ears and hearken to my words. From the
time that Solomon built this temple, it has housed virgins--the
daughters of kings and of prophets, of priests and of high priests--and great and venerable were they. But when the time was right they
followed in the footsteps of their mothers, and were married off, and
so were deemed to be pleasing to God. But Mary has found a new way
of life for herself; promising to continue in her vow of virginity to God.
For this reason, I think it is right to determine into whose care she
should be given by asking God and receiving His response.” These
words were accepted by the synagogue, so the priests cast the lot on
the twelve tribes, and it fell upon the tribe of Judah. “Tomorrow,” the
priest announced, “let all who are without a wife come together, staff
in hand.” So Joseph brought his rod along, as did all the younger
men, each of whom took his staff up to the high priest. But when
everyone else handed their rods in, Joseph held his own rod back.
After he had taken the staffs, the high priest entered into the temple
and prayed. And after he had finished his prayer, he gathered them,
returned with them, and distributed them among the men; but no sign
appeared on any of them. So when nothing that the heavenly voice
had spoken of seemed to happen, the high priest decided that it would
be best to once again consult the Lord, Whose answer was that the virgin should be engaged to the one man in the whole crowd who had
not turned in his staff.
Joseph handed in his rod, and when the high priest had received
them, he sacrificed to the Lord God and sought an answer from Him.
“Put their staffs into God’s holy of holies,” the Lord instructed him,
“and leave them all there. Tell them to return tomorrow and receive
their rods back. Let Mary be delivered into the keeping of the man
who shows this sign: ‘when his staff is returned into his hand, a dove
will issue from its tip, and fly away into the sky.’”
So they all assembled early the next morning. Then incense was
offered up, and the high priest entered into the holy of holies and
brought out the rods. Then he handed them out again, but no dove
came from any of them. The high priest then donned the twelve bells
and the priestly robe, entered into the holy of holies, burnt an offering and said a prayer. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him and
said, “Here is the shortest staff. You did not count it up or take it out
with the others, though you brought it in with all the rest. Now after
22
you have taken it out and given it to its owner, the sign that I spoke to
you about will appear.” Joseph was therefore exposed, because the
staff belonged to him. He had been passed up, so to speak, that on
account of his old age he might not get her--and neither did he wish to
ask for it back. And as he stood there meekly, last of all, the high
priest thundered, “Joseph! We are all waiting for you to come and get
your staff.” Now because the high priest had called him with such
vehemence, Joseph went up trembling. So he received his staff after
everyone else had received theirs. Now as soon as he had reached out
his hand and taken hold thereof, from out of the sky flew a beautiful
dove, which was even whiter than snow, and perched upon it. Then
the dove flew off of it and onto Joseph’s head. Then, after flying
around the rooftops of the temple for quite awhile, it flew away into
the heavens. Now everyone saw clearly that the virgin was to be
betrothed to him, so they congratulated the old man and said, “Father
Joseph, you have been blessed in your old age, for God has deemed
you to be worthy of Mary.” Then the priests all counseled Joseph:
“You must accept her, for out of the entire line of Judah, God has
chosen you alone to take the Lord’s virgin into your care.” But Joseph
answered them sheepishly, “I am an old man, with sons of my own;
she is but a little girl. I have children already, so why are you giving
me this young maiden, who is even younger than my grandsons? I
protest for fear of becoming an object of ridicule in Israel.” “Joseph,”
the high priest Abiathar cautioned, “you ought to fear the Lord your
God and call to mind what he did to Dathan, Abiram, and Korah; how the earth was ripped apart and all of them were swallowed up. It was
for their disobedience (and) contempt for God’s will that they
perished. Watch out Joseph, and realize that all of this could come to
pass in your house too. It most certainly will happen if you scorn what
God demands.” “Truly I do not despise God’s will,” Joseph replied,
“but I will foster her until I know to which of my sons it is His will to
give her. Let some of her virgin friends be given her for
companionship and consolation.” “Five virgins will indeed be
conceded,” the high priest Abiathar responded, “but only until the day
comes for you to take her to yourself, for she cannot marry anyone but you.” So Joseph, growing fearful, accepted Mary into his charge, along
with Rebecca, Sephora, Susanna, Abigea, and Zael, the five (other) maidens who were to live with her in Joseph’s house, and to whom the
high priest would give the silk, the blue, the choice linen, the scarlet,
the purple, and the fine flax. “Mary,” said Joseph, “I have accepted
you from the Lord’s temple, but for now I must leave you in my house
to go away and do some building. I will come again for you, and may
the Lord watch over you.”
(BMary 6:1-7; PEv 8:7-16; PsMt 8)
The Temple, Jerusalem
So in accordance with this prophecy, he ordered every available and
eligible man of David’s line to bring his own rod up to the altar. The
man from whose staff a flower would bud, and upon which the Lord’s
Spirit would alight in the form of a dove would be the one to whom the
Virgin should be betrothed. And the criers went throughout the Judean countryside. Then the Lord’s trumpet blared and everyone
came running up. Among them was Joseph, who tossed aside his
carpenter’s ax and joined in the gathering. And when they had all
assembled in one place, the high priest Abiathar got up and ascended
to a higher step, that all of the people might see him and hear. And
when he had gotten them to quiet down, Abiathar declared, “Sons of
Israel, listen! Open your ears and hearken to my words. From the
time that Solomon built this temple, it has housed virgins--the
daughters of kings and of prophets, of priests and of high priests--and great and venerable were they. But when the time was right they
followed in the footsteps of their mothers, and were married off, and
so were deemed to be pleasing to God. But Mary has found a new way
of life for herself; promising to continue in her vow of virginity to God.
For this reason, I think it is right to determine into whose care she
should be given by asking God and receiving His response.” These
words were accepted by the synagogue, so the priests cast the lot on
the twelve tribes, and it fell upon the tribe of Judah. “Tomorrow,” the
priest announced, “let all who are without a wife come together, staff
in hand.” So Joseph brought his rod along, as did all the younger
men, each of whom took his staff up to the high priest. But when
everyone else handed their rods in, Joseph held his own rod back.
After he had taken the staffs, the high priest entered into the temple
and prayed. And after he had finished his prayer, he gathered them,
returned with them, and distributed them among the men; but no sign
appeared on any of them. So when nothing that the heavenly voice
had spoken of seemed to happen, the high priest decided that it would
be best to once again consult the Lord, Whose answer was that the virgin should be engaged to the one man in the whole crowd who had
not turned in his staff.
Joseph handed in his rod, and when the high priest had received
them, he sacrificed to the Lord God and sought an answer from Him.
“Put their staffs into God’s holy of holies,” the Lord instructed him,
“and leave them all there. Tell them to return tomorrow and receive
their rods back. Let Mary be delivered into the keeping of the man
who shows this sign: ‘when his staff is returned into his hand, a dove
will issue from its tip, and fly away into the sky.’”
So they all assembled early the next morning. Then incense was
offered up, and the high priest entered into the holy of holies and
brought out the rods. Then he handed them out again, but no dove
came from any of them. The high priest then donned the twelve bells
and the priestly robe, entered into the holy of holies, burnt an offering and said a prayer. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him and
said, “Here is the shortest staff. You did not count it up or take it out
with the others, though you brought it in with all the rest. Now after
22
you have taken it out and given it to its owner, the sign that I spoke to
you about will appear.” Joseph was therefore exposed, because the
staff belonged to him. He had been passed up, so to speak, that on
account of his old age he might not get her--and neither did he wish to
ask for it back. And as he stood there meekly, last of all, the high
priest thundered, “Joseph! We are all waiting for you to come and get
your staff.” Now because the high priest had called him with such
vehemence, Joseph went up trembling. So he received his staff after
everyone else had received theirs. Now as soon as he had reached out
his hand and taken hold thereof, from out of the sky flew a beautiful
dove, which was even whiter than snow, and perched upon it. Then
the dove flew off of it and onto Joseph’s head. Then, after flying
around the rooftops of the temple for quite awhile, it flew away into
the heavens. Now everyone saw clearly that the virgin was to be
betrothed to him, so they congratulated the old man and said, “Father
Joseph, you have been blessed in your old age, for God has deemed
you to be worthy of Mary.” Then the priests all counseled Joseph:
“You must accept her, for out of the entire line of Judah, God has
chosen you alone to take the Lord’s virgin into your care.” But Joseph
answered them sheepishly, “I am an old man, with sons of my own;
she is but a little girl. I have children already, so why are you giving
me this young maiden, who is even younger than my grandsons? I
protest for fear of becoming an object of ridicule in Israel.” “Joseph,”
the high priest Abiathar cautioned, “you ought to fear the Lord your
God and call to mind what he did to Dathan, Abiram, and Korah; how the earth was ripped apart and all of them were swallowed up. It was
for their disobedience (and) contempt for God’s will that they
perished. Watch out Joseph, and realize that all of this could come to
pass in your house too. It most certainly will happen if you scorn what
God demands.” “Truly I do not despise God’s will,” Joseph replied,
“but I will foster her until I know to which of my sons it is His will to
give her. Let some of her virgin friends be given her for
companionship and consolation.” “Five virgins will indeed be
conceded,” the high priest Abiathar responded, “but only until the day
comes for you to take her to yourself, for she cannot marry anyone but you.” So Joseph, growing fearful, accepted Mary into his charge, along
with Rebecca, Sephora, Susanna, Abigea, and Zael, the five (other) maidens who were to live with her in Joseph’s house, and to whom the
high priest would give the silk, the blue, the choice linen, the scarlet,
the purple, and the fine flax. “Mary,” said Joseph, “I have accepted
you from the Lord’s temple, but for now I must leave you in my house
to go away and do some building. I will come again for you, and may
the Lord watch over you.”
MARY SPINS THE SCARLET AND THE PURPLE
(PEv 9:1-5a; PsMt 8)
Jerusalem; Bethlehem
A council of priests assembled and said, “Let us fashion a veil for
the temple of the Lord.” And the high priest said, “Summon the
undefiled virgins of the line of David.” And the officers went looking
and found seven virgins. The high priest then called to mind that
Mary, too, was of David’s line, so the officers went and got her also.
Then they gathered them into the Lord’s temple and the high priest
said, “Cast lots before me to see who will weave the golden thread, the
white, the linen, the silk, the blue, the crimson and the royal purple.”
The royal purple and the crimson fell to Mary’s lot, so she accepted
them and took them home. Then, so as to provoke Mary, the other
virgins taunted, “Since you are after us all, and younger than us all,
and ever so modest, you truly deserve to be awarded, and to accept the
purple.” Then they started calling her ‘The Virgin Queen.’ And even
as they were saying these things, the angel of the Lord appeared in
their midst and said, “These words will not have been spoken as a
mere insult, but uttered as a most prophetic truth.” They naturally
trembled at the sight of the angel and the words he had spoken; so
they asked Mary to forgive them and to pray on their behalf. Mary
then took the scarlet thread and began to spin. This marks the time when Zechariah became unable to speak.
(PEv 9:1-5a; PsMt 8)
Jerusalem; Bethlehem
A council of priests assembled and said, “Let us fashion a veil for
the temple of the Lord.” And the high priest said, “Summon the
undefiled virgins of the line of David.” And the officers went looking
and found seven virgins. The high priest then called to mind that
Mary, too, was of David’s line, so the officers went and got her also.
Then they gathered them into the Lord’s temple and the high priest
said, “Cast lots before me to see who will weave the golden thread, the
white, the linen, the silk, the blue, the crimson and the royal purple.”
The royal purple and the crimson fell to Mary’s lot, so she accepted
them and took them home. Then, so as to provoke Mary, the other
virgins taunted, “Since you are after us all, and younger than us all,
and ever so modest, you truly deserve to be awarded, and to accept the
purple.” Then they started calling her ‘The Virgin Queen.’ And even
as they were saying these things, the angel of the Lord appeared in
their midst and said, “These words will not have been spoken as a
mere insult, but uttered as a most prophetic truth.” They naturally
trembled at the sight of the angel and the words he had spoken; so
they asked Mary to forgive them and to pray on their behalf. Mary
then took the scarlet thread and began to spin. This marks the time when Zechariah became unable to speak.
THE FORETELLING OF JOHN’S BIRTH
(Luke 1:8-25; PEv 9:5b;
Qur 3:38-41; 19:2-10; 21:89-90; LJB pt.2)
Jerusalem
Now Zechariah was ever presiding in the temple of the Lord. And it
happened that, even as he was executing his priestly duties in the sight
of God, according to his custom (and) the order of his course, and the
manner of his priestly office, it was his lot to enter into the Lord’s
temple and burn incense at the time of the lighting thereof. Now every
time Zechariah would look in on Mary in the temple, he found that she
had all of this food with her, so he asked her, “Mary, where does all
this food come from?” “All of this food comes from God,” she replied. “He gives generously to whomever He pleases.” After hearing this,
Zechariah secretly called upon his Lord and prayed, “Lord, You
hearken to my every prayer. My bones all creak, and my head has
aged to a lustrous gray, yet never have I prayed to You in vain. Lord,
do not let me leave this world without an heir, but give me righteous
children. Now, because my wife is barren, I fear that my cousins are in
line to replace me. Even so, You are over all who inherit. Give me a
son who is favored in your eyes--one who will be not only heir to me,
but also to the house of Jacob.” And even as he stood praying in the
temple, his answer came: an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to
him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. And as soon as
Zechariah saw him, he grew anxious--and he froze with fear, so the
angel said,
“Zechariah, have no fear, but rejoice instead;
For your humble prayer has been heard,
And your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
And you are to name him John;
A name that none before him has been called.
And God is inviting you to celebrate in the birth of John.
You are to be joyful and glad,
And his appearance will bring rejoicing to many.
He will be great in the eyes of God,
For he will give his strength to the Word of God. He is destined to be honorable and virtuous;
A prophet and an honest man
Who will never partake
Of wine or strong drink.
And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit
While yet in his mother’s womb.
And he will transform many hearts among the children of Israel,
That they might turn again to the Lord their God.
And the Lord’s face will be toward him
As he ventures forth in the spirit and power of Elijah,
That he might turn the hearts of the fathers toward their sons,
And the hearts of the disobedient,
That they might live according to the wisdom of the just;
To train a people to readiness,
That they might be prepared for the Lord.”
Zechariah was taken aback by what had been said, and doubt
overtook him, for he had as yet not fathered any children. He did not
recall the case of Abraham, who was foremost among the Patriarchs, to whom God had given Isaac after having reached the age of one
hundred years, nor did he call to mind his wife Sarah who was just as
barren as his own wife was. “Lord,” Zechariah inquired, “how can I be
sure of this? How am I to father a son seeing that old age has crept up
on me and also my wife, who is barren?” “This is all the will of God,”
the angel replied, “He always does as He sees fit. This was how your
Lord put it, ‘For [Me] this is nothing, [I] brought you into being, and
you were nothing before that!’” “Show me Lord,” Zechariah said.
“Give me a sign!” “I am Gabriel,” the angel replied, “who stands in the
presence of God Himself. I was sent to speak to you and to give you
this wonderful news. Now behold, since you did not believe the words
I spoke, though your body will otherwise remain intact, you will be
unable to speak with any man except through signs, until the passage
of three days and nights, the time allotted for these things to happen.
Keep your Lord forever in your thoughts, praising Him both dusk and
dawn.” Then the angel vanished from his sight.
Meanwhile the people who had been waiting for Zechariah, were wondering why he had been in the temple so long. When he finally
came out of it, he was unable to speak, and they could tell that he had
seen a vision while in it, and he continued to speak to them in signs.
And when his time of service had ended, he returned to his home. And
Elizabeth came to learn of this (from God.) “[I] hearkened to the
prayer of Zechariah and gave him John, removing the barrenness of
his wife. Together they vied in good works and called on [Me] in all
honesty, fear, and submission.”
ELIZABETH’S SECLUSION
(LJB pt.3)
Judea
Now in those days Elizabeth conceived and remained in seclusion
until her fifth month, for she felt rather ill at ease, fearing to appear in
public, seeing that she was aged and pregnant, and milk was leaking
from her breasts. So she kept to herself, closed off in isolation in a
room of her house, as did Zechariah. The door that stood between
them remained shut tight, and they spoke to no one at that time.
(Luke 1:8-25; PEv 9:5b;
Qur 3:38-41; 19:2-10; 21:89-90; LJB pt.2)
Jerusalem
Now Zechariah was ever presiding in the temple of the Lord. And it
happened that, even as he was executing his priestly duties in the sight
of God, according to his custom (and) the order of his course, and the
manner of his priestly office, it was his lot to enter into the Lord’s
temple and burn incense at the time of the lighting thereof. Now every
time Zechariah would look in on Mary in the temple, he found that she
had all of this food with her, so he asked her, “Mary, where does all
this food come from?” “All of this food comes from God,” she replied. “He gives generously to whomever He pleases.” After hearing this,
Zechariah secretly called upon his Lord and prayed, “Lord, You
hearken to my every prayer. My bones all creak, and my head has
aged to a lustrous gray, yet never have I prayed to You in vain. Lord,
do not let me leave this world without an heir, but give me righteous
children. Now, because my wife is barren, I fear that my cousins are in
line to replace me. Even so, You are over all who inherit. Give me a
son who is favored in your eyes--one who will be not only heir to me,
but also to the house of Jacob.” And even as he stood praying in the
temple, his answer came: an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to
him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. And as soon as
Zechariah saw him, he grew anxious--and he froze with fear, so the
angel said,
“Zechariah, have no fear, but rejoice instead;
For your humble prayer has been heard,
And your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
And you are to name him John;
A name that none before him has been called.
And God is inviting you to celebrate in the birth of John.
You are to be joyful and glad,
And his appearance will bring rejoicing to many.
He will be great in the eyes of God,
For he will give his strength to the Word of God. He is destined to be honorable and virtuous;
A prophet and an honest man
Who will never partake
Of wine or strong drink.
And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit
While yet in his mother’s womb.
And he will transform many hearts among the children of Israel,
That they might turn again to the Lord their God.
And the Lord’s face will be toward him
As he ventures forth in the spirit and power of Elijah,
That he might turn the hearts of the fathers toward their sons,
And the hearts of the disobedient,
That they might live according to the wisdom of the just;
To train a people to readiness,
That they might be prepared for the Lord.”
Zechariah was taken aback by what had been said, and doubt
overtook him, for he had as yet not fathered any children. He did not
recall the case of Abraham, who was foremost among the Patriarchs, to whom God had given Isaac after having reached the age of one
hundred years, nor did he call to mind his wife Sarah who was just as
barren as his own wife was. “Lord,” Zechariah inquired, “how can I be
sure of this? How am I to father a son seeing that old age has crept up
on me and also my wife, who is barren?” “This is all the will of God,”
the angel replied, “He always does as He sees fit. This was how your
Lord put it, ‘For [Me] this is nothing, [I] brought you into being, and
you were nothing before that!’” “Show me Lord,” Zechariah said.
“Give me a sign!” “I am Gabriel,” the angel replied, “who stands in the
presence of God Himself. I was sent to speak to you and to give you
this wonderful news. Now behold, since you did not believe the words
I spoke, though your body will otherwise remain intact, you will be
unable to speak with any man except through signs, until the passage
of three days and nights, the time allotted for these things to happen.
Keep your Lord forever in your thoughts, praising Him both dusk and
dawn.” Then the angel vanished from his sight.
Meanwhile the people who had been waiting for Zechariah, were wondering why he had been in the temple so long. When he finally
came out of it, he was unable to speak, and they could tell that he had
seen a vision while in it, and he continued to speak to them in signs.
And when his time of service had ended, he returned to his home. And
Elizabeth came to learn of this (from God.) “[I] hearkened to the
prayer of Zechariah and gave him John, removing the barrenness of
his wife. Together they vied in good works and called on [Me] in all
honesty, fear, and submission.”
ELIZABETH’S SECLUSION
(LJB pt.3)
Judea
Now in those days Elizabeth conceived and remained in seclusion
until her fifth month, for she felt rather ill at ease, fearing to appear in
public, seeing that she was aged and pregnant, and milk was leaking
from her breasts. So she kept to herself, closed off in isolation in a
room of her house, as did Zechariah. The door that stood between
them remained shut tight, and they spoke to no one at that time.
THE ANNUNCIATION
(Luke 1:26-38; BMary 7:1-21; PEv 11:1-3;
HJC 5; SbOr 8:459-471; PsMt 9;
Qur 3:45-49; 19:16-22a; LJB pt.4)
Nazareth
Now during the sixth month of their engagement, when Elizabeth
was in her sixth month of pregnancy, God sent Gabriel, the angel of His Spirit, to the Virgin Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, of the line
of David, in the Galilean city of Nazareth. This took place when she
first arrived in Galilee, in order to announce to her the conception of
our Savior, and the way that it would come to pass.
First of all, Gabriel was revealed in his holiness and might. Mary
took a pitcher and went out to draw some water, and while she was at
the well, he approached her. And behold, there came a voice: “Hello
there, exalted one, rejoice! You are more blessed than all women, for
the Lord is with you.” And she looked left and right to see where it
could be coming from, because the saying troubled her greatly, and
she wondered what such a statement might mean. And she went back into her house and put down the jug. And still shaken, she took the
purple thread, sat down and started working with it.
The next day, the archangel addressed the young woman a second
time in words. Mary was at the fountain filling her pitcher when the
angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “Mary, how blessed are
you, for you have readied a place in your womb for the Lord to live.
Just look, the heavenly light will come and dwell in you, and through
you will illumine the world.”
And on the third day, he approached her again in a similar way,
entering in the form of an unspeakably beautiful young man, filling
the room she was in with a blinding light, even as she was working
with her fingers on the purple. And behold, the Lord’s angel stood
before her; and when Mary saw him, she trembled with fright, (and)
said, “May the Merciful One shield me from you.” And he addressed
her in the most genial way imaginable, saying,
“Hello, Mary, most acceptable of the Lord’s virgins! Oh Virgin who is full of splendor, the Lord is with you!
You are blessed among women,
And blessed also is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Blessed are you above all women!
Blessed (indeed) are you beyond all men who have ever been born!
For God has chosen you alone.
He has created you unblemished
And exalted you above all other women.”
And when Mary heard these words, she began to shake with fear.
The Lord’s angel then declared, “Mary, do not be afraid, for you have
received God’s favor. I am your Lord’s messenger, here to bring you a
holy son. Behold, you are to conceive in your womb, and bring forth a
king who fills not only the entire earth, but the heavens as well; and
whose rule spans from generation to generation. Mary, show your obedience to the Lord by bowing down and worshipping with the
worshippers. God is inviting you to rejoice in a Word from Him. His
name is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of Mary. He will show his greatness
in this world and the one that is to come, and God will greatly honor
him. He will preach to all men from the cradle to his final day, living virtuously all the while.”
But to the Virgin, such celestial light was nothing new; for she,
being no stranger to the faces of heavenly angels, was not alarmed by
the sight of the messenger, nor was she awed by the brilliance of the
light, but the angel’s words did trouble her greatly. “What could such
a fantastic greeting possibly mean?” she wondered. “What might it
foreshadow, or what might come of it?” And through divine
inspiration the angel responded to her thoughts, saying, “Mary, do not
be alarmed and imagine that by my greeting I meant anything that is
inconsistent with your chastity--for it is because of your purity that the
Lord has favored you.
Behold, while preserving your virginity,
And apart from any kind of sin,
You are to conceive in your womb,
And by His Word bring forth a son,
Whom you are to call Jesus.
He will be great, for he will rule from sea to sea,
And from the heads of the rivers to the ends of the earth.
And he will be called the Son of the Most High God;
For the one born into a lowly state upon the earth
In reality rules from one which is exalted in heaven.
The Lord will give him the throne of his forefather David,
And he will reign over the house of Jacob for endless ages, And to there will be no end to his kingdom.
He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,
Infinite and eternal is his heavenly reign.”
“Lord,” said Mary, “tell me how these things can be? How is it
possible for me to bear a child without a man’s seed, seeing that in line
with my vow I have never slept with, (or) touched any man, nor ever
have I been unchaste?” (The Virgin did not reply to the words of the
angel as though she disbelieved them, but merely to find out how these
things would come about.) To this the angel responded, “Mary, do not
think that you will conceive by sleeping with a man as others do, but as
a virgin, you will conceive, as a virgin you will bring forth, and as a
virgin you will give suck.” And when she heard that, she thought it over and asked, “Then will I conceive by the Lord, the Living God, and
give birth even as other women do?” “Not at all, Mary,” said the angel
of the Lord, “for the Holy Spirit will draw near to you, and the Lord’s
power, free from the slightest taint of lustful passions, will overshadow
you, so that what you bear will be completely holy, because it will be
conceived without sin, and be called the ‘Son of God’ upon his birth.
And you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their
sins. This is the way that your Lord put it, ‘This is simple enough for
[Me]. He will be a sign to all mankind, and a blessing that comes
straight from [Me]. [My] decree will surely come to pass.’ This is how
the will of God is: whenever He ordains anything whatsoever, He need
only say ‘appear’ and it appears. To him will He reveal the wisdom of
the Writings, the Torah and the Gospel--and He will send him out to
preach among the Israelites. He will say, ‘I am giving you a sign from
your Lord--I will form the shape of a bird from mud, and breathe into
it. Through God’s power, it will be changed into a living bird. And
through the power of God, I will heal the leprous and the blind, and
raise the dead back up to life. I will give you orders as to what to eat
and what to lay up in your homes. If your faith is pure, surely this will
be a sign for you. I have come in order to confirm the Torah that has
been revealed to you already, as well as to make lawful certain things
you’ve been denied. This is the sign that I bring to you straight from
the Lord; now honor God by obeying me! God is both my Master and
yours: therefore do all things for Him, for that path indeed is straight.’
“Now behold, Elizabeth, your kinswoman has also conceived a son
in her old age; and she that was thought to be barren is now in her
sixth month, for no word of God will be robbed of its strength. With
God, you see, nothing is impossible.” Then Mary, harboring no doubts in her heart, stretched out her hands and lifted her eyes toward heaven
and said to the archangel: “Behold the servant of the Lord! May these
things all be to me as you have said.” “Virgin,” the archangel replied,
“accept God into your unblemished heart.” And as he spoke, he
breathed God’s perfection into her who had ever been a virgin. She
was stricken with alarm and amazement as she listened. And even as
she stood and trembled, her mind raced and her heart throbbed on
account of the mysterious words that she had heard. But soon she
rejoiced, and her heart received its healing from the selfsame voice.
The young woman laughed so hard that her face turned red, and her
heart filled with awe as she reeled in joy. Courage, then, was given
her, and a Word flew into her womb; quickly putting on the flesh,
coming to life and taking the form of a child within her--(and) even so did Mary conceive. The angel then saluted her and left her presence.
“I, (Jesus,) chose her myself, according to my Father’s will, and the
counsel of the Holy Spirit, and was formed out of her flesh by a means
so mysterious that it defies the created reason.”
(Luke 1:26-38; BMary 7:1-21; PEv 11:1-3;
HJC 5; SbOr 8:459-471; PsMt 9;
Qur 3:45-49; 19:16-22a; LJB pt.4)
Nazareth
Now during the sixth month of their engagement, when Elizabeth
was in her sixth month of pregnancy, God sent Gabriel, the angel of His Spirit, to the Virgin Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, of the line
of David, in the Galilean city of Nazareth. This took place when she
first arrived in Galilee, in order to announce to her the conception of
our Savior, and the way that it would come to pass.
First of all, Gabriel was revealed in his holiness and might. Mary
took a pitcher and went out to draw some water, and while she was at
the well, he approached her. And behold, there came a voice: “Hello
there, exalted one, rejoice! You are more blessed than all women, for
the Lord is with you.” And she looked left and right to see where it
could be coming from, because the saying troubled her greatly, and
she wondered what such a statement might mean. And she went back into her house and put down the jug. And still shaken, she took the
purple thread, sat down and started working with it.
The next day, the archangel addressed the young woman a second
time in words. Mary was at the fountain filling her pitcher when the
angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “Mary, how blessed are
you, for you have readied a place in your womb for the Lord to live.
Just look, the heavenly light will come and dwell in you, and through
you will illumine the world.”
And on the third day, he approached her again in a similar way,
entering in the form of an unspeakably beautiful young man, filling
the room she was in with a blinding light, even as she was working
with her fingers on the purple. And behold, the Lord’s angel stood
before her; and when Mary saw him, she trembled with fright, (and)
said, “May the Merciful One shield me from you.” And he addressed
her in the most genial way imaginable, saying,
“Hello, Mary, most acceptable of the Lord’s virgins! Oh Virgin who is full of splendor, the Lord is with you!
You are blessed among women,
And blessed also is the fruit of your womb Jesus.
Blessed are you above all women!
Blessed (indeed) are you beyond all men who have ever been born!
For God has chosen you alone.
He has created you unblemished
And exalted you above all other women.”
And when Mary heard these words, she began to shake with fear.
The Lord’s angel then declared, “Mary, do not be afraid, for you have
received God’s favor. I am your Lord’s messenger, here to bring you a
holy son. Behold, you are to conceive in your womb, and bring forth a
king who fills not only the entire earth, but the heavens as well; and
whose rule spans from generation to generation. Mary, show your obedience to the Lord by bowing down and worshipping with the
worshippers. God is inviting you to rejoice in a Word from Him. His
name is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of Mary. He will show his greatness
in this world and the one that is to come, and God will greatly honor
him. He will preach to all men from the cradle to his final day, living virtuously all the while.”
But to the Virgin, such celestial light was nothing new; for she,
being no stranger to the faces of heavenly angels, was not alarmed by
the sight of the messenger, nor was she awed by the brilliance of the
light, but the angel’s words did trouble her greatly. “What could such
a fantastic greeting possibly mean?” she wondered. “What might it
foreshadow, or what might come of it?” And through divine
inspiration the angel responded to her thoughts, saying, “Mary, do not
be alarmed and imagine that by my greeting I meant anything that is
inconsistent with your chastity--for it is because of your purity that the
Lord has favored you.
Behold, while preserving your virginity,
And apart from any kind of sin,
You are to conceive in your womb,
And by His Word bring forth a son,
Whom you are to call Jesus.
He will be great, for he will rule from sea to sea,
And from the heads of the rivers to the ends of the earth.
And he will be called the Son of the Most High God;
For the one born into a lowly state upon the earth
In reality rules from one which is exalted in heaven.
The Lord will give him the throne of his forefather David,
And he will reign over the house of Jacob for endless ages, And to there will be no end to his kingdom.
He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,
Infinite and eternal is his heavenly reign.”
“Lord,” said Mary, “tell me how these things can be? How is it
possible for me to bear a child without a man’s seed, seeing that in line
with my vow I have never slept with, (or) touched any man, nor ever
have I been unchaste?” (The Virgin did not reply to the words of the
angel as though she disbelieved them, but merely to find out how these
things would come about.) To this the angel responded, “Mary, do not
think that you will conceive by sleeping with a man as others do, but as
a virgin, you will conceive, as a virgin you will bring forth, and as a
virgin you will give suck.” And when she heard that, she thought it over and asked, “Then will I conceive by the Lord, the Living God, and
give birth even as other women do?” “Not at all, Mary,” said the angel
of the Lord, “for the Holy Spirit will draw near to you, and the Lord’s
power, free from the slightest taint of lustful passions, will overshadow
you, so that what you bear will be completely holy, because it will be
conceived without sin, and be called the ‘Son of God’ upon his birth.
And you are to name him Jesus for he will save his people from their
sins. This is the way that your Lord put it, ‘This is simple enough for
[Me]. He will be a sign to all mankind, and a blessing that comes
straight from [Me]. [My] decree will surely come to pass.’ This is how
the will of God is: whenever He ordains anything whatsoever, He need
only say ‘appear’ and it appears. To him will He reveal the wisdom of
the Writings, the Torah and the Gospel--and He will send him out to
preach among the Israelites. He will say, ‘I am giving you a sign from
your Lord--I will form the shape of a bird from mud, and breathe into
it. Through God’s power, it will be changed into a living bird. And
through the power of God, I will heal the leprous and the blind, and
raise the dead back up to life. I will give you orders as to what to eat
and what to lay up in your homes. If your faith is pure, surely this will
be a sign for you. I have come in order to confirm the Torah that has
been revealed to you already, as well as to make lawful certain things
you’ve been denied. This is the sign that I bring to you straight from
the Lord; now honor God by obeying me! God is both my Master and
yours: therefore do all things for Him, for that path indeed is straight.’
“Now behold, Elizabeth, your kinswoman has also conceived a son
in her old age; and she that was thought to be barren is now in her
sixth month, for no word of God will be robbed of its strength. With
God, you see, nothing is impossible.” Then Mary, harboring no doubts in her heart, stretched out her hands and lifted her eyes toward heaven
and said to the archangel: “Behold the servant of the Lord! May these
things all be to me as you have said.” “Virgin,” the archangel replied,
“accept God into your unblemished heart.” And as he spoke, he
breathed God’s perfection into her who had ever been a virgin. She
was stricken with alarm and amazement as she listened. And even as
she stood and trembled, her mind raced and her heart throbbed on
account of the mysterious words that she had heard. But soon she
rejoiced, and her heart received its healing from the selfsame voice.
The young woman laughed so hard that her face turned red, and her
heart filled with awe as she reeled in joy. Courage, then, was given
her, and a Word flew into her womb; quickly putting on the flesh,
coming to life and taking the form of a child within her--(and) even so did Mary conceive. The angel then saluted her and left her presence.
“I, (Jesus,) chose her myself, according to my Father’s will, and the
counsel of the Holy Spirit, and was formed out of her flesh by a means
so mysterious that it defies the created reason.”
MARY VISITS ELIZABETH
(Luke 1:39-56; PEv 12:1-3; Qur 19:22b; LJB pt.5)
Jerusalem, The Highlands of Judea
So Mary finished up the purple and the scarlet, and then she gave
them to the priest, who blessed her, saying, “The Lord God has exalted
your name, Mary, and your praises will span the generations of the
earth.” Then Mary rose up quickly in joy, and left in haste to a faraway
place--to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, her kinswoman, who
lived in a Judean town nestled in the hills. Now Mary was amazed
that Elizabeth could be expecting a child, and so kept saying in her
heart: “How great and wonderful are Your deeds, oh Almighty God, for
You have given children to an old woman who was barren. I will not
leave off walking until I have visited her and seen for myself the
marvelous thing that God has brought to pass in our days: a virgin
who will bear a child, and a barren woman who will give suck.” She
knocked at the door and called to her. And when Elizabeth heard
Mary’s cry, the baby leapt within her womb. Then Elizabeth, filled
with the Holy Spirit, cried aloud, “Blessed are you above all women,
and most holy is the fruit of your womb.” And she put down her
scarlet and with great joy and gladness, raced to the door, flung it
open, and as soon as she saw Mary there, she worshiped her and
asked, “How can it be that the mother of my Lord should visit me? For
behold, no sooner did the sound of your call enter into my ears, than
did the child in my womb jump for joy and give you praise! And
blessed indeed is she who believed, for the things spoken to her by the
Lord will certainly be fulfilled.” Then the devout and holy virgin
embraced the true turtle-dove, and the Word baptized John while yet
in his mother’s womb. Then David appeared in their midst and
proclaimed: “Mercy and truth have joined together, and virtue and
peace have kissed one another.” Just then John stirred within the
womb as if striving to come out and meet his Lord. And as they went
into the house, Mary (and) Elizabeth (together) said:
“My soul truly magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has delighted in God my Savior,
For He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant:
Behold, from this time forward all generations will honor me,
Because He that is all-powerful has done marvelous things to me; And His name is ‘Holy.’
His mercy is from generations to generations
And is on those that fear Him.
With His arm, He has shown His might;
To disperse those whose hearts imagine proud things.
He has pulled the rulers out of their thrones,
And replaced them with the oppressed.
He has heaped good things upon the hungry,
Plundered the rich and banished them.
He has brought deliverance to His servant Israel,
That He might call to mind His forbearance,
Even as He swore to our ancestors;
Toward Abraham and his children for all of eternity.”
But after they had greeted each other, Mary lost sight of the
mysterious things that the Archangel Gabriel had revealed to her. And
looking toward heaven, she groaned, “Lord, who am I that all the
people of the earth should venerate me?” For three months, until
Mary’s time was near, she remained with Elizabeth, and her womb
grew with each day that passed. Mary was sixteen years old by the
time that all of these astonishing things came about, and she returned
to her home for fear of the Israelites and hid.
(Luke 1:39-56; PEv 12:1-3; Qur 19:22b; LJB pt.5)
Jerusalem, The Highlands of Judea
So Mary finished up the purple and the scarlet, and then she gave
them to the priest, who blessed her, saying, “The Lord God has exalted
your name, Mary, and your praises will span the generations of the
earth.” Then Mary rose up quickly in joy, and left in haste to a faraway
place--to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, her kinswoman, who
lived in a Judean town nestled in the hills. Now Mary was amazed
that Elizabeth could be expecting a child, and so kept saying in her
heart: “How great and wonderful are Your deeds, oh Almighty God, for
You have given children to an old woman who was barren. I will not
leave off walking until I have visited her and seen for myself the
marvelous thing that God has brought to pass in our days: a virgin
who will bear a child, and a barren woman who will give suck.” She
knocked at the door and called to her. And when Elizabeth heard
Mary’s cry, the baby leapt within her womb. Then Elizabeth, filled
with the Holy Spirit, cried aloud, “Blessed are you above all women,
and most holy is the fruit of your womb.” And she put down her
scarlet and with great joy and gladness, raced to the door, flung it
open, and as soon as she saw Mary there, she worshiped her and
asked, “How can it be that the mother of my Lord should visit me? For
behold, no sooner did the sound of your call enter into my ears, than
did the child in my womb jump for joy and give you praise! And
blessed indeed is she who believed, for the things spoken to her by the
Lord will certainly be fulfilled.” Then the devout and holy virgin
embraced the true turtle-dove, and the Word baptized John while yet
in his mother’s womb. Then David appeared in their midst and
proclaimed: “Mercy and truth have joined together, and virtue and
peace have kissed one another.” Just then John stirred within the
womb as if striving to come out and meet his Lord. And as they went
into the house, Mary (and) Elizabeth (together) said:
“My soul truly magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has delighted in God my Savior,
For He has looked upon the lowliness of His servant:
Behold, from this time forward all generations will honor me,
Because He that is all-powerful has done marvelous things to me; And His name is ‘Holy.’
His mercy is from generations to generations
And is on those that fear Him.
With His arm, He has shown His might;
To disperse those whose hearts imagine proud things.
He has pulled the rulers out of their thrones,
And replaced them with the oppressed.
He has heaped good things upon the hungry,
Plundered the rich and banished them.
He has brought deliverance to His servant Israel,
That He might call to mind His forbearance,
Even as He swore to our ancestors;
Toward Abraham and his children for all of eternity.”
But after they had greeted each other, Mary lost sight of the
mysterious things that the Archangel Gabriel had revealed to her. And
looking toward heaven, she groaned, “Lord, who am I that all the
people of the earth should venerate me?” For three months, until
Mary’s time was near, she remained with Elizabeth, and her womb
grew with each day that passed. Mary was sixteen years old by the
time that all of these astonishing things came about, and she returned
to her home for fear of the Israelites and hid.
THE BIRTH AND NAMING OF JOHN
(Luke 1:57-80; Qur 19:11; LJB pt.6)
The Highlands of Judea
Now Elizabeth came to full term and brought forth a son, and there
was great joy and gladness in her house. Her family and her
neighbors, hearing how the Lord had shown her compassion, rejoiced
along with her. So on the eighth day they came to circumcise him,
intending to name him after his father Zechariah. “Not so,” his
mother insisted, “his name is supposed to be John.” “There is no one
in your family with this name,” they protested. Elizabeth therefore
said to them: “Ask his father what his name should be.” Now when
Zechariah came out of the temple, they gestured to him, “Tell us what
you’d have us name him?” And he motioned for a tablet to write on
and wrote out, “His name is John,” and none of them could believe
these words. All of a sudden, he could open his mouth, and his tongue
was free to speak. Zechariah therefore praised the Lord, (and) urged
them all to glorify him morning and evening. Everyone grew fearful,
and news of these things spread throughout the hills of Judea. Now
because the hand of the Lord was upon him, all who heard it took
these things to heart, and they asked, “What is this child destined to become?” And filled with the Holy Spirit, his father Zechariah,
mindful of the gift he had received from God, prophesied concerning
his son John the Baptist:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
For He has come and freed His people
And lifted up a horn of salvation
For those of us of the house of His servant David,
Even as He had foretold in ancient times
By the mouth of His holy prophets,
Deliverance from our enemies,
And from the grasp of those who hate us.
To show forbearance to our predecessors,
And call to mind the holiness of the promise;
The solemn pledge that He made to our father Abraham,
To grant that we be saved From the clutches of our enemies
And to serve Him without fear,
In purity and virtue in His sight every day of our lives.
Yes, child, and you will be known as the prophet of the Most High
Since you will go ahead of Him to clear His way;
To give knowledge for the deliverance of His people
In His pardoning of their sins,
For tender is the mercy of our God,
Which is why He will look upon us from above
As the dawn breaks forth,
(And even now that day is dawning.)
To shine on those who live in darkness;
Underneath the shadow of death;
To guide our steps on the road to peace.”
At that time John was living in prosperity, and for two years he nursed
at the breast of his mother. The joy of God was on his face, and he
grew up strengthened in the Spirit.
(Luke 1:57-80; Qur 19:11; LJB pt.6)
The Highlands of Judea
Now Elizabeth came to full term and brought forth a son, and there
was great joy and gladness in her house. Her family and her
neighbors, hearing how the Lord had shown her compassion, rejoiced
along with her. So on the eighth day they came to circumcise him,
intending to name him after his father Zechariah. “Not so,” his
mother insisted, “his name is supposed to be John.” “There is no one
in your family with this name,” they protested. Elizabeth therefore
said to them: “Ask his father what his name should be.” Now when
Zechariah came out of the temple, they gestured to him, “Tell us what
you’d have us name him?” And he motioned for a tablet to write on
and wrote out, “His name is John,” and none of them could believe
these words. All of a sudden, he could open his mouth, and his tongue
was free to speak. Zechariah therefore praised the Lord, (and) urged
them all to glorify him morning and evening. Everyone grew fearful,
and news of these things spread throughout the hills of Judea. Now
because the hand of the Lord was upon him, all who heard it took
these things to heart, and they asked, “What is this child destined to become?” And filled with the Holy Spirit, his father Zechariah,
mindful of the gift he had received from God, prophesied concerning
his son John the Baptist:
“Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
For He has come and freed His people
And lifted up a horn of salvation
For those of us of the house of His servant David,
Even as He had foretold in ancient times
By the mouth of His holy prophets,
Deliverance from our enemies,
And from the grasp of those who hate us.
To show forbearance to our predecessors,
And call to mind the holiness of the promise;
The solemn pledge that He made to our father Abraham,
To grant that we be saved From the clutches of our enemies
And to serve Him without fear,
In purity and virtue in His sight every day of our lives.
Yes, child, and you will be known as the prophet of the Most High
Since you will go ahead of Him to clear His way;
To give knowledge for the deliverance of His people
In His pardoning of their sins,
For tender is the mercy of our God,
Which is why He will look upon us from above
As the dawn breaks forth,
(And even now that day is dawning.)
To shine on those who live in darkness;
Underneath the shadow of death;
To guide our steps on the road to peace.”
At that time John was living in prosperity, and for two years he nursed
at the breast of his mother. The joy of God was on his face, and he
grew up strengthened in the Spirit.
JOSEPH DISCOVERS THAT MARY IS PREGNANT
(BMary 6:6,7/8:1-11; PEv 13:1-14:2;
Matt 1:19-24; PsMt 10,11; HJC 5; AsIs 11:4)
Capernaum; Bethlehem; Nazareth
Even as all of this was going on, Joseph, because he was a
carpenter, was busily at work on a house-building project near the
seaside district in Capernaum, where he remained for nine months.
Now after the nine months had passed, as the customary engagement
ceremonies were drawing to a close, three months after Mary’s conception, that venerable man Joseph left the building site and
returned to his hometown of Bethlehem to get his house in order and
to supply the provisions necessary for the wedding. But Mary, the
Lord’s Virgin had returned to her parents’ home in Galilee, along with
the seven other virgins who were of the same age and period of
weaning, and who had been appointed by the priest to care for her.
And Joseph left Judea and traveled on to Galilee, planning to visit the
Virgin there, for it was by then nearly three months from their time of
engagement.
Behold, by the time Joseph entered into his home, Mary was in her
sixth month of pregnancy. Now she was his betrothed, so it soon
became clear to him that she was expecting, for she could not hide it
from him--after all he did have free access to her and did speak
familiarly with her, so he naturally came to know.
When he realized that my virgin mother was pregnant, he was
stunned, and so entirely taken with distress, that he started to shake.
He slapped himself upon the face, dropped to the ground upon
sackcloth and wailed, “With what semblance am I to face the Lord my
God? What intercession am I able to offer on behalf of this young
woman? She was a virgin when I accepted her from the Lord’s temple,
but I have not protected her. Who has betrayed me? Who has carried
out such wickedness; violating this virgin in my very own home?
Could it be that my life has become like Adam’s? For Adam was by
himself in his time of prayer, when the serpent crept up and found Eve
alone and beguiled her; and a similar fate has befallen me. My Lord,
my God, take my spirit, for I would rather die than live!” And the
virgins who had been with Mary asked him, “What are you saying,
Master Joseph? We are quite convinced that no man has laid his hand
on her. We know for sure that she has not sullied her innocence and
that she has, in fact, preserved her virginity, for God Himself has
protected her. We have kept our eyes on her; and she continues ever
with us in our prayers. Every day an angel of the Lord speaks with
her; and every day she is fed by an angel’s hand. How any evil could
enter into her, or how there could be any sin within her we do not
know, but if you want us to tell you what we think it is, it is that
nothing less than God’s angel has impregnated her.” “Are you trying
to tell me that an angel of God has gotten her pregnant?” Joseph
replied. “Why are you trying to deceive me? Truly, it is more likely
that someone disguised as an angel from God has seduced her.” And
he sobbed as he spoke these things and asked, “How am I going to
look when I enter into the Lord’s temple? How am I to hide my circumstances from the priests of God? What am I supposed to do?”
And after he had spoken this, it occurred to him that he should run
away, and secretly put her away as well.
Then Joseph got up from the sackcloth, summoned Mary to himself
and asked, “Why have you who were cared for by God, forgotten your
God and done this thing? Why have you who were hand-fed by an
angel and raised in the holy of holies gone and debased your very
soul?” And through her tears, she sobbed, “I am chaste and have
never slept with any man.” “As my Lord is the Living God,” Joseph
replied, “I don’t know why this has happened to me.” And he could
not even bring himself to eat or drink anything that day on account of
his sorrow and dread.
And Joseph left her there, unsure as to which course it would be
best to take. He grew all the more anxious and confused the more he
tried to figure out what he should do with her, for he was a righteous
man and was not eager to expose her, nor as a pious man was he
willing to stigmatize her with the reputation of a whore. “If I should
cover up her sin,” he said, “I will be opposing the law of the Lord, and
if I should expose her to the children of Israel, I fear that I might be
handing over innocent blood to the sentence of death, for what is in
her may indeed be from the angels.”
He therefore determined firmly to terminate their engagement
quietly, and to divorce her secretly. And when he had decided this, he
started to devise a scheme to hide Mary and put her away: he planned
to get up in the middle of the night, leave her there and live in
seclusion, but night fell upon him as he was working out the details.
Now behold, later on that evening that holy prince of angels, the angel
of the Lord’s Spirit, Gabriel, came to this earth with an order from my
Father, and spoke to Joseph in his dreams, saying, “Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid! Do not fear to take this child, nor hesitate to
take Mary as your wife. Do not think unseemly thoughts about the
Virgin, and do not imagine for a moment that she is guilty of
fornication, for it is by means of the Holy Spirit that she has conceived,
and among all women is the only virgin who will ever give birth. And
she will bring forth a son--even the very Son of God--whom you are to
name ‘Jesus,’ which means ‘The Savior,’ for he will save his people
from their sins.” Now all of these things came to pass in order to fulfill
what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin
will conceive and bring forth a son, whom they will call Immanuel;”
which means ‘God in our midst,’ when interpreted. “He will rule all nations with a rod of iron.” And after saying all of this to him, the
angel left his presence. And at midday, Joseph rose up from his
slumber, gave praise to the God of Israel, and thanked Him Who had
shown him such mercy.
He then shared his dream with Mary and the other virgins who
were there. And after receiving assurances from the angels and from
Mary, he confessed, “I have sinned in my mistrust of you.” And he did
not divorce her, but kept her instead as the angel had instructed him;
and she remained in there with him. Even so, he did not speak these
things to anyone.
(BMary 6:6,7/8:1-11; PEv 13:1-14:2;
Matt 1:19-24; PsMt 10,11; HJC 5; AsIs 11:4)
Capernaum; Bethlehem; Nazareth
Even as all of this was going on, Joseph, because he was a
carpenter, was busily at work on a house-building project near the
seaside district in Capernaum, where he remained for nine months.
Now after the nine months had passed, as the customary engagement
ceremonies were drawing to a close, three months after Mary’s conception, that venerable man Joseph left the building site and
returned to his hometown of Bethlehem to get his house in order and
to supply the provisions necessary for the wedding. But Mary, the
Lord’s Virgin had returned to her parents’ home in Galilee, along with
the seven other virgins who were of the same age and period of
weaning, and who had been appointed by the priest to care for her.
And Joseph left Judea and traveled on to Galilee, planning to visit the
Virgin there, for it was by then nearly three months from their time of
engagement.
Behold, by the time Joseph entered into his home, Mary was in her
sixth month of pregnancy. Now she was his betrothed, so it soon
became clear to him that she was expecting, for she could not hide it
from him--after all he did have free access to her and did speak
familiarly with her, so he naturally came to know.
When he realized that my virgin mother was pregnant, he was
stunned, and so entirely taken with distress, that he started to shake.
He slapped himself upon the face, dropped to the ground upon
sackcloth and wailed, “With what semblance am I to face the Lord my
God? What intercession am I able to offer on behalf of this young
woman? She was a virgin when I accepted her from the Lord’s temple,
but I have not protected her. Who has betrayed me? Who has carried
out such wickedness; violating this virgin in my very own home?
Could it be that my life has become like Adam’s? For Adam was by
himself in his time of prayer, when the serpent crept up and found Eve
alone and beguiled her; and a similar fate has befallen me. My Lord,
my God, take my spirit, for I would rather die than live!” And the
virgins who had been with Mary asked him, “What are you saying,
Master Joseph? We are quite convinced that no man has laid his hand
on her. We know for sure that she has not sullied her innocence and
that she has, in fact, preserved her virginity, for God Himself has
protected her. We have kept our eyes on her; and she continues ever
with us in our prayers. Every day an angel of the Lord speaks with
her; and every day she is fed by an angel’s hand. How any evil could
enter into her, or how there could be any sin within her we do not
know, but if you want us to tell you what we think it is, it is that
nothing less than God’s angel has impregnated her.” “Are you trying
to tell me that an angel of God has gotten her pregnant?” Joseph
replied. “Why are you trying to deceive me? Truly, it is more likely
that someone disguised as an angel from God has seduced her.” And
he sobbed as he spoke these things and asked, “How am I going to
look when I enter into the Lord’s temple? How am I to hide my circumstances from the priests of God? What am I supposed to do?”
And after he had spoken this, it occurred to him that he should run
away, and secretly put her away as well.
Then Joseph got up from the sackcloth, summoned Mary to himself
and asked, “Why have you who were cared for by God, forgotten your
God and done this thing? Why have you who were hand-fed by an
angel and raised in the holy of holies gone and debased your very
soul?” And through her tears, she sobbed, “I am chaste and have
never slept with any man.” “As my Lord is the Living God,” Joseph
replied, “I don’t know why this has happened to me.” And he could
not even bring himself to eat or drink anything that day on account of
his sorrow and dread.
And Joseph left her there, unsure as to which course it would be
best to take. He grew all the more anxious and confused the more he
tried to figure out what he should do with her, for he was a righteous
man and was not eager to expose her, nor as a pious man was he
willing to stigmatize her with the reputation of a whore. “If I should
cover up her sin,” he said, “I will be opposing the law of the Lord, and
if I should expose her to the children of Israel, I fear that I might be
handing over innocent blood to the sentence of death, for what is in
her may indeed be from the angels.”
He therefore determined firmly to terminate their engagement
quietly, and to divorce her secretly. And when he had decided this, he
started to devise a scheme to hide Mary and put her away: he planned
to get up in the middle of the night, leave her there and live in
seclusion, but night fell upon him as he was working out the details.
Now behold, later on that evening that holy prince of angels, the angel
of the Lord’s Spirit, Gabriel, came to this earth with an order from my
Father, and spoke to Joseph in his dreams, saying, “Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid! Do not fear to take this child, nor hesitate to
take Mary as your wife. Do not think unseemly thoughts about the
Virgin, and do not imagine for a moment that she is guilty of
fornication, for it is by means of the Holy Spirit that she has conceived,
and among all women is the only virgin who will ever give birth. And
she will bring forth a son--even the very Son of God--whom you are to
name ‘Jesus,’ which means ‘The Savior,’ for he will save his people
from their sins.” Now all of these things came to pass in order to fulfill
what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin
will conceive and bring forth a son, whom they will call Immanuel;”
which means ‘God in our midst,’ when interpreted. “He will rule all nations with a rod of iron.” And after saying all of this to him, the
angel left his presence. And at midday, Joseph rose up from his
slumber, gave praise to the God of Israel, and thanked Him Who had
shown him such mercy.
He then shared his dream with Mary and the other virgins who
were there. And after receiving assurances from the angels and from
Mary, he confessed, “I have sinned in my mistrust of you.” And he did
not divorce her, but kept her instead as the angel had instructed him;
and she remained in there with him. Even so, he did not speak these
things to anyone.
THE TRIAL OF JOSEPH AND MARY
(PsMt 12; PEv 15:1-16:2 BMary 8:12; AsIs 11:5,6)
Jerusalem, The Hills of the Countryside
A rumor started to get around that Mary was pregnant, so Annas,
the teacher of the law, came to Joseph and demanded, “Why have you
not seen fit to join in our assembly?” Joseph replied, “Because my
travels tired me out and I took it easy on my first day back.” Then
Annas caught sight of Mary and saw for himself that she was with
child. He ran to the priest and said: “Joseph, for whom you have
borne witness, has done a terrible thing!” “What is it?” the high priest
asked him. “He has deflowered the virgin whom he received from the
Lord’s temple,” Annas replied, “consummating his marriage to her
without telling it to the children of Israel.” “Has Joseph really done
this thing?” the priest inquired. “Send officers and you will find that
the ‘Virgin’ is pregnant.” Some officers then went and verified that it
was true, bringing Joseph and Mary back with them to the court. The
temple officers seized Joseph and led him before the high priest who
began to accuse him, (together with the other) priests, saying, “How
could you have been cheated out of a wedding like this; a virgin whom
God’s own angels nurtured as a dove in the temple, who never sought
the company of any man, and whose understanding of God’s law was
unexcelled? Why have you done this kind of thing? Had you not
defiled this maiden, she would be a virgin today.” But Joseph swore
on oath that he had never even touched her, saying, “As my Lord is the
Living God, I am not to blame for the state she is in.” “Do not perjure
yourself,” the priest rejoined. “Own up to the facts; you have failed to
bow your head beneath the hand of power, and have consummated
your marriage without telling it to the children of Israel, and have
thereby denied a blessing on your children.” Joseph did not speak a
word, so the priest demanded, “Restore the ‘virgin’ that you took from
the Lord’s temple.” As Joseph wept in bitterness, the priest announced, “I will give you both to drink of the water of the Lord’s
testing, and it will witness to you of your sins.” He then brought it
over to Joseph to drink and sent him out into the hills, and he
returned to them unchanged.
“As God is living,” the high priest Abiathar said to Joseph, “I will
therefore give you to drink of the water of the Lord’s testing, and He
will immediately show the sign of your sin.” So Joseph was also called
before the altar and given the water of the Lord’s testing, out of which
should anyone drink and walk around it seven times, will expose his
guilt, for if he has spoken a falsehood, God will show it in his face.
Joseph drank it gladly and went around the altar, and not a trace of
guilt appeared on him. So the priests, the officers, and the people
there exalted him, saying “Blessed are you, for evil was not found in
you.”
Then a great crowd of Israelites gathered around, and Mary was
ushered into the Lord’s temple. The priests, her neighbors, and even
her parents clamored to Mary: “Confess to the priests that you, who
were hand-fed as a dove by angels in God’s temple, have committed
sin.” And calling Mary to themselves, they asked, “What excuse can
you possibly give? What sign will He give over and above the
pregnancy that is clearly revealed in your own womb?” And the priest
demanded, “Why have you who were raised in the holy of holies,
hand-fed by an angel, heard hymns and danced in His presence, done
this, humbling your very soul and forgetting the Lord your God? Since
Joseph has been cleared with regard to you, we will only accept one
answer from you, and that is that you should tell us who it was that
seduced you. For truly it would be better for you to confess than to
have the wrath of God revealed as a sign on your face, exposing you
before us all.” But Mary burst into tears and replied, “As my Lord is
the Living God, I am untainted before Him and have never slept with
any man.” But he had Mary drink as well, and venture out into the
hills, whereupon she also returned unchanged.
Mary then stood firmly, and boldly proclaimed, “If there is any evil
or defilement in me, or if there has ever been in me any lust or
lasciviousness, may the Lord expose me before everyone here, that
they might learn a lesson from my case.” And she approached the
altar of God in complete assurance, drank the water of testing, and
went around it seven times, and not a trace of guilt was found in her.
Seeing that she was pregnant, yet still displayed no sign of guilt, all
of the people stammered, and were bewildered. But, as is common in
crowds, some of them became disorderly and complained to one another. Some of them blessed her, saying that she was holy and pure;
but others, motivated by doubts, denounced her, saying that she was
wicked and defiled. Then Mary, seeing how her integrity had not rid
the people of their doubts, confidently said to them: “As God, Adonai
of the multitudes, in whose sight I stand lives, I have never slept with
any man, nor has it ever crossed my mind, seeing that from the time of
my youth until this day I have been ever mindful of this vow. And I
made this pledge my offering to God from early in my childhood, that I
might dwell uprightly with Him Who made me; live solely in Him with
Whom I share my convictions; and remain spotlessly and exclusively
with Him.”
Then the priest announced to them, “If the Lord God has not
revealed any sins in you, then neither will I judge you,” and he let
them both go. Then everyone started kissing her and asking her to
forgive them for their vicious mistrust. Then Joseph and Mary left for
his house, joyfully praising the God of Israel. Everyone, including the
priests and the virgins led her home, rejoicing, celebrating, and loudly
proclaiming, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, who has revealed your
holiness to Israel.” And after this, Joseph married the virgin and
guarded her, living separately alongside her for two months; never
approaching her or lying with her, but keeping her as a perfect virgin as the angel had instructed him.
(PsMt 12; PEv 15:1-16:2 BMary 8:12; AsIs 11:5,6)
Jerusalem, The Hills of the Countryside
A rumor started to get around that Mary was pregnant, so Annas,
the teacher of the law, came to Joseph and demanded, “Why have you
not seen fit to join in our assembly?” Joseph replied, “Because my
travels tired me out and I took it easy on my first day back.” Then
Annas caught sight of Mary and saw for himself that she was with
child. He ran to the priest and said: “Joseph, for whom you have
borne witness, has done a terrible thing!” “What is it?” the high priest
asked him. “He has deflowered the virgin whom he received from the
Lord’s temple,” Annas replied, “consummating his marriage to her
without telling it to the children of Israel.” “Has Joseph really done
this thing?” the priest inquired. “Send officers and you will find that
the ‘Virgin’ is pregnant.” Some officers then went and verified that it
was true, bringing Joseph and Mary back with them to the court. The
temple officers seized Joseph and led him before the high priest who
began to accuse him, (together with the other) priests, saying, “How
could you have been cheated out of a wedding like this; a virgin whom
God’s own angels nurtured as a dove in the temple, who never sought
the company of any man, and whose understanding of God’s law was
unexcelled? Why have you done this kind of thing? Had you not
defiled this maiden, she would be a virgin today.” But Joseph swore
on oath that he had never even touched her, saying, “As my Lord is the
Living God, I am not to blame for the state she is in.” “Do not perjure
yourself,” the priest rejoined. “Own up to the facts; you have failed to
bow your head beneath the hand of power, and have consummated
your marriage without telling it to the children of Israel, and have
thereby denied a blessing on your children.” Joseph did not speak a
word, so the priest demanded, “Restore the ‘virgin’ that you took from
the Lord’s temple.” As Joseph wept in bitterness, the priest announced, “I will give you both to drink of the water of the Lord’s
testing, and it will witness to you of your sins.” He then brought it
over to Joseph to drink and sent him out into the hills, and he
returned to them unchanged.
“As God is living,” the high priest Abiathar said to Joseph, “I will
therefore give you to drink of the water of the Lord’s testing, and He
will immediately show the sign of your sin.” So Joseph was also called
before the altar and given the water of the Lord’s testing, out of which
should anyone drink and walk around it seven times, will expose his
guilt, for if he has spoken a falsehood, God will show it in his face.
Joseph drank it gladly and went around the altar, and not a trace of
guilt appeared on him. So the priests, the officers, and the people
there exalted him, saying “Blessed are you, for evil was not found in
you.”
Then a great crowd of Israelites gathered around, and Mary was
ushered into the Lord’s temple. The priests, her neighbors, and even
her parents clamored to Mary: “Confess to the priests that you, who
were hand-fed as a dove by angels in God’s temple, have committed
sin.” And calling Mary to themselves, they asked, “What excuse can
you possibly give? What sign will He give over and above the
pregnancy that is clearly revealed in your own womb?” And the priest
demanded, “Why have you who were raised in the holy of holies,
hand-fed by an angel, heard hymns and danced in His presence, done
this, humbling your very soul and forgetting the Lord your God? Since
Joseph has been cleared with regard to you, we will only accept one
answer from you, and that is that you should tell us who it was that
seduced you. For truly it would be better for you to confess than to
have the wrath of God revealed as a sign on your face, exposing you
before us all.” But Mary burst into tears and replied, “As my Lord is
the Living God, I am untainted before Him and have never slept with
any man.” But he had Mary drink as well, and venture out into the
hills, whereupon she also returned unchanged.
Mary then stood firmly, and boldly proclaimed, “If there is any evil
or defilement in me, or if there has ever been in me any lust or
lasciviousness, may the Lord expose me before everyone here, that
they might learn a lesson from my case.” And she approached the
altar of God in complete assurance, drank the water of testing, and
went around it seven times, and not a trace of guilt was found in her.
Seeing that she was pregnant, yet still displayed no sign of guilt, all
of the people stammered, and were bewildered. But, as is common in
crowds, some of them became disorderly and complained to one another. Some of them blessed her, saying that she was holy and pure;
but others, motivated by doubts, denounced her, saying that she was
wicked and defiled. Then Mary, seeing how her integrity had not rid
the people of their doubts, confidently said to them: “As God, Adonai
of the multitudes, in whose sight I stand lives, I have never slept with
any man, nor has it ever crossed my mind, seeing that from the time of
my youth until this day I have been ever mindful of this vow. And I
made this pledge my offering to God from early in my childhood, that I
might dwell uprightly with Him Who made me; live solely in Him with
Whom I share my convictions; and remain spotlessly and exclusively
with Him.”
Then the priest announced to them, “If the Lord God has not
revealed any sins in you, then neither will I judge you,” and he let
them both go. Then everyone started kissing her and asking her to
forgive them for their vicious mistrust. Then Joseph and Mary left for
his house, joyfully praising the God of Israel. Everyone, including the
priests and the virgins led her home, rejoicing, celebrating, and loudly
proclaiming, “Blessed be the name of the Lord, who has revealed your
holiness to Israel.” And after this, Joseph married the virgin and
guarded her, living separately alongside her for two months; never
approaching her or lying with her, but keeping her as a perfect virgin as the angel had instructed him.
INFANCY 2
INTODUCTION TO THE ARABIC INFANCY GOSPEL;
JOSEPH AND MARY TRAVEL TO BETHLEHEM
(Luke 2:1-6; BMary 8:13,14; PEv 17:1-18:1;
PsMt 13; ArIn 1:1,4-6; AsIs 11:7; HJC 7; Qur 19:23-26)
Nazareth; Jerusalem; The Road to Bethlehem
{We found the following reports written in the Book of Joseph the
High Priest, who some say is Caiaphas:}
Now it happened shortly after the two months, in the three hundred
and ninth year of the reign of Alexander, when Joseph the Carpenter
was living apart from his wife Mary in her house, that a registration
was imposed according to the edict of Augustus Caesar the king: that
everyone in the inhabited world should register in his own town. (This
registration was the first to take place during the governorship of
Quirinius in Syria.) So everyone returned to enroll in their own home
towns. It was needful, therefore, for Joseph to sign on with Mary (in
Bethlehem), because they, being of the tribe of Judah, and the stock
and lineage of David, were both from there. By then it was approaching nine months from her time of conception, and by then
Mary was great with child.
“I will enter my sons,” (said Joseph,) “but what am I to do with this
girl? How am I to register her? As my wife? I am too embarrassed to
admit that! Perhaps as my daughter! I cannot, for the children of
Israel are all aware that she is not my daughter. No, on this, the Lord’s
Day, the Lord will do as He sees fit.” So the aged and righteous Joseph
got up, packed some essentials, saddled his donkey, and seated her on
it. Joseph then left the city of Nazareth, his son leading and himself
trailing behind. They passed through Galilee and entered into Judea,
then traveled on to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
And as they were approaching the third milestone, Joseph turned
around and noticed Mary looking sad, so he thought within himself,
“Perhaps the child within her is causing her anguish.” Later on, Joseph
turned around and saw her laughing out loud, so he asked her, “Mary, why do I see laughter on your face one minute and sorrow on it the
next?” And Mary replied to Joseph, “I can see two peoples with these
eyes of mine: one of them weeping in bitterness and one triumphing in
utter joy.”
When they reached the halfway point along the road to Bethlehem,
Mary called out to Joseph, “I see two nations before me, one weeping
and the other rejoicing.” “Sit quietly upon your beast,” answered
Joseph, “and speak only when necessary!” A handsome young man,
all dressed in white, appeared before them there and asked, “Joseph,
why did you say that the words that were spoken by Mary concerning
the two peoples were superfluous? For she saw the Jewish people
weeping because they have abandoned their God; and the Gentile
people rejoicing because they have drawn near to the Lord, even as He
promised to our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for the time
has now come for a blessing to be extended toward all the nations of
the children of Abraham!”
And after he had spoken this, they drew near to the cave. And the
angel commanded the donkey to stop, for it happened at that point
that the time for her to give birth had come. Mary then let Joseph
know that it was her time, and that she would be unable to make it
into town. The angel then told Mary to come down from her beast.
“Joseph,” said Mary, “take me off of this donkey, for the child within
me is struggling to come out.” And Joseph helped her down from it.
And the throes of childbirth drove her to the base of a palm, where she
lamented, “Oh that I had only died before and passed into oblivion!”
And from within a voice cried out, “Do not be sad, for below at your feet, your Lord has provided you with a brook. Now if you should
shake the palm a bit, it will drop fresh, ripe dates into your lap. Eat,
drink, and rejoice therefore; and if you should meet with anyone,
merely say, ‘I have sworn a fast to the Lord this day, and will not speak
with any man.’”
And (Joseph) asked her, “Where am I to take you in this forsaken
place that I might conceal your disgrace?” “Enter into an
underground cavern which has never seen the light of day,” the angel
replied, “but which has forever been choked with darkness.” Joseph
found a cave nearby, and Mary said, “Let us enter into it,” and he took
her inside. Now as soon as Mary entered the cave, it began to shine as
bright as the sixth hour of the day. And the light, which came from
God, was such that so long as Mary was there, be it either night or day,
there was never any lack thereof.
INTODUCTION TO THE ARABIC INFANCY GOSPEL;
JOSEPH AND MARY TRAVEL TO BETHLEHEM
(Luke 2:1-6; BMary 8:13,14; PEv 17:1-18:1;
PsMt 13; ArIn 1:1,4-6; AsIs 11:7; HJC 7; Qur 19:23-26)
Nazareth; Jerusalem; The Road to Bethlehem
{We found the following reports written in the Book of Joseph the
High Priest, who some say is Caiaphas:}
Now it happened shortly after the two months, in the three hundred
and ninth year of the reign of Alexander, when Joseph the Carpenter
was living apart from his wife Mary in her house, that a registration
was imposed according to the edict of Augustus Caesar the king: that
everyone in the inhabited world should register in his own town. (This
registration was the first to take place during the governorship of
Quirinius in Syria.) So everyone returned to enroll in their own home
towns. It was needful, therefore, for Joseph to sign on with Mary (in
Bethlehem), because they, being of the tribe of Judah, and the stock
and lineage of David, were both from there. By then it was approaching nine months from her time of conception, and by then
Mary was great with child.
“I will enter my sons,” (said Joseph,) “but what am I to do with this
girl? How am I to register her? As my wife? I am too embarrassed to
admit that! Perhaps as my daughter! I cannot, for the children of
Israel are all aware that she is not my daughter. No, on this, the Lord’s
Day, the Lord will do as He sees fit.” So the aged and righteous Joseph
got up, packed some essentials, saddled his donkey, and seated her on
it. Joseph then left the city of Nazareth, his son leading and himself
trailing behind. They passed through Galilee and entered into Judea,
then traveled on to Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
And as they were approaching the third milestone, Joseph turned
around and noticed Mary looking sad, so he thought within himself,
“Perhaps the child within her is causing her anguish.” Later on, Joseph
turned around and saw her laughing out loud, so he asked her, “Mary, why do I see laughter on your face one minute and sorrow on it the
next?” And Mary replied to Joseph, “I can see two peoples with these
eyes of mine: one of them weeping in bitterness and one triumphing in
utter joy.”
When they reached the halfway point along the road to Bethlehem,
Mary called out to Joseph, “I see two nations before me, one weeping
and the other rejoicing.” “Sit quietly upon your beast,” answered
Joseph, “and speak only when necessary!” A handsome young man,
all dressed in white, appeared before them there and asked, “Joseph,
why did you say that the words that were spoken by Mary concerning
the two peoples were superfluous? For she saw the Jewish people
weeping because they have abandoned their God; and the Gentile
people rejoicing because they have drawn near to the Lord, even as He
promised to our forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for the time
has now come for a blessing to be extended toward all the nations of
the children of Abraham!”
And after he had spoken this, they drew near to the cave. And the
angel commanded the donkey to stop, for it happened at that point
that the time for her to give birth had come. Mary then let Joseph
know that it was her time, and that she would be unable to make it
into town. The angel then told Mary to come down from her beast.
“Joseph,” said Mary, “take me off of this donkey, for the child within
me is struggling to come out.” And Joseph helped her down from it.
And the throes of childbirth drove her to the base of a palm, where she
lamented, “Oh that I had only died before and passed into oblivion!”
And from within a voice cried out, “Do not be sad, for below at your feet, your Lord has provided you with a brook. Now if you should
shake the palm a bit, it will drop fresh, ripe dates into your lap. Eat,
drink, and rejoice therefore; and if you should meet with anyone,
merely say, ‘I have sworn a fast to the Lord this day, and will not speak
with any man.’”
And (Joseph) asked her, “Where am I to take you in this forsaken
place that I might conceal your disgrace?” “Enter into an
underground cavern which has never seen the light of day,” the angel
replied, “but which has forever been choked with darkness.” Joseph
found a cave nearby, and Mary said, “Let us enter into it,” and he took
her inside. Now as soon as Mary entered the cave, it began to shine as
bright as the sixth hour of the day. And the light, which came from
God, was such that so long as Mary was there, be it either night or day,
there was never any lack thereof.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
(Luke 2:7a; Matt 1:25; PEv 18:1-20:3; PsMt 13;
SbOr 8:471-476; BMary 8:15; LtIn 73,74 in Arundel Ms 404;
ArIn 1:2,3,7; AsIs 10:7-31, 11:8b-14;
OSol 19:6-11; IgEph 19)
In a Cave Between Jerusalem
And Bethlehem;
The Seven Heavens
And Joseph, leaving his sons to care for her, went out to seek for a
Jewish midwife in the region of Bethlehem. Now behold, a girl drew
near with a birthing chair and came to a stop. Both of them were
startled, and Joseph asked her, “Girl, where are you going with that
chair?” And she answered him, “My mistress has sent me here because
a young man came running up and crying out, ‘Hurry now! Come and
assist in a remarkable birth, because for the first time ever a virgin will
bring forth.’ Now as soon as my mistress heard this, she sent me out
ahead of her. Look, here she comes now!” And behold, there was this
woman coming down from the hills. Joseph turned around and saw
her approaching, so he went up to her and they introduced themselves
to one another. “Mister,” the midwife asked Joseph, “where are you
headed?” And he answered her, “I am in search of a Jewish midwife.”
And the woman asked him, “Are you an Israelite?” “Indeed I am,”
Joseph replied. The woman then asked him, “Who is this ‘virgin’ who
is ready to bring forth in this cavern?” “It is Mary,” answered Joseph,
“who was educated in the Lord’s temple and betrothed to me.” “Is she
therefore not your wife?” the midwife asked him. “Well, she was
betrothed to me,” Joseph replied, “but it was the Holy Spirit that brought about her conception.” “Is what you say indeed the truth?”
the midwife asked him. “Come and see it for yourself!” responded
Joseph. And she followed him to the mouth of the cave, where they
came to a stop. “Come and have a look at Mary,” he directed her, so
both of them went inside. And even as she was about to enter into the
innermost chamber, behold, a luminous cloud shone brilliantly within
it, and the midwife froze with fear.
“Behold,” Joseph cried aloud to Mary, “I have brought you a
midwife, Zachel, who is standing outside at the opening. Not only
does she not dare to enter, but indeed finds it impossible to do so.”
When Mary heard this, she grinned. “Do not smile,” Joseph
complained, “but be prudent, for she has come to examine you and see
if you need medicine.” He asked the midwife to go inside and have a
look, and she stood before Mary.
“Now as I was going in,” (the midwife later reported,) “I saw the
virgin looking up and facing heaven. And although she seemed to be
talking to herself, I truly believe that she was praying to and praising
the Most High God. And when I came up to her, I said, ‘Tell me, my
daughter, do you not feel any pain? Is there no part of your body in
anguish?’ Yet she remained motionless; fixed like a solid rock toward
heaven.” And for several hours Mary allowed herself to be observed.
(And when the Lord was about to be born, Joseph went away to seek
midwives.)
And [in his vision, Isaiah] heard the voice of the Most High, the
Eternal One, [his] Lord’s Father saying to [his] Lord, the Son, the
Christ, the one who is to be called Jesus, “Withdraw from here and
pass through the heavens. You must descend below the skies of that
world to dwell within that sphere, and further descend as far as the
angel in Sheol, but you will by no means travel as far down as
destruction and perdition. And you are to take on the appearance of
those of the five heavens, and must take care to transform yourself
into the image of both the angels of the sky, and those in Sheol. Not a
single angel of that realm will perceive that you are Lord with me over
their angels of governance and those of the seven heavens. And they
will fail to grasp that you are with Me when with the utterance of the
skies I summon you unto Myself--along with their angels and stars--
until My voice ascends to the sixth heaven, that you might pass
judgment upon and utterly destroy the rulers, angels, and ‘gods’ of
that realm, and the domain that they control. For they have all denied
Me and said, ‘We are all alone, and there is no one here but us.’ After this, you will rise again from the dead, rising from the ‘gods’ of death
and entering into your true stature. And you are to wear no disguise
in any of the heavens, but in the fullness of your splendor will you rise
up and sit to My right, and the princes and powers will worship you, as
will each and every angelic being and authority, be they in heaven, on
earth, or in hell.” These are the instructions that I heard the Great and
Glorious One giving to my Lord.
And I could see the Lord departing from the seventh heaven and
entering into the sixth. The angel who had accompanied me from that
world was with me, and he said, “Isaiah, look and see, that you may
understand the disguising and descent of the Lord.” Then I looked,
and when the angels of the sixth heaven saw him, they exalted and
venerated him, for he had not been changed into the form of the
angels there. And as they were praising him, I sang praises to him
right along with them. And when I saw him descend into the fifth
heaven, he transformed himself to resemble the angels there; and they
did not exalt or venerate him when they saw him, for his appearance
was like their own. He then went down into the fourth heaven and
changed his appearance into that of the angels who were there, and
when they saw him, they neither exalted nor venerated him, for his
form was just like theirs. Again, I saw him descend into the third
heaven, that he changed himself into the form of the angels there.
Now the gatekeepers of that realm demanded the password, so to keep
from being known, the Lord spoke it to them. And when they saw
him, they did not exalt or venerate him because his appearance was
like their own. Again I saw him descend into the second heaven,
where the gatekeepers likewise demanded the password, and the Lord
provided it. Then I saw him disguise himself to look like the angels of
the second heaven, but because he looked like them, they did not exalt
him when they saw him. And when I saw him descend into the first
heaven, he spoke the password to the gatekeepers there. Then he
disguised himself to appear as the angels to the left of that throne, and
they neither praised nor worshiped him because his appearance was
like their own. (As for myself, no one even questioned me on account
of the angel who was guiding me.) And once again, he descended into
the sky where the Prince of this World resides and spoke the password
to those on the left hand side, and because his form was just like
theirs, they did not exalt or venerate him there. Quite to the contrary,
they were jealously contending with one another, for there is an evil
power and a competition over trivial matters in that place. And I saw
him descend and disguise himself to resemble the angels of the air, and they did not exalt him there, because he looked like one of them.
He did not speak the password to them, nor did they even question
him, for they were busy pillaging and beating one another.
Now as for the virginity of Mary, and the way that she brought
forth, and the passion of the Lord, they were all concealed from the
Prince of This World. Even though these mysteries were shouted out
loud, God brought them about in complete silence. So how was all this
shown to the world? Up in the heavens a star far more luminous than
any other blazed forth. No words could express its brilliance; its
incomparability left men utterly perplexed. The sun, moon, and stars
surrounded it in harmony, but this star outshone them all. Then
extreme bewilderment ensued; where could this star, which was so
different from its companions have come from? Everywhere, magic
disappeared before it--all the spells of sorcery were broken, and
superstition was removed. The ancient kingdom of darkness was
about to be undone; for God, by coming down in human form, was
ushering in a new order of eternal life. Now what had been devised by
God was being brought to pass; and everything from that day forth
was thrown into disarray on account of this design to destroy death.
“As I was walking along,” (Joseph recalled,) “I came to a stop and
then looked up. There I saw the clouds astonished. And gazing
upward further still, I saw birds motionless against the unmoving sky.
Then I looked around me and saw work hands who were sitting at a
table. A bowl had been placed before them, and their hands were in it,
but they were not moving them to feed themselves. And those in the
process of eating were no longer chewing. Those who were lifting their
food were putting none of it down, while those whose food was near to their lips were putting none of it into their mouths. Everyone was
looking up. And behold, sheep that were being driven along stood still
and did not advance, while the hand of the shepherd whose rod was
set to strike them remained frozen in its place. Then I glanced over to
see what the river looked like. I could see a number of young goats,
some with their muzzles over and others with theirs in the water, but
none of them were drinking. And just as suddenly, everything
returned to normal.” By then the sun was going down.
“At that moment,” (the midwife related,) “everything came to a
complete stop. There was an utter and fearful silence--even the winds
stopped blowing! The leaves did not rustle on the trees, nor did the
waters babble, for the rivers all stopped flowing, and the oceans ceased
their undulations. All that the waters bring forth grew still. There was
no human voice to be heard, and the silence was complete--for the very pole stopped spinning at that moment and time nearly ground to
a halt. All of them were taken with fear and everyone stopped talking.
We were all anticipating the Most High God and the end of the world.”
When the moment was ripe, God showed His power visibly.
Fixated on heaven, the Virgin stood and became as white as snow, for
the fulfillment of all good things was near. “My soul indeed is
magnified,” the midwife exclaimed, “and these eyes of mine have seen
great things, for this very day has brought about the deliverance of
Israel!” And immediately the cloud withdrew from the cave, and was
replaced by a light so bright that our eyes could not endure the sight.
The light brought forth even as the dew from heaven condenses upon
the earth. And even as it blazed, she bore a son by virgin birth. And as
he was coming forth, the luminous beams intensified to a level far
brighter than the sun, filling the entire cave with their brilliance. And
with it came the most fragrant odor imaginable; more redolent than
any aromatic ointment. (Now even though among mankind this is
thought to be an incredible miracle, for God the Father and God the
Son, nothing at all is considered miraculous.) The merry earth
shuddered as the child came forth; the heavenly throne burst out in
laughter as creation celebrated in joy, (and) a dazzlingly brilliant star
was worshiped among the Magi. The angels encompassed him at his coming, and the voices of many invisible beings joined together in
chorus and shouted, “Amen!”
Immediately upon his birth, he stood to his feet, and worshipping
him the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the heights and peace to
men of goodwill on earth.” “Mary looked in astonishment with her
own eyes and saw the infant, and exalted the one to whom she could
see she had borne. As for the child, he radiated a bright and beautiful
light, which was like the rays of the sun. He was indeed a sight to
behold, for his mere arrival pacified and brought to rest the entire
world.” After her astonishment had faded, her womb became even as
it had been prior to conception, and she bound him up in swaddling
cloths.
“I, however, was amazed,” (the midwife continued,) “and I stood
there stunned, staring in utter astonishment at the spectacularly
bright light that had just been brought forth. But in time the light
withdrew and began to take on the form of a newborn child. Soon its
appearance changed to that of a normal infant born after the usual
fashion. And as he came with all of these visible signs, Jesus spoke to
his mother from the cradle, saying, ‘Mary, I am Jesus, that Son of God
and servant; that Word which you have brought forth, even as the angel Gabriel announced to you, and my Father has sent me here to
save the world.’
“And growing ever the more daring,” (the midwife related,) “I bent
down to pick him up and touch him with my hands. What was
startling to me was that unlike other babies who are born on this
earth, he weighed nearly nothing at all! I looked him over closely and
could find no flaw upon him anywhere, but found him instead to be as
luminous in body as the dew from the Most High God. And since he
weighed nearly nothing at all, he was effortless to carry. He was
magnificent to behold, (and) for some time he astounded me by not
crying as other babies do. And as I held him in my arms and gazed
into his face, he let out the most joyful laugh--and when he opened up
his eyes, they pierced me through with just a glance. All of a sudden, a
bright light beamed forth from his eyes like a lightning flash. ‘This has
been a great day for me,’ [I] exclaimed, ‘for I have seen something
completely new!’” Then Jesus went and nursed at the breast of his
mother Mary.
Now Joseph (had) ventured off to see if he could find [any
midwives] for Mary, and after he had found some, he came back. He
spotted an elderly Jewish woman coming from Jerusalem. By the time
Joseph arrived at the cave with the old woman, it was already past
sunset. “Kind woman,” said Joseph, “please come this way and enter
this cave. There you will see a young woman who is about ready to
give birth.” And both of them went inside, but behold, everything there
shimmered with a light that was brighter than lamplight and
candlelight--it was, indeed, even brighter than the sun! By that time
the child was already wrapped up in swaddling clothes and nursing at
the breast of his mother, Saint Mary. And the two of them were taken
aback by the spectacle of light. And when her husband Joseph saw her
there, he said to her, “Tell me what has startled you?” Immediately, his
eyes were opened and he could see the new born child, and he praised
the Lord, because the child had arrived as foretold by the lot. And they
heard a voice proclaim, “Relate this vision to no one!”
“I have brought you two midwives,” Joseph said to Mary, “Zelomi
and Salome. They are standing outside by the mouth of the cave, but
the light is so intense that they dare not enter.” When she heard all
this, Mary smiled. “Stop smiling!” said Joseph. “Be sensible and allow
them to inspect you. What if you should need their medicine?” Then
Mary gave them her permission to enter. And when Zelomi came
inside, she requested of Mary, “Grant me consent to look at you.” And
after Mary had agreed to the examination, the midwife exclaimed, “Lord, oh Almighty Lord, have mercy on us! Never before has it been
heard, nor ever even imagined that a mother should show every sign of
virginity after milk has come into the breasts and a son has been
brought forth! But she has suffered neither loss of blood, nor the
slightest pain in giving birth. As a virgin she has conceived, as a virgin
she has borne a child, and a virgin she remains.”
“Are you the mother of this boy?” the elderly woman asked Saint
Mary. “Indeed I am,” Saint Mary affirmed. “You are completely
unlike other women,” the elderly lady replied. “Even as there is no
child who can compare with my son,” explained Saint Mary, “neither
is there any woman who can compare with his mother.” “My Lady,”
the aged woman replied, “I have come here to receive an everlasting
blessing.”
Now the midwife came out of the cave and Salome greeted her.
“Salome! Salome!” the midwife shouted, “I must tell you of this novel
sight; a virgin has given birth, something that her condition forbids!”
And when Salome, the other midwife, heard that, she scoffed, “As my
Lord is the Living God, I will not believe what I have heard--that a
virgin has given birth--unless I first examine her (and) prove it with
my own finger!”
And Zelomi entered in and said, “Mary, prepare yourself, for there
is no small controversy brewing over you.” And when Mary heard
these words, she lied back down and readied herself. Then Salome
came in and demanded, “Mary, allow me to inspect you and see
whether what Zelomi has told me is true.” And Mary gave her
permission to examine her. So Salome went inside, made her ready,
and proved her status. And when she had inspected her as she had
said and withdrawn her hand, it began to wither up. And overcome
with anguish and horrible pain, she started weeping bitterly. “What
misery for my sin and doubt,” Salome shouted, “for I have tempted the
Living God. Just look, my hand feels like it is burning with fire and
falling right off!” And dropping to her knees, she wept and pleaded
before the Lord, “Oh God of my fathers, consider my case; for I am a
child of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Do not humiliate me before the
children of Israel, but restore me to the destitute; for as You are well
aware, oh Lord, I offer my services in Your name, and my payment
comes from You alone. Oh Lord God, You know that I have always
worshiped You, and cared for those who live in want. Never have I
taken pay from widows and orphans, nor have I ever turned the poor
away empty-handed. Now behold, I am made to suffer for my lack of
faith, for I sought to put Your virgin to the test for no reason whatsoever.”
And even as Salome was recounting these deeds, a young man
dressed in glistening clothes, an angel of the Lord, (appeared and)
50
stood beside her. “Salome! Salome!” he cried aloud, “The Lord your
God has heard your prayer. Go right now, and worship the babe.
Touch him with your hand and he will heal you, and joy and
deliverance will be to you, for he is the Savior of all the world, and of
all who trust in him.” “Place your hands upon the child!” our Lady
Saint Mary bid her. So she quickly approached the infant and adored
him, saying, “I will truly worship this child, for an illustrious king has
been born to Israel!” Then Salome touched the hem of his swaddling
clothes and immediately her hand was healed, and she was restored as
she had implored.
And upon her restoration, she got up to leave, testifying along the
way, “From this day forward, I will serve this child and care for him!”
And as she was leaving the cave, she started crying out and
proclaiming the marvelous things that she had seen--the way that she
had suffered and the healing that she had received--and great
numbers were persuaded by her testimony. Now behold, an angel of
the Lord cried out to her, “Salome! Salome! Let no one hear of the
wonders you’ve seen until this child enters Jerusalem!” But stories
about him circulated widely throughout Bethlehem. Some of them
claimed, “The Virgin Mary has brought forth before even two months
of marriage.” Many others contended, “Mary did not really give birth;
the midwife never went up, and we heard no cries or anguish of birth.”
All of them were blind to him; everybody knew of him, but they did
not know where he came from.
Joseph then (went and) entered his name into the register; for
Mary’s husband was a son of David, from the tribe of Judah. So it
happened that my mother, the Virgin Mary, brought me forth in
Bethlehem; in a cave near to the tomb of Rachel, the wife of Jacob the
patriarch, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She became a
gracious mother, and it was not without reason that her labor and her
childbirth were free from anguish; for she did not seek after a midwife
because the Father used her as a conduit of life itself. She, driven by
her intense determination, gave birth manfully, and her childbirth
came about precisely as it had been foretold, and was effected by an
extreme power. And in her love was deliverance, in her guardianship was benevolence, and in her declaration was grandeur.
(Luke 2:7a; Matt 1:25; PEv 18:1-20:3; PsMt 13;
SbOr 8:471-476; BMary 8:15; LtIn 73,74 in Arundel Ms 404;
ArIn 1:2,3,7; AsIs 10:7-31, 11:8b-14;
OSol 19:6-11; IgEph 19)
In a Cave Between Jerusalem
And Bethlehem;
The Seven Heavens
And Joseph, leaving his sons to care for her, went out to seek for a
Jewish midwife in the region of Bethlehem. Now behold, a girl drew
near with a birthing chair and came to a stop. Both of them were
startled, and Joseph asked her, “Girl, where are you going with that
chair?” And she answered him, “My mistress has sent me here because
a young man came running up and crying out, ‘Hurry now! Come and
assist in a remarkable birth, because for the first time ever a virgin will
bring forth.’ Now as soon as my mistress heard this, she sent me out
ahead of her. Look, here she comes now!” And behold, there was this
woman coming down from the hills. Joseph turned around and saw
her approaching, so he went up to her and they introduced themselves
to one another. “Mister,” the midwife asked Joseph, “where are you
headed?” And he answered her, “I am in search of a Jewish midwife.”
And the woman asked him, “Are you an Israelite?” “Indeed I am,”
Joseph replied. The woman then asked him, “Who is this ‘virgin’ who
is ready to bring forth in this cavern?” “It is Mary,” answered Joseph,
“who was educated in the Lord’s temple and betrothed to me.” “Is she
therefore not your wife?” the midwife asked him. “Well, she was
betrothed to me,” Joseph replied, “but it was the Holy Spirit that brought about her conception.” “Is what you say indeed the truth?”
the midwife asked him. “Come and see it for yourself!” responded
Joseph. And she followed him to the mouth of the cave, where they
came to a stop. “Come and have a look at Mary,” he directed her, so
both of them went inside. And even as she was about to enter into the
innermost chamber, behold, a luminous cloud shone brilliantly within
it, and the midwife froze with fear.
“Behold,” Joseph cried aloud to Mary, “I have brought you a
midwife, Zachel, who is standing outside at the opening. Not only
does she not dare to enter, but indeed finds it impossible to do so.”
When Mary heard this, she grinned. “Do not smile,” Joseph
complained, “but be prudent, for she has come to examine you and see
if you need medicine.” He asked the midwife to go inside and have a
look, and she stood before Mary.
“Now as I was going in,” (the midwife later reported,) “I saw the
virgin looking up and facing heaven. And although she seemed to be
talking to herself, I truly believe that she was praying to and praising
the Most High God. And when I came up to her, I said, ‘Tell me, my
daughter, do you not feel any pain? Is there no part of your body in
anguish?’ Yet she remained motionless; fixed like a solid rock toward
heaven.” And for several hours Mary allowed herself to be observed.
(And when the Lord was about to be born, Joseph went away to seek
midwives.)
And [in his vision, Isaiah] heard the voice of the Most High, the
Eternal One, [his] Lord’s Father saying to [his] Lord, the Son, the
Christ, the one who is to be called Jesus, “Withdraw from here and
pass through the heavens. You must descend below the skies of that
world to dwell within that sphere, and further descend as far as the
angel in Sheol, but you will by no means travel as far down as
destruction and perdition. And you are to take on the appearance of
those of the five heavens, and must take care to transform yourself
into the image of both the angels of the sky, and those in Sheol. Not a
single angel of that realm will perceive that you are Lord with me over
their angels of governance and those of the seven heavens. And they
will fail to grasp that you are with Me when with the utterance of the
skies I summon you unto Myself--along with their angels and stars--
until My voice ascends to the sixth heaven, that you might pass
judgment upon and utterly destroy the rulers, angels, and ‘gods’ of
that realm, and the domain that they control. For they have all denied
Me and said, ‘We are all alone, and there is no one here but us.’ After this, you will rise again from the dead, rising from the ‘gods’ of death
and entering into your true stature. And you are to wear no disguise
in any of the heavens, but in the fullness of your splendor will you rise
up and sit to My right, and the princes and powers will worship you, as
will each and every angelic being and authority, be they in heaven, on
earth, or in hell.” These are the instructions that I heard the Great and
Glorious One giving to my Lord.
And I could see the Lord departing from the seventh heaven and
entering into the sixth. The angel who had accompanied me from that
world was with me, and he said, “Isaiah, look and see, that you may
understand the disguising and descent of the Lord.” Then I looked,
and when the angels of the sixth heaven saw him, they exalted and
venerated him, for he had not been changed into the form of the
angels there. And as they were praising him, I sang praises to him
right along with them. And when I saw him descend into the fifth
heaven, he transformed himself to resemble the angels there; and they
did not exalt or venerate him when they saw him, for his appearance
was like their own. He then went down into the fourth heaven and
changed his appearance into that of the angels who were there, and
when they saw him, they neither exalted nor venerated him, for his
form was just like theirs. Again, I saw him descend into the third
heaven, that he changed himself into the form of the angels there.
Now the gatekeepers of that realm demanded the password, so to keep
from being known, the Lord spoke it to them. And when they saw
him, they did not exalt or venerate him because his appearance was
like their own. Again I saw him descend into the second heaven,
where the gatekeepers likewise demanded the password, and the Lord
provided it. Then I saw him disguise himself to look like the angels of
the second heaven, but because he looked like them, they did not exalt
him when they saw him. And when I saw him descend into the first
heaven, he spoke the password to the gatekeepers there. Then he
disguised himself to appear as the angels to the left of that throne, and
they neither praised nor worshiped him because his appearance was
like their own. (As for myself, no one even questioned me on account
of the angel who was guiding me.) And once again, he descended into
the sky where the Prince of this World resides and spoke the password
to those on the left hand side, and because his form was just like
theirs, they did not exalt or venerate him there. Quite to the contrary,
they were jealously contending with one another, for there is an evil
power and a competition over trivial matters in that place. And I saw
him descend and disguise himself to resemble the angels of the air, and they did not exalt him there, because he looked like one of them.
He did not speak the password to them, nor did they even question
him, for they were busy pillaging and beating one another.
Now as for the virginity of Mary, and the way that she brought
forth, and the passion of the Lord, they were all concealed from the
Prince of This World. Even though these mysteries were shouted out
loud, God brought them about in complete silence. So how was all this
shown to the world? Up in the heavens a star far more luminous than
any other blazed forth. No words could express its brilliance; its
incomparability left men utterly perplexed. The sun, moon, and stars
surrounded it in harmony, but this star outshone them all. Then
extreme bewilderment ensued; where could this star, which was so
different from its companions have come from? Everywhere, magic
disappeared before it--all the spells of sorcery were broken, and
superstition was removed. The ancient kingdom of darkness was
about to be undone; for God, by coming down in human form, was
ushering in a new order of eternal life. Now what had been devised by
God was being brought to pass; and everything from that day forth
was thrown into disarray on account of this design to destroy death.
“As I was walking along,” (Joseph recalled,) “I came to a stop and
then looked up. There I saw the clouds astonished. And gazing
upward further still, I saw birds motionless against the unmoving sky.
Then I looked around me and saw work hands who were sitting at a
table. A bowl had been placed before them, and their hands were in it,
but they were not moving them to feed themselves. And those in the
process of eating were no longer chewing. Those who were lifting their
food were putting none of it down, while those whose food was near to their lips were putting none of it into their mouths. Everyone was
looking up. And behold, sheep that were being driven along stood still
and did not advance, while the hand of the shepherd whose rod was
set to strike them remained frozen in its place. Then I glanced over to
see what the river looked like. I could see a number of young goats,
some with their muzzles over and others with theirs in the water, but
none of them were drinking. And just as suddenly, everything
returned to normal.” By then the sun was going down.
“At that moment,” (the midwife related,) “everything came to a
complete stop. There was an utter and fearful silence--even the winds
stopped blowing! The leaves did not rustle on the trees, nor did the
waters babble, for the rivers all stopped flowing, and the oceans ceased
their undulations. All that the waters bring forth grew still. There was
no human voice to be heard, and the silence was complete--for the very pole stopped spinning at that moment and time nearly ground to
a halt. All of them were taken with fear and everyone stopped talking.
We were all anticipating the Most High God and the end of the world.”
When the moment was ripe, God showed His power visibly.
Fixated on heaven, the Virgin stood and became as white as snow, for
the fulfillment of all good things was near. “My soul indeed is
magnified,” the midwife exclaimed, “and these eyes of mine have seen
great things, for this very day has brought about the deliverance of
Israel!” And immediately the cloud withdrew from the cave, and was
replaced by a light so bright that our eyes could not endure the sight.
The light brought forth even as the dew from heaven condenses upon
the earth. And even as it blazed, she bore a son by virgin birth. And as
he was coming forth, the luminous beams intensified to a level far
brighter than the sun, filling the entire cave with their brilliance. And
with it came the most fragrant odor imaginable; more redolent than
any aromatic ointment. (Now even though among mankind this is
thought to be an incredible miracle, for God the Father and God the
Son, nothing at all is considered miraculous.) The merry earth
shuddered as the child came forth; the heavenly throne burst out in
laughter as creation celebrated in joy, (and) a dazzlingly brilliant star
was worshiped among the Magi. The angels encompassed him at his coming, and the voices of many invisible beings joined together in
chorus and shouted, “Amen!”
Immediately upon his birth, he stood to his feet, and worshipping
him the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the heights and peace to
men of goodwill on earth.” “Mary looked in astonishment with her
own eyes and saw the infant, and exalted the one to whom she could
see she had borne. As for the child, he radiated a bright and beautiful
light, which was like the rays of the sun. He was indeed a sight to
behold, for his mere arrival pacified and brought to rest the entire
world.” After her astonishment had faded, her womb became even as
it had been prior to conception, and she bound him up in swaddling
cloths.
“I, however, was amazed,” (the midwife continued,) “and I stood
there stunned, staring in utter astonishment at the spectacularly
bright light that had just been brought forth. But in time the light
withdrew and began to take on the form of a newborn child. Soon its
appearance changed to that of a normal infant born after the usual
fashion. And as he came with all of these visible signs, Jesus spoke to
his mother from the cradle, saying, ‘Mary, I am Jesus, that Son of God
and servant; that Word which you have brought forth, even as the angel Gabriel announced to you, and my Father has sent me here to
save the world.’
“And growing ever the more daring,” (the midwife related,) “I bent
down to pick him up and touch him with my hands. What was
startling to me was that unlike other babies who are born on this
earth, he weighed nearly nothing at all! I looked him over closely and
could find no flaw upon him anywhere, but found him instead to be as
luminous in body as the dew from the Most High God. And since he
weighed nearly nothing at all, he was effortless to carry. He was
magnificent to behold, (and) for some time he astounded me by not
crying as other babies do. And as I held him in my arms and gazed
into his face, he let out the most joyful laugh--and when he opened up
his eyes, they pierced me through with just a glance. All of a sudden, a
bright light beamed forth from his eyes like a lightning flash. ‘This has
been a great day for me,’ [I] exclaimed, ‘for I have seen something
completely new!’” Then Jesus went and nursed at the breast of his
mother Mary.
Now Joseph (had) ventured off to see if he could find [any
midwives] for Mary, and after he had found some, he came back. He
spotted an elderly Jewish woman coming from Jerusalem. By the time
Joseph arrived at the cave with the old woman, it was already past
sunset. “Kind woman,” said Joseph, “please come this way and enter
this cave. There you will see a young woman who is about ready to
give birth.” And both of them went inside, but behold, everything there
shimmered with a light that was brighter than lamplight and
candlelight--it was, indeed, even brighter than the sun! By that time
the child was already wrapped up in swaddling clothes and nursing at
the breast of his mother, Saint Mary. And the two of them were taken
aback by the spectacle of light. And when her husband Joseph saw her
there, he said to her, “Tell me what has startled you?” Immediately, his
eyes were opened and he could see the new born child, and he praised
the Lord, because the child had arrived as foretold by the lot. And they
heard a voice proclaim, “Relate this vision to no one!”
“I have brought you two midwives,” Joseph said to Mary, “Zelomi
and Salome. They are standing outside by the mouth of the cave, but
the light is so intense that they dare not enter.” When she heard all
this, Mary smiled. “Stop smiling!” said Joseph. “Be sensible and allow
them to inspect you. What if you should need their medicine?” Then
Mary gave them her permission to enter. And when Zelomi came
inside, she requested of Mary, “Grant me consent to look at you.” And
after Mary had agreed to the examination, the midwife exclaimed, “Lord, oh Almighty Lord, have mercy on us! Never before has it been
heard, nor ever even imagined that a mother should show every sign of
virginity after milk has come into the breasts and a son has been
brought forth! But she has suffered neither loss of blood, nor the
slightest pain in giving birth. As a virgin she has conceived, as a virgin
she has borne a child, and a virgin she remains.”
“Are you the mother of this boy?” the elderly woman asked Saint
Mary. “Indeed I am,” Saint Mary affirmed. “You are completely
unlike other women,” the elderly lady replied. “Even as there is no
child who can compare with my son,” explained Saint Mary, “neither
is there any woman who can compare with his mother.” “My Lady,”
the aged woman replied, “I have come here to receive an everlasting
blessing.”
Now the midwife came out of the cave and Salome greeted her.
“Salome! Salome!” the midwife shouted, “I must tell you of this novel
sight; a virgin has given birth, something that her condition forbids!”
And when Salome, the other midwife, heard that, she scoffed, “As my
Lord is the Living God, I will not believe what I have heard--that a
virgin has given birth--unless I first examine her (and) prove it with
my own finger!”
And Zelomi entered in and said, “Mary, prepare yourself, for there
is no small controversy brewing over you.” And when Mary heard
these words, she lied back down and readied herself. Then Salome
came in and demanded, “Mary, allow me to inspect you and see
whether what Zelomi has told me is true.” And Mary gave her
permission to examine her. So Salome went inside, made her ready,
and proved her status. And when she had inspected her as she had
said and withdrawn her hand, it began to wither up. And overcome
with anguish and horrible pain, she started weeping bitterly. “What
misery for my sin and doubt,” Salome shouted, “for I have tempted the
Living God. Just look, my hand feels like it is burning with fire and
falling right off!” And dropping to her knees, she wept and pleaded
before the Lord, “Oh God of my fathers, consider my case; for I am a
child of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Do not humiliate me before the
children of Israel, but restore me to the destitute; for as You are well
aware, oh Lord, I offer my services in Your name, and my payment
comes from You alone. Oh Lord God, You know that I have always
worshiped You, and cared for those who live in want. Never have I
taken pay from widows and orphans, nor have I ever turned the poor
away empty-handed. Now behold, I am made to suffer for my lack of
faith, for I sought to put Your virgin to the test for no reason whatsoever.”
And even as Salome was recounting these deeds, a young man
dressed in glistening clothes, an angel of the Lord, (appeared and)
50
stood beside her. “Salome! Salome!” he cried aloud, “The Lord your
God has heard your prayer. Go right now, and worship the babe.
Touch him with your hand and he will heal you, and joy and
deliverance will be to you, for he is the Savior of all the world, and of
all who trust in him.” “Place your hands upon the child!” our Lady
Saint Mary bid her. So she quickly approached the infant and adored
him, saying, “I will truly worship this child, for an illustrious king has
been born to Israel!” Then Salome touched the hem of his swaddling
clothes and immediately her hand was healed, and she was restored as
she had implored.
And upon her restoration, she got up to leave, testifying along the
way, “From this day forward, I will serve this child and care for him!”
And as she was leaving the cave, she started crying out and
proclaiming the marvelous things that she had seen--the way that she
had suffered and the healing that she had received--and great
numbers were persuaded by her testimony. Now behold, an angel of
the Lord cried out to her, “Salome! Salome! Let no one hear of the
wonders you’ve seen until this child enters Jerusalem!” But stories
about him circulated widely throughout Bethlehem. Some of them
claimed, “The Virgin Mary has brought forth before even two months
of marriage.” Many others contended, “Mary did not really give birth;
the midwife never went up, and we heard no cries or anguish of birth.”
All of them were blind to him; everybody knew of him, but they did
not know where he came from.
Joseph then (went and) entered his name into the register; for
Mary’s husband was a son of David, from the tribe of Judah. So it
happened that my mother, the Virgin Mary, brought me forth in
Bethlehem; in a cave near to the tomb of Rachel, the wife of Jacob the
patriarch, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She became a
gracious mother, and it was not without reason that her labor and her
childbirth were free from anguish; for she did not seek after a midwife
because the Father used her as a conduit of life itself. She, driven by
her intense determination, gave birth manfully, and her childbirth
came about precisely as it had been foretold, and was effected by an
extreme power. And in her love was deliverance, in her guardianship was benevolence, and in her declaration was grandeur.
THE SHEPHERDS VISIT
(Luke 2:8-20; ArIn 1:2,3,19-21; PsMt 13; SbOr 8:477-479)
The Cave, Between Jerusalem and Bethlehem
The newly born infant was revealed to those who are obedient to
God: drivers of cattle, herders of goats, and shepherds of sheep. There
were shepherds staying overnight in a nearby place keeping watch
over their flocks in the field. An angel of the Lord (came and) stood
near to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them, and all
of them were taken with fear. “Do not be afraid,” the angel reassured
them, “for behold, I am bringing you great news of unbounded joy that
everyone will come to know: for this very day, in the city of David, a
Savior has indeed been born, the Anointed Lord. And this will be a
sign for you: you will find a baby lying in a manger, all bound up in
swaddling clothes.” And suddenly, a vast array of the heavenly host
appeared to them and joined the angel who was praising God, saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men who please
Him.” Then the angels rose up from their midst and into the sky, and
the shepherds said to one another, “Let us all make our way to
Bethlehem this very instant and see what the Lord has revealed to us.”
They hurried there and found Mary with Joseph, and the baby lying in
the manger. And after the shepherds had seen it, they went inside, lit
a fire (and) made known the words that were spoken to them about
this child, and also about the angels they had seen at midnight,
praising and worshipping the God of heaven and proclaiming, “The
Anointed Lord and Savior to all, has been born to us. Through him
will deliverance be restored to Israel.”
All were celebrating in delight. Just then, the entire array of the
heavenly host appeared to them, praising and worshipping the God of
Perfection. And since the shepherds were doing the same by then, the
cave came to resemble a glorious temple, for the tongues of men and
angels joined to worship and give praise to God for the birth of Christ
the Lord. When the elderly Jewish woman saw all of these evident
miracles, she also gave God praise and said, “Oh God of Israel, I thank
you for granting that my eyes should see the birth of the Savior of the World!”
And all who heard the shepherds speak marveled at the things they
said. But Mary committed their words to memory and pondered them
within her heart. And as the shepherds were returning, they exalted
God and gave Him praise, for all that they had seen and heard came to
pass as they were told. And a powerful star, larger than any other seen
since the world began, beamed over the cave from dusk until dawn.
The Jerusalem prophets, moreover, affirmed that this star was the sign of the birth of the Christ; the one destined to restore the covenant
not only to Israel, but also to the other nations. And Bethlehem was
proclaimed to be the providential birthplace of the Word.
(Luke 2:8-20; ArIn 1:2,3,19-21; PsMt 13; SbOr 8:477-479)
The Cave, Between Jerusalem and Bethlehem
The newly born infant was revealed to those who are obedient to
God: drivers of cattle, herders of goats, and shepherds of sheep. There
were shepherds staying overnight in a nearby place keeping watch
over their flocks in the field. An angel of the Lord (came and) stood
near to them, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them, and all
of them were taken with fear. “Do not be afraid,” the angel reassured
them, “for behold, I am bringing you great news of unbounded joy that
everyone will come to know: for this very day, in the city of David, a
Savior has indeed been born, the Anointed Lord. And this will be a
sign for you: you will find a baby lying in a manger, all bound up in
swaddling clothes.” And suddenly, a vast array of the heavenly host
appeared to them and joined the angel who was praising God, saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to men who please
Him.” Then the angels rose up from their midst and into the sky, and
the shepherds said to one another, “Let us all make our way to
Bethlehem this very instant and see what the Lord has revealed to us.”
They hurried there and found Mary with Joseph, and the baby lying in
the manger. And after the shepherds had seen it, they went inside, lit
a fire (and) made known the words that were spoken to them about
this child, and also about the angels they had seen at midnight,
praising and worshipping the God of heaven and proclaiming, “The
Anointed Lord and Savior to all, has been born to us. Through him
will deliverance be restored to Israel.”
All were celebrating in delight. Just then, the entire array of the
heavenly host appeared to them, praising and worshipping the God of
Perfection. And since the shepherds were doing the same by then, the
cave came to resemble a glorious temple, for the tongues of men and
angels joined to worship and give praise to God for the birth of Christ
the Lord. When the elderly Jewish woman saw all of these evident
miracles, she also gave God praise and said, “Oh God of Israel, I thank
you for granting that my eyes should see the birth of the Savior of the World!”
And all who heard the shepherds speak marveled at the things they
said. But Mary committed their words to memory and pondered them
within her heart. And as the shepherds were returning, they exalted
God and gave Him praise, for all that they had seen and heard came to
pass as they were told. And a powerful star, larger than any other seen
since the world began, beamed over the cave from dusk until dawn.
The Jerusalem prophets, moreover, affirmed that this star was the sign of the birth of the Christ; the one destined to restore the covenant
not only to Israel, but also to the other nations. And Bethlehem was
proclaimed to be the providential birthplace of the Word.
JESUS’ CIRCUMCISION
(PsMt 14,15; ArIn 2:1-4; Luke 2:7, 21)
A Stable; Bethlehem; The Cave
Three days after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary ventured
out of the cave. Now because there was no room for them at the inn,
she entered into a stable (and) laid the child in a manger, where an ox
and a donkey worshiped him. It was then that the words of the
prophet Isaiah, “The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s
feeding trough,” had their fulfillment. So without ceasing did the
animals, the ox and the donkey, worship him who was in their midst.
Then the words that were spoken by the prophet Habakkuk, “You are
revealed between the two creatures,” were fulfilled. For three days
Joseph stayed in the same place with Mary, and on the sixth, they
traveled on to Bethlehem and kept the Sabbath there.
And when the time came for him to be circumcised, that is, the
eighth day--upon which the law dictates that a child must be
circumcised, they performed it in the cave. They named him Jesus,
which was what the angel had called him prior to his conception in the
womb. And after the child had undergone parhithomus, or
circumcision, the elderly Jewish woman took the foreskin and
umbilical cord and preserved them in an alabaster jar filled with aged
spikenard. Her son happened to be a pharmacist, so she cautioned
him, “Be careful not to sell this alabaster jar of nard-oil, even if
someone should offer you three hundred denarii for it.” This same
alabaster jar was later procured by Mary the sinner, who poured it
over the head and feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, and wiped it off with
the hair of her head.
(PsMt 14,15; ArIn 2:1-4; Luke 2:7, 21)
A Stable; Bethlehem; The Cave
Three days after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary ventured
out of the cave. Now because there was no room for them at the inn,
she entered into a stable (and) laid the child in a manger, where an ox
and a donkey worshiped him. It was then that the words of the
prophet Isaiah, “The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s
feeding trough,” had their fulfillment. So without ceasing did the
animals, the ox and the donkey, worship him who was in their midst.
Then the words that were spoken by the prophet Habakkuk, “You are
revealed between the two creatures,” were fulfilled. For three days
Joseph stayed in the same place with Mary, and on the sixth, they
traveled on to Bethlehem and kept the Sabbath there.
And when the time came for him to be circumcised, that is, the
eighth day--upon which the law dictates that a child must be
circumcised, they performed it in the cave. They named him Jesus,
which was what the angel had called him prior to his conception in the
womb. And after the child had undergone parhithomus, or
circumcision, the elderly Jewish woman took the foreskin and
umbilical cord and preserved them in an alabaster jar filled with aged
spikenard. Her son happened to be a pharmacist, so she cautioned
him, “Be careful not to sell this alabaster jar of nard-oil, even if
someone should offer you three hundred denarii for it.” This same
alabaster jar was later procured by Mary the sinner, who poured it
over the head and feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, and wiped it off with
the hair of her head.
MARY TAKES JESUS TO HER FAMILY;
THE PRESENTATION
(Luke 2:22-39; ArIn 2:4-10; AsIs 11:15,16b,17b;
PsMt 15;Qur 19:27-33, 43:63)
Jerusalem
When Mary’s period of purification as required by the Mosaic Law
had passed, Joseph (and Mary) took him to Jerusalem to present him
to the Lord. Mary came bearing him to her family. “Mary,” they said,
“this is an astonishing thing. Sister of Aaron, your father was never a
whoremonger, nor ever was your mother a harlot.” She gestured to
them and pointed to the babe. “How are we to speak with an infant in a cradle?” they questioned her. Then Jesus spoke right up and said, “I
am God’s servant. He has placed the book into my hands and decreed
my prophethood. I have come to confer wisdom upon you, and to
make plain many of the issues that currently divide you. His goodness
follows me wherever I go. He has instructed me to pray continuously
and to give alms to the poor my whole life long. He has encouraged
me to honor my mother, and has driven evil and foolishness far from
me. I was blessed on the day of my birth, and will be blessed on the
day of my death, and may peace rest on me on the day of my
resurrection. Honor God by obeying me. God is both my Master and
yours, so do all things for His sake, for this path is truly straight.”
And ten days later, forty days after his birth, they presented him
before the Lord in His temple, in accordance with what’s written in the
Law of the Lord, “Every male that passes through the womb must be
given to the Lord.” They also offered up a sacrifice in keeping with the
law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now
behold, in the Jerusalem temple there was this righteous and religious
man named Simeon who was one hundred and twelve years old. He
was anticipating the consolation of Israel, and the Divine Inspiration
was upon him. And the Holy Spirit revealed to him the Lord’s
response--that he would not die before having seen the Lord’s
Messiah, the Son of God, alive and in the flesh. Simeon entered into
the temple completely inspired, and the parents of the infant Jesus
brought him in with them, so that they could do to him as the law
directs. And at that moment--when his mother, Saint Mary the Virgin,
cradled him in her arms--the elderly Simeon overflowed with
boundless joy, for he saw the boy as a glorious beam of light. And the
angels worshiped him, surrounding him as guardians around their
king. And as soon as Simeon saw the child, he cried aloud, “God has
come to visit His people, and the Lord has brought His word to pass.”
Then Simeon hurried over to Saint Mary, stretched out his hands to
her and took Jesus into his arms. After taking Jesus into his robe,
Simeon kissed his feet, worshiped him, and paid his respects to God,
saying,
“Lord, let Your servant go in peace,
In accordance with Your word;
For these eyes of mine have seen Your deliverance
Which You have readied in the sight of all:
To uncover a light for the Gentiles
And the glorification of Your people Israel.”
His father and mother were amazed by the things that were said of him. And Simeon blessed them and prophesied to his mother Mary,
“Behold, this child is set for the falling and rising
Of many in Israel,
And as a sign that’s spoken against.
And your soul will be pierced by the sword,
So as to expose the thoughts of many hearts.”
And there was also in the temple a certain prophetess by the name
of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who was of the tribe of Asher. She
married as a virgin and lived with her husband for seven years before
being widowed, then lived eighty-four years more in the temple of the
Lord, fasting and worshipping day and night without ever leaving.
And at that moment, she came up to them and offered her thanks and
praises to God. Anna also worshiped the boy and came to share in
Mary’s joy, saying to those who were there and awaiting the
deliverance of Israel all about him, “In him lies the redemption of the world.”
And after completing all that was required by the law of the Lord,
they set out for Nazareth in Galilee. While in Nazareth he nursed at
the breast of his mother as any other infant would, so that he might
remain concealed. And this was hidden from the heavenly realms, and
the ‘gods’ and rulers of this earth.
THE PRESENTATION
(Luke 2:22-39; ArIn 2:4-10; AsIs 11:15,16b,17b;
PsMt 15;Qur 19:27-33, 43:63)
Jerusalem
When Mary’s period of purification as required by the Mosaic Law
had passed, Joseph (and Mary) took him to Jerusalem to present him
to the Lord. Mary came bearing him to her family. “Mary,” they said,
“this is an astonishing thing. Sister of Aaron, your father was never a
whoremonger, nor ever was your mother a harlot.” She gestured to
them and pointed to the babe. “How are we to speak with an infant in a cradle?” they questioned her. Then Jesus spoke right up and said, “I
am God’s servant. He has placed the book into my hands and decreed
my prophethood. I have come to confer wisdom upon you, and to
make plain many of the issues that currently divide you. His goodness
follows me wherever I go. He has instructed me to pray continuously
and to give alms to the poor my whole life long. He has encouraged
me to honor my mother, and has driven evil and foolishness far from
me. I was blessed on the day of my birth, and will be blessed on the
day of my death, and may peace rest on me on the day of my
resurrection. Honor God by obeying me. God is both my Master and
yours, so do all things for His sake, for this path is truly straight.”
And ten days later, forty days after his birth, they presented him
before the Lord in His temple, in accordance with what’s written in the
Law of the Lord, “Every male that passes through the womb must be
given to the Lord.” They also offered up a sacrifice in keeping with the
law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now
behold, in the Jerusalem temple there was this righteous and religious
man named Simeon who was one hundred and twelve years old. He
was anticipating the consolation of Israel, and the Divine Inspiration
was upon him. And the Holy Spirit revealed to him the Lord’s
response--that he would not die before having seen the Lord’s
Messiah, the Son of God, alive and in the flesh. Simeon entered into
the temple completely inspired, and the parents of the infant Jesus
brought him in with them, so that they could do to him as the law
directs. And at that moment--when his mother, Saint Mary the Virgin,
cradled him in her arms--the elderly Simeon overflowed with
boundless joy, for he saw the boy as a glorious beam of light. And the
angels worshiped him, surrounding him as guardians around their
king. And as soon as Simeon saw the child, he cried aloud, “God has
come to visit His people, and the Lord has brought His word to pass.”
Then Simeon hurried over to Saint Mary, stretched out his hands to
her and took Jesus into his arms. After taking Jesus into his robe,
Simeon kissed his feet, worshiped him, and paid his respects to God,
saying,
“Lord, let Your servant go in peace,
In accordance with Your word;
For these eyes of mine have seen Your deliverance
Which You have readied in the sight of all:
To uncover a light for the Gentiles
And the glorification of Your people Israel.”
His father and mother were amazed by the things that were said of him. And Simeon blessed them and prophesied to his mother Mary,
“Behold, this child is set for the falling and rising
Of many in Israel,
And as a sign that’s spoken against.
And your soul will be pierced by the sword,
So as to expose the thoughts of many hearts.”
And there was also in the temple a certain prophetess by the name
of Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, who was of the tribe of Asher. She
married as a virgin and lived with her husband for seven years before
being widowed, then lived eighty-four years more in the temple of the
Lord, fasting and worshipping day and night without ever leaving.
And at that moment, she came up to them and offered her thanks and
praises to God. Anna also worshiped the boy and came to share in
Mary’s joy, saying to those who were there and awaiting the
deliverance of Israel all about him, “In him lies the redemption of the world.”
And after completing all that was required by the law of the Lord,
they set out for Nazareth in Galilee. While in Nazareth he nursed at
the breast of his mother as any other infant would, so that he might
remain concealed. And this was hidden from the heavenly realms, and
the ‘gods’ and rulers of this earth.
THE MAJI VISIT
(Matt 2:1-12; ArIn 3:1-10; PEv 21:1-4;
PsMt 16,17; HJC 8; LJB pt.8)
Jerusalem; Bethlehem
Now more than two years after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem,
during the reign of Herod the king, Joseph was ready to travel on to
Judea. At that time, there was a great disturbance taking place in
Bethlehem of Judah over some Magi who had come from the east
bringing marvelous gifts to Jerusalem, in keeping with the prophecy of
Zoroaster. “Where,” they were asking, “is the king of the Jews who has
been born to you? We have seen his star in the east and have come to
worship him.” But Satan went and informed Herod the Great, father
of Archelaus, about these things. Now when King Herod caught wind
of it, he was disturbed by all that he had learned of the Magi, and all of
Jerusalem likewise, seeing that the youngster was the King of the
Jews. And he wanted to kill him that very instant. So shaken was he,
as a matter of fact, that he assembled all of the scribes, Pharisees, chief
priests, and teachers of the law from among the people and asked
them where the prophets had foretold the birthplace of the Messiah
would be. “What is written about this Messiah?” he inquired. “Where
is he supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem of Judah,” they answered
him, “for this is how the prophet worded it:
‘And you, Bethlehem, of Judah’s land,
Are in no way least among the princes of Judah;
For a leader will arise from you
Who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then King Herod dismissed them all and secretly summoned the
Magi to himself, asking, “What was this sign that you saw that showed
that a king had just been born?” “We saw how a star outshone all of
these others,” the Magi answered, “dimming them inexpressibly, such
that these stars no longer gave light. This is how we came to know
that a king had been born unto Israel. We have come to worship him.” Herod asked them the time of the star’s appearance to them, and
learned from them the precise time that the star had appeared. Then
he sent them off to Bethlehem with these words: “Go right now and
investigate! Uncover every detail having to do with this child, and
after you have tracked him down, bring me a report, that I might come
and worship him too.” And hearing the king, they went their way.
And behold, the star that they had seen back east, guided them, going
before them until they arrived at the cave where the child was. And
when the Magi saw the star, they rejoiced in inexpressible delight.
And it came to rest over the head of the cave. They went inside and
saw the child seated on the lap of his mother Mary, and they
prostrated themselves in worship. Then they opened the treasures
they had brought to them and presented the holy Mary and Joseph
with generous offerings. Each of them offered the child gifts (and)
gold; one gave him gold, another frankincense, and a third one gave
him myrrh.
And rather than pronouncing a blessing upon them, our Lady Mary
took one of the swaddling cloths that the young child was wrapped-up
in and offered it to them, which they accepted from her as a glorious
gift. And when they would have gone back to King Herod, even as they
slept, God (sent) an angel to warn them in a dream not to return, so
they set out for their native land by another route. Soon an angel
appeared to them in the semblance of the star which had guided them
on their way before; and they followed the light thereof until they
came into their own land.
And upon their arrival, kings and princes came up to them and
posed all manner of questions to them, such as, “What did you do?”
and, “What did you see?” and, “What was your trip like?” and, “Who
did you meet along the way?” But they handed them the swaddling
cloth that Saint Mary had given them and held a banquet in its honor.
Then they lit a fire, which they worshiped according to the custom of
their nation. Then they cast the swaddling cloth into the flames, which
received and preserved it. After the fire had been put out, they pulled
it from the ashes unharmed, just as though the flames had never
touched it. Then they started kissing the cloth, placing it over their
heads and eyes. “Without question,” they affirmed, “the truth of this is
impossible to doubt, and it is truly astonishing that the fire was
powerless to char it, much less to devour it.” Then, with the utmost of regard, they took the cloth and treasured it alongside their other
hallowed possessions.
(Matt 2:1-12; ArIn 3:1-10; PEv 21:1-4;
PsMt 16,17; HJC 8; LJB pt.8)
Jerusalem; Bethlehem
Now more than two years after Jesus had been born in Bethlehem,
during the reign of Herod the king, Joseph was ready to travel on to
Judea. At that time, there was a great disturbance taking place in
Bethlehem of Judah over some Magi who had come from the east
bringing marvelous gifts to Jerusalem, in keeping with the prophecy of
Zoroaster. “Where,” they were asking, “is the king of the Jews who has
been born to you? We have seen his star in the east and have come to
worship him.” But Satan went and informed Herod the Great, father
of Archelaus, about these things. Now when King Herod caught wind
of it, he was disturbed by all that he had learned of the Magi, and all of
Jerusalem likewise, seeing that the youngster was the King of the
Jews. And he wanted to kill him that very instant. So shaken was he,
as a matter of fact, that he assembled all of the scribes, Pharisees, chief
priests, and teachers of the law from among the people and asked
them where the prophets had foretold the birthplace of the Messiah
would be. “What is written about this Messiah?” he inquired. “Where
is he supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem of Judah,” they answered
him, “for this is how the prophet worded it:
‘And you, Bethlehem, of Judah’s land,
Are in no way least among the princes of Judah;
For a leader will arise from you
Who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then King Herod dismissed them all and secretly summoned the
Magi to himself, asking, “What was this sign that you saw that showed
that a king had just been born?” “We saw how a star outshone all of
these others,” the Magi answered, “dimming them inexpressibly, such
that these stars no longer gave light. This is how we came to know
that a king had been born unto Israel. We have come to worship him.” Herod asked them the time of the star’s appearance to them, and
learned from them the precise time that the star had appeared. Then
he sent them off to Bethlehem with these words: “Go right now and
investigate! Uncover every detail having to do with this child, and
after you have tracked him down, bring me a report, that I might come
and worship him too.” And hearing the king, they went their way.
And behold, the star that they had seen back east, guided them, going
before them until they arrived at the cave where the child was. And
when the Magi saw the star, they rejoiced in inexpressible delight.
And it came to rest over the head of the cave. They went inside and
saw the child seated on the lap of his mother Mary, and they
prostrated themselves in worship. Then they opened the treasures
they had brought to them and presented the holy Mary and Joseph
with generous offerings. Each of them offered the child gifts (and)
gold; one gave him gold, another frankincense, and a third one gave
him myrrh.
And rather than pronouncing a blessing upon them, our Lady Mary
took one of the swaddling cloths that the young child was wrapped-up
in and offered it to them, which they accepted from her as a glorious
gift. And when they would have gone back to King Herod, even as they
slept, God (sent) an angel to warn them in a dream not to return, so
they set out for their native land by another route. Soon an angel
appeared to them in the semblance of the star which had guided them
on their way before; and they followed the light thereof until they
came into their own land.
And upon their arrival, kings and princes came up to them and
posed all manner of questions to them, such as, “What did you do?”
and, “What did you see?” and, “What was your trip like?” and, “Who
did you meet along the way?” But they handed them the swaddling
cloth that Saint Mary had given them and held a banquet in its honor.
Then they lit a fire, which they worshiped according to the custom of
their nation. Then they cast the swaddling cloth into the flames, which
received and preserved it. After the fire had been put out, they pulled
it from the ashes unharmed, just as though the flames had never
touched it. Then they started kissing the cloth, placing it over their
heads and eyes. “Without question,” they affirmed, “the truth of this is
impossible to doubt, and it is truly astonishing that the fire was
powerless to char it, much less to devour it.” Then, with the utmost of regard, they took the cloth and treasured it alongside their other
hallowed possessions.
JOSEPH’S WARNING
(Matt 2:13-15; ArIn 4:1-4; PEv 22:2; InThL 1a; LJB pt.8)
Jerusalem; The Cave; The Road to Egypt
Herod began to recognize that the Magi had been away too long,
and were not about to return to him, so he called for all the priests and
sages. “Tell me,” he (again) prodded, “where is the Christ supposed to
be born?” “In the Judean town of Bethlehem,” they answered him;
whereupon he began to plot in his mind the death of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Now this was the same Herod who called for the beheading of
my friend and kinsman John. And he likewise sought me out,
imagining that mine would be an earthly kingdom.
Now behold, after the departure of the Magi, the day before these
things took place, the Lord’s angel appeared in that pious old man
Joseph’s dream (and) warned him as he slept, saying, “Get up! Take
the young boy and his mother, Mary, and as soon as the rooster crows
escape from those who seek to slay him through the desert and into
Egypt. Wait there until I say otherwise, for Herod is going to try to
hunt down and murder the young child.” Now when Mary heard that
the babies were about to be killed, she grew terrified, took the boy,
wrapped him up in the swaddling cloth, and placed him into an ox’s
feeding trough. And that night Joseph rose up, and as he was
planning his trip, dawn started to break. He then took me, the young
boy and my mother Mary by night and set off for Egypt as the angel
had commanded him, and I rested in her bosom. He stayed in Egypt
until after the death of Herod that what the Lord had spoken through
the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son,” might be fulfilled.
(Matt 2:13-15; ArIn 4:1-4; PEv 22:2; InThL 1a; LJB pt.8)
Jerusalem; The Cave; The Road to Egypt
Herod began to recognize that the Magi had been away too long,
and were not about to return to him, so he called for all the priests and
sages. “Tell me,” he (again) prodded, “where is the Christ supposed to
be born?” “In the Judean town of Bethlehem,” they answered him;
whereupon he began to plot in his mind the death of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Now this was the same Herod who called for the beheading of
my friend and kinsman John. And he likewise sought me out,
imagining that mine would be an earthly kingdom.
Now behold, after the departure of the Magi, the day before these
things took place, the Lord’s angel appeared in that pious old man
Joseph’s dream (and) warned him as he slept, saying, “Get up! Take
the young boy and his mother, Mary, and as soon as the rooster crows
escape from those who seek to slay him through the desert and into
Egypt. Wait there until I say otherwise, for Herod is going to try to
hunt down and murder the young child.” Now when Mary heard that
the babies were about to be killed, she grew terrified, took the boy,
wrapped him up in the swaddling cloth, and placed him into an ox’s
feeding trough. And that night Joseph rose up, and as he was
planning his trip, dawn started to break. He then took me, the young
boy and my mother Mary by night and set off for Egypt as the angel
had commanded him, and I rested in her bosom. He stayed in Egypt
until after the death of Herod that what the Lord had spoken through
the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son,” might be fulfilled.
THE SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENTS
AND THE MURDER OF ZECHARIAH
(Matt 2:16-18; PEv 22:1,3-24:1; PsMt 17; LJB pt.9)
Bethlehem
Now when it was clear to Herod that the Magi had mocked him, he
was enraged. And wishing to take and murder them, Herod ordered
his executioners to travel down every road, but he could not track
them down. Then Herod sought after the Master in order to put an
end to him, but he could not find him. He therefore sent his
executioners to Bethlehem and its surroundings, and started putting
the children to death. (And as) Herod (had) commanded, (they)
slaughtered every male child age two and under, according to the
precise time given to him by the Magi. It was then that the word
spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled,
“In Ramah a voice was heard Wailing in horrible anguish.
Rachel was weeping for her children;
And nothing could console her,
For they no more.”
Now Elizabeth heard that the executioners were out searching for
John, and fearing that her son would be killed with the other children,
she immediately took him to Zechariah in the temple. “Oh my lord,”
Elizabeth implored, “let us take our son John to another land, that we
might save him from that unbeliever Herod, who is slaughtering
children on account of Jesus the Christ. Mary and Joseph have
already escaped into the land of Egypt. Let us go this very moment, so
that they don’t kill our son, and turn our joy into sorrow.” “I must not
abandon my service in the temple of the Lord,” Zechariah said, “only
to enter into a foreign nation that is teeming with idol worshippers.”
“What am I to do therefore,” she asked him, “that I might save my
infant son?” “Rise up,” the old man said to her, “and venture forth
into the wilderness of ’Ain Karim. There, by the will of God, you will
find refuge for your son. If they should come here seeking him, they
will shed my blood instead of his.” And how great was their sadness at
their parting! The faithful Zechariah took the child into his arms,
blessed him, kissed him and lamented: “Oh John, my son, how deep is
my pain! Oh glory of my later life! They have taken from me the glory
of your face, which is so very full of grace.” Then Zechariah took him
into the temple and blessed him, saying, “May God guard you along
your path.” Just then, Gabriel, the head of all angels, came down from
heaven and into their midst carrying a garment and a leather belt, and
said to him: “Zechariah, take these clothes and put them on your son. God is sending them down from heaven. This clothing belongs to
Elijah, and this belt is of Elisha.” So the blessed Zechariah accepted
them from the angel, prayed over them and presented them to his son,
binding on him with the leather belt the garment of camel’s hair. Then
he took him back to his mother and instructed her: “Take him out into
the desert, for the hand of the Lord is upon him. I have come to learn
from God that he is to remain in the wilderness until the day that he’s
revealed to Israel.” Then, with weeping, the blessed Elizabeth took the
child; and Zechariah, also weeping, said to him, “I know that I will
never again look on you with these eyes of flesh. Go in peace and be
led by God.” Then Elizabeth walked away with her little boy.
After this, she took John and fled into the hills with him. She
looked left and right for a place to conceal him, but there was nowhere
for him to be hid. “Mountain of God,” Elizabeth wailed, “accept a mother and her child.” Now because Elizabeth was unable to climb,
the mountain suddenly split down the middle and received her. A
light was there to show the way, for an angel of the Lord traveled with
them and looked after them, and they entered into the wilderness of
’Ain Karim, where she remained with him.
And so it happened that when King Herod sent troops to Jerusalem
to slaughter the children, the executioners came and started putting
them to death until sunset. This all happened on September seventh.
Herod sent officers to Zechariah in an effort to track down John.
“Zechariah,” they demanded, “tell us where you’ve hidden your son?”
“I am the servant of God,” he replied, “here at work in the temple of
the Lord. I have no idea where my child could be.” The servants then
left and passed these things on to Herod, whereupon he seethed and
raged, “His son is to reign as king over Israel!” Again, he sent inquiry
to him, “Where is your son? You had better own up, because as you
well know, your very life is in my hands!” And the agents went and
apprised him of this. “I am indeed a martyr of God,” Zechariah said.
“Spill my blood, but the Lord himself will take my spirit, for you are
shedding the blood of an innocent man at the very threshold of the
Lord’s temple.” And as they were on their way back to their king,
behold, Satan approached them and asked: “How can it be that you
have left the son of Zechariah without killing him? He is hidden away
in the temple with his father. Do not spare him, but kill him instead,
that the king may not be enraged with you. Return for him, and
should you fail to find the son, kill the father in his stead.” The officers
did as Satan had said, and returned to the temple early in the
morning, where they came across Zechariah, who was standing in his
service to the Lord. “Where,” they demanded, “is your son? You are
hiding him in here somewhere!” And Zechariah replied: “There is no
child in this temple.” “You most certainly are hiding him here,” they
insisted. “You are shielding him from the king.” “Oh, you most
merciless fiends!” Zechariah said. “Your king laps up blood like a
lioness! How long will you shed the blood of the innocent?” “Bring
out your son,” they answered him, “that we might slay him. For if you
should refuse to do it, then we will kill you in his stead.” Then the
prophet answered them: “As for my son, he has fled into the
wilderness with his mother, and I have no idea where he might be.”
Now after Zechariah had bidden farewell to Elizabeth and his son
John, he blessed the boy and made him a priest. Then he handed him
over to his mother, and she bid him, “Pray for me, my blessed father,
that God might make my way bearable in the wilderness.” And he responded, “May the One Who caused us to bring forth our child in
our old age, guide you both along your way.” Then she accepted the
child and entered into the wilderness where not a single soul resided.
(How truly great and commendable is your case, oh blessed Elizabeth.
You did not ask for anyone to travel along with you, though you knew
neither of the way nor of any place to hide. You did not seek to take
any food or water for the child to [eat or] drink. You did not demand
of his father Zechariah: “To whom are you sending me in this desert
region?” The wilderness at that time had neither a monastery nor an
assembly of monks that you might say: “I will go and live among them
with my son.” Likewise, when Herod’s executioners came to [you,]
Zechariah, demanding, “Where is your newborn son, the child of your
old age?” you did not deny the truth and claim: “I do not know of any
such child,” but in truth did you respond: “His mother fled with him
into the wilderness.”) Now after Zechariah had spoken these words to the officers with regard to his son, they slew him there inside the
temple. And Zechariah was murdered as the day was dawning, and
the children of Israel did not know that he’d been killed.
But as the priests were leaving at the salutation hour, Zechariah was
not there to offer the customary benediction. And the priests stood
around waiting for Zechariah; to welcome him with a prayer and offer
praise to the Most High God. But when he did not come out, they
feared the worst. Even so, one was bold enough to go inside. He
looked around, and beside the altar he saw congealed blood. Then he
heard a voice that said, “Zechariah has been slain, and his blood will
not be wiped clean until his Avenger comes.” These words terrified
him, and he left to inform the other priests about what he had seen.
And they steeled themselves to enter therein, and saw firsthand just
what had been done. The fretwork of the ceiling wailed, and the
priests tore their robes from top to bottom. And they found his driedup
blood, but they could not find his corpse. And with deep regret
they went out and let the people know about the murder of Zechariah.
And all the tribes of the people heard about it and mourned for him.
The priests therefore placed his remains in a shroud, and then for fear
of the wicked one, laid it to rest in a hidden burial ground near the
body of his father Berechiah. Now his blood seethed upon the earth
for fifty years, until Titus, the son of the Roman Emperor Vespasian,
came and demolished Jerusalem--destroying the Jewish priests for
spilling the blood of Zechariah, as the Lord had himself decreed. They
mourned him for three days and nights. After that, the priests all got
together to determine who was fit to replace him, and by lot they installed Simeon. This was the same one to whom the Holy Spirit had
revealed that he would not see death before having seen the Christ in
the flesh.
{Conclusion to the Protevangelion of James}
{I, James, penned this narrative while yet in Jerusalem. And at the
time that the uproar began, I got away into the wilderness until after
the death of Herod, when the disturbance in Jerusalem had died
down. And I praise the Lord God, Who graced me with wisdom
enough to record an account such as this to you spiritual ones who
love God, to Him belong glory and dominion forever. Mercy to all who
worship our Lord Jesus Christ. May he be worshiped forevermore.
Amen.}
AND THE MURDER OF ZECHARIAH
(Matt 2:16-18; PEv 22:1,3-24:1; PsMt 17; LJB pt.9)
Bethlehem
Now when it was clear to Herod that the Magi had mocked him, he
was enraged. And wishing to take and murder them, Herod ordered
his executioners to travel down every road, but he could not track
them down. Then Herod sought after the Master in order to put an
end to him, but he could not find him. He therefore sent his
executioners to Bethlehem and its surroundings, and started putting
the children to death. (And as) Herod (had) commanded, (they)
slaughtered every male child age two and under, according to the
precise time given to him by the Magi. It was then that the word
spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled,
“In Ramah a voice was heard Wailing in horrible anguish.
Rachel was weeping for her children;
And nothing could console her,
For they no more.”
Now Elizabeth heard that the executioners were out searching for
John, and fearing that her son would be killed with the other children,
she immediately took him to Zechariah in the temple. “Oh my lord,”
Elizabeth implored, “let us take our son John to another land, that we
might save him from that unbeliever Herod, who is slaughtering
children on account of Jesus the Christ. Mary and Joseph have
already escaped into the land of Egypt. Let us go this very moment, so
that they don’t kill our son, and turn our joy into sorrow.” “I must not
abandon my service in the temple of the Lord,” Zechariah said, “only
to enter into a foreign nation that is teeming with idol worshippers.”
“What am I to do therefore,” she asked him, “that I might save my
infant son?” “Rise up,” the old man said to her, “and venture forth
into the wilderness of ’Ain Karim. There, by the will of God, you will
find refuge for your son. If they should come here seeking him, they
will shed my blood instead of his.” And how great was their sadness at
their parting! The faithful Zechariah took the child into his arms,
blessed him, kissed him and lamented: “Oh John, my son, how deep is
my pain! Oh glory of my later life! They have taken from me the glory
of your face, which is so very full of grace.” Then Zechariah took him
into the temple and blessed him, saying, “May God guard you along
your path.” Just then, Gabriel, the head of all angels, came down from
heaven and into their midst carrying a garment and a leather belt, and
said to him: “Zechariah, take these clothes and put them on your son. God is sending them down from heaven. This clothing belongs to
Elijah, and this belt is of Elisha.” So the blessed Zechariah accepted
them from the angel, prayed over them and presented them to his son,
binding on him with the leather belt the garment of camel’s hair. Then
he took him back to his mother and instructed her: “Take him out into
the desert, for the hand of the Lord is upon him. I have come to learn
from God that he is to remain in the wilderness until the day that he’s
revealed to Israel.” Then, with weeping, the blessed Elizabeth took the
child; and Zechariah, also weeping, said to him, “I know that I will
never again look on you with these eyes of flesh. Go in peace and be
led by God.” Then Elizabeth walked away with her little boy.
After this, she took John and fled into the hills with him. She
looked left and right for a place to conceal him, but there was nowhere
for him to be hid. “Mountain of God,” Elizabeth wailed, “accept a mother and her child.” Now because Elizabeth was unable to climb,
the mountain suddenly split down the middle and received her. A
light was there to show the way, for an angel of the Lord traveled with
them and looked after them, and they entered into the wilderness of
’Ain Karim, where she remained with him.
And so it happened that when King Herod sent troops to Jerusalem
to slaughter the children, the executioners came and started putting
them to death until sunset. This all happened on September seventh.
Herod sent officers to Zechariah in an effort to track down John.
“Zechariah,” they demanded, “tell us where you’ve hidden your son?”
“I am the servant of God,” he replied, “here at work in the temple of
the Lord. I have no idea where my child could be.” The servants then
left and passed these things on to Herod, whereupon he seethed and
raged, “His son is to reign as king over Israel!” Again, he sent inquiry
to him, “Where is your son? You had better own up, because as you
well know, your very life is in my hands!” And the agents went and
apprised him of this. “I am indeed a martyr of God,” Zechariah said.
“Spill my blood, but the Lord himself will take my spirit, for you are
shedding the blood of an innocent man at the very threshold of the
Lord’s temple.” And as they were on their way back to their king,
behold, Satan approached them and asked: “How can it be that you
have left the son of Zechariah without killing him? He is hidden away
in the temple with his father. Do not spare him, but kill him instead,
that the king may not be enraged with you. Return for him, and
should you fail to find the son, kill the father in his stead.” The officers
did as Satan had said, and returned to the temple early in the
morning, where they came across Zechariah, who was standing in his
service to the Lord. “Where,” they demanded, “is your son? You are
hiding him in here somewhere!” And Zechariah replied: “There is no
child in this temple.” “You most certainly are hiding him here,” they
insisted. “You are shielding him from the king.” “Oh, you most
merciless fiends!” Zechariah said. “Your king laps up blood like a
lioness! How long will you shed the blood of the innocent?” “Bring
out your son,” they answered him, “that we might slay him. For if you
should refuse to do it, then we will kill you in his stead.” Then the
prophet answered them: “As for my son, he has fled into the
wilderness with his mother, and I have no idea where he might be.”
Now after Zechariah had bidden farewell to Elizabeth and his son
John, he blessed the boy and made him a priest. Then he handed him
over to his mother, and she bid him, “Pray for me, my blessed father,
that God might make my way bearable in the wilderness.” And he responded, “May the One Who caused us to bring forth our child in
our old age, guide you both along your way.” Then she accepted the
child and entered into the wilderness where not a single soul resided.
(How truly great and commendable is your case, oh blessed Elizabeth.
You did not ask for anyone to travel along with you, though you knew
neither of the way nor of any place to hide. You did not seek to take
any food or water for the child to [eat or] drink. You did not demand
of his father Zechariah: “To whom are you sending me in this desert
region?” The wilderness at that time had neither a monastery nor an
assembly of monks that you might say: “I will go and live among them
with my son.” Likewise, when Herod’s executioners came to [you,]
Zechariah, demanding, “Where is your newborn son, the child of your
old age?” you did not deny the truth and claim: “I do not know of any
such child,” but in truth did you respond: “His mother fled with him
into the wilderness.”) Now after Zechariah had spoken these words to the officers with regard to his son, they slew him there inside the
temple. And Zechariah was murdered as the day was dawning, and
the children of Israel did not know that he’d been killed.
But as the priests were leaving at the salutation hour, Zechariah was
not there to offer the customary benediction. And the priests stood
around waiting for Zechariah; to welcome him with a prayer and offer
praise to the Most High God. But when he did not come out, they
feared the worst. Even so, one was bold enough to go inside. He
looked around, and beside the altar he saw congealed blood. Then he
heard a voice that said, “Zechariah has been slain, and his blood will
not be wiped clean until his Avenger comes.” These words terrified
him, and he left to inform the other priests about what he had seen.
And they steeled themselves to enter therein, and saw firsthand just
what had been done. The fretwork of the ceiling wailed, and the
priests tore their robes from top to bottom. And they found his driedup
blood, but they could not find his corpse. And with deep regret
they went out and let the people know about the murder of Zechariah.
And all the tribes of the people heard about it and mourned for him.
The priests therefore placed his remains in a shroud, and then for fear
of the wicked one, laid it to rest in a hidden burial ground near the
body of his father Berechiah. Now his blood seethed upon the earth
for fifty years, until Titus, the son of the Roman Emperor Vespasian,
came and demolished Jerusalem--destroying the Jewish priests for
spilling the blood of Zechariah, as the Lord had himself decreed. They
mourned him for three days and nights. After that, the priests all got
together to determine who was fit to replace him, and by lot they installed Simeon. This was the same one to whom the Holy Spirit had
revealed that he would not see death before having seen the Christ in
the flesh.
{Conclusion to the Protevangelion of James}
{I, James, penned this narrative while yet in Jerusalem. And at the
time that the uproar began, I got away into the wilderness until after
the death of Herod, when the disturbance in Jerusalem had died
down. And I praise the Lord God, Who graced me with wisdom
enough to record an account such as this to you spiritual ones who
love God, to Him belong glory and dominion forever. Mercy to all who
worship our Lord Jesus Christ. May he be worshiped forevermore.
Amen.}
THE JOURNEY INTO EGYPT
(PsMt 18-22; cf. HJC 8; InThL 1b)
Between Bethlehem and Egypt
As soon as Joseph and Mary came to a cave, they decided that they
should rest in it, so Mary climbed down from her mount, seated
herself, and placed the boy Jesus upon her lap.
There were three young men who traveled with Joseph, and also a
girl named Salome, who traveled with Mary. Now behold, many
dragons suddenly came thundering out of the cave! And when the
boys caught sight of them, they shrieked in horror. Jesus then came
down from his mother’s knees and stood to his feet before the beasts,
which worshiped him and went their way. It was then that the words
spoken through the prophet David were fulfilled, “Dragons, praise the
Lord--from upon the Earth, and the depths of the seas.” And the boy
Jesus ordered them not to injure anyone, and he traveled on ahead of
them. But Joseph and Mary were very concerned that the dragons
would do harm to the lad. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus consoled them,
“nor think of me as just a child, for I am now and have always been the
embodiment of perfection. No woodland creature can help but be
gentle in my presence.”
Lions and leopards worshiped him also, walking with them across
the desert, traveling ahead of Joseph and Mary, bowing their heads
and showing the way wherever they would go. They worshiped Jesus
with sincere veneration, and wagged their tails in submission to him.
When Mary first saw all of the lions and the leopards and the many
other wild animals that were thronging them, she began to grow
concerned. But the little boy Jesus gazed into his mother’s eyes with
the most pleasing expression and said, “Mother, do not be afraid, for
they have not come to harm you in any way. Much to the contrary, they are eager to attend to you and me both.” With this assurance he
dispelled all of the fear that she had in her heart. The lions continued
to walk with them, injuring neither them, nor the oxen, nor the
donkeys, nor any of the pack animals that were carrying their
provisions in the least. They were even docile toward the sheep and
the rams that they had brought from Judea. They walked among
wolves and none of them had any fear, nor did a single one do harm to
another. Then what was spoken by the prophet, “Wolves will eat
alongside lambs, and lion and ox will eat hay with one another,” was
fulfilled. Two oxen hauled [the] wagon that was filled with their
provisions, and the lions guided them along the way.
And on the third day of their journey, as they were traveling along,
it happened that the extreme heat of the desert sun started to
overwhelm Mary; so when she caught sight of a palm tree, she said,
“Joseph, I would like to rest awhile under the shade of this palm.”
Joseph promptly took her over and helped her get down from her
beast. And as Mary rested there, she looked into its canopy and saw a
profusion of date clusters. “Joseph,” she said, “how I long to eat of the
fruit of this palm; if only there were some way for us to pick some!”
“I’m truly surprised that you’re speaking this way,” Joseph replied,
“even considering how you would like to eat the fruit of this tree when
you can plainly see how high it is! I am far more concerned with our
lack of water, for our skins have been depleted, and we don’t have
enough for ourselves, much less our livestock.” Then the boy Jesus,
lying in his mother’s lap with an amused look on his face, commanded
the palm, “Lower your branches, oh palm, and refresh my mother with
your fruit.” Now as soon as the palm tree heard these words, it
immediately bowed its top all the way down to Mary’s feet; and they
ate their fill of the fruit they had plucked. And after they had picked it
clean it remained there lowered, awaiting the command to stand from
the one who had ordered it to bend. “Palm tree,” cried Jesus, “rise up
now and strengthen yourself! Become like the trees in my Father’s
paradise and cause your roots to open up a hidden spring, so that we
might have enough to drink.” Just then it stood tall, and cold, crystal
clear water began to gush from between its roots. And when the
people who were there saw the fountain of water they all rejoiced and
gave thanks to God. All of them then drank their fill, as did their
livestock and the other beasts.
The following day as they were on their way, at the very hour that
their journey began, Jesus turned to the palm and said, “Palm tree, here is the blessing that I will give to you: my angels will take off one
of your branches and plant it in my Father’s paradise. I will,
moreover, present you with this mark of distinction: to anyone who
prevails in any challenge, it will be said, ‘You have received the palm of
victory.’” And even as he was saying these things, behold, an angel of
the Lord appeared to them, stood atop the palm, plucked one of its
branches off, and flew away, branch in hand, into the sky. Now after
they had taken it in, they prostrated themselves as dead. “Why are you
so full of fear?” he questioned them. “Are you not aware that this
palm, which I have arranged to be transplanted into paradise, is to be
readied for the holy ones in the place of bliss, even as it has been
readied for us today in this desert?” And they rose up strengthened in
their joy.
After this, as they journeyed on, their saddle straps broke, (and)
Joseph said to Jesus, “Lord, we are all about to broil in this heat. If it
should seem good to you, please allow us to travel alongside the sea,
that we might lodge in the coastal towns.” “Joseph,” said Jesus, “do
not fret; I will shorten the distance that you must go, so that what
would have required thirty days to pass, you will complete this very
day.” And right as he was saying this, behold, the mountains and
townships of Egypt came into view just ahead. And after Joseph had
left his home and withdrawn into Egypt, he remained there for an
entire year, until the anger of Herod had diminished. And Jesus was
two when he came into Egypt.
(PsMt 18-22; cf. HJC 8; InThL 1b)
Between Bethlehem and Egypt
As soon as Joseph and Mary came to a cave, they decided that they
should rest in it, so Mary climbed down from her mount, seated
herself, and placed the boy Jesus upon her lap.
There were three young men who traveled with Joseph, and also a
girl named Salome, who traveled with Mary. Now behold, many
dragons suddenly came thundering out of the cave! And when the
boys caught sight of them, they shrieked in horror. Jesus then came
down from his mother’s knees and stood to his feet before the beasts,
which worshiped him and went their way. It was then that the words
spoken through the prophet David were fulfilled, “Dragons, praise the
Lord--from upon the Earth, and the depths of the seas.” And the boy
Jesus ordered them not to injure anyone, and he traveled on ahead of
them. But Joseph and Mary were very concerned that the dragons
would do harm to the lad. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus consoled them,
“nor think of me as just a child, for I am now and have always been the
embodiment of perfection. No woodland creature can help but be
gentle in my presence.”
Lions and leopards worshiped him also, walking with them across
the desert, traveling ahead of Joseph and Mary, bowing their heads
and showing the way wherever they would go. They worshiped Jesus
with sincere veneration, and wagged their tails in submission to him.
When Mary first saw all of the lions and the leopards and the many
other wild animals that were thronging them, she began to grow
concerned. But the little boy Jesus gazed into his mother’s eyes with
the most pleasing expression and said, “Mother, do not be afraid, for
they have not come to harm you in any way. Much to the contrary, they are eager to attend to you and me both.” With this assurance he
dispelled all of the fear that she had in her heart. The lions continued
to walk with them, injuring neither them, nor the oxen, nor the
donkeys, nor any of the pack animals that were carrying their
provisions in the least. They were even docile toward the sheep and
the rams that they had brought from Judea. They walked among
wolves and none of them had any fear, nor did a single one do harm to
another. Then what was spoken by the prophet, “Wolves will eat
alongside lambs, and lion and ox will eat hay with one another,” was
fulfilled. Two oxen hauled [the] wagon that was filled with their
provisions, and the lions guided them along the way.
And on the third day of their journey, as they were traveling along,
it happened that the extreme heat of the desert sun started to
overwhelm Mary; so when she caught sight of a palm tree, she said,
“Joseph, I would like to rest awhile under the shade of this palm.”
Joseph promptly took her over and helped her get down from her
beast. And as Mary rested there, she looked into its canopy and saw a
profusion of date clusters. “Joseph,” she said, “how I long to eat of the
fruit of this palm; if only there were some way for us to pick some!”
“I’m truly surprised that you’re speaking this way,” Joseph replied,
“even considering how you would like to eat the fruit of this tree when
you can plainly see how high it is! I am far more concerned with our
lack of water, for our skins have been depleted, and we don’t have
enough for ourselves, much less our livestock.” Then the boy Jesus,
lying in his mother’s lap with an amused look on his face, commanded
the palm, “Lower your branches, oh palm, and refresh my mother with
your fruit.” Now as soon as the palm tree heard these words, it
immediately bowed its top all the way down to Mary’s feet; and they
ate their fill of the fruit they had plucked. And after they had picked it
clean it remained there lowered, awaiting the command to stand from
the one who had ordered it to bend. “Palm tree,” cried Jesus, “rise up
now and strengthen yourself! Become like the trees in my Father’s
paradise and cause your roots to open up a hidden spring, so that we
might have enough to drink.” Just then it stood tall, and cold, crystal
clear water began to gush from between its roots. And when the
people who were there saw the fountain of water they all rejoiced and
gave thanks to God. All of them then drank their fill, as did their
livestock and the other beasts.
The following day as they were on their way, at the very hour that
their journey began, Jesus turned to the palm and said, “Palm tree, here is the blessing that I will give to you: my angels will take off one
of your branches and plant it in my Father’s paradise. I will,
moreover, present you with this mark of distinction: to anyone who
prevails in any challenge, it will be said, ‘You have received the palm of
victory.’” And even as he was saying these things, behold, an angel of
the Lord appeared to them, stood atop the palm, plucked one of its
branches off, and flew away, branch in hand, into the sky. Now after
they had taken it in, they prostrated themselves as dead. “Why are you
so full of fear?” he questioned them. “Are you not aware that this
palm, which I have arranged to be transplanted into paradise, is to be
readied for the holy ones in the place of bliss, even as it has been
readied for us today in this desert?” And they rose up strengthened in
their joy.
After this, as they journeyed on, their saddle straps broke, (and)
Joseph said to Jesus, “Lord, we are all about to broil in this heat. If it
should seem good to you, please allow us to travel alongside the sea,
that we might lodge in the coastal towns.” “Joseph,” said Jesus, “do
not fret; I will shorten the distance that you must go, so that what
would have required thirty days to pass, you will complete this very
day.” And right as he was saying this, behold, the mountains and
townships of Egypt came into view just ahead. And after Joseph had
left his home and withdrawn into Egypt, he remained there for an
entire year, until the anger of Herod had diminished. And Jesus was
two when he came into Egypt.
ARRIVAL IN EGYPT; THE 365 IDOLS TOPPLE
(PsMt 22-24; InThL 1:1c)
Sotinen, Greater Hermopolis
They entered joyfully and exultantly into the region of Hermopolis.
And as Jesus was walking through a field of grain, he reached out his
hand and grabbed hold of some ears. After roasting them upon a fire,
he crushed them and ate. They then entered the Egyptian city of
Sotinen. Now since there was no one there from whom they knew to
seek hospitality, they went into a certain temple known as the Egyptian Capitol Building. Three hundred and sixty-five idols had
been set up in that place, each receiving religious devotion and
hallowed rituals on its particular day. The Egyptians who lived in that
town would enter into the capitol, where the priests would tell them
how many sacrifices to offer up that day, corresponding to the regard
in which the ‘god’ was held.
And it happened that as soon as Mary took the young boy into the
temple, every idol in that place fell flat on its face, and each of them was lying there face down on the floor, smashed and demolished in a
show of their powerlessness. Then was fulfilled the word of the
prophet Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord will enter Egypt on a swift cloud,
and all that the Egyptians have crafted will be cleared away at his
coming.”
And when that city’s ruler Affrodosius was notified, he and his
entire army marched toward the temple. And when the temple priests
caught sight of Affrodosius entering into that place, in the full strength
of his military might, they felt certain that he would retaliate against
those who overthrew the idols. But when he entered into the temple
and saw all of the gods lying there face down, Affrodosius went up to
Mary, who was holding Jesus in her arms, and worshiped him. Then
he confessed to his army and his supporters, “Our gods would never
have fallen in his presence, nor would they have remained here
prostrated before him unless he were God over our gods; so even
though they cannot speak, they silently acknowledge his lordship. If
we should fail to do as we see our own gods doing, then we are all in
danger of infuriating him and being devastated like Pharaoh, King of
the Egyptians, who drowned with his whole army in the sea for not
acknowledging such a masterful authority.” Then everyone in that
place put their faith in the Lord God through Jesus Christ.
(PsMt 22-24; InThL 1:1c)
Sotinen, Greater Hermopolis
They entered joyfully and exultantly into the region of Hermopolis.
And as Jesus was walking through a field of grain, he reached out his
hand and grabbed hold of some ears. After roasting them upon a fire,
he crushed them and ate. They then entered the Egyptian city of
Sotinen. Now since there was no one there from whom they knew to
seek hospitality, they went into a certain temple known as the Egyptian Capitol Building. Three hundred and sixty-five idols had
been set up in that place, each receiving religious devotion and
hallowed rituals on its particular day. The Egyptians who lived in that
town would enter into the capitol, where the priests would tell them
how many sacrifices to offer up that day, corresponding to the regard
in which the ‘god’ was held.
And it happened that as soon as Mary took the young boy into the
temple, every idol in that place fell flat on its face, and each of them was lying there face down on the floor, smashed and demolished in a
show of their powerlessness. Then was fulfilled the word of the
prophet Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord will enter Egypt on a swift cloud,
and all that the Egyptians have crafted will be cleared away at his
coming.”
And when that city’s ruler Affrodosius was notified, he and his
entire army marched toward the temple. And when the temple priests
caught sight of Affrodosius entering into that place, in the full strength
of his military might, they felt certain that he would retaliate against
those who overthrew the idols. But when he entered into the temple
and saw all of the gods lying there face down, Affrodosius went up to
Mary, who was holding Jesus in her arms, and worshiped him. Then
he confessed to his army and his supporters, “Our gods would never
have fallen in his presence, nor would they have remained here
prostrated before him unless he were God over our gods; so even
though they cannot speak, they silently acknowledge his lordship. If
we should fail to do as we see our own gods doing, then we are all in
danger of infuriating him and being devastated like Pharaoh, King of
the Egyptians, who drowned with his whole army in the sea for not
acknowledging such a masterful authority.” Then everyone in that
place put their faith in the Lord God through Jesus Christ.
JESUS REVIVES A DRIED FISH
(InThL 1)
Sotinen?
And on entering into Egypt, they lived for a year as boarders in a
widow’s house. When Jesus was three, he joined in with some boys
that he saw playing. He placed a dried-up fish into a tub and said,
“Breathe,” and it started to respire. “Release the salt within yourself,”
he commanded the fish, “and jump into the water.” And it did as he
had said. Seeing, then, what he had done, the neighbors went and
informed the widow who was housing his mother Mary; and as soon as
she found out about it, she evicted them.
(InThL 1)
Sotinen?
And on entering into Egypt, they lived for a year as boarders in a
widow’s house. When Jesus was three, he joined in with some boys
that he saw playing. He placed a dried-up fish into a tub and said,
“Breathe,” and it started to respire. “Release the salt within yourself,”
he commanded the fish, “and jump into the water.” And it did as he
had said. Seeing, then, what he had done, the neighbors went and
informed the widow who was housing his mother Mary; and as soon as
she found out about it, she evicted them.
JESUS INFURIATES A TEACHER
(InThL 2)
Sotinen?
And as Jesus was walking through town with his mother, he looked
up and saw an instructor who was teaching his students. Behold,
twelve sparrows were fighting there, and they fell from the wall and
into the teacher’s lap as he was lecturing them. When Jesus saw it, he
came to a stop and burst into laughter. The instructor, marking his
amusement, became enraged. “Go get that boy,” he told his students, “and bring him right back here to me!” And as soon as they took hold
of him, the teacher pinched his ear and asked, “What have you seen
that you think is so funny?” “Look into my hand,” he answered, “is it
not full of grain? I revealed the grain to these birds, and distributed it
among them. It was at their own peril that they made off with it; for
they were all fighting over the division of this grain!” And Jesus did
not leave that spot until they had divided it. The instructor therefore
threw both Jesus and his mother out of town.
(InThL 2)
Sotinen?
And as Jesus was walking through town with his mother, he looked
up and saw an instructor who was teaching his students. Behold,
twelve sparrows were fighting there, and they fell from the wall and
into the teacher’s lap as he was lecturing them. When Jesus saw it, he
came to a stop and burst into laughter. The instructor, marking his
amusement, became enraged. “Go get that boy,” he told his students, “and bring him right back here to me!” And as soon as they took hold
of him, the teacher pinched his ear and asked, “What have you seen
that you think is so funny?” “Look into my hand,” he answered, “is it
not full of grain? I revealed the grain to these birds, and distributed it
among them. It was at their own peril that they made off with it; for
they were all fighting over the division of this grain!” And Jesus did
not leave that spot until they had divided it. The instructor therefore
threw both Jesus and his mother out of town.
THE FALLEN IDOL
AND THE POSSESSED BOY
(ArIn 4:5-23)
A Large Egyptian City
And they approached a large city that housed an idol which received
the sacrifices and pledges from all the other Egyptian gods and idols.
Now there was a priest nearby who would attend to it and, as often as
Satan spoke through it, pass along to the Egyptians and the others
every word that it would speak. This priest had a three-year-old son
who was possessed by a legion of demons, and would utter many
senseless things. Now whenever the demons would exercise their
power over him, the boy would tear his clothing and walk around
naked, throwing rocks at everyone in sight. The city’s inn was near to the idol, and when Joseph and Saint Mary entered that city and
checked into the inn, the residents were all amazed. All of that idol’s
judges and priests gathered before it and asked, “What does all this
fear and terror that has gripped our region forebode?” “Truly the
unknown and unrivaled God is visiting us,” the idol replied. “He is no
doubt the Son of God, and no one but he is worthy of adoration. The
entire nation trembled at his fame, and his arrival has brought this
present fear and dread upon us; and we do ourselves shrink before his
tremendous might.” And even as he said this the idol fell, and its
collapse prompted everyone from the land of Egypt and parts beyond
to run away.
The next time the disorder overcame the son of the priest, however,
he went into the inn where Joseph and Saint Mary were staying and
approached those from whom everyone else had fled. And when our
Lady, Saint Mary, had finished washing the swaddling cloths of the
Lord Jesus Christ, she hung them over a post to dry. The demonpossessed
boy pulled one off and wrapped it around his head,
whereupon the demons spewed out of his mouth as crows and snakes,
and flew away from him in haste. The boy was healed once and for all
by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he began to offer thanks, and to sing songs of praise to the Lord, who had made him well. When
his father saw that his boy was again in health, he prodded him, “Son,
tell me what has become of you. Explain to me how you were
restored?” “As soon as those devils got hold of me,” his son replied, “I
went into the inn, where I met a very beautiful woman--and her young
boy was there with her. She had just washed his swaddling clothes
and hung them over a post to dry. Then I took one and placed it over
my head, at which point the demons came out and fled.” When his
father heard all of these things from him, he jumped for joy and cried
aloud, “My child, this might just be that boy--that Son of the Living
God--who brought all of creation into existence; for the very moment
that he came to us the idol was destroyed, and every single god,
overwhelmed by a higher power, fell flat on its face.” In this was
fulfilled that prophecy that reads, “Out of Egypt I have called my Son.”
AND THE POSSESSED BOY
(ArIn 4:5-23)
A Large Egyptian City
And they approached a large city that housed an idol which received
the sacrifices and pledges from all the other Egyptian gods and idols.
Now there was a priest nearby who would attend to it and, as often as
Satan spoke through it, pass along to the Egyptians and the others
every word that it would speak. This priest had a three-year-old son
who was possessed by a legion of demons, and would utter many
senseless things. Now whenever the demons would exercise their
power over him, the boy would tear his clothing and walk around
naked, throwing rocks at everyone in sight. The city’s inn was near to the idol, and when Joseph and Saint Mary entered that city and
checked into the inn, the residents were all amazed. All of that idol’s
judges and priests gathered before it and asked, “What does all this
fear and terror that has gripped our region forebode?” “Truly the
unknown and unrivaled God is visiting us,” the idol replied. “He is no
doubt the Son of God, and no one but he is worthy of adoration. The
entire nation trembled at his fame, and his arrival has brought this
present fear and dread upon us; and we do ourselves shrink before his
tremendous might.” And even as he said this the idol fell, and its
collapse prompted everyone from the land of Egypt and parts beyond
to run away.
The next time the disorder overcame the son of the priest, however,
he went into the inn where Joseph and Saint Mary were staying and
approached those from whom everyone else had fled. And when our
Lady, Saint Mary, had finished washing the swaddling cloths of the
Lord Jesus Christ, she hung them over a post to dry. The demonpossessed
boy pulled one off and wrapped it around his head,
whereupon the demons spewed out of his mouth as crows and snakes,
and flew away from him in haste. The boy was healed once and for all
by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he began to offer thanks, and to sing songs of praise to the Lord, who had made him well. When
his father saw that his boy was again in health, he prodded him, “Son,
tell me what has become of you. Explain to me how you were
restored?” “As soon as those devils got hold of me,” his son replied, “I
went into the inn, where I met a very beautiful woman--and her young
boy was there with her. She had just washed his swaddling clothes
and hung them over a post to dry. Then I took one and placed it over
my head, at which point the demons came out and fled.” When his
father heard all of these things from him, he jumped for joy and cried
aloud, “My child, this might just be that boy--that Son of the Living
God--who brought all of creation into existence; for the very moment
that he came to us the idol was destroyed, and every single god,
overwhelmed by a higher power, fell flat on its face.” In this was
fulfilled that prophecy that reads, “Out of Egypt I have called my Son.”
THE ROBBERS FLEE
(ArIn 5:1-6)
Egypt, on a Road Frequented by Robbers
When Joseph and Mary heard that this Idol had fallen down and
been destroyed, they grew fearful. And trembling they said, “Back
when we were still in Israel, Herod put all of the infants that were in
and around Bethlehem to death because he sought to murder Jesus. If
the Egyptians should hear that this idol has fallen down and shattered
to bits, they will set us all ablaze!” They therefore sought refuge where
bandits lie in wait for passersby, to steal their clothing and their
wagons, to bind them up and carry them off. And even as Joseph and
Mary drew near to it, these robbers perceived their approach as a king
with a mighty army, attended by legions of horses, complete with
drums and trumpet blasts announcing the departure from his city.
The sound of it so frightened them, that they left everything they had
stolen behind and ran. When this happened, those who had been
captured got up and untied one another--each one took what was their
own and they all went on their way. When they saw Joseph and Mary
approaching, these people asked them, “Where is that king that we all
heard--who so alarmed the bandits that they ran away, leaving us all
here free and unharmed?” “He is following after us,” said Joseph.
(ArIn 5:1-6)
Egypt, on a Road Frequented by Robbers
When Joseph and Mary heard that this Idol had fallen down and
been destroyed, they grew fearful. And trembling they said, “Back
when we were still in Israel, Herod put all of the infants that were in
and around Bethlehem to death because he sought to murder Jesus. If
the Egyptians should hear that this idol has fallen down and shattered
to bits, they will set us all ablaze!” They therefore sought refuge where
bandits lie in wait for passersby, to steal their clothing and their
wagons, to bind them up and carry them off. And even as Joseph and
Mary drew near to it, these robbers perceived their approach as a king
with a mighty army, attended by legions of horses, complete with
drums and trumpet blasts announcing the departure from his city.
The sound of it so frightened them, that they left everything they had
stolen behind and ran. When this happened, those who had been
captured got up and untied one another--each one took what was their
own and they all went on their way. When they saw Joseph and Mary
approaching, these people asked them, “Where is that king that we all
heard--who so alarmed the bandits that they ran away, leaving us all
here free and unharmed?” “He is following after us,” said Joseph.
POSSESSION CURED
(ArIn 6:1-4)
An Egyptian City
They entered into another town where there lived a demonpossessed
woman in whom Satan, the one condemned for rebellion,
had made himself at home. One night, as she was going out to draw some water, she found that she could not keep her clothing on or stay
inside of any house. Still, no matter how many times anyone had tried
to chain her up, she had broken free and made her way into desert
places, where she would on occasion lie in wait at crossroads and
places of worship to cast stones at people, and she brought great
hardships on her friends.
Saint Mary felt for this woman the moment she laid eyes on her;
and Satan fled away from her in the shape of a young man, screaming, “Mary, I am utterly tormented by you and your Son!” So she was freed
of her affliction, but when she recognized her nakedness, the woman
blushed and hid from the eyes of men, put on some clothes and went
back home. She then related the story to her father and her family--
who, by the way, happened to be the most prominent people in that
town--and they showed themselves greatly hospitable to Joseph and
Saint Mary.
(ArIn 6:1-4)
An Egyptian City
They entered into another town where there lived a demonpossessed
woman in whom Satan, the one condemned for rebellion,
had made himself at home. One night, as she was going out to draw some water, she found that she could not keep her clothing on or stay
inside of any house. Still, no matter how many times anyone had tried
to chain her up, she had broken free and made her way into desert
places, where she would on occasion lie in wait at crossroads and
places of worship to cast stones at people, and she brought great
hardships on her friends.
Saint Mary felt for this woman the moment she laid eyes on her;
and Satan fled away from her in the shape of a young man, screaming, “Mary, I am utterly tormented by you and your Son!” So she was freed
of her affliction, but when she recognized her nakedness, the woman
blushed and hid from the eyes of men, put on some clothes and went
back home. She then related the story to her father and her family--
who, by the way, happened to be the most prominent people in that
town--and they showed themselves greatly hospitable to Joseph and
Saint Mary.
MUTENESS HEALED
(ArIn 6:5-9)
Another Egyptian City
The following morning they were given the necessary provisions for
their journey, and they headed out. They came into another town
around sunset, where a marriage was about to be performed. But the
bride had become unable to speak to such an extent that she could not
even open her mouth on account of some magical spells that some
sorcerers steeped in the Satanic arts had cast on her. But when this
speechless woman saw Mary on her way into town bearing the Lord
Jesus Christ in her arms, she reached out to him and held him in her
embrace, hugging and kissing him all over; moving him back and forth
and squeezing him against herself. Immediately the string of her
tongue was loosed, and her ears were cleared, and she started singing
praises to God, the One Who had healed her. So the people of that
town were overjoyed that night, and they truly believed that God and
His angels had come down to them. They stayed in that place for three
whole days, being shown true veneration and great hospitality.
(ArIn 6:5-9)
Another Egyptian City
The following morning they were given the necessary provisions for
their journey, and they headed out. They came into another town
around sunset, where a marriage was about to be performed. But the
bride had become unable to speak to such an extent that she could not
even open her mouth on account of some magical spells that some
sorcerers steeped in the Satanic arts had cast on her. But when this
speechless woman saw Mary on her way into town bearing the Lord
Jesus Christ in her arms, she reached out to him and held him in her
embrace, hugging and kissing him all over; moving him back and forth
and squeezing him against herself. Immediately the string of her
tongue was loosed, and her ears were cleared, and she started singing
praises to God, the One Who had healed her. So the people of that
town were overjoyed that night, and they truly believed that God and
His angels had come down to them. They stayed in that place for three
whole days, being shown true veneration and great hospitality.
SATANIC OPPRESSION AND SKIN DISEASES CURED
(ArIn 6:10-37)
Another Egyptian city
Then, after receiving provisions for their journey, they traveled on.
They entered into another town, where they truly wished to lodge, for
it was a popular place. There was a woman in this town who had gone
to the river to bathe one day, and behold, Satan, the Accursed One,
sprang on her in the form of a snake and wrapped himself around her body; and he wrenched her every night thereafter. When this woman
saw our Lady, Saint Mary, with the child, the Lord Jesus Christ, in her arms, she asked the Lady Saint Mary to hand the little one over to her,
so that she might kiss and hold him in her arms. Now when Mary
handed him over--even as she was taking hold of the child--Satan
suddenly took off and abandoned her, and that woman never saw him
again. Everyone in that place immediately broke into praises to the
Most High God, and the woman gave them generous gifts.
The next day, that same woman bought perfumed water with which
to bathe the Anointed Lord, and set it aside. Another girl was there
whose skin was white with leprosy, and as soon as she was sprinkled
with it, and had scrubbed herself off, her skin disease was washed
away. So the people all proclaimed, “There can be no doubt that
Joseph, Mary, and this boy are gods, since they do not seem like
mortal men.” And as they were getting set to travel on, the girl who
had been afflicted by her skin disease approached them and asked if
she could come along. And they answered that she could, so the girl
traveled on with them until they came to a town in which stood the
palace of a great king, and that place was near to the inn where they
were staying. One day, when the girl went to visit the prince’s wife,
she found her grieving and suffering terribly, so she asked her, “Why
are you weeping?” “Please don’t ask me why I weep,” she pleaded, “for
I am under such a trial that I dare not tell a soul about it!” “But if
you’ll confide in me,” the girl replied, “and disclose to me the nature of
your personal suffering, then I might just be able to find you a
remedy.” “Then you must keep it to yourself,” the princess insisted,
“and not tell anyone about it! I have been married to this prince who
reigns over many regions as a king, and had lived with him for quite a
while before I bore him any children. At long last he managed to get
me pregnant, but wouldn’t you know, I gave birth to a leprous son!
Now as soon as my husband saw him, he immediately denied his
paternity and said, ‘You either take and destroy him, or else send him
off to a nurse in a place so far away that he will never be heard from!
As for you, look to yourself, because I never want to see you again!’ So
here I am, languishing and grieving over my horrible situation. Oh,
for my son! Oh, for my husband! Do you get the idea?” “I have found
a remedy for your plight that I know you can trust,” the girl replied, “even the one who is called Jesus, the son of the Lady Saint Mary. You
see, I also had a skin disease, but then God washed me clean of it.”
“Where,” asked the woman, “is this God of whom you speak?” The girl answered, “He is staying right here in your very own home!” “But how
is this possible?” the princess said. “Tell me where this child could
be!” “Behold,” the girl replied, “you know Joseph and Mary? The
child who is with them is called Jesus; and he was the one who freed
me from my own illness and suffering.” “Well then,” the princess
asked, “just how were you cleansed of it? Will you at least explain that
much to me?” “Why, of course I will,” the girl replied. “After I had
bathed the boy, I took the water used to wash his body, and poured it
over myself, and my skin disease disappeared.” The princess then got
up and showed herself hospitable to them, throwing a banquet in
Joseph’s honor before a great many men. The following day, she took
perfumed water in which to bathe the Lord Jesus, and later poured
some over her own son, whom she had brought along, and
immediately he was freed of his leprosy. She then sang praises of
thanks to God, saying, “Oh, Jesus! How blessed is the mother who
bore you! Is this how you restore mankind: making them even as you
are yourself with the very water that was used to clean you off?” Then
she offered lavish gifts to our Lady, Saint Mary, and bid her farewell
with every conceivable honor.
(ArIn 6:10-37)
Another Egyptian city
Then, after receiving provisions for their journey, they traveled on.
They entered into another town, where they truly wished to lodge, for
it was a popular place. There was a woman in this town who had gone
to the river to bathe one day, and behold, Satan, the Accursed One,
sprang on her in the form of a snake and wrapped himself around her body; and he wrenched her every night thereafter. When this woman
saw our Lady, Saint Mary, with the child, the Lord Jesus Christ, in her arms, she asked the Lady Saint Mary to hand the little one over to her,
so that she might kiss and hold him in her arms. Now when Mary
handed him over--even as she was taking hold of the child--Satan
suddenly took off and abandoned her, and that woman never saw him
again. Everyone in that place immediately broke into praises to the
Most High God, and the woman gave them generous gifts.
The next day, that same woman bought perfumed water with which
to bathe the Anointed Lord, and set it aside. Another girl was there
whose skin was white with leprosy, and as soon as she was sprinkled
with it, and had scrubbed herself off, her skin disease was washed
away. So the people all proclaimed, “There can be no doubt that
Joseph, Mary, and this boy are gods, since they do not seem like
mortal men.” And as they were getting set to travel on, the girl who
had been afflicted by her skin disease approached them and asked if
she could come along. And they answered that she could, so the girl
traveled on with them until they came to a town in which stood the
palace of a great king, and that place was near to the inn where they
were staying. One day, when the girl went to visit the prince’s wife,
she found her grieving and suffering terribly, so she asked her, “Why
are you weeping?” “Please don’t ask me why I weep,” she pleaded, “for
I am under such a trial that I dare not tell a soul about it!” “But if
you’ll confide in me,” the girl replied, “and disclose to me the nature of
your personal suffering, then I might just be able to find you a
remedy.” “Then you must keep it to yourself,” the princess insisted,
“and not tell anyone about it! I have been married to this prince who
reigns over many regions as a king, and had lived with him for quite a
while before I bore him any children. At long last he managed to get
me pregnant, but wouldn’t you know, I gave birth to a leprous son!
Now as soon as my husband saw him, he immediately denied his
paternity and said, ‘You either take and destroy him, or else send him
off to a nurse in a place so far away that he will never be heard from!
As for you, look to yourself, because I never want to see you again!’ So
here I am, languishing and grieving over my horrible situation. Oh,
for my son! Oh, for my husband! Do you get the idea?” “I have found
a remedy for your plight that I know you can trust,” the girl replied, “even the one who is called Jesus, the son of the Lady Saint Mary. You
see, I also had a skin disease, but then God washed me clean of it.”
“Where,” asked the woman, “is this God of whom you speak?” The girl answered, “He is staying right here in your very own home!” “But how
is this possible?” the princess said. “Tell me where this child could
be!” “Behold,” the girl replied, “you know Joseph and Mary? The
child who is with them is called Jesus; and he was the one who freed
me from my own illness and suffering.” “Well then,” the princess
asked, “just how were you cleansed of it? Will you at least explain that
much to me?” “Why, of course I will,” the girl replied. “After I had
bathed the boy, I took the water used to wash his body, and poured it
over myself, and my skin disease disappeared.” The princess then got
up and showed herself hospitable to them, throwing a banquet in
Joseph’s honor before a great many men. The following day, she took
perfumed water in which to bathe the Lord Jesus, and later poured
some over her own son, whom she had brought along, and
immediately he was freed of his leprosy. She then sang praises of
thanks to God, saying, “Oh, Jesus! How blessed is the mother who
bore you! Is this how you restore mankind: making them even as you
are yourself with the very water that was used to clean you off?” Then
she offered lavish gifts to our Lady, Saint Mary, and bid her farewell
with every conceivable honor.
WITCHCRAFTS OVERCOME
(ArIn 7:1-35)
Several Egyptian Cities
After this, they came to another town and decided to lodge there.
So they went to the house of a man who had just completed his
nuptials, but due to the influence of some sorcerers, could not
consummate his marriage. But they spent the night at this man’s
house, and he was relieved of his affliction. Early the next morning, as
they were gathering their things to go their way, the newly wedded
man did not let them go, but instead showed them great hospitality.
Even so, they traveled on the following day.
And they entered into another town, where they saw three women
who were weeping and wailing as they were leaving a certain
graveyard. As soon as Saint Mary saw them, she asked the girl who
had sought to travel with them, “Would you please go over to those
women and find out what is troubling them, and what circumstances
they are under.” They did not answer her question though, but
questioned her instead, “Who are you, then, and where are you
headed? For the day has nearly passed, and the night is on its heels.”
“We are travelers searching for an inn in which to stay,” the girl
replied. “Follow us,” they answered them, “You can come and stay
with us.” So they followed after those women, and were ushered into a brand new house--all decorated with every kind of furniture
imaginable. By now it was winter, and the girl entered into the parlor
and found the women there, crying and lamenting over their plight,
even as they had before. A mule was standing next to them all draped
in silk. A black feedbag was hanging from his neck--and they were
kissing him and feeding him. But when the girl remarked, “Ladies,
that’s a fine looking mule you’ve got there!” they all burst into tears
and said, “What you see as a mule was once our brother, born from the
very same mother as we. For when our father passed away, he left us
with a large estate, and this was our only brother. We tried to find him
a suitable companion, thinking that he should wed as others do, but
some woman got jealous and cast a spell on him without our knowing.
Then one night, right before dawn, when the doors to the house were
still shut tight, we saw that our brother here had been changed into a
mule, as you can plainly see. And we, being in the sorry state that you
see us in now, having no father to console us, have sought the services
of all the sages, wizards, and sorcerers in the world, but they have not
helped us in the least! So now when we find ourselves feeling down,
we get up and travel with our mother to our father’s grave. And after
we have cried it off, we all simply come back here.”
And as soon as the girl had heard all this, she said, “Now take heart,
and have no fear, for truly a cure for what ails you is near. It is, in fact,
right here with you--even in your very home! I was a victim of a skin
disease, you see, but when I saw this woman with her child Jesus, I
sprinkled my body with the bathwater that his mother had used to
wash him off, and in that instant I was healed. Now I am certain that he can bring your troubles to an end. Get up, therefore, and go over to
my lady Mary, and after you have brought her into this room, share
your secret with her. And while you are at it, ask her to show you
compassion for the circumstances you are under.” The moment the
women heard what the girl had said, they went quickly to our Lady,
Saint Mary, introduced themselves to her, seated themselves before
her and wept. “Oh, our Lady, Saint Mary,” they pleaded, “show us
some compassion, for our house is without a head, and we have no one
who is older--neither father or brother--to lead us either in or out!
What you see as a mule over here was once our brother. Some woman
using witchcraft has brought him to his present state. And for this
reason do we beg of you, please have pity on us all!” When she heard
this, Mary felt sorry for them, so she took the Lord Jesus, placed him
on the back of the mule and said, “Oh, Christ Jesus, through your
absolute power, restore this mule into a man, having the same sense as he had before.” The Lady, Saint Mary, had scarcely finished speaking
these words when the mule returned to the form of a young man
without any deformity whatsoever. Then he, his sisters and his
mother all worshiped our Lady, Saint Mary. Then they lifted up the
child and held him out above their heads, kissing him, and
proclaiming, “Oh Jesus, Savior of the World, how blessed is your
mother! How blessed and joyful are the eyes that see you!” The two
sisters then confessed to their mother, “Truly, it was the Lord Jesus
Christ who helped our brother, restoring him to his prior state; but it
was also through the kindness of that girl who told us about Mary and
her son. So seeing that our brother here is not yet wed, it seems good
that we should marry him to this servant girl of theirs. So they
consulted Mary about it, and when she had given them her consent,
they threw a stylish wedding for her.”
So their sorrow turned to gladness, and their grieving into joy. And
they dressed up in their finest clothing and bracelets, and began to
celebrate and to be festive. Then they all broke out in song, and soon
they were all exalting and praising God, saying, “Jesus, oh son of
David, who changes sorrow into joy, and misery into elation!” And
after these things, Joseph and Mary remained there with them ten
days more, receiving tremendous appreciation from them. And after
Joseph and Mary had gone away, they all went home weeping, but
none of them wept more than the girl.
(ArIn 7:1-35)
Several Egyptian Cities
After this, they came to another town and decided to lodge there.
So they went to the house of a man who had just completed his
nuptials, but due to the influence of some sorcerers, could not
consummate his marriage. But they spent the night at this man’s
house, and he was relieved of his affliction. Early the next morning, as
they were gathering their things to go their way, the newly wedded
man did not let them go, but instead showed them great hospitality.
Even so, they traveled on the following day.
And they entered into another town, where they saw three women
who were weeping and wailing as they were leaving a certain
graveyard. As soon as Saint Mary saw them, she asked the girl who
had sought to travel with them, “Would you please go over to those
women and find out what is troubling them, and what circumstances
they are under.” They did not answer her question though, but
questioned her instead, “Who are you, then, and where are you
headed? For the day has nearly passed, and the night is on its heels.”
“We are travelers searching for an inn in which to stay,” the girl
replied. “Follow us,” they answered them, “You can come and stay
with us.” So they followed after those women, and were ushered into a brand new house--all decorated with every kind of furniture
imaginable. By now it was winter, and the girl entered into the parlor
and found the women there, crying and lamenting over their plight,
even as they had before. A mule was standing next to them all draped
in silk. A black feedbag was hanging from his neck--and they were
kissing him and feeding him. But when the girl remarked, “Ladies,
that’s a fine looking mule you’ve got there!” they all burst into tears
and said, “What you see as a mule was once our brother, born from the
very same mother as we. For when our father passed away, he left us
with a large estate, and this was our only brother. We tried to find him
a suitable companion, thinking that he should wed as others do, but
some woman got jealous and cast a spell on him without our knowing.
Then one night, right before dawn, when the doors to the house were
still shut tight, we saw that our brother here had been changed into a
mule, as you can plainly see. And we, being in the sorry state that you
see us in now, having no father to console us, have sought the services
of all the sages, wizards, and sorcerers in the world, but they have not
helped us in the least! So now when we find ourselves feeling down,
we get up and travel with our mother to our father’s grave. And after
we have cried it off, we all simply come back here.”
And as soon as the girl had heard all this, she said, “Now take heart,
and have no fear, for truly a cure for what ails you is near. It is, in fact,
right here with you--even in your very home! I was a victim of a skin
disease, you see, but when I saw this woman with her child Jesus, I
sprinkled my body with the bathwater that his mother had used to
wash him off, and in that instant I was healed. Now I am certain that he can bring your troubles to an end. Get up, therefore, and go over to
my lady Mary, and after you have brought her into this room, share
your secret with her. And while you are at it, ask her to show you
compassion for the circumstances you are under.” The moment the
women heard what the girl had said, they went quickly to our Lady,
Saint Mary, introduced themselves to her, seated themselves before
her and wept. “Oh, our Lady, Saint Mary,” they pleaded, “show us
some compassion, for our house is without a head, and we have no one
who is older--neither father or brother--to lead us either in or out!
What you see as a mule over here was once our brother. Some woman
using witchcraft has brought him to his present state. And for this
reason do we beg of you, please have pity on us all!” When she heard
this, Mary felt sorry for them, so she took the Lord Jesus, placed him
on the back of the mule and said, “Oh, Christ Jesus, through your
absolute power, restore this mule into a man, having the same sense as he had before.” The Lady, Saint Mary, had scarcely finished speaking
these words when the mule returned to the form of a young man
without any deformity whatsoever. Then he, his sisters and his
mother all worshiped our Lady, Saint Mary. Then they lifted up the
child and held him out above their heads, kissing him, and
proclaiming, “Oh Jesus, Savior of the World, how blessed is your
mother! How blessed and joyful are the eyes that see you!” The two
sisters then confessed to their mother, “Truly, it was the Lord Jesus
Christ who helped our brother, restoring him to his prior state; but it
was also through the kindness of that girl who told us about Mary and
her son. So seeing that our brother here is not yet wed, it seems good
that we should marry him to this servant girl of theirs. So they
consulted Mary about it, and when she had given them her consent,
they threw a stylish wedding for her.”
So their sorrow turned to gladness, and their grieving into joy. And
they dressed up in their finest clothing and bracelets, and began to
celebrate and to be festive. Then they all broke out in song, and soon
they were all exalting and praising God, saying, “Jesus, oh son of
David, who changes sorrow into joy, and misery into elation!” And
after these things, Joseph and Mary remained there with them ten
days more, receiving tremendous appreciation from them. And after
Joseph and Mary had gone away, they all went home weeping, but
none of them wept more than the girl.
TITUS AND DUMACHUS
(DYSMAS AND GESTAS)
(ArIn 8:1-8)
The Desert, Where Bandits Lie In Wait
And as they moved on from that district, they came into a desert,
where they were warned about all of the robbers that lurked there.
Joseph and Saint Mary therefore waited until nightfall to pass
through. And even as they journeyed forth, they caught sight of two
bandits who were sleeping in the road--and many of their companions
were sleeping nearby. These two robbers were named Titus and
Dumachus. “Dumachus,” Titus implored him, “I beg you, please allow
these people to pass us quietly by, so that no one in our band might
notice them.” Now Dumachus refused to do it, so once again he said
to him, “I will give you forty goats; and look, here is my belt, take it
also as a pledge.” And he handed it over to Dumachus even as he was
bargaining with him, so that he might not sound the alarm. When our
Lady Saint Mary saw the kindness that this robber had done them, she
informed him, “The Lord God will forgive you of your sins and place you at His own right hand.” “Mother,” the Lord Jesus said to her, “in
thirty years time, the Jews will crucify me in Jerusalem. These two
thieves will be crucified alongside me; Titus will be to my right, and
Dumachus to my left--and Titus will pass into paradise even before I
do.” “My son!” said Mary, “God forbid this should happen to you!”
Then they traveled to another town. There were several idols in that
place that turned into mere sand dunes at their approach.
(DYSMAS AND GESTAS)
(ArIn 8:1-8)
The Desert, Where Bandits Lie In Wait
And as they moved on from that district, they came into a desert,
where they were warned about all of the robbers that lurked there.
Joseph and Saint Mary therefore waited until nightfall to pass
through. And even as they journeyed forth, they caught sight of two
bandits who were sleeping in the road--and many of their companions
were sleeping nearby. These two robbers were named Titus and
Dumachus. “Dumachus,” Titus implored him, “I beg you, please allow
these people to pass us quietly by, so that no one in our band might
notice them.” Now Dumachus refused to do it, so once again he said
to him, “I will give you forty goats; and look, here is my belt, take it
also as a pledge.” And he handed it over to Dumachus even as he was
bargaining with him, so that he might not sound the alarm. When our
Lady Saint Mary saw the kindness that this robber had done them, she
informed him, “The Lord God will forgive you of your sins and place you at His own right hand.” “Mother,” the Lord Jesus said to her, “in
thirty years time, the Jews will crucify me in Jerusalem. These two
thieves will be crucified alongside me; Titus will be to my right, and
Dumachus to my left--and Titus will pass into paradise even before I
do.” “My son!” said Mary, “God forbid this should happen to you!”
Then they traveled to another town. There were several idols in that
place that turned into mere sand dunes at their approach.
THE SPRING AT MATAREA
(ArIn 8:9-11)
Matarea
After this, they traveled on to that sycamore tree, a place that is now
called Matarea. And there in that region the Lord Jesus caused a
fountain to spring forth, and Saint Mary washed his coat in it. And the
sweat that dripped from the Lord Jesus in that land produces a
medicinal oil.
(ArIn 8:9-11)
Matarea
After this, they traveled on to that sycamore tree, a place that is now
called Matarea. And there in that region the Lord Jesus caused a
fountain to spring forth, and Saint Mary washed his coat in it. And the
sweat that dripped from the Lord Jesus in that land produces a
medicinal oil.
THE HOLY FAMILY MEETS PHAROAH
(ArIn 8:12-13)
Memphis
From Matarea they moved on to Memphis, where they met together
with Pharaoh. For three years they remained in Egypt, and the Lord
Jesus performed all kinds of miracles which are neither to be found in
the Gospel of the Infancy, nor the Gospel of Perfection.
(ArIn 8:12-13)
Memphis
From Matarea they moved on to Memphis, where they met together
with Pharaoh. For three years they remained in Egypt, and the Lord
Jesus performed all kinds of miracles which are neither to be found in
the Gospel of the Infancy, nor the Gospel of Perfection.
INFANCY 3
RETURN TO JUDEA; TO GALILEE
(Matt 2:13-23; Luke 2:40; ArIn 8:14-17;
PsMt 25; InThL 3; HJC 9)
Egypt, Judea, Nazareth
But after three years had come and gone, Herod passed away. (Now
he died from the worst death that you can imagine, paying the price
for those innocent children, whose blood he so wickedly shed.) After
the death of that evil despot and the passing of Joseph from Egypt, (an
angel of the Lord) led him out into the desert until those who sought
after the boy’s life were no longer a threat and Jerusalem was once
again at rest. Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream, saying, “Get up! Take your young child and his mother into
Israel, for those who sought to kill him are dead.” And behold, one of
the Lord’s angels came (also) to Mary, saying, “Take the child and
return to the land of the Jews, because the ones who were trying to kill
him have themselves passed on.” Joseph therefore got up, took the
young child and his mother and entered into Israel. The closer he drew to Judea, however, the more reluctant he became to enter into it.
(Joseph, you see, had heard that Herod had passed on and that his son
Archelaus was reigning in his stead, so he was afraid to go there.) And
on his arrival in Judea, an angel of God appeared to him in a dream,
warning him: “Joseph, travel on to the city of Nazareth and settle in
that place.” So Joseph and Mary got up and left with Jesus for the
region of Galilee, and they entered into Nazareth, where she had an
inheritance from her father; that what was spoken through the
prophets, “He will be called a Nazarene,” might be fulfilled. And
Joseph returned to his carpenter’s trade, earning a living with his own
two hands; for he would never have tried to live off of another man’s
labor; (even) as the Mosaic Law forbids. And he thanked the Lord God
for His kindness, and for giving him such an understanding. It is truly
mysterious that the Lord of every nation should be moved around all
over like this--back and forth across so many lands. And the boy grew,
and became strong, and extremely wise. And God endowed him with
78
His nature.
RETURN TO JUDEA; TO GALILEE
(Matt 2:13-23; Luke 2:40; ArIn 8:14-17;
PsMt 25; InThL 3; HJC 9)
Egypt, Judea, Nazareth
But after three years had come and gone, Herod passed away. (Now
he died from the worst death that you can imagine, paying the price
for those innocent children, whose blood he so wickedly shed.) After
the death of that evil despot and the passing of Joseph from Egypt, (an
angel of the Lord) led him out into the desert until those who sought
after the boy’s life were no longer a threat and Jerusalem was once
again at rest. Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream, saying, “Get up! Take your young child and his mother into
Israel, for those who sought to kill him are dead.” And behold, one of
the Lord’s angels came (also) to Mary, saying, “Take the child and
return to the land of the Jews, because the ones who were trying to kill
him have themselves passed on.” Joseph therefore got up, took the
young child and his mother and entered into Israel. The closer he drew to Judea, however, the more reluctant he became to enter into it.
(Joseph, you see, had heard that Herod had passed on and that his son
Archelaus was reigning in his stead, so he was afraid to go there.) And
on his arrival in Judea, an angel of God appeared to him in a dream,
warning him: “Joseph, travel on to the city of Nazareth and settle in
that place.” So Joseph and Mary got up and left with Jesus for the
region of Galilee, and they entered into Nazareth, where she had an
inheritance from her father; that what was spoken through the
prophets, “He will be called a Nazarene,” might be fulfilled. And
Joseph returned to his carpenter’s trade, earning a living with his own
two hands; for he would never have tried to live off of another man’s
labor; (even) as the Mosaic Law forbids. And he thanked the Lord God
for His kindness, and for giving him such an understanding. It is truly
mysterious that the Lord of every nation should be moved around all
over like this--back and forth across so many lands. And the boy grew,
and became strong, and extremely wise. And God endowed him with
78
His nature.
JESUS’ BATHWATER CURES VARIOUS ILLNESSES
(ArIn 9:1-11)
Bethlehem
Later, after they had entered into Bethlehem, they came across
several victims of a grave disorder that had become so serious that
most children who suffered from it would die. A woman there had a
son who was afflicted thereby, and was standing at the door of death.
And she brought him to our Lady, calling on her as she was bathing
Jesus Christ. “Oh my Lady Mary,” the woman implored her, “consider
the misfortune of my son, who is wracked by such extreme pain.” And
hearing her, Mary said, “Take and sprinkle him with a little bit of that
water with which I have just now finished bathing my son.” Then she
took some of that water, even as she had been told, and mottled her
boy who, worn out by tumultuous sufferings, had drifted off. After
sleeping but a little while, he was restored to health and he awoke.
Thrilled by this turn of events, the mother returned to Saint Mary, who
replied, “Offer up your praise to God. It is He Who has healed your
son.”
A neighbor of the woman whose son had been made well was
nearby, and this woman’s boy was also suffering from the very same
illness. His eyes had nearly closed forever, and day and night she
mourned for him. The restored boy’s mother then suggested, “How
about taking your son to Mary as I have done? I took my boy to her as
he was in the throes of death, and the water with which she had washed the body of her son Jesus healed him.” As soon as the other
woman heard what she said, she went there also. And after getting
hold of some of the same water, she used it to wash her son as well.
After she had done this, his eyes and his body were immediately
restored to the way that they had been before. And when she returned
to Saint Mary with her boy, our Lady told her to offer thanks to God
for the recovery of her son, but to avoid telling anyone about what had
been done.
(ArIn 9:1-11)
Bethlehem
Later, after they had entered into Bethlehem, they came across
several victims of a grave disorder that had become so serious that
most children who suffered from it would die. A woman there had a
son who was afflicted thereby, and was standing at the door of death.
And she brought him to our Lady, calling on her as she was bathing
Jesus Christ. “Oh my Lady Mary,” the woman implored her, “consider
the misfortune of my son, who is wracked by such extreme pain.” And
hearing her, Mary said, “Take and sprinkle him with a little bit of that
water with which I have just now finished bathing my son.” Then she
took some of that water, even as she had been told, and mottled her
boy who, worn out by tumultuous sufferings, had drifted off. After
sleeping but a little while, he was restored to health and he awoke.
Thrilled by this turn of events, the mother returned to Saint Mary, who
replied, “Offer up your praise to God. It is He Who has healed your
son.”
A neighbor of the woman whose son had been made well was
nearby, and this woman’s boy was also suffering from the very same
illness. His eyes had nearly closed forever, and day and night she
mourned for him. The restored boy’s mother then suggested, “How
about taking your son to Mary as I have done? I took my boy to her as
he was in the throes of death, and the water with which she had washed the body of her son Jesus healed him.” As soon as the other
woman heard what she said, she went there also. And after getting
hold of some of the same water, she used it to wash her son as well.
After she had done this, his eyes and his body were immediately
restored to the way that they had been before. And when she returned
to Saint Mary with her boy, our Lady told her to offer thanks to God
for the recovery of her son, but to avoid telling anyone about what had
been done.
THE TWO WIVES AND THEIR SONS’
ILLNESSES
(ArIn 10:1-14)
Bethlehem
In that very town, there were these two wives of one husband, each
of whom had a boy who was ill. One of them, whose name was Mary,
had a son named Cleophas. She got up, took her son with her, and
went to visit Jesus’ mother, our Lady Saint Mary. She offered her a
fine, luxurious rug, and pleaded, “Oh my Lady Mary, please accept this
rug from me in exchange for a tiny piece of swaddling cloth.” Mary
then agreed to it, so when the mother of Cleophas left, she fashioned a
garment from it, placed it upon her boy, and he was relieved; but the
son of the other wife died.
Out of this disparity there arose a conflict in the running of the
house. Each mother had been taking a turn every other week. When
Cleophas’ mother Mary’s turn came around, she fired up the furnace
to bake some bread and left her son nearby as she stepped away to get
some flour. The competitor wife, seeing the boy unattended, grabbed
him, threw him into the sweltering oven and ran off quickly. When
Mary came back and saw her son Cleophas lying in the midst thereof,
which was just as cool as it had been before being heated, she
recognized that the rival wife had tossed him into the flames. After
she had pulled him out, she took him over to the Lady Saint Mary, and
explained to her what had happened. “Keep this to yourself,” she said.
“I need to know that you will not tell these things to others.”
Afterward, the enemy wife was drawing water at the well, and
seeing Cleophas playing nearby, and no one around to witness it, she
snatched him up and threw him in. Some men came to the well to
draw some water and saw the boy sitting there on the surface, and
were taken aback at the sight. Then they gave praises to God and
pulled him out with ropes. His mother came and took him straight to
our Lady Saint Mary, saying solemnly, “Oh my Lady, see what my rival
has done to my son! See how she has thrown him down a well, and I have no doubt but that sooner or later she will be the death of him.”
“God Himself will avenge your cause,” replied Saint Mary. A few days later, the other wife came to the well to draw some water, and her foot
got caught by the rope in such a way that she fell headlong into the
well, even as befit her case. And those who rushed to help her out
found her head bashed in and her bones in splinters. So she came to a
sorry end, and the saying of the prophet who wrote, “They made a
deep well, but ended up falling into the pit that they had dug,” was
fulfilled in her.
ILLNESSES
(ArIn 10:1-14)
Bethlehem
In that very town, there were these two wives of one husband, each
of whom had a boy who was ill. One of them, whose name was Mary,
had a son named Cleophas. She got up, took her son with her, and
went to visit Jesus’ mother, our Lady Saint Mary. She offered her a
fine, luxurious rug, and pleaded, “Oh my Lady Mary, please accept this
rug from me in exchange for a tiny piece of swaddling cloth.” Mary
then agreed to it, so when the mother of Cleophas left, she fashioned a
garment from it, placed it upon her boy, and he was relieved; but the
son of the other wife died.
Out of this disparity there arose a conflict in the running of the
house. Each mother had been taking a turn every other week. When
Cleophas’ mother Mary’s turn came around, she fired up the furnace
to bake some bread and left her son nearby as she stepped away to get
some flour. The competitor wife, seeing the boy unattended, grabbed
him, threw him into the sweltering oven and ran off quickly. When
Mary came back and saw her son Cleophas lying in the midst thereof,
which was just as cool as it had been before being heated, she
recognized that the rival wife had tossed him into the flames. After
she had pulled him out, she took him over to the Lady Saint Mary, and
explained to her what had happened. “Keep this to yourself,” she said.
“I need to know that you will not tell these things to others.”
Afterward, the enemy wife was drawing water at the well, and
seeing Cleophas playing nearby, and no one around to witness it, she
snatched him up and threw him in. Some men came to the well to
draw some water and saw the boy sitting there on the surface, and
were taken aback at the sight. Then they gave praises to God and
pulled him out with ropes. His mother came and took him straight to
our Lady Saint Mary, saying solemnly, “Oh my Lady, see what my rival
has done to my son! See how she has thrown him down a well, and I have no doubt but that sooner or later she will be the death of him.”
“God Himself will avenge your cause,” replied Saint Mary. A few days later, the other wife came to the well to draw some water, and her foot
got caught by the rope in such a way that she fell headlong into the
well, even as befit her case. And those who rushed to help her out
found her head bashed in and her bones in splinters. So she came to a
sorry end, and the saying of the prophet who wrote, “They made a
deep well, but ended up falling into the pit that they had dug,” was
fulfilled in her.
THE HEALING OF BARTHOLOMEW
(ArIn 11:1-8)
Bethlehem
In that city there was yet another woman who had twin sons who
had fallen prey to a disease. And after one had died, she took the
other, who was himself on the verge of death, cradled in her arms to
our Lady Saint Mary. And she pleaded through her tears, “Oh, my
Lady, please help me in my distress. Not long ago I had two sons, but
I have just now buried one and can see that the other one is on the
brink. Behold, I am desperately seeking mercy from God, and am
offering up my prayers to Him.” “Oh my Lord,” the woman said, “You
are kind and gracious and giving. You have given me two sons and
taken one again to Yourself, please leave me this other one.” And
sensing the depth of her despair, Saint Mary felt sorry for her and said,
“Rest your boy on the bed of my son, and lay the clothes of my child on
him.” The very moment she had laid him who had just closed his eyes
in death onto the bed where the Anointed was lying, and the scent of
the clothes of the Lord Jesus Christ hit the lad, his eyes popped open,
and he cried to his mother for bread, which when he had taken some,
he promptly ate. “Oh my Lady Mary,” confessed His mother, “now I
am convinced that God’s powers work through you, such that your son
is able to heal children, who are by nature like him, as soon as they
come into contact with his clothing.” The boy who was cured like this
is the same one who is called Bartholomew in the Gospel.
(ArIn 11:1-8)
Bethlehem
In that city there was yet another woman who had twin sons who
had fallen prey to a disease. And after one had died, she took the
other, who was himself on the verge of death, cradled in her arms to
our Lady Saint Mary. And she pleaded through her tears, “Oh, my
Lady, please help me in my distress. Not long ago I had two sons, but
I have just now buried one and can see that the other one is on the
brink. Behold, I am desperately seeking mercy from God, and am
offering up my prayers to Him.” “Oh my Lord,” the woman said, “You
are kind and gracious and giving. You have given me two sons and
taken one again to Yourself, please leave me this other one.” And
sensing the depth of her despair, Saint Mary felt sorry for her and said,
“Rest your boy on the bed of my son, and lay the clothes of my child on
him.” The very moment she had laid him who had just closed his eyes
in death onto the bed where the Anointed was lying, and the scent of
the clothes of the Lord Jesus Christ hit the lad, his eyes popped open,
and he cried to his mother for bread, which when he had taken some,
he promptly ate. “Oh my Lady Mary,” confessed His mother, “now I
am convinced that God’s powers work through you, such that your son
is able to heal children, who are by nature like him, as soon as they
come into contact with his clothing.” The boy who was cured like this
is the same one who is called Bartholomew in the Gospel.
BATHWATER CURES
(ArIn 12:1-6)
The Cave Outside Bethlehem
Now there was a leprous woman who came to the mother of Jesus,
our lady Saint Mary, and pleaded, “Help me, my Lady.” “What kind of
assistance are you seeking?” Saint Mary inquired. “Will you ask for
silver or gold, or would you have your leprosy cured?” “Who can do this thing for me?” the woman asked. “Just wait until I have bathed
my son Jesus and put him down to rest” she said, and the woman
waited as advised, and after Mary had laid Jesus down to sleep, she
gave her some of the water she had used to wash his body and said,
“Take some of the water and pour it over yourself.” And when the
woman had complied, she received her cleansing and so praised God,
thanking Him with all her heart.
(ArIn 12:1-6)
The Cave Outside Bethlehem
Now there was a leprous woman who came to the mother of Jesus,
our lady Saint Mary, and pleaded, “Help me, my Lady.” “What kind of
assistance are you seeking?” Saint Mary inquired. “Will you ask for
silver or gold, or would you have your leprosy cured?” “Who can do this thing for me?” the woman asked. “Just wait until I have bathed
my son Jesus and put him down to rest” she said, and the woman
waited as advised, and after Mary had laid Jesus down to sleep, she
gave her some of the water she had used to wash his body and said,
“Take some of the water and pour it over yourself.” And when the
woman had complied, she received her cleansing and so praised God,
thanking Him with all her heart.
ANOTHER CURED BY BATHWATER
(ArIn 12:7-22)
Jerusalem?
After staying there with her for three days, the woman went away
and into town. And as she was going in, she met up with a certain
prince who was married to the daughter of this other prince. But
when this prince went in to examine her he saw evidence of leprosy--a
star-like sign between her eyes--and he immediately nullified their
marriage vows. When the woman saw the two in such a state, pouring
forth a flood of tears, she asked them why they all were weeping so.
“Do not pry into our affairs,” they said, “for we are not even able to
breathe our circumstances to anyone.” Even so she prodded them to
share their case with her more fully, suggesting to them that she might
be able to help them. So after showing her the maiden with the mark
of her disease between her eyes, she said, “I, the very one who stands
before you now, also suffered from the same disease, but when my
dealings brought me to Bethlehem, I entered into this cavern and saw
a woman there whose name was Mary, and her son Jesus was there
with her. And seeing me in my leprous state, she felt for me and
offered me some of the water with which she had washed the body of
her son. And when I had sprinkled myself with it, I became clean.” At
that point the woman asked, “Young lady, would you be so kind as to
take us to the Lady Saint Mary and let us meet her?” And after she
had agreed to it, they got up and traveled over to our Lady, taking
some very costly gifts along with them. And when they had gone in to her, they presented their offerings to her, then revealed to her the skin
disease of the young lady that they had brought with them. At that
point Saint Mary said, “May the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with
you.” Then she offered them some of the water that she had used to
wash the body of Jesus Christ, and instructed them to cleanse the
diseased woman with it. And when they did as they were told, the
woman was immediately healed, so these and some others who were
there exalted God and returned in joy to their own town, praising God
for what had been done. And on hearing that his wife was cured, the prince again took her into his house and took her hand in marriage,
giving praise to God for restoring his wife.
GIRL AFFLICTED BY SATAN
(ArIn 13:1-13)
Jerusalem?
In that place there also lived this girl who was tormented by Satan.
That filthy spirit, you see, would often appear to her in the form of a
dragon and swallow her whole. He sucked so much blood from her, in
fact, that she looked just like a corpse. Every time she would come to
her senses she would hold her head in her hands and scream, “How
wretched I am, seeing how there is none to save me from this wicked
dragon!” Her father and mother cried for her and lamented, as did all
the others there; and all who were there would feel particularly bad for
her whenever they would hear her weeping, wailing, and crying out,
“Oh my friends! Oh my family! Is there no one who can save me from
this murderer?”
The prince’s daughter, whose leprosy had completely vanished,
upon hearing the wailing of that girl, went all the way up to the roof of
her palace and saw the girl’s hands wrapped around her head,
surrounded by her sorrowful companions, and pouring forth a stream
of tears. Then she asked the possessed girl’s husband if his mother-inlaw
were living, and he let her know that both her mother and her
father were indeed alive. She then had the girl’s mother sent to her.
And as she caught sight of her approach, she asked her mother, “Is this
possessed girl here your daughter?” “Yes, young lady,” she woefully
and sorrowfully confessed, “I was the one who gave birth to her.” The prince’s daughter then replied, “Tell me all about her state, because I
am here to tell you that I once had a skin disease, but the Lady Mary,
the mother of Jesus Christ, healed me of it. If you’d like to see your
daughter cured, then take her to Bethlehem and ask to see Mary, the
mother of Jesus, and have no doubts as to whether your daughter will
recover for I believe with all my heart that you will go back home
rejoicing over your daughter’s restoration.” And when she had
finished speaking, she got up and took her daughter there. Then she
went up to Mary and shared her girl’s circumstances with her. And
when she had listened to her story, Mary gave the woman some of the
water she had used in washing the body of her boy Jesus, and asked
her to pour it over that of her daughter. She also gave her one of the
swaddling cloths of the Lord Jesus, saying, “Take this cloth and show
it to your adversary every time that you see him.” And she bade them
peace and sent them off.
(ArIn 12:7-22)
Jerusalem?
After staying there with her for three days, the woman went away
and into town. And as she was going in, she met up with a certain
prince who was married to the daughter of this other prince. But
when this prince went in to examine her he saw evidence of leprosy--a
star-like sign between her eyes--and he immediately nullified their
marriage vows. When the woman saw the two in such a state, pouring
forth a flood of tears, she asked them why they all were weeping so.
“Do not pry into our affairs,” they said, “for we are not even able to
breathe our circumstances to anyone.” Even so she prodded them to
share their case with her more fully, suggesting to them that she might
be able to help them. So after showing her the maiden with the mark
of her disease between her eyes, she said, “I, the very one who stands
before you now, also suffered from the same disease, but when my
dealings brought me to Bethlehem, I entered into this cavern and saw
a woman there whose name was Mary, and her son Jesus was there
with her. And seeing me in my leprous state, she felt for me and
offered me some of the water with which she had washed the body of
her son. And when I had sprinkled myself with it, I became clean.” At
that point the woman asked, “Young lady, would you be so kind as to
take us to the Lady Saint Mary and let us meet her?” And after she
had agreed to it, they got up and traveled over to our Lady, taking
some very costly gifts along with them. And when they had gone in to her, they presented their offerings to her, then revealed to her the skin
disease of the young lady that they had brought with them. At that
point Saint Mary said, “May the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ be with
you.” Then she offered them some of the water that she had used to
wash the body of Jesus Christ, and instructed them to cleanse the
diseased woman with it. And when they did as they were told, the
woman was immediately healed, so these and some others who were
there exalted God and returned in joy to their own town, praising God
for what had been done. And on hearing that his wife was cured, the prince again took her into his house and took her hand in marriage,
giving praise to God for restoring his wife.
GIRL AFFLICTED BY SATAN
(ArIn 13:1-13)
Jerusalem?
In that place there also lived this girl who was tormented by Satan.
That filthy spirit, you see, would often appear to her in the form of a
dragon and swallow her whole. He sucked so much blood from her, in
fact, that she looked just like a corpse. Every time she would come to
her senses she would hold her head in her hands and scream, “How
wretched I am, seeing how there is none to save me from this wicked
dragon!” Her father and mother cried for her and lamented, as did all
the others there; and all who were there would feel particularly bad for
her whenever they would hear her weeping, wailing, and crying out,
“Oh my friends! Oh my family! Is there no one who can save me from
this murderer?”
The prince’s daughter, whose leprosy had completely vanished,
upon hearing the wailing of that girl, went all the way up to the roof of
her palace and saw the girl’s hands wrapped around her head,
surrounded by her sorrowful companions, and pouring forth a stream
of tears. Then she asked the possessed girl’s husband if his mother-inlaw
were living, and he let her know that both her mother and her
father were indeed alive. She then had the girl’s mother sent to her.
And as she caught sight of her approach, she asked her mother, “Is this
possessed girl here your daughter?” “Yes, young lady,” she woefully
and sorrowfully confessed, “I was the one who gave birth to her.” The prince’s daughter then replied, “Tell me all about her state, because I
am here to tell you that I once had a skin disease, but the Lady Mary,
the mother of Jesus Christ, healed me of it. If you’d like to see your
daughter cured, then take her to Bethlehem and ask to see Mary, the
mother of Jesus, and have no doubts as to whether your daughter will
recover for I believe with all my heart that you will go back home
rejoicing over your daughter’s restoration.” And when she had
finished speaking, she got up and took her daughter there. Then she
went up to Mary and shared her girl’s circumstances with her. And
when she had listened to her story, Mary gave the woman some of the
water she had used in washing the body of her boy Jesus, and asked
her to pour it over that of her daughter. She also gave her one of the
swaddling cloths of the Lord Jesus, saying, “Take this cloth and show
it to your adversary every time that you see him.” And she bade them
peace and sent them off.
FIRE FROM THE SWADDLING CLOTH
(ArIn 13:14-20)
Judea
After leaving that town and returning home, the hour that Satan
would typically show up and take control of her came around. The
accursed spirit suddenly showed himself to her in the likeness of an
enormous dragon. On seeing this, the girl was terrified, but her
mother said, “Daughter, have no fear, but allow him to draw near to
you. Then reveal to him the swaddling cloth that was given to us by
our Lady Mary, and let us see what comes of it.” Then Satan
approached her in the form of a terrifying dragon and the girl became
so afraid that she began to tremble with violence. But even as she held
the swaddling cloth to her head and about her eyes, where the dragon
could see it, flames shot out and the dragon was pummeled with fiery
cinders. What a wonder was brought about through all that had
happened, for just as soon as the dragon caught sight of the swaddling
cloths of the Lord Jesus, fire shot out of it and bespattered his eyes
and face. “Why should you and I meet like this, Jesus, son of Mary?”
he shrieked loudly. “Where am I to run and free myself from you?” So
he fled away from her in fear. She, being freed from her torment, sang songs of praise and thanks to God along with everyone else who was
there at the time that this miracle took place.
(ArIn 13:14-20)
Judea
After leaving that town and returning home, the hour that Satan
would typically show up and take control of her came around. The
accursed spirit suddenly showed himself to her in the likeness of an
enormous dragon. On seeing this, the girl was terrified, but her
mother said, “Daughter, have no fear, but allow him to draw near to
you. Then reveal to him the swaddling cloth that was given to us by
our Lady Mary, and let us see what comes of it.” Then Satan
approached her in the form of a terrifying dragon and the girl became
so afraid that she began to tremble with violence. But even as she held
the swaddling cloth to her head and about her eyes, where the dragon
could see it, flames shot out and the dragon was pummeled with fiery
cinders. What a wonder was brought about through all that had
happened, for just as soon as the dragon caught sight of the swaddling
cloths of the Lord Jesus, fire shot out of it and bespattered his eyes
and face. “Why should you and I meet like this, Jesus, son of Mary?”
he shrieked loudly. “Where am I to run and free myself from you?” So
he fled away from her in fear. She, being freed from her torment, sang songs of praise and thanks to God along with everyone else who was
there at the time that this miracle took place.
JUDAS STRIKES JESUS
(ArIn 14:1-10)
Judea
Satan had taken possession of the son of another woman in that
region. As often as Satan would take control of this boy, whose name
was Judas, he would go around biting everyone in sight; and if there
was no one around, he would bite his own hands and limbs. The
mother of this wretched boy, hearing about Saint Mary and her son
Jesus, rose up quickly and carried her child in her arms to our Lady
Mary. Meanwhile James and Joses had taken the young Jesus to play
with some other children, and while they were out, they all sat down
alongside him. Then Judas, the possessed boy, came and sat down to
his right. And when Satan was working through him in his usual
manner, the boy attempted to bite the Lord Jesus. But because he was
not able, he struck him so hard against his right hand side that he
cried aloud. And the moment that he did so, Satan left the lad and ran
away like a mad dog. This very child, the one who struck Jesus, and
out of whom Satan fled in the form of a dog was he who betrayed him
to the Jews--Judas Iscariot. And the Jews pierced him with a spear on the very spot where Judas had stricken him.
(ArIn 14:1-10)
Judea
Satan had taken possession of the son of another woman in that
region. As often as Satan would take control of this boy, whose name
was Judas, he would go around biting everyone in sight; and if there
was no one around, he would bite his own hands and limbs. The
mother of this wretched boy, hearing about Saint Mary and her son
Jesus, rose up quickly and carried her child in her arms to our Lady
Mary. Meanwhile James and Joses had taken the young Jesus to play
with some other children, and while they were out, they all sat down
alongside him. Then Judas, the possessed boy, came and sat down to
his right. And when Satan was working through him in his usual
manner, the boy attempted to bite the Lord Jesus. But because he was
not able, he struck him so hard against his right hand side that he
cried aloud. And the moment that he did so, Satan left the lad and ran
away like a mad dog. This very child, the one who struck Jesus, and
out of whom Satan fled in the form of a dog was he who betrayed him
to the Jews--Judas Iscariot. And the Jews pierced him with a spear on the very spot where Judas had stricken him.
A BOY WRECKS JESUS’ POOLS AND DIES
(PsMt 26)
Galilee, by the Jordan River
And when he had returned from Egypt, by the time that he was four
years old, it so happened that he was playing in Galilee by the banks of
the Jordan with some other youngsters on a Sabbath Day. Now as he
was sitting there, Jesus fashioned seven puddles out of mud, each
complete with its own viaducts, and at his command the waters rushed
into them and out again. Then one of those boys--a child of Satan who
was jealous of Jesus--stopped up the channels that were feeding these
pools and demolished all that Jesus had made. “Curse you, you son of
the devil!” Jesus reproached him. “Will you tear down my hard
work?” And right away the one who had done this dropped dead. The dead boy’s parents then loudly denounced Joseph and Mary,
complaining, “Your boy has killed our son, and now he is dead.” And
when Joseph and Mary heard the clamoring of the parents and the
convergence of the Jews, they went out to where Jesus was. Privately,
however, Joseph confided to Mary, “I do not dare to lecture him. You
must therefore chasten him, and be sure to ask him why it is that he
stirs the people’s anger against us and forces such animosity upon us.”
And when Mary went and questioned him, “Oh my Lord, what did he
do that he should die?” Jesus replied, “He deserved to die for
scattering all that I worked so hard to build.” Then his mother
pleaded with him, “My Lord, do not conduct yourself like this, for
everyone is up in arms against us.” And Jesus, not wishing to cause
his mother grief, kicked the boy who had died in the rump with his
right foot and ordered him, “Get up, you child of darkness! Because
you have destroyed all that I had worked so hard to make, you are
unfit to enter my Father’s rest.” Then the one who had died got back
up and ran away. And at Jesus’ command, the water gushed back
through the channels and into the puddles.
(PsMt 26)
Galilee, by the Jordan River
And when he had returned from Egypt, by the time that he was four
years old, it so happened that he was playing in Galilee by the banks of
the Jordan with some other youngsters on a Sabbath Day. Now as he
was sitting there, Jesus fashioned seven puddles out of mud, each
complete with its own viaducts, and at his command the waters rushed
into them and out again. Then one of those boys--a child of Satan who
was jealous of Jesus--stopped up the channels that were feeding these
pools and demolished all that Jesus had made. “Curse you, you son of
the devil!” Jesus reproached him. “Will you tear down my hard
work?” And right away the one who had done this dropped dead. The dead boy’s parents then loudly denounced Joseph and Mary,
complaining, “Your boy has killed our son, and now he is dead.” And
when Joseph and Mary heard the clamoring of the parents and the
convergence of the Jews, they went out to where Jesus was. Privately,
however, Joseph confided to Mary, “I do not dare to lecture him. You
must therefore chasten him, and be sure to ask him why it is that he
stirs the people’s anger against us and forces such animosity upon us.”
And when Mary went and questioned him, “Oh my Lord, what did he
do that he should die?” Jesus replied, “He deserved to die for
scattering all that I worked so hard to build.” Then his mother
pleaded with him, “My Lord, do not conduct yourself like this, for
everyone is up in arms against us.” And Jesus, not wishing to cause
his mother grief, kicked the boy who had died in the rump with his
right foot and ordered him, “Get up, you child of darkness! Because
you have destroyed all that I had worked so hard to make, you are
unfit to enter my Father’s rest.” Then the one who had died got back
up and ran away. And at Jesus’ command, the water gushed back
through the channels and into the puddles.
THOMAS’ INTRODUCTION
(InTh Greek 1)
{Here begins the book of the holy Apostle Thomas the Israelite
philosopher regarding the discourse on the childhood of the Lord. I,
Thomas the Israelite, have felt the need to inform you brothers from
among the Gentiles, filling you in on the mighty childhood deeds that
our Lord Jesus Christ brought to pass in our land from the age of five
forward, even as he spoke bodily in the city of Nazareth.}
(InTh Greek 1)
{Here begins the book of the holy Apostle Thomas the Israelite
philosopher regarding the discourse on the childhood of the Lord. I,
Thomas the Israelite, have felt the need to inform you brothers from
among the Gentiles, filling you in on the mighty childhood deeds that
our Lord Jesus Christ brought to pass in our land from the age of five
forward, even as he spoke bodily in the city of Nazareth.}
JESUS CLARIFIES WATER
AND QUICKENS CLAY ANIMALS
(InTh 2(3); QBar 2:11; PsMt 27)
Galilee
When Jesus was five years old, he was playing near the shallow
crossing of a stream. He diverted some of the flowing water into
puddles and with a word he gave command and they instantly
clarified.
Afterward, Jesus took some clay out of the puddles he had formed
86
and, before them all fashioned twelve sparrows from it, representing
the twelve apostles. There were many other children who were playing
with him there. A certain Jew, when he saw what Jesus was doing as
he played there on the Sabbath Day, hurried over right away to his
father Joseph. “Look, the boy informed him, your son is playing down
by the river. He has taken mud and made twelve sparrows with it,
which is unlawful for him to do, thereby desecrating the Sabbath Day.”
And when he heard this, Joseph made away for that place. And as
soon as he got there, the boy said to him: “See? Your son, by doing
work, is violating the Sabbath! He has fashioned twelve sparrows out
of clay.” And Joseph chastened Jesus, saying, “Why do you break the
Sabbath with such unlawful acts?” But when Jesus heard Joseph, he
offered no reply, but instead turned toward the sparrows, clapped his
hands and cried aloud before them all, “Fly now, and go your way!
Sail throughout the world and live, calling me to mind your whole life
long.” And at the sound of his word they all flew into the air, flapping
and chirping loudly even unto the ends of the earth. And when Joseph
saw this miracle, he was astounded. And when the Jews saw it, they
too were astounded. Everyone, in fact, upon seeing such wonders, was
astounded. Many who were there praised Jesus and offered him
thanks, but a few others denounced him--still others went and notified
the high-ranking priests and the leaders of the Pharisees that Joseph’s
boy Jesus had performed great signs and wonders in the sight of
Israel. And word got around to the Israelite tribes.
AND QUICKENS CLAY ANIMALS
(InTh 2(3); QBar 2:11; PsMt 27)
Galilee
When Jesus was five years old, he was playing near the shallow
crossing of a stream. He diverted some of the flowing water into
puddles and with a word he gave command and they instantly
clarified.
Afterward, Jesus took some clay out of the puddles he had formed
86
and, before them all fashioned twelve sparrows from it, representing
the twelve apostles. There were many other children who were playing
with him there. A certain Jew, when he saw what Jesus was doing as
he played there on the Sabbath Day, hurried over right away to his
father Joseph. “Look, the boy informed him, your son is playing down
by the river. He has taken mud and made twelve sparrows with it,
which is unlawful for him to do, thereby desecrating the Sabbath Day.”
And when he heard this, Joseph made away for that place. And as
soon as he got there, the boy said to him: “See? Your son, by doing
work, is violating the Sabbath! He has fashioned twelve sparrows out
of clay.” And Joseph chastened Jesus, saying, “Why do you break the
Sabbath with such unlawful acts?” But when Jesus heard Joseph, he
offered no reply, but instead turned toward the sparrows, clapped his
hands and cried aloud before them all, “Fly now, and go your way!
Sail throughout the world and live, calling me to mind your whole life
long.” And at the sound of his word they all flew into the air, flapping
and chirping loudly even unto the ends of the earth. And when Joseph
saw this miracle, he was astounded. And when the Jews saw it, they
too were astounded. Everyone, in fact, upon seeing such wonders, was
astounded. Many who were there praised Jesus and offered him
thanks, but a few others denounced him--still others went and notified
the high-ranking priests and the leaders of the Pharisees that Joseph’s
boy Jesus had performed great signs and wonders in the sight of
Israel. And word got around to the Israelite tribes.
BOY SCATTERS JESUS’ FISH POOL
(InTh 3(2); ArIn 19:16-21; PsMt 28,29)
Galilee
Jesus left his mother in the house one day after a rain, and went to
play on a riverbank with some boys. After making some ponds they
dug little channels, drawing some of the river water into the small fish
ponds. Then Jesus said to the waters: “Clarify and become fresh,” and
they all became so right away. The Lord Jesus had also formed twelve
sparrows around his puddle, placing three on each of the sides. But this all happened on the Sabbath, and the son of a Jew named Annas,
a temple priest, happened along and saw them making all of these
things and protested, “Are you making images of clay on the Sabbath
Day?” Then he hurried over to them and ruined all of their ponds.
But when the Lord Jesus clapped his hands over the sparrows he had
fashioned, they took off chirping. Soon the son of Annas the scribe
again stood nearby, branch in hand before them all, this time with
Joseph. And with bitter anger, he took the willow branch and
approached Jesus’ fish pond to break down its dams that he had
fashioned with his own two hands. And upon destroying the ponds
with the branch, the waters that had flowed into it streamed out again.
He sealed off the inlet, moreover, and broke down the channel
supplying it. And when Jesus saw what he had done, he was angry,
and he reproached the boy who had destroyed his levees, “You
disrespectful fool! What an evil, godless, and lawless one you are! In
what way were these ponds harming you that you have felt the need to
drain them?” Then the water disappeared and the Lord Jesus
reproved him, “Oh evil seed most foul! Oh, son of death! Oh, devil’s
workshop! The fruit of your seed will be powerless indeed! Your roots
will parch, and your fruitless branches wither. Behold, you will travel
no further; but you also will waste away like a tree and sprout neither
leaves, nor roots, nor any fruit; and your very life will evaporate even
as this water has, and you will become as dried-up as the stick which
you now hold.” Moments later, as he headed off along his way, the boy
fell down before them all; withering up suddenly and completely, thus
surrendering his spirit and passing on. Then Jesus left that place and
entered into Joseph’s house. Now when the youngsters he was playing
with saw what had happened, they were astonished and went to the
dead boy’s father and let him know. He then ran over to the scene and
saw that the youth was dead. The withered boy’s parents then carried
him away, grieving over the loss of this child. And they took Jesus
straight to Joseph, chastening him, “What kind of boy do you have
that does such things?” Then Joseph, trembling, took hold of Jesus
and went with him and his mother (back) into his house.
(InTh 3(2); ArIn 19:16-21; PsMt 28,29)
Galilee
Jesus left his mother in the house one day after a rain, and went to
play on a riverbank with some boys. After making some ponds they
dug little channels, drawing some of the river water into the small fish
ponds. Then Jesus said to the waters: “Clarify and become fresh,” and
they all became so right away. The Lord Jesus had also formed twelve
sparrows around his puddle, placing three on each of the sides. But this all happened on the Sabbath, and the son of a Jew named Annas,
a temple priest, happened along and saw them making all of these
things and protested, “Are you making images of clay on the Sabbath
Day?” Then he hurried over to them and ruined all of their ponds.
But when the Lord Jesus clapped his hands over the sparrows he had
fashioned, they took off chirping. Soon the son of Annas the scribe
again stood nearby, branch in hand before them all, this time with
Joseph. And with bitter anger, he took the willow branch and
approached Jesus’ fish pond to break down its dams that he had
fashioned with his own two hands. And upon destroying the ponds
with the branch, the waters that had flowed into it streamed out again.
He sealed off the inlet, moreover, and broke down the channel
supplying it. And when Jesus saw what he had done, he was angry,
and he reproached the boy who had destroyed his levees, “You
disrespectful fool! What an evil, godless, and lawless one you are! In
what way were these ponds harming you that you have felt the need to
drain them?” Then the water disappeared and the Lord Jesus
reproved him, “Oh evil seed most foul! Oh, son of death! Oh, devil’s
workshop! The fruit of your seed will be powerless indeed! Your roots
will parch, and your fruitless branches wither. Behold, you will travel
no further; but you also will waste away like a tree and sprout neither
leaves, nor roots, nor any fruit; and your very life will evaporate even
as this water has, and you will become as dried-up as the stick which
you now hold.” Moments later, as he headed off along his way, the boy
fell down before them all; withering up suddenly and completely, thus
surrendering his spirit and passing on. Then Jesus left that place and
entered into Joseph’s house. Now when the youngsters he was playing
with saw what had happened, they were astonished and went to the
dead boy’s father and let him know. He then ran over to the scene and
saw that the youth was dead. The withered boy’s parents then carried
him away, grieving over the loss of this child. And they took Jesus
straight to Joseph, chastening him, “What kind of boy do you have
that does such things?” Then Joseph, trembling, took hold of Jesus
and went with him and his mother (back) into his house.
BOY ATTACKS JESUS AND DIES
(ArIn 19:22-24; InTh 4; PsMt 29)
Nazareth?
And after a few days had passed, Jesus was again walking home one
evening through the midst of town with a very frightened Joseph. And
behold, a certain boy, another evildoer, threw a stone at Jesus and ran quickly up to him from the front wishing to make a laughingstock of
him or even injure him if at all possible, pounding him so soundly
against his shoulder that he slammed against the ground. Jesus
became furious and condemned the boy, “May you go no further on
your way (so as to) return from it unharmed! And even as you have
knocked me down, so also will you fall to the ground, but you will
never recover.” And in that instant the boy fell dead.
Some who had witnessed the event, however, including the dead
boy’s parents shouted, “Where could this boy have come from, seeing
how every word he speaks is true, and is carried out in fact, sometimes
before he even utters it?” They all came up to Joseph, bringing with
them the parents of the dead boys. And they started to reprove him
saying, “Because your son does things like this, you may no longer live
with him alongside us in this town. Take Jesus away from here--or
else kindly teach him to bless and not to curse, for he is killing our
children, since every word of his has an immediate effect.”
(ArIn 19:22-24; InTh 4; PsMt 29)
Nazareth?
And after a few days had passed, Jesus was again walking home one
evening through the midst of town with a very frightened Joseph. And
behold, a certain boy, another evildoer, threw a stone at Jesus and ran quickly up to him from the front wishing to make a laughingstock of
him or even injure him if at all possible, pounding him so soundly
against his shoulder that he slammed against the ground. Jesus
became furious and condemned the boy, “May you go no further on
your way (so as to) return from it unharmed! And even as you have
knocked me down, so also will you fall to the ground, but you will
never recover.” And in that instant the boy fell dead.
Some who had witnessed the event, however, including the dead
boy’s parents shouted, “Where could this boy have come from, seeing
how every word he speaks is true, and is carried out in fact, sometimes
before he even utters it?” They all came up to Joseph, bringing with
them the parents of the dead boys. And they started to reprove him
saying, “Because your son does things like this, you may no longer live
with him alongside us in this town. Take Jesus away from here--or
else kindly teach him to bless and not to curse, for he is killing our
children, since every word of his has an immediate effect.”
JOSEPH ADMONISHES JESUS; HIS REPLY
(InTh 5; PsMt 29)
Jerusalem
Joseph then went up to Jesus, calling the boy privately to himself.
Now after Joseph had seated himself upon his chair, the boy came and
stood before him there. He then reproved Jesus saying, “Why do you
do these kinds of things? Many of these people are heartbroken
already because of you, and therefore they despise and harass us.
Many of them are now talking bad about you and deride us both on
your account, and we have no choice but to endure it.” Jesus
answered them, “According to the knowledge of this age, unless a
father has taught his son, he is not to be considered wise. Even so, the
Father’s curse cannot hinder any man unless he is an evildoer. I
recognize that these words are not coming from you, so for your sake I
will speak no more. In either case, these people will be punished.”
And those who had accused him were at that moment all made blind,
and all who saw it were terrified and taken aback, and they
proclaimed, “Good or bad, everything that this boy speaks becomes an
action--and indeed, a miracle!” And when they had established that
Jesus had done this, Joseph got up and pulled him hard by the ear.
Then Jesus stared him down in all severity, crying out, “That is quite
enough! For you to seek and not to find is one thing,” the boy angrily
rebuked, “but for you to act in so reckless a manner is quite another.
Are you not yet convinced that I’m not truly your own? Do not
provoke me!” Then they banded together against Jesus, and denounced him to Joseph. Now when Joseph saw what was going on,
he grew fearful over the furious outcry of the Israelites. Jesus then
grabbed the dead boy by the ear and lifted him up before them all, and
they could see that he was scolding him as a father would scold his
own son. The spirit of the boy was then returned and he was raised
again to life, and all were amazed at his restoration.
(InTh 5; PsMt 29)
Jerusalem
Joseph then went up to Jesus, calling the boy privately to himself.
Now after Joseph had seated himself upon his chair, the boy came and
stood before him there. He then reproved Jesus saying, “Why do you
do these kinds of things? Many of these people are heartbroken
already because of you, and therefore they despise and harass us.
Many of them are now talking bad about you and deride us both on
your account, and we have no choice but to endure it.” Jesus
answered them, “According to the knowledge of this age, unless a
father has taught his son, he is not to be considered wise. Even so, the
Father’s curse cannot hinder any man unless he is an evildoer. I
recognize that these words are not coming from you, so for your sake I
will speak no more. In either case, these people will be punished.”
And those who had accused him were at that moment all made blind,
and all who saw it were terrified and taken aback, and they
proclaimed, “Good or bad, everything that this boy speaks becomes an
action--and indeed, a miracle!” And when they had established that
Jesus had done this, Joseph got up and pulled him hard by the ear.
Then Jesus stared him down in all severity, crying out, “That is quite
enough! For you to seek and not to find is one thing,” the boy angrily
rebuked, “but for you to act in so reckless a manner is quite another.
Are you not yet convinced that I’m not truly your own? Do not
provoke me!” Then they banded together against Jesus, and denounced him to Joseph. Now when Joseph saw what was going on,
he grew fearful over the furious outcry of the Israelites. Jesus then
grabbed the dead boy by the ear and lifted him up before them all, and
they could see that he was scolding him as a father would scold his
own son. The spirit of the boy was then returned and he was raised
again to life, and all were amazed at his restoration.
ZACCHAEUS TAKES JESUS AS HIS PUPIL
(InTh 6:1-12,(6); ArIn 20:1-4; PsMt 30)
Jerusalem
There was also a certain teacher in Jerusalem named Zacchaeus
who was standing nearby and had heard what Jesus had said to his
father. He was stunned that a mere child such as he would speak such
things. And seeing that Jesus could not be vanquished, and
recognizing the power that was within him, he was incensed, and
started fearlessly, foolishly, and rudely denouncing Joseph, “Don’t you
think that you should turn your son over to me, so that he might learn
worldly wisdom and respect for other people? It is clear to me that
you and Mary care more about your own son than you do the elders of
Israel and what they have to say of him. You ought to have shown us
all--the entire congregation of Israel--a little more respect, so that he
might like other children and be better liked by them, and that he
might receive a proper Jewish education.” Joseph, however,
questioned them, “But who is capable of taking him on and teaching him anything? If you think that you can do it, then we are more than
willing to let you try and provide him with a common education.”
And a few days later he went up to Joseph, saying, “You know, your
boy really is quite clever, and he has tremendous insight. Why not
turn him over to me so that he might learn his letters? I will teach him
all there is to know of them. I will also teach him the proper way to
address his elders, giving them all their due respect as fathers and
forefathers, as well as how to get along with those who are his age.”
Joseph agreed and told Saint Mary.
The next day Joseph took Jesus by the hand and led him over to
Zacchaeus saying, “Very well, Rabbi, take this boy and teach him
letters.” “Brother,” he responded, “if you will turn him over to me, I
will cast light on the Scriptures for him, convincing him that he ought
to bless everything and curse nothing.” And Jesus, hearing what
Zacchaeus had said, burst into laughter and answered them, “The
lessons to which you refer, and the principles that underlie them are
sufficient for an ordinary person’s education, and as such ought to be
kept by them; but your law courts are alien to me. You speak as you can understand, but I understand much more than you can, for before
the ages came about I AM. I even know when your fathers’ fathers
were born; yet I have no fleshly father. You who read from the law and
know about it do indeed hold to it; but I existed before the law was
given. Since, however, you imagine that no one else’s learning is a
match for your own, I will teach you a thing or two about the things to
which you refer that no one could possibly expound, unless he were
worthy. For when I am exalted in this world at last, I will bring to an
end all reference to your lineage. You see, you do not yourselves recall
the occasion of your birth. I not only know when all of you were born,
but also how much longer you will live on this earth.” “Oh, oh, oh!”
they all responded in amazement. “What a great and incredible
mystery this is. We have never heard any such claims before. No one
else has ever said such things, not even the prophets themselves, or
the scribes, or the Pharisees. We know where this boy came from. He
is scarcely even five years old. Where does he get off saying things like
this?” The Pharisees declared, “We have never heard such claims from any other child of his years.” But Jesus replied, “Does it surprise you
that a child would say such things? How is it that you do not believe
me when I speak these words to you? All of you were astonished when
I revealed to you that I knew when you were born. I will go even
further than this, so that you might marvel all the more. I have both
seen Abraham and spoken with him--the one who you call ‘father’--
and Abraham has seen me too!” Everyone there was taken aback, and
no one even dared to speak. And Jesus added, “I have been in your
midst as a child among your children, and you have not even come to
know me. I have spoken to you as with the wise, and you have failed
to comprehend my speech. Indeed, you are more childish than I am,
and your faith is stunted.”
Once again he said to them, “You find it hard to believe that I know
how many years have been given you to live? Believe me; I know when
the world was formed. Behold, though you don’t believe me now,
when the day comes that you see my cross, you will know that I am
telling the truth.” And when they heard these words they were all
appalled.
(InTh 6:1-12,(6); ArIn 20:1-4; PsMt 30)
Jerusalem
There was also a certain teacher in Jerusalem named Zacchaeus
who was standing nearby and had heard what Jesus had said to his
father. He was stunned that a mere child such as he would speak such
things. And seeing that Jesus could not be vanquished, and
recognizing the power that was within him, he was incensed, and
started fearlessly, foolishly, and rudely denouncing Joseph, “Don’t you
think that you should turn your son over to me, so that he might learn
worldly wisdom and respect for other people? It is clear to me that
you and Mary care more about your own son than you do the elders of
Israel and what they have to say of him. You ought to have shown us
all--the entire congregation of Israel--a little more respect, so that he
might like other children and be better liked by them, and that he
might receive a proper Jewish education.” Joseph, however,
questioned them, “But who is capable of taking him on and teaching him anything? If you think that you can do it, then we are more than
willing to let you try and provide him with a common education.”
And a few days later he went up to Joseph, saying, “You know, your
boy really is quite clever, and he has tremendous insight. Why not
turn him over to me so that he might learn his letters? I will teach him
all there is to know of them. I will also teach him the proper way to
address his elders, giving them all their due respect as fathers and
forefathers, as well as how to get along with those who are his age.”
Joseph agreed and told Saint Mary.
The next day Joseph took Jesus by the hand and led him over to
Zacchaeus saying, “Very well, Rabbi, take this boy and teach him
letters.” “Brother,” he responded, “if you will turn him over to me, I
will cast light on the Scriptures for him, convincing him that he ought
to bless everything and curse nothing.” And Jesus, hearing what
Zacchaeus had said, burst into laughter and answered them, “The
lessons to which you refer, and the principles that underlie them are
sufficient for an ordinary person’s education, and as such ought to be
kept by them; but your law courts are alien to me. You speak as you can understand, but I understand much more than you can, for before
the ages came about I AM. I even know when your fathers’ fathers
were born; yet I have no fleshly father. You who read from the law and
know about it do indeed hold to it; but I existed before the law was
given. Since, however, you imagine that no one else’s learning is a
match for your own, I will teach you a thing or two about the things to
which you refer that no one could possibly expound, unless he were
worthy. For when I am exalted in this world at last, I will bring to an
end all reference to your lineage. You see, you do not yourselves recall
the occasion of your birth. I not only know when all of you were born,
but also how much longer you will live on this earth.” “Oh, oh, oh!”
they all responded in amazement. “What a great and incredible
mystery this is. We have never heard any such claims before. No one
else has ever said such things, not even the prophets themselves, or
the scribes, or the Pharisees. We know where this boy came from. He
is scarcely even five years old. Where does he get off saying things like
this?” The Pharisees declared, “We have never heard such claims from any other child of his years.” But Jesus replied, “Does it surprise you
that a child would say such things? How is it that you do not believe
me when I speak these words to you? All of you were astonished when
I revealed to you that I knew when you were born. I will go even
further than this, so that you might marvel all the more. I have both
seen Abraham and spoken with him--the one who you call ‘father’--
and Abraham has seen me too!” Everyone there was taken aback, and
no one even dared to speak. And Jesus added, “I have been in your
midst as a child among your children, and you have not even come to
know me. I have spoken to you as with the wise, and you have failed
to comprehend my speech. Indeed, you are more childish than I am,
and your faith is stunted.”
Once again he said to them, “You find it hard to believe that I know
how many years have been given you to live? Believe me; I know when
the world was formed. Behold, though you don’t believe me now,
when the day comes that you see my cross, you will know that I am
telling the truth.” And when they heard these words they were all
appalled.
JESUS ASTONISHES ZACCHAEUS
(ArIn 22:1-6; InTh 6:3-7:4(7))
Jerusalem
Zacchaeus wrote out the Hebrew alphabet and one by one
pronounced for him all of the letters from [Aleph] to [Taw], asking
him question after question. He said “[Aleph]” to him, and the boy said “[Aleph.]” The teacher repeated, “[Aleph,]” and so the boy
repeated it also. Then, the third time that the master said “[Aleph,]”
Jesus looked right at him and demanded, “You who do not know the
[Aleph] according to its proper sense, how ever will you teach anyone
about the [Beth]? You hypocrite, if you know the [Aleph], then
explain it to us; only then will we believe you when you teach about
the [Beth].” Then Jesus started to examine the teacher on the topic of
the first letter, and the teacher could not answer. And the boy taught
Zacchaeus loud enough for all to hear, “Listen, teacher, and pay close
attention to the composition of the first letter; how it has lines and a
stroke intersecting the two down the center, as you can see,
intersecting, rising up, dancing there and turning together; three
signs, each alike, subordinate to, yet supportive of one another, all of
them the same dimensions. There you have it--the lines of the
[Aleph]!”
Now when Zacchaeus the instructor heard so many allegorical
interpretations of the first letter being elucidated by the boy, he was
bewildered by his answer, and his exposition, and was utterly amazed
and could give him no reply. And beginning at [Aleph], Jesus
expounded all twenty-two letters without any prompting whatsoever.
Then Zacchaeus confessed to the people there, “How miserable and
wretched and troubled I am. By taking this boy to myself, I have
gotten only shame. I beg you, Joseph, take this boy away from me, for
I cannot bear the way he looks at me so demandingly. I cannot
understand in the least the things about which he speaks. This child
cannot be of this world. Perhaps he was born before the world was
formed. What belly could carry him? Whose womb could nourish
him? My friend, I am undone; he utterly perplexes me--I cannot even
begin to scale the heights of his understanding. I have fooled myself,
and been disgraced thrice over. I had sought after a student, but have
instead gotten a teacher. I am, my friends, completely ashamed that a
mere child such as he has gotten the better of an old man like me.
Depression and death overwhelm me on account of this lad. I cannot
look him in the face--and when everyone goes around saying that I
have been bested by a little boy, how am I supposed to reply? What
am I to say about the first letter and its lines as he explained it to me?
My friends, I have no idea, for I understand neither beginning nor
end.”
And turning to Joseph he remarked, “Without a doubt, brother, this
child was not born of this earth, so I implore you, brother Joseph, take
him back home with you. Be he a god or an angel or some other magnificent being I do not know, and cannot say.”
(ArIn 22:1-6; InTh 6:3-7:4(7))
Jerusalem
Zacchaeus wrote out the Hebrew alphabet and one by one
pronounced for him all of the letters from [Aleph] to [Taw], asking
him question after question. He said “[Aleph]” to him, and the boy said “[Aleph.]” The teacher repeated, “[Aleph,]” and so the boy
repeated it also. Then, the third time that the master said “[Aleph,]”
Jesus looked right at him and demanded, “You who do not know the
[Aleph] according to its proper sense, how ever will you teach anyone
about the [Beth]? You hypocrite, if you know the [Aleph], then
explain it to us; only then will we believe you when you teach about
the [Beth].” Then Jesus started to examine the teacher on the topic of
the first letter, and the teacher could not answer. And the boy taught
Zacchaeus loud enough for all to hear, “Listen, teacher, and pay close
attention to the composition of the first letter; how it has lines and a
stroke intersecting the two down the center, as you can see,
intersecting, rising up, dancing there and turning together; three
signs, each alike, subordinate to, yet supportive of one another, all of
them the same dimensions. There you have it--the lines of the
[Aleph]!”
Now when Zacchaeus the instructor heard so many allegorical
interpretations of the first letter being elucidated by the boy, he was
bewildered by his answer, and his exposition, and was utterly amazed
and could give him no reply. And beginning at [Aleph], Jesus
expounded all twenty-two letters without any prompting whatsoever.
Then Zacchaeus confessed to the people there, “How miserable and
wretched and troubled I am. By taking this boy to myself, I have
gotten only shame. I beg you, Joseph, take this boy away from me, for
I cannot bear the way he looks at me so demandingly. I cannot
understand in the least the things about which he speaks. This child
cannot be of this world. Perhaps he was born before the world was
formed. What belly could carry him? Whose womb could nourish
him? My friend, I am undone; he utterly perplexes me--I cannot even
begin to scale the heights of his understanding. I have fooled myself,
and been disgraced thrice over. I had sought after a student, but have
instead gotten a teacher. I am, my friends, completely ashamed that a
mere child such as he has gotten the better of an old man like me.
Depression and death overwhelm me on account of this lad. I cannot
look him in the face--and when everyone goes around saying that I
have been bested by a little boy, how am I supposed to reply? What
am I to say about the first letter and its lines as he explained it to me?
My friends, I have no idea, for I understand neither beginning nor
end.”
And turning to Joseph he remarked, “Without a doubt, brother, this
child was not born of this earth, so I implore you, brother Joseph, take
him back home with you. Be he a god or an angel or some other magnificent being I do not know, and cannot say.”
ZACCHAEUS TAKES JESUS TO LEVI
(ArIn 20:7-12; PsMt 31; InTh 8)
Jerusalem
Then the doctor of the law, master Zacchaeus urged Joseph and
Mary a second time, “Turn the boy over to me and I will take him to
Master Levi--he will teach him letters and give him an education!”
Then Joseph and Mary pacified Jesus and took him over to the school
so that the elderly Levi might teach him letters. And from the moment
he entered that place, Jesus remained silent. And starting with the
first letter, Aleph, Master Levi kept saying just that one letter to Jesus,
and ordering him to explain it, but he held his peace and gave no
answer. Then Master Levi, his instructor, grabbed his storax rod and
cracked him over the head with it. Then Jesus, standing up to his
teacher Levi, demanded, “Why did you hit me? You can be quite sure
of this: the one who has been stricken can teach the one who struck
him much more than he could ever learn from him. You see, I can
teach you all about what you claim to know. Everyone who speaks,
and everyone who hears is as blind as the noise of brass or the clang of
a cymbal; which cannot hear the sounds they make.” To Zacchaeus he
added, “Every letter from Aleph to [Taw] is understood by the way that
it’s composed. Explain what the [Taw] is first, and then I will make
clear to you what the Aleph is.” And once again he said to him, “How
can those who know not the Aleph, ever come to know the [Taw],
seeing how hypocritical they are? Say what Aleph is first and then I
will believe you when you expound to me the Beth.” Then, one by one,
Jesus started asking about the names of each, and said, “Let the law
teacher explain to us what the first letter is, or why it has so many
triangles, which gradually flow from pointed to broad, bringing
together, drawing across, and reaching over; being perpendicular,
prostrate, and curving.” And when the teacher threatened him with a
whipping, the Lord Jesus expounded the meaning of the letters Aleph
and Beth to him. He also pointed out which parts of the letters were
straight, which were diagonal; which of them had double strokes;
those with and without points; the reason that one preceded another;
and he began to make plain to him one thing after another, explaining
things that his instructor had never so much as heard of before, nor
read out of any book.
And when Levi heard this, he was surprised at such an arrangement
of letters and names, and started loudly denouncing Jesus before them all, “Does he even deserve to live on this earth? No, he ought to be
hung instead upon a giant cross! He can put out any fire and talk his
way out of any punishment.” The Lord Jesus went on to explain to the
teacher, “Listen carefully to the way that I speak them.” Then he
started plainly and intelligibly to pronounce, “Aleph, Beth, Gimel,
Daleth...” and all of the others to the end of the alphabet. Upon
hearing this, the teacher was so beside himself that he cried out, “I
honestly believe that this child lived before the deluge and was born
before Noah. What womb gave rise to him? What mother brought
him into this world? What breasts nursed him? I flee from his
presence. I cannot endure the words from his mouth, and my heart is
amazed at the sound of such speech. I do not believe that any man
could comprehend his expositions unless God were with him. Now I--
pitiful fool that I am--have allowed myself to become a joke in his
eyes, for the whole time that I was thinking of him as a student,
ignorant of who he was, I have come to see that he’s my better. Now
what can I say? Because I cannot endure the words that this boy
speaks, nor do I find myself able to plumb their depths, I must surely
leave this town. For seeing as how I am able to grasp neither
beginning nor end of his exposition, an old man like me stands
vanquished by a little child. It is no small matter to ascertain even the
first thing about him. I tell you most assuredly, and do not lie when I
say that from where I stand, the actions of this boy, the source of his
speaking, and the thought that underlies his objective, seem to have
nothing to do with those of mortal men. Hence I cannot tell whether
he is a sorcerer, or a god, or if, perhaps, there is some angel of God
speaking through him. From where he derives his essence, or from
where he came, or what ever will become of him I cannot say.”
Turning to Joseph, he confessed, “You brought me a boy who is more
knowledgeable than any master, as though he were in need of
learning.” And turning to Mary the teacher affirmed, “This son of
yours has not the slightest need of any teaching.”
And even as the Jews were attempting to console Zacchaeus, the
boy Jesus cracked a smile and laughed out loud. Then he said to the
sons of Israel who were standing there listening, “Let those among you who have borne no fruit now bring it forth, and let those whose hearts
are blind now see, those who are lame now walk straight, the poor
enjoy good things, the dead come back to life, and everyone be
restored to their original stature to live in Him Who is the
fountainhead of life and of eternal sweetness. I have come down here
from on high that I might bring a curse on these for their own good, so that I might summon them again to what is above, even as it has been
decreed by the One Who sent me.”
And when the boy Jesus had spoken these things, those who had
fallen victim to grave disorders were immediately healed. After that,
no one dared to say a thing to him, or to hear anything from him, or to
anger him for fear that they might be cursed by him and thereby suffer
harm.
(ArIn 20:7-12; PsMt 31; InTh 8)
Jerusalem
Then the doctor of the law, master Zacchaeus urged Joseph and
Mary a second time, “Turn the boy over to me and I will take him to
Master Levi--he will teach him letters and give him an education!”
Then Joseph and Mary pacified Jesus and took him over to the school
so that the elderly Levi might teach him letters. And from the moment
he entered that place, Jesus remained silent. And starting with the
first letter, Aleph, Master Levi kept saying just that one letter to Jesus,
and ordering him to explain it, but he held his peace and gave no
answer. Then Master Levi, his instructor, grabbed his storax rod and
cracked him over the head with it. Then Jesus, standing up to his
teacher Levi, demanded, “Why did you hit me? You can be quite sure
of this: the one who has been stricken can teach the one who struck
him much more than he could ever learn from him. You see, I can
teach you all about what you claim to know. Everyone who speaks,
and everyone who hears is as blind as the noise of brass or the clang of
a cymbal; which cannot hear the sounds they make.” To Zacchaeus he
added, “Every letter from Aleph to [Taw] is understood by the way that
it’s composed. Explain what the [Taw] is first, and then I will make
clear to you what the Aleph is.” And once again he said to him, “How
can those who know not the Aleph, ever come to know the [Taw],
seeing how hypocritical they are? Say what Aleph is first and then I
will believe you when you expound to me the Beth.” Then, one by one,
Jesus started asking about the names of each, and said, “Let the law
teacher explain to us what the first letter is, or why it has so many
triangles, which gradually flow from pointed to broad, bringing
together, drawing across, and reaching over; being perpendicular,
prostrate, and curving.” And when the teacher threatened him with a
whipping, the Lord Jesus expounded the meaning of the letters Aleph
and Beth to him. He also pointed out which parts of the letters were
straight, which were diagonal; which of them had double strokes;
those with and without points; the reason that one preceded another;
and he began to make plain to him one thing after another, explaining
things that his instructor had never so much as heard of before, nor
read out of any book.
And when Levi heard this, he was surprised at such an arrangement
of letters and names, and started loudly denouncing Jesus before them all, “Does he even deserve to live on this earth? No, he ought to be
hung instead upon a giant cross! He can put out any fire and talk his
way out of any punishment.” The Lord Jesus went on to explain to the
teacher, “Listen carefully to the way that I speak them.” Then he
started plainly and intelligibly to pronounce, “Aleph, Beth, Gimel,
Daleth...” and all of the others to the end of the alphabet. Upon
hearing this, the teacher was so beside himself that he cried out, “I
honestly believe that this child lived before the deluge and was born
before Noah. What womb gave rise to him? What mother brought
him into this world? What breasts nursed him? I flee from his
presence. I cannot endure the words from his mouth, and my heart is
amazed at the sound of such speech. I do not believe that any man
could comprehend his expositions unless God were with him. Now I--
pitiful fool that I am--have allowed myself to become a joke in his
eyes, for the whole time that I was thinking of him as a student,
ignorant of who he was, I have come to see that he’s my better. Now
what can I say? Because I cannot endure the words that this boy
speaks, nor do I find myself able to plumb their depths, I must surely
leave this town. For seeing as how I am able to grasp neither
beginning nor end of his exposition, an old man like me stands
vanquished by a little child. It is no small matter to ascertain even the
first thing about him. I tell you most assuredly, and do not lie when I
say that from where I stand, the actions of this boy, the source of his
speaking, and the thought that underlies his objective, seem to have
nothing to do with those of mortal men. Hence I cannot tell whether
he is a sorcerer, or a god, or if, perhaps, there is some angel of God
speaking through him. From where he derives his essence, or from
where he came, or what ever will become of him I cannot say.”
Turning to Joseph, he confessed, “You brought me a boy who is more
knowledgeable than any master, as though he were in need of
learning.” And turning to Mary the teacher affirmed, “This son of
yours has not the slightest need of any teaching.”
And even as the Jews were attempting to console Zacchaeus, the
boy Jesus cracked a smile and laughed out loud. Then he said to the
sons of Israel who were standing there listening, “Let those among you who have borne no fruit now bring it forth, and let those whose hearts
are blind now see, those who are lame now walk straight, the poor
enjoy good things, the dead come back to life, and everyone be
restored to their original stature to live in Him Who is the
fountainhead of life and of eternal sweetness. I have come down here
from on high that I might bring a curse on these for their own good, so that I might summon them again to what is above, even as it has been
decreed by the One Who sent me.”
And when the boy Jesus had spoken these things, those who had
fallen victim to grave disorders were immediately healed. After that,
no one dared to say a thing to him, or to hear anything from him, or to
anger him for fear that they might be cursed by him and thereby suffer
harm.
BOYS ROUGHHOUSING ON THE ROOF
(ArIn 19:4-11; InTh 9(8); PsMt 32)
Nazareth
Joseph and Mary then went away and took Jesus into the city of
Nazareth, and he lived with his parents there. And a few days later, on
the first day of the week, Jesus was playing on a housetop in Nazareth
with some other youngsters. One of them shoved another headlong to
the ground from the upper floor, whereupon the child died. And when
they saw it, all of the other children who had been playing with him
ran away, leaving Jesus standing there by himself on the housetop
where the boy had been pushed off. And when the dead boy’s parents
heard of it, they ran over to that place in tears. And when they found
the dead boy lying on the ground and Jesus standing up above, they
assumed that he had pushed him down. And the dead boy’s parents,
who had not witnessed the event, confronted Joseph and Mary,
saying, “Your son has thrown our boy to the ground, and now he is
dead.” But Jesus held his peace and did not answer. Then they looked
up at Jesus and denounced him, accusing him of having thrown him
off: “Surely it was you who threw our boy from the top of that house!”
Joseph and Mary quickly ran over to where Jesus was; and his mother
questioned him, “My Lord, tell me, was it you who pushed him down?”
But Jesus denied it, answering, “I did not throw him off--he jumped
down from it himself. He was simply being careless and hurled
himself from the roof to his death.” But they shouted and threatened
him, saying, “Our son has been killed, and this is the one who
murdered him!” And sizing up the situation, the Lord Jesus answered
them, “Do not accuse me of a crime that you have no way of proving.
Let us go and ask him ourselves. He will tell us what really happened.”
And immediately Jesus jumped down from the roof and yelled out as
loud as he could, “Zeno! Zeno!” For that was the young boy’s name.
And Zeno answered Jesus, “Yes, Lord?” “Was I the one who pushed
you from the roof to the ground?” Jesus asked him. “Get up and say
who threw you down!” And at his word, the boy got up and worshiped
Jesus saying, “Lord, you were not the one who threw me down. That indeed was someone else. Rather, it was you who raised me from
death to life!”
And when they saw what had happened, everyone was astounded,
including the parents of the previously dead boy. And when the Lord
Jesus advised those who had gathered around to consider the boy’s
words carefully, they praised God for the miracle. And the parents
praised God for the sign that Jesus had shown and worshiped him.
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus then moved on to Jericho.
(ArIn 19:4-11; InTh 9(8); PsMt 32)
Nazareth
Joseph and Mary then went away and took Jesus into the city of
Nazareth, and he lived with his parents there. And a few days later, on
the first day of the week, Jesus was playing on a housetop in Nazareth
with some other youngsters. One of them shoved another headlong to
the ground from the upper floor, whereupon the child died. And when
they saw it, all of the other children who had been playing with him
ran away, leaving Jesus standing there by himself on the housetop
where the boy had been pushed off. And when the dead boy’s parents
heard of it, they ran over to that place in tears. And when they found
the dead boy lying on the ground and Jesus standing up above, they
assumed that he had pushed him down. And the dead boy’s parents,
who had not witnessed the event, confronted Joseph and Mary,
saying, “Your son has thrown our boy to the ground, and now he is
dead.” But Jesus held his peace and did not answer. Then they looked
up at Jesus and denounced him, accusing him of having thrown him
off: “Surely it was you who threw our boy from the top of that house!”
Joseph and Mary quickly ran over to where Jesus was; and his mother
questioned him, “My Lord, tell me, was it you who pushed him down?”
But Jesus denied it, answering, “I did not throw him off--he jumped
down from it himself. He was simply being careless and hurled
himself from the roof to his death.” But they shouted and threatened
him, saying, “Our son has been killed, and this is the one who
murdered him!” And sizing up the situation, the Lord Jesus answered
them, “Do not accuse me of a crime that you have no way of proving.
Let us go and ask him ourselves. He will tell us what really happened.”
And immediately Jesus jumped down from the roof and yelled out as
loud as he could, “Zeno! Zeno!” For that was the young boy’s name.
And Zeno answered Jesus, “Yes, Lord?” “Was I the one who pushed
you from the roof to the ground?” Jesus asked him. “Get up and say
who threw you down!” And at his word, the boy got up and worshiped
Jesus saying, “Lord, you were not the one who threw me down. That indeed was someone else. Rather, it was you who raised me from
death to life!”
And when they saw what had happened, everyone was astounded,
including the parents of the previously dead boy. And when the Lord
Jesus advised those who had gathered around to consider the boy’s
words carefully, they praised God for the miracle. And the parents
praised God for the sign that Jesus had shown and worshiped him.
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus then moved on to Jericho.
JESUS HEALS A MAN’S FOOT
(InTh 10(9))
Jericho
A few days later, in that very quarter, there was this man chopping
wood in a nearby corner who lost control of his ax, splitting open and
severing the sole from his foot. He was bleeding so freely that he was
near to death. Such a disturbance then arose in that place that many
people ran up to him and gathered all around him. The boy Jesus ran
there also, shoving his way through the midst of the crowd. He then
took him by the foot, and healed the young man with just a touch.
Then Jesus ordered him, “Get up! Split your wood, and think of me.”
The man got up and worshiped him, thanked him, and then began to
split his wood.
And seeing what had happened, everyone there also gave thanks
and marveled, worshipping the lad and confessing, “Without a doubt the Spirit of God is alive in this child.”
(InTh 10(9))
Jericho
A few days later, in that very quarter, there was this man chopping
wood in a nearby corner who lost control of his ax, splitting open and
severing the sole from his foot. He was bleeding so freely that he was
near to death. Such a disturbance then arose in that place that many
people ran up to him and gathered all around him. The boy Jesus ran
there also, shoving his way through the midst of the crowd. He then
took him by the foot, and healed the young man with just a touch.
Then Jesus ordered him, “Get up! Split your wood, and think of me.”
The man got up and worshiped him, thanked him, and then began to
split his wood.
And seeing what had happened, everyone there also gave thanks
and marveled, worshipping the lad and confessing, “Without a doubt the Spirit of God is alive in this child.”
JESUS DRAWS WATER
WITH HIS GARMENT
(ArIn 19:12-15; InTh 11(10); PsMt 33)
Jericho
Now when Jesus was six years old, his mother handed him a pitcher
and sent him out with some children to draw water from the well and
return with it. He pulled it out completely full, and after he had drawn
it out, as he was walking in a crowd, one of the children bumped
against him and hit the jug, whereupon he stumbled and it broke!
And going over to the well, he laid out the garment he was wearing,
drew up as much well water with it as had been in the pitcher, and
carried it to his mother in his robe. And when his mother saw this
astonishing miracle, she pondered it within herself, and she was
completely amazed; she then hugged and kissed him all over. Mary
etched this and all of the other wonders that she had seen in her heart,
keeping the mysteries she had seen him perform to herself.
WITH HIS GARMENT
(ArIn 19:12-15; InTh 11(10); PsMt 33)
Jericho
Now when Jesus was six years old, his mother handed him a pitcher
and sent him out with some children to draw water from the well and
return with it. He pulled it out completely full, and after he had drawn
it out, as he was walking in a crowd, one of the children bumped
against him and hit the jug, whereupon he stumbled and it broke!
And going over to the well, he laid out the garment he was wearing,
drew up as much well water with it as had been in the pitcher, and
carried it to his mother in his robe. And when his mother saw this
astonishing miracle, she pondered it within herself, and she was
completely amazed; she then hugged and kissed him all over. Mary
etched this and all of the other wonders that she had seen in her heart,
keeping the mysteries she had seen him perform to herself.
THE THREE MEASURES OF CORN
(PsMt 34)
Jericho
On another day, Jesus took a tiny measure of grain from his
mother’s storehouse and went out to the field and seeded it himself.
Then it sprang forth and grew, bearing increase with astonishing
speed. In time he harvested it alone; and it yielded him three
measures, which he freely gave to his many friends.
(PsMt 34)
Jericho
On another day, Jesus took a tiny measure of grain from his
mother’s storehouse and went out to the field and seeded it himself.
Then it sprang forth and grew, bearing increase with astonishing
speed. In time he harvested it alone; and it yielded him three
measures, which he freely gave to his many friends.
JESUS, MARY, AND SALOME
HELP OUT JOHN THE BAPTIST
(LJB pt.10)
The Wilderness of Judea
Now as for the blessed John, he wandered with his mother out in
the desert, and God supplied locusts and wild honey for him to eat,
even as it had been spoken to his mother about him, that he might not
let any unclean food pass through his mouth. After five years had
come and gone, the devout, exalted, and aged mother Elizabeth passed
away and the holy John sat weeping over her body. He had no idea
98
how to enshroud or bury her, for he was but seven-and-a-half at the
time of her passing. (Now the blessed Elizabeth died on the same day
as had Herod, which was February the fifteenth.)
Jesus, who could see both the heavens and the earth, saw his cousin
John sitting and wailing over his mother. And Jesus also started
weeping at length, but no one knew the cause of his tears. When Mary
saw the grieving of Jesus, she asked him, “Why are you weeping? Did
Joseph or someone else scold you?” “No, mother,” answered the
Mouth Abounding with Life. “The truth is that Elizabeth, your aged
kinswoman, has left my dearly beloved John an orphan. Even now he
is weeping over her body, which is lying on the mountain.”
When Mary heard this, she began to mourn over the loss of her
kinswoman. “Weep not, dearest mother,” Jesus consoled her. “We
will go and visit her this very hour.” And even as he was saying this to
his mother, a bright cloud came down and settled in between them.
Then Jesus said, “Call upon Salome, and have her come along with
us.” Then they all climbed onto the cloud, which flew them out to the
wilderness of ’Ain Karim where John was sitting, and Elizabeth’s body
was laying. The Savior then commanded the cloud, “Drop us off on
this side of it.” Then the cloud, without delay, traveled there and went
away. But the sound carried over to John. And when John heard the
noise of their approach, he was afraid and abandoned the body of his
mother. He then heard a voice that said, “John, do not be afraid. I am
your kinsman Jesus. I have come with my mother to see to the proper burial of your own hallowed mother Elizabeth, for she is near of kin to
my mother and me.” When John heard this, he turned around and
headed back in the direction of Christ and his mother Mary and
embraced them. Then the Savior said to his mother, “Mother, Salome,
rise up and wash her body off.” They bathed it in the spring from
which she used to wash herself and her boy. Mary then held John
close and wept with him, cursing Herod for his many crimes.
Then the Angels Michael and Gabriel came down from the heavens
and dug a grave. “Go now,” said the Savior, “and return with the souls
of Zechariah and Simeon the priest, that they might sing as you bury
her body.” Immediately Michael returned with the souls of Simeon
and Zechariah, who placed the shroud over Elizabeth’s body and sang
for rather a while. Now the mother of Jesus wept, as did Salome, and
the two priests traced the sign of the cross upon her corpse and prayed
over it three times before laying it to rest in the grave. Then they
buried her body there, sealing the plot with the sign of the cross, and
they each returned in peace to their places. For seven days Jesus and
his mother remained with John--consoling him on the loss of his
mother, and teaching him how to survive in the desert. Then Jesus
said to his mother, “Let us move on to where I can resume my work.”
And Mary burst into tears over the isolation of the young boy John, so
she suggested, “Since he has been left an orphan and there’s no one
here to care for him, we will take him home with us.” But Jesus
replied, “This is not the will of my heavenly Father. He is to remain in
the wilderness until the day that he’s revealed to Israel. He will not
remain in a wasteland full of wild beasts, but will instead walk in a
desert full of prophets and angels, as though there were great
multitudes of people there. Archangel Gabriel is also with us, and I
have charged him with protecting John and granting him power from
on high. What is more, I will make the water from this spring as sweet
and pleasing to him as his own mother’s milk. Who was it that
watched over him in his youth? Oh, mother, do I not love him more
than the world itself? Zechariah loved him too, and I have decreed
that he should also come and care for John, for though his body lies
buried in the ground, his soul indeed lives on.”
Jesus spoke these words to his mother in the wilderness, even as
John remained behind. They then climbed back onto the cloud, and
John watched and grieved as they left him there. Mary agonized and
mourned for John saying, “How wretched I feel, seeing you alone out
here in the desert. Where is your father Zechariah? Where is your
mother Elizabeth? Let them come today and weep alongside me.” “Mother,” Jesus reassured her, “do not weep over this child, for I will
never forget him.” And even as he was saying these things, behold, the
cloud picked them up and carried them off to Nazareth. And while in
Nazareth, Jesus fulfilled all things human except for sinning. And
John lived in the desert with great simplicity and devotion. God and
His angels were with him there, and his only nourishment came from
grasses and wild honey. He prayed without ceasing, fasted often, and
remained in expectation of the salvation of Israel.
HELP OUT JOHN THE BAPTIST
(LJB pt.10)
The Wilderness of Judea
Now as for the blessed John, he wandered with his mother out in
the desert, and God supplied locusts and wild honey for him to eat,
even as it had been spoken to his mother about him, that he might not
let any unclean food pass through his mouth. After five years had
come and gone, the devout, exalted, and aged mother Elizabeth passed
away and the holy John sat weeping over her body. He had no idea
98
how to enshroud or bury her, for he was but seven-and-a-half at the
time of her passing. (Now the blessed Elizabeth died on the same day
as had Herod, which was February the fifteenth.)
Jesus, who could see both the heavens and the earth, saw his cousin
John sitting and wailing over his mother. And Jesus also started
weeping at length, but no one knew the cause of his tears. When Mary
saw the grieving of Jesus, she asked him, “Why are you weeping? Did
Joseph or someone else scold you?” “No, mother,” answered the
Mouth Abounding with Life. “The truth is that Elizabeth, your aged
kinswoman, has left my dearly beloved John an orphan. Even now he
is weeping over her body, which is lying on the mountain.”
When Mary heard this, she began to mourn over the loss of her
kinswoman. “Weep not, dearest mother,” Jesus consoled her. “We
will go and visit her this very hour.” And even as he was saying this to
his mother, a bright cloud came down and settled in between them.
Then Jesus said, “Call upon Salome, and have her come along with
us.” Then they all climbed onto the cloud, which flew them out to the
wilderness of ’Ain Karim where John was sitting, and Elizabeth’s body
was laying. The Savior then commanded the cloud, “Drop us off on
this side of it.” Then the cloud, without delay, traveled there and went
away. But the sound carried over to John. And when John heard the
noise of their approach, he was afraid and abandoned the body of his
mother. He then heard a voice that said, “John, do not be afraid. I am
your kinsman Jesus. I have come with my mother to see to the proper burial of your own hallowed mother Elizabeth, for she is near of kin to
my mother and me.” When John heard this, he turned around and
headed back in the direction of Christ and his mother Mary and
embraced them. Then the Savior said to his mother, “Mother, Salome,
rise up and wash her body off.” They bathed it in the spring from
which she used to wash herself and her boy. Mary then held John
close and wept with him, cursing Herod for his many crimes.
Then the Angels Michael and Gabriel came down from the heavens
and dug a grave. “Go now,” said the Savior, “and return with the souls
of Zechariah and Simeon the priest, that they might sing as you bury
her body.” Immediately Michael returned with the souls of Simeon
and Zechariah, who placed the shroud over Elizabeth’s body and sang
for rather a while. Now the mother of Jesus wept, as did Salome, and
the two priests traced the sign of the cross upon her corpse and prayed
over it three times before laying it to rest in the grave. Then they
buried her body there, sealing the plot with the sign of the cross, and
they each returned in peace to their places. For seven days Jesus and
his mother remained with John--consoling him on the loss of his
mother, and teaching him how to survive in the desert. Then Jesus
said to his mother, “Let us move on to where I can resume my work.”
And Mary burst into tears over the isolation of the young boy John, so
she suggested, “Since he has been left an orphan and there’s no one
here to care for him, we will take him home with us.” But Jesus
replied, “This is not the will of my heavenly Father. He is to remain in
the wilderness until the day that he’s revealed to Israel. He will not
remain in a wasteland full of wild beasts, but will instead walk in a
desert full of prophets and angels, as though there were great
multitudes of people there. Archangel Gabriel is also with us, and I
have charged him with protecting John and granting him power from
on high. What is more, I will make the water from this spring as sweet
and pleasing to him as his own mother’s milk. Who was it that
watched over him in his youth? Oh, mother, do I not love him more
than the world itself? Zechariah loved him too, and I have decreed
that he should also come and care for John, for though his body lies
buried in the ground, his soul indeed lives on.”
Jesus spoke these words to his mother in the wilderness, even as
John remained behind. They then climbed back onto the cloud, and
John watched and grieved as they left him there. Mary agonized and
mourned for John saying, “How wretched I feel, seeing you alone out
here in the desert. Where is your father Zechariah? Where is your
mother Elizabeth? Let them come today and weep alongside me.” “Mother,” Jesus reassured her, “do not weep over this child, for I will
never forget him.” And even as he was saying these things, behold, the
cloud picked them up and carried them off to Nazareth. And while in
Nazareth, Jesus fulfilled all things human except for sinning. And
John lived in the desert with great simplicity and devotion. God and
His angels were with him there, and his only nourishment came from
grasses and wild honey. He prayed without ceasing, fasted often, and
remained in expectation of the salvation of Israel.
JESUS COMMANDS CLAY ANIMALS
(ArIn 15:1-7)
Jericho?
One day, when the Lord Jesus was seven years old, he was playing
with some friends of his who were about his age. As the boys were
playing, they molded clay into various shapes--donkeys, cattle, birds,
and other creatures. Each of them was boasting to the others about
how much better their own was, and each of them was attempting to
outdo the others. Finally the Lord Jesus said to the young men, “I will
order the forms that I have fashioned to walk.” And right away they
started walking, and when he ordered them to return, all of them came
back to him. He had, moreover, modeled images of sparrows and
other birds, which flew around when he ordered them to fly, stayed in
place when he said “hover,” and ate and drank when he gave them
food and drink. After a while, the boys went off and reported to their
parents all that had happened, and their fathers all admonished them,
“From now on, children, beware of his companionship, for he is an
enchanter. Steer clear of him and have nothing at all to do with him,
for from this time forward you are forbidden ever to play with him.”
(ArIn 15:1-7)
Jericho?
One day, when the Lord Jesus was seven years old, he was playing
with some friends of his who were about his age. As the boys were
playing, they molded clay into various shapes--donkeys, cattle, birds,
and other creatures. Each of them was boasting to the others about
how much better their own was, and each of them was attempting to
outdo the others. Finally the Lord Jesus said to the young men, “I will
order the forms that I have fashioned to walk.” And right away they
started walking, and when he ordered them to return, all of them came
back to him. He had, moreover, modeled images of sparrows and
other birds, which flew around when he ordered them to fly, stayed in
place when he said “hover,” and ate and drank when he gave them
food and drink. After a while, the boys went off and reported to their
parents all that had happened, and their fathers all admonished them,
“From now on, children, beware of his companionship, for he is an
enchanter. Steer clear of him and have nothing at all to do with him,
for from this time forward you are forbidden ever to play with him.”
MIRACLE AT THE DYER’S
(ArIn 15:8-15; InTh: Paris Manuscript #239)
Jericho?
On another day, when the Lord Jesus was playing and running
around with the boys, he passed by the shop of a dyer named Salem.
There were many clothes in that shop belonging to the people of that
town; each with orders to be dyed in various ways. He saw a young
man dipping some clothing and leggings into a rather gloomy color,
dying them according to the instructions given by each of his
customers, and placing them into the vat. The boy Jesus, entering into
the dyer’s shop, approached the young man who was doing this, took
all of the garments and threw them into the dryer. When Salem
returned and saw that the clothes had all been ruined, he started to rant and to rave, and to take Jesus to task, saying, “Oh Son of Mary,
what have you done to me? You have not wronged me alone, but my
neighbors as well. They all wanted their clothing to be dyed properly,
but you came along and ruined them entirely!”
Then the Lord Jesus answered him, “I will restore each and every
piece to whatever color you wish.” And he immediately started pulling
the cloths from out of the dryer, and they all were colored as the dyer
had intended. And when the Jews saw this amazing miracle, they all
started praising God.
(ArIn 15:8-15; InTh: Paris Manuscript #239)
Jericho?
On another day, when the Lord Jesus was playing and running
around with the boys, he passed by the shop of a dyer named Salem.
There were many clothes in that shop belonging to the people of that
town; each with orders to be dyed in various ways. He saw a young
man dipping some clothing and leggings into a rather gloomy color,
dying them according to the instructions given by each of his
customers, and placing them into the vat. The boy Jesus, entering into
the dyer’s shop, approached the young man who was doing this, took
all of the garments and threw them into the dryer. When Salem
returned and saw that the clothes had all been ruined, he started to rant and to rave, and to take Jesus to task, saying, “Oh Son of Mary,
what have you done to me? You have not wronged me alone, but my
neighbors as well. They all wanted their clothing to be dyed properly,
but you came along and ruined them entirely!”
Then the Lord Jesus answered him, “I will restore each and every
piece to whatever color you wish.” And he immediately started pulling
the cloths from out of the dryer, and they all were colored as the dyer
had intended. And when the Jews saw this amazing miracle, they all
started praising God.
ANOTHER MIRACLE AT THE DYER’S
(GPh 37, 47; Qur 2:138)
The Lord entered into the shop of a dyer named Levi, took seventytwo
different pigments and poured them all into the vat. Now as Jesus
took them out, they all turned white. Then he said, “The Son has come
as one who dyes in the selfsame manner.”
God is a dyer, and even as the excellent dyes are called “true,” and
fuse with everything that is colored within them, so it also happens to
whomever God dyes. Even as His are dyes of immortality, so also do
they achieve eternal life by means of His tinctures. These days what
God dips, He dips in water. We soak in the dye of God. Who can
boast of a dye that is better than God’s? Truly we will worship Him!
JESUS STRETCHES THE THRONE
(ArIn 16:1-16)
Jerusalem
Now whenever Joseph would go into town, he would take the Lord
Jesus along. Whether his work involved making gates, milking
buckets, sieves, or crates, anywhere that he would go, the Lord Jesus
would go there with him. Now any time Joseph was working on
something that needed lengthening or shortening; widening or
narrowing, the Lord Jesus would reach his hand out toward it, and it
would immediately become as he needed it to be. He therefore had no
need to complete any job with his own two hands, for Joseph was not
an expert in this line of work.
The king of Jerusalem once summoned Joseph and instructed him,
“I want you to fashion a throne for me of precisely the same
dimensions as the place where I usually sit.” Joseph agreed and
started working on the project. He labored for two whole years in the
palace of the king before he was able to finish it off, and when he
brought it to the spot to fit it in, he found that it was two spans short
of the commissioned size on either side. And when the king saw it, he
seethed with rage at Joseph. Joseph was so distraught over the king’s anger, that he did not even eat his supper, but went straight to bed,
taking nothing with him to eat.
The Lord Jesus then inquired, “What are you upset about?”
“Because,” Joseph replied, “I have wasted two whole years of labor in
this effort!” “Do not fear,” Jesus reassured him, “neither should you
be distraught. You take hold of one side of the throne, and I will take
hold of the other, and we will stretch it to its proper length.” And
when Joseph did what Jesus had said, and each had pulled as hard as
they could, the throne obediently stretched itself to fit the space
exactly.
When those who were standing there saw it, they were all
astounded and gave praise to God, for this throne was made from the
same kind of wood as was used in Solomon’s day, decorated as it was
with many intricate figures and designs.
(GPh 37, 47; Qur 2:138)
The Lord entered into the shop of a dyer named Levi, took seventytwo
different pigments and poured them all into the vat. Now as Jesus
took them out, they all turned white. Then he said, “The Son has come
as one who dyes in the selfsame manner.”
God is a dyer, and even as the excellent dyes are called “true,” and
fuse with everything that is colored within them, so it also happens to
whomever God dyes. Even as His are dyes of immortality, so also do
they achieve eternal life by means of His tinctures. These days what
God dips, He dips in water. We soak in the dye of God. Who can
boast of a dye that is better than God’s? Truly we will worship Him!
JESUS STRETCHES THE THRONE
(ArIn 16:1-16)
Jerusalem
Now whenever Joseph would go into town, he would take the Lord
Jesus along. Whether his work involved making gates, milking
buckets, sieves, or crates, anywhere that he would go, the Lord Jesus
would go there with him. Now any time Joseph was working on
something that needed lengthening or shortening; widening or
narrowing, the Lord Jesus would reach his hand out toward it, and it
would immediately become as he needed it to be. He therefore had no
need to complete any job with his own two hands, for Joseph was not
an expert in this line of work.
The king of Jerusalem once summoned Joseph and instructed him,
“I want you to fashion a throne for me of precisely the same
dimensions as the place where I usually sit.” Joseph agreed and
started working on the project. He labored for two whole years in the
palace of the king before he was able to finish it off, and when he
brought it to the spot to fit it in, he found that it was two spans short
of the commissioned size on either side. And when the king saw it, he
seethed with rage at Joseph. Joseph was so distraught over the king’s anger, that he did not even eat his supper, but went straight to bed,
taking nothing with him to eat.
The Lord Jesus then inquired, “What are you upset about?”
“Because,” Joseph replied, “I have wasted two whole years of labor in
this effort!” “Do not fear,” Jesus reassured him, “neither should you
be distraught. You take hold of one side of the throne, and I will take
hold of the other, and we will stretch it to its proper length.” And
when Joseph did what Jesus had said, and each had pulled as hard as
they could, the throne obediently stretched itself to fit the space
exactly.
When those who were standing there saw it, they were all
astounded and gave praise to God, for this throne was made from the
same kind of wood as was used in Solomon’s day, decorated as it was
with many intricate figures and designs.
THE BOYS WHO TURNED INTO GOATS
(ArIn 17:1-10)
Jerusalem?
On another occasion the Lord Jesus went out into the street, saw
some young boys playing together, and went over to them to join in.
But as soon as they caught sight of him, they all hid themselves from
him, leaving him to look for them. The Lord Jesus came up to the gate
of a certain house and asked the women standing there, “Where did all
of those boys go?” And when they said that there were none around,
the Lord Jesus asked them, “Then who are those you can plainly see in
that archway over there?” “Those are three-year-old goats,” the
women replied. Then Jesus shouted, “Hey you goats, come on over to
your shepherd!” And the boys came out and frolicked all around him
like goats. And when the women saw that, they were utterly
astounded, and trembled. And right away they worshiped the Lord
Jesus, begging him, “Oh Jesus, our Lord, and son of Mary, you are
without question the Good Shepherd of Israel! Have mercy on your
maidservants, who stand in your presence, Lord, and have no doubt
that you have come to save and not destroy.”
Then the Lord declared to them, “The children of Israel appear even
as Ethiopes compared to the rest of mankind.” “Lord,” the women
replied, “you know all things, and nothing can hide itself from you; but
now we are asking you--even appealing to every mercy that is within
you--to restore these boys to their prior state.” Then he said, “Come
on you guys, let’s go and play!” And right in front of those women,
the goats all changed back into boys.
(ArIn 17:1-10)
Jerusalem?
On another occasion the Lord Jesus went out into the street, saw
some young boys playing together, and went over to them to join in.
But as soon as they caught sight of him, they all hid themselves from
him, leaving him to look for them. The Lord Jesus came up to the gate
of a certain house and asked the women standing there, “Where did all
of those boys go?” And when they said that there were none around,
the Lord Jesus asked them, “Then who are those you can plainly see in
that archway over there?” “Those are three-year-old goats,” the
women replied. Then Jesus shouted, “Hey you goats, come on over to
your shepherd!” And the boys came out and frolicked all around him
like goats. And when the women saw that, they were utterly
astounded, and trembled. And right away they worshiped the Lord
Jesus, begging him, “Oh Jesus, our Lord, and son of Mary, you are
without question the Good Shepherd of Israel! Have mercy on your
maidservants, who stand in your presence, Lord, and have no doubt
that you have come to save and not destroy.”
Then the Lord declared to them, “The children of Israel appear even
as Ethiopes compared to the rest of mankind.” “Lord,” the women
replied, “you know all things, and nothing can hide itself from you; but
now we are asking you--even appealing to every mercy that is within
you--to restore these boys to their prior state.” Then he said, “Come
on you guys, let’s go and play!” And right in front of those women,
the goats all changed back into boys.
THE KING KILLS THE SERPENT
(ArIn 18:1-19)
Jerusalem?
In the month of Adar, Jesus gathered the boys together, arranging
them as would a king. They spread their clothes out on the ground so
that he could have a seat. Then they fashioned a garland of flowers
and placed it on his head. Then they arrayed themselves to his left and
right as guardians of the king. Now if anyone happened to pass him
by, the boys would take hold of them and drive them along saying,
“Come on over here and pay the king his due respect, that all may go
well with you along your way.”
And even as they carried on like this, some men came along bearing
a boy upon a mat. This child, you see, had gone to gather wood up on
the mountainside with some friends of his, where he came across a
partridge’s nest. He reached out his hand to collect the eggs, and
without warning a venomous viper shot out of it and struck him on his
hand. Then he shouted for his friends to come and help him out. But
by the time they got to where the young boy was, he was already lying
like a corpse upon the ground. His neighbors showed up a little while
later and carried him back into town. Now when they arrived at the
place where the Lord Jesus sat enthroned as a king--and the other
boys standing as his guardians--the youngsters raced to head off the
snake-bitten child and said, “Come with us and pay the king the
respect he is due.”
When, however, out of their unbearable grief they declined, the
boys compelled them, forcing them to against their wills. And when
they got to the Lord Jesus, he said, “Tell me why you are carrying that
child?” And when they said that he had been bitten by a snake, the
Lord Jesus said, “Let us go and slay that serpent.” But when that boy’s
parents begged to be excused, seeing that their son was all but dead
already, the young men said to them again, “Did you not hear the
king’s pronouncement, ‘Let us go and slay that serpent’? Will you
disobey him?” So they brought the stretcher back, though it really was
against their wills. And when they arrived at the nest, the Lord Jesus
asked the boys, “Is this where that serpent likes to hide?” “Yes it is,”
they all replied. Then the Lord Jesus called to the viper, and it
slithered out submissively to him. And Jesus commanded the serpent,
“Go right now and suck out all of the venom that you’ve injected into
that boy!” So it skidded over to him and sucked all of it back out of
him. Then the Lord Jesus cursed it, and the snake burst open and
died.
And he placed his hand upon the lad, restoring him to his former state. And when the boy began to cry, the Lord Jesus said to him,
“Wipe away your tears, for the day is coming when I will take you on
as one of my disciples.” And this is the one who is referred to as
Simon the Canaanite in the gospel.
(ArIn 18:1-19)
Jerusalem?
In the month of Adar, Jesus gathered the boys together, arranging
them as would a king. They spread their clothes out on the ground so
that he could have a seat. Then they fashioned a garland of flowers
and placed it on his head. Then they arrayed themselves to his left and
right as guardians of the king. Now if anyone happened to pass him
by, the boys would take hold of them and drive them along saying,
“Come on over here and pay the king his due respect, that all may go
well with you along your way.”
And even as they carried on like this, some men came along bearing
a boy upon a mat. This child, you see, had gone to gather wood up on
the mountainside with some friends of his, where he came across a
partridge’s nest. He reached out his hand to collect the eggs, and
without warning a venomous viper shot out of it and struck him on his
hand. Then he shouted for his friends to come and help him out. But
by the time they got to where the young boy was, he was already lying
like a corpse upon the ground. His neighbors showed up a little while
later and carried him back into town. Now when they arrived at the
place where the Lord Jesus sat enthroned as a king--and the other
boys standing as his guardians--the youngsters raced to head off the
snake-bitten child and said, “Come with us and pay the king the
respect he is due.”
When, however, out of their unbearable grief they declined, the
boys compelled them, forcing them to against their wills. And when
they got to the Lord Jesus, he said, “Tell me why you are carrying that
child?” And when they said that he had been bitten by a snake, the
Lord Jesus said, “Let us go and slay that serpent.” But when that boy’s
parents begged to be excused, seeing that their son was all but dead
already, the young men said to them again, “Did you not hear the
king’s pronouncement, ‘Let us go and slay that serpent’? Will you
disobey him?” So they brought the stretcher back, though it really was
against their wills. And when they arrived at the nest, the Lord Jesus
asked the boys, “Is this where that serpent likes to hide?” “Yes it is,”
they all replied. Then the Lord Jesus called to the viper, and it
slithered out submissively to him. And Jesus commanded the serpent,
“Go right now and suck out all of the venom that you’ve injected into
that boy!” So it skidded over to him and sucked all of it back out of
him. Then the Lord Jesus cursed it, and the snake burst open and
died.
And he placed his hand upon the lad, restoring him to his former state. And when the boy began to cry, the Lord Jesus said to him,
“Wipe away your tears, for the day is coming when I will take you on
as one of my disciples.” And this is the one who is referred to as
Simon the Canaanite in the gospel.
ONE KERNEL OF GRAIN YIELDS
A HUNDRED MEASURES
(InTh 12)
Jericho?
Once again, during the sowing season, the boy went out with his
father to sow grain in their field. Now even as his father sowed, the
boy Jesus planted but a single grain, and after harvesting and tossing
it, he garnered a full one hundred measures from it. Then he called
the needy of that town to the threshing floor and distributed the grain
among them, and Joseph gathered what remained, and he was eight
when he worked this wonder.
A HUNDRED MEASURES
(InTh 12)
Jericho?
Once again, during the sowing season, the boy went out with his
father to sow grain in their field. Now even as his father sowed, the
boy Jesus planted but a single grain, and after harvesting and tossing
it, he garnered a full one hundred measures from it. Then he called
the needy of that town to the threshing floor and distributed the grain
among them, and Joseph gathered what remained, and he was eight
when he worked this wonder.
THE LIONS WORSHIP JESUS
(PsMt 35)
Jericho, The Jordan River
There is this road which passes from Jericho over to the place on
the Jordan River where the children of Israel had crossed over; and it
is said that the Ark of the Covenant once rested there. Now Jesus, who
by then was eight years old, left Jericho and headed out for the
Jordan. This path was not safe for men to walk because over by the
side of the road, not far from the riverbank, there was this cave where
a lioness lay nursing her cubs. Jesus came from Jericho knowing full
well that a lioness had recently brought forth a litter in that place, and
he went right in before them all. Now as soon as the lions caught sight
of Jesus, they all ran up and adored him. And the whole time that
Jesus sat within the cave, the little cubs rubbed up against him and
played with him, even as the older lions kept their distance and
lowered their heads, worshipping him and patting their tails
affectionately upon him. Now those who were standing off in the
distance, unable to see Jesus said, “He would never have offered
himself to the lions unless he or his parents had committed some
serious offence.” And as these people were speculating to one another,
overwhelmed by their grief, behold, Jesus suddenly came out of the
cave in plain sight of them all; the pride of lions going before him, and
the cubs playing with each other all around his feet. And Jesus’
mother and father stood, heads bowed, in the distance as they looked
on. The others also kept their distance on account of the lions, not
daring to approach them. Then he said to the people there, “How far superior are the untamed animals to the likes of you, seeing how they
both recognize and venerate their Lord, whereas you men, even
though you have been made in the image and likeness of God, have no
idea who He is! Wild animals sense me and become docile; whereas
men look right at me and do not even acknowledge me.”
(PsMt 35)
Jericho, The Jordan River
There is this road which passes from Jericho over to the place on
the Jordan River where the children of Israel had crossed over; and it
is said that the Ark of the Covenant once rested there. Now Jesus, who
by then was eight years old, left Jericho and headed out for the
Jordan. This path was not safe for men to walk because over by the
side of the road, not far from the riverbank, there was this cave where
a lioness lay nursing her cubs. Jesus came from Jericho knowing full
well that a lioness had recently brought forth a litter in that place, and
he went right in before them all. Now as soon as the lions caught sight
of Jesus, they all ran up and adored him. And the whole time that
Jesus sat within the cave, the little cubs rubbed up against him and
played with him, even as the older lions kept their distance and
lowered their heads, worshipping him and patting their tails
affectionately upon him. Now those who were standing off in the
distance, unable to see Jesus said, “He would never have offered
himself to the lions unless he or his parents had committed some
serious offence.” And as these people were speculating to one another,
overwhelmed by their grief, behold, Jesus suddenly came out of the
cave in plain sight of them all; the pride of lions going before him, and
the cubs playing with each other all around his feet. And Jesus’
mother and father stood, heads bowed, in the distance as they looked
on. The others also kept their distance on account of the lions, not
daring to approach them. Then he said to the people there, “How far superior are the untamed animals to the likes of you, seeing how they
both recognize and venerate their Lord, whereas you men, even
though you have been made in the image and likeness of God, have no
idea who He is! Wild animals sense me and become docile; whereas
men look right at me and do not even acknowledge me.”
THE LIONS CROSS THE JORDAN
WITH JESUS
(PsMt 36)
The Jordan River
After this, the waters of the Jordan spread to the right and to the
left, and Jesus went across before them all, attended by the lions.
Then loud enough for all to hear, Jesus called out to the lions, “Now go
in peace along your way, injuring no one, and may no man do you any
harm until you return to the place from which you came.” And they
bid him farewell through their cries and their gestures. They then
moved on to their proper domain.
WITH JESUS
(PsMt 36)
The Jordan River
After this, the waters of the Jordan spread to the right and to the
left, and Jesus went across before them all, attended by the lions.
Then loud enough for all to hear, Jesus called out to the lions, “Now go
in peace along your way, injuring no one, and may no man do you any
harm until you return to the place from which you came.” And they
bid him farewell through their cries and their gestures. They then
moved on to their proper domain.
JOSEPH AND JESUS STRETCH THE BEAM
(InTh 13(11); PsMt 37)
And when Jesus was eight years old, Joseph was commissioned by a
wealthy young man to build for him a bed of six cubits, because at that
time he was working as a carpenter specializing in wooden plows,
yokes for oxen, farm equipment, and beds. And Joseph went out to
the field to collect some wood, and Jesus went along with him. He
ordered his servant to cut a beam with an iron saw to the given length.
But he did not keep to the specified measure, cutting one of the
timbers a bit too short. And after sawing two wooden planks, he
produced one and placed it up against the other. Then Joseph,
noticing that one board was shorter than the other, grew troubled.
Then he measured it and confirmed that it was wanting, so he became
frustrated and was not sure what he should do about it. As he started
thinking about what to do, he headed off to find another. Jesus, when
he saw what had happened, and marking the perplexity of Joseph, that
to him the situation seemed hopeless, comforted him, saying, “Come
now, let us take hold of both ends of these beams and position them
together, lining up the ends; for by fitting them together precisely and
pulling them to ourselves, we will make the one the same as the
other.” And Joseph, unsure of what Jesus had in mind by saying this,
did as he was told, since he knew full well that Jesus could do
whatever he willed. So Joseph grabbed the ends of the two wooden
beams and pressed them flush against the wall beside him, and Jesus took the opposite ends. Once again Jesus said, “Hold tight to this
shorter piece.” And Joseph, still bewildered, took hold of it. Jesus
then grabbed the other end and stretched it to himself until it was the
same as the other beam. “From now on,” Jesus assured him, “be
anxious for nothing, but go back now and finish your work, even as
you have agreed to do, with nothing whatever to stand in your way.”
His father Joseph took it all in and was dumfounded. Then he hugged
and kissed the boy, saying in his heart, “How blessed I am that God
has given me a son like this!” Then Joseph went ahead and finished
the job, even as he had promised.
And as soon as they returned to town, Joseph explained all that had
happened to Mary. Now when Mary heard about and had seen the
glorious miracles that were done by her Son, she exulted, worshipping
him along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore;
throughout an eternity of ages. Amen.
(InTh 13(11); PsMt 37)
And when Jesus was eight years old, Joseph was commissioned by a
wealthy young man to build for him a bed of six cubits, because at that
time he was working as a carpenter specializing in wooden plows,
yokes for oxen, farm equipment, and beds. And Joseph went out to
the field to collect some wood, and Jesus went along with him. He
ordered his servant to cut a beam with an iron saw to the given length.
But he did not keep to the specified measure, cutting one of the
timbers a bit too short. And after sawing two wooden planks, he
produced one and placed it up against the other. Then Joseph,
noticing that one board was shorter than the other, grew troubled.
Then he measured it and confirmed that it was wanting, so he became
frustrated and was not sure what he should do about it. As he started
thinking about what to do, he headed off to find another. Jesus, when
he saw what had happened, and marking the perplexity of Joseph, that
to him the situation seemed hopeless, comforted him, saying, “Come
now, let us take hold of both ends of these beams and position them
together, lining up the ends; for by fitting them together precisely and
pulling them to ourselves, we will make the one the same as the
other.” And Joseph, unsure of what Jesus had in mind by saying this,
did as he was told, since he knew full well that Jesus could do
whatever he willed. So Joseph grabbed the ends of the two wooden
beams and pressed them flush against the wall beside him, and Jesus took the opposite ends. Once again Jesus said, “Hold tight to this
shorter piece.” And Joseph, still bewildered, took hold of it. Jesus
then grabbed the other end and stretched it to himself until it was the
same as the other beam. “From now on,” Jesus assured him, “be
anxious for nothing, but go back now and finish your work, even as
you have agreed to do, with nothing whatever to stand in your way.”
His father Joseph took it all in and was dumfounded. Then he hugged
and kissed the boy, saying in his heart, “How blessed I am that God
has given me a son like this!” Then Joseph went ahead and finished
the job, even as he had promised.
And as soon as they returned to town, Joseph explained all that had
happened to Mary. Now when Mary heard about and had seen the
glorious miracles that were done by her Son, she exulted, worshipping
him along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forevermore;
throughout an eternity of ages. Amen.
JESUS’ SECOND VISIT TO A TEACHER
(InTh 14; PsMt 38; ArIn 20:13-16)
Jerusalem?
When all of the people started urging Joseph and Mary to enroll
Jesus in a school so that he might learn his letters, Joseph came to
accept just how much the boy truly understood for a child of his years,
and that he was becoming much more mature. So he, not refusing,
decided that Jesus should not go on any longer without learning them,
and complied with the order of the elders. They took him to school a
second time around, to an even more learned teacher, who would
instruct him in human knowledge. “First I will teach him Greek,” the
teacher said to Joseph, “then I will move on to Hebrew.” That teacher,
you see, knew all about the knowledge that this boy possessed and it
frightened him. Even so he wrote out the alphabet for him and went
over it with him for several hours; but Jesus did not answer him. Then
the instructor started teaching him in a forceful way, saying, “Say
Alpha!” Then Jesus challenged him, “If you are such a clever teacher,
and know the letters so well, then tell me the strength of the Alpha,
and I will show you that of the Beta--or, if you prefer, you may tell me
first what is the Beta, and then I will explain the Alpha.” Now the
teacher was enraged at this, but when he lifted his hand to flog the
child, and beat him over the head, the boy winced in pain and cursed
him, and his hand immediately withered. Then he fell face down to
the ground and died.
Then the boy returned to the house of Joseph and Mary. Joseph,
however, grew anxious and fearful. He called Jesus’ mother Mary over to himself and issued her the following command: “Never again will
we let him out of this house. Do not let him set so much as a single
foot outside the door, because everyone who angers him ends up dead.
Know that my soul suffers almost to death because of him! Who
knows but that one day someone might strike and kill him out of
rage!” “Oh man of God,” Mary replied, “do not even think this way,
but have faith instead that the One Who sent him as one born among
mankind will keep him from all spite and in His name guard him
against all evil.”
(InTh 14; PsMt 38; ArIn 20:13-16)
Jerusalem?
When all of the people started urging Joseph and Mary to enroll
Jesus in a school so that he might learn his letters, Joseph came to
accept just how much the boy truly understood for a child of his years,
and that he was becoming much more mature. So he, not refusing,
decided that Jesus should not go on any longer without learning them,
and complied with the order of the elders. They took him to school a
second time around, to an even more learned teacher, who would
instruct him in human knowledge. “First I will teach him Greek,” the
teacher said to Joseph, “then I will move on to Hebrew.” That teacher,
you see, knew all about the knowledge that this boy possessed and it
frightened him. Even so he wrote out the alphabet for him and went
over it with him for several hours; but Jesus did not answer him. Then
the instructor started teaching him in a forceful way, saying, “Say
Alpha!” Then Jesus challenged him, “If you are such a clever teacher,
and know the letters so well, then tell me the strength of the Alpha,
and I will show you that of the Beta--or, if you prefer, you may tell me
first what is the Beta, and then I will explain the Alpha.” Now the
teacher was enraged at this, but when he lifted his hand to flog the
child, and beat him over the head, the boy winced in pain and cursed
him, and his hand immediately withered. Then he fell face down to
the ground and died.
Then the boy returned to the house of Joseph and Mary. Joseph,
however, grew anxious and fearful. He called Jesus’ mother Mary over to himself and issued her the following command: “Never again will
we let him out of this house. Do not let him set so much as a single
foot outside the door, because everyone who angers him ends up dead.
Know that my soul suffers almost to death because of him! Who
knows but that one day someone might strike and kill him out of
rage!” “Oh man of God,” Mary replied, “do not even think this way,
but have faith instead that the One Who sent him as one born among
mankind will keep him from all spite and in His name guard him
against all evil.”
FINAL ATTEMPT TO EDUCATE JESUS;
JESUS TEACHES LIKE A TORRENT OF
LIVING WATER
(InTh 15; PsMt 39)
Jerusalem?
Now a little while later the Jews asked Joseph a third time to coax
Jesus into being schooled by yet another teacher. This teacher--
someone who was close to Joseph--advised him, “Bring the boy to me
at my school; and if I can win him over, perhaps I’ll be able to teach
him letters.” And Joseph, knowing that it was impossible for any man
to teach him anything, since his knowledge came from God alone,
answered him, “Brother, if you think that you can teach him, then go
ahead and take him to yourself.” Joseph and Mary, fearful of the
people, intimidated by the rulers, and broken by the priests, went
ahead and delivered him up to the school despite the misgivings of
Joseph. The boy, however, went along cheerfully. And Jesus walked
boldly into the classroom, saw the book on the podium and, moved by
the Holy Spirit, pulled it from the instructor’s hands even as he was
teaching from the law. Then in the sight and hearing of all, Jesus
started reading and teaching them from out of the law, though he did not read from the words inscribed. It was instead through the power
of the Living God that he opened his mouth and, by means of the Holy
Spirit that he taught them all--as a never-ending flood of water
gushing from a fountain of life! And it was with this kind of power
that he taught the people the sublime things of the Living God. And
the hearts of the people seated there changed to absolute
astonishment upon hearing such words from him. And a great crowd
gathered around, and they stood there, listening in amazement over
the excellence of his teaching and the fluency of his speech. Everyone
there, including the teacher, who dropped to the ground in adoration,
was utterly astounded that a mere child like him could bring such
things as these to light. But as soon as Joseph heard of it, he grew anxious and raced over to
Jesus at the school, wondering to himself if this teacher might, for his
lack of experience with him, be dead already. But when the
schoolmaster caught sight of Joseph, he confessed, “Brother, I realize
that I took this boy on as a pupil, but he is brimming with all grace and
wisdom. This is no mere student that you have brought to me, but a
great teacher! Who can hear the words he speaks? Brother, I beg you,
take him home with you.” This fulfilled the Scripture that reads, “The
river of God overflows with water. Their food You have readied, for
even thus is the preparation thereof.” And when the boy heard all
these things, he quickly smiled at the teacher and said, “Because you
have spoken so aptly and testified so truthfully, the one who was
stricken will now be made whole.” And just then his former instructor
was healed. Then Joseph took the young man and returned to his
home.
JESUS TEACHES LIKE A TORRENT OF
LIVING WATER
(InTh 15; PsMt 39)
Jerusalem?
Now a little while later the Jews asked Joseph a third time to coax
Jesus into being schooled by yet another teacher. This teacher--
someone who was close to Joseph--advised him, “Bring the boy to me
at my school; and if I can win him over, perhaps I’ll be able to teach
him letters.” And Joseph, knowing that it was impossible for any man
to teach him anything, since his knowledge came from God alone,
answered him, “Brother, if you think that you can teach him, then go
ahead and take him to yourself.” Joseph and Mary, fearful of the
people, intimidated by the rulers, and broken by the priests, went
ahead and delivered him up to the school despite the misgivings of
Joseph. The boy, however, went along cheerfully. And Jesus walked
boldly into the classroom, saw the book on the podium and, moved by
the Holy Spirit, pulled it from the instructor’s hands even as he was
teaching from the law. Then in the sight and hearing of all, Jesus
started reading and teaching them from out of the law, though he did not read from the words inscribed. It was instead through the power
of the Living God that he opened his mouth and, by means of the Holy
Spirit that he taught them all--as a never-ending flood of water
gushing from a fountain of life! And it was with this kind of power
that he taught the people the sublime things of the Living God. And
the hearts of the people seated there changed to absolute
astonishment upon hearing such words from him. And a great crowd
gathered around, and they stood there, listening in amazement over
the excellence of his teaching and the fluency of his speech. Everyone
there, including the teacher, who dropped to the ground in adoration,
was utterly astounded that a mere child like him could bring such
things as these to light. But as soon as Joseph heard of it, he grew anxious and raced over to
Jesus at the school, wondering to himself if this teacher might, for his
lack of experience with him, be dead already. But when the
schoolmaster caught sight of Joseph, he confessed, “Brother, I realize
that I took this boy on as a pupil, but he is brimming with all grace and
wisdom. This is no mere student that you have brought to me, but a
great teacher! Who can hear the words he speaks? Brother, I beg you,
take him home with you.” This fulfilled the Scripture that reads, “The
river of God overflows with water. Their food You have readied, for
even thus is the preparation thereof.” And when the boy heard all
these things, he quickly smiled at the teacher and said, “Because you
have spoken so aptly and testified so truthfully, the one who was
stricken will now be made whole.” And just then his former instructor
was healed. Then Joseph took the young man and returned to his
home.
JOSEPH HEALS ANOTHER JOSEPH
(PsMt 40)
Capernaum
After this, because their enemies had been acting so spitefully
toward them, Joseph took Jesus and Mary and went away to
Capernaum by the sea. Now during the time that Jesus was there,
there lived this other, rather wealthy man whose name also happened
to be Joseph. But this man had withered up and died from an illness, and was laying lifeless on his bed. Now when Jesus heard the
townspeople sorrowing and wailing and grieving over the departed, he
asked Joseph, “Why not do this man a kindness that’s in line with your
benevolence, seeing that you and he both share the same name?”
Joseph then inquired of Jesus, “How is it within my authority or
capacity to do anything for this man?” And Jesus answered him,
“Take the cloth off of your head and lay it over the face of the man who
is dead, and say to him, ‘The Anointed One is saving you.’ The lifeless
man will then be restored and rise again from his bed.” Joseph, when
he heard what Jesus had said, quickly rose up and ran into the house
of the deceased, placed the cloth he had been wearing around his head
over the face of the man on the bed and said, “Jesus is saving you.”
And the man who had died immediately got up from his bed and
asked, “Who is this Jesus?”
(PsMt 40)
Capernaum
After this, because their enemies had been acting so spitefully
toward them, Joseph took Jesus and Mary and went away to
Capernaum by the sea. Now during the time that Jesus was there,
there lived this other, rather wealthy man whose name also happened
to be Joseph. But this man had withered up and died from an illness, and was laying lifeless on his bed. Now when Jesus heard the
townspeople sorrowing and wailing and grieving over the departed, he
asked Joseph, “Why not do this man a kindness that’s in line with your
benevolence, seeing that you and he both share the same name?”
Joseph then inquired of Jesus, “How is it within my authority or
capacity to do anything for this man?” And Jesus answered him,
“Take the cloth off of your head and lay it over the face of the man who
is dead, and say to him, ‘The Anointed One is saving you.’ The lifeless
man will then be restored and rise again from his bed.” Joseph, when
he heard what Jesus had said, quickly rose up and ran into the house
of the deceased, placed the cloth he had been wearing around his head
over the face of the man on the bed and said, “Jesus is saving you.”
And the man who had died immediately got up from his bed and
asked, “Who is this Jesus?”
JESUS BLOWS ON JAMES’ SNAKEBITE
(ArIn 19:1-3; InTh 16; PsMt 41)
Bethlehem
They moved on from Capernaum to Bethlehem, where Joseph could stay with Mary and Jesus in his own house. One day Joseph
summoned his eldest boy James and sent him out into the garden to
collect herbs and firewood for the stew and return home with them.
The young Jesus, however, tagged along behind him into the garden
without either Joseph or Mary knowing about it. When they got to the
spot where the firewood was, James started gathering vegetables, and
behold, a poisonous snake shot out of its hole and bit James on the
hand, whereupon he started yelling and screaming in great pain. Then
he grew faint and cried out in anguish, “Oh, no! No! An accursed
snake has bitten my hand!” The Lord Jesus, who was standing there
across from him, hearing his cries of agony and seeing him in this
state--all sprawled out and nearly dead--ran up to him, took him by
the hand, and with nothing but a puff to the wound, he cooled it off,
and James was immediately healed. His pain disappeared, and the
serpent split apart.
Joseph and Mary, when they heard the cry of James and the call of
Jesus, ran to the garden unaware of what had happened, and found the snake dead and James healed.
(ArIn 19:1-3; InTh 16; PsMt 41)
Bethlehem
They moved on from Capernaum to Bethlehem, where Joseph could stay with Mary and Jesus in his own house. One day Joseph
summoned his eldest boy James and sent him out into the garden to
collect herbs and firewood for the stew and return home with them.
The young Jesus, however, tagged along behind him into the garden
without either Joseph or Mary knowing about it. When they got to the
spot where the firewood was, James started gathering vegetables, and
behold, a poisonous snake shot out of its hole and bit James on the
hand, whereupon he started yelling and screaming in great pain. Then
he grew faint and cried out in anguish, “Oh, no! No! An accursed
snake has bitten my hand!” The Lord Jesus, who was standing there
across from him, hearing his cries of agony and seeing him in this
state--all sprawled out and nearly dead--ran up to him, took him by
the hand, and with nothing but a puff to the wound, he cooled it off,
and James was immediately healed. His pain disappeared, and the
serpent split apart.
Joseph and Mary, when they heard the cry of James and the call of
Jesus, ran to the garden unaware of what had happened, and found the snake dead and James healed.
JESUS REVIVES A DEAD CHILD
(InTh 17)
Bethlehem?
Now after this had come to pass, there happened to be a little child
who lived near Joseph who had died from an illness, and his mother
was crying out in bitter anguish. Hearing that horrible wailing and the
ensuing commotion, Jesus hurried over there, found the child dead,
laid his hand upon his chest and said, “I say to you, do not die, but go
and live at your mother’s side.” And looking up, the child laughed.
“Take this boy and suckle him,” he instructed the woman, “and
remember me.” Now when the bystanders saw it, they were all
amazed and they confessed, “Without a doubt, this lad is either
himself a god or else he is an angel of God, for every single word he
speaks brings about a reality.” And Jesus left them there and went to
play with some other children.
(InTh 17)
Bethlehem?
Now after this had come to pass, there happened to be a little child
who lived near Joseph who had died from an illness, and his mother
was crying out in bitter anguish. Hearing that horrible wailing and the
ensuing commotion, Jesus hurried over there, found the child dead,
laid his hand upon his chest and said, “I say to you, do not die, but go
and live at your mother’s side.” And looking up, the child laughed.
“Take this boy and suckle him,” he instructed the woman, “and
remember me.” Now when the bystanders saw it, they were all
amazed and they confessed, “Without a doubt, this lad is either
himself a god or else he is an angel of God, for every single word he
speaks brings about a reality.” And Jesus left them there and went to
play with some other children.
JESUS REVIVES A DEAD
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
(InTh 18)
Bethlehem?
Some time later a rather large disturbance broke out where a house
was being built, so Jesus got up and headed there. When he saw a
man lying there dead, Jesus took him by the hand and said, “Get up
sir, and do your work!” And the man rose right up and worshiped him. And when the people saw this thing, they were all astounded,
and cried aloud, “This boy assuredly comes from heaven, since he has
delivered so many from death, and as long as he remains alive, he has
the power to save them all.”
CONSTRUCTION WORKER
(InTh 18)
Bethlehem?
Some time later a rather large disturbance broke out where a house
was being built, so Jesus got up and headed there. When he saw a
man lying there dead, Jesus took him by the hand and said, “Get up
sir, and do your work!” And the man rose right up and worshiped him. And when the people saw this thing, they were all astounded,
and cried aloud, “This boy assuredly comes from heaven, since he has
delivered so many from death, and as long as he remains alive, he has
the power to save them all.”
JESUS BLESSES HIS FAMILY;
THE GLORY OF GOD SHINES UPON HIM
(PsMt 42)
Bethlehem?
Joseph took his sons, James, Joseph, Judah, Simeon, and his two
daughters to a banquet. Jesus and his mother Mary met them there,
along with her sister Mary, daughter of Cleophas. And when they had all arrived, he sanctified and blessed them all.
(The Lord God had given this Mary over to Cleophas and Anna, her
father and mother, since they had presented Jesus’ mother to the
Lord. She was known by the same name, Mary, that her parents might
feel somewhat consoled. Now Jesus would always be the first to eat,
for not one of them would ever venture to dine, drink, recline at table,
or break bread unless he had blessed them first. And if for some
reason he was not present, they would wait around for him. And
whenever he did not wish to come for food and drink, then neither did
Joseph, Mary, or any of his brothers, the sons of Joseph. These
brothers of his would obey him with all severity, seeing his life as the
light of a lamp. And whenever Jesus would sleep, be it either night or
day, the glory of God would shine on him. May all praise and honor be
to him forevermore. Amen and amen!)
THE GLORY OF GOD SHINES UPON HIM
(PsMt 42)
Bethlehem?
Joseph took his sons, James, Joseph, Judah, Simeon, and his two
daughters to a banquet. Jesus and his mother Mary met them there,
along with her sister Mary, daughter of Cleophas. And when they had all arrived, he sanctified and blessed them all.
(The Lord God had given this Mary over to Cleophas and Anna, her
father and mother, since they had presented Jesus’ mother to the
Lord. She was known by the same name, Mary, that her parents might
feel somewhat consoled. Now Jesus would always be the first to eat,
for not one of them would ever venture to dine, drink, recline at table,
or break bread unless he had blessed them first. And if for some
reason he was not present, they would wait around for him. And
whenever he did not wish to come for food and drink, then neither did
Joseph, Mary, or any of his brothers, the sons of Joseph. These
brothers of his would obey him with all severity, seeing his life as the
light of a lamp. And whenever Jesus would sleep, be it either night or
day, the glory of God would shine on him. May all praise and honor be
to him forevermore. Amen and amen!)
JESUS STAYS BEHIND IN THE TEMPLE
(Luke 2:41-43a; ArIn 21:1-8; InTh 19:1a)
Caravan to Nazareth, The temple in Jerusalem
Every year, Jesus’ parents would go to the Passover feast in
Jerusalem. And when he was twelve years old they traveled up, as
their custom was. And after the feast was over and they had satisfied
the number of days required, they all started out for home. And even
as they were all returning, the Lord Jesus headed back for Jerusalem.
His parents knew nothing about him staying behind in the temple
among the teachers, elders, and learned men of Jerusalem. He posed
many questions to them and answered them concerning many issues
having to do with their expertise.
For example, Jesus asked them: “Whose son is this ‘Messiah’?”
“David’s,” they replied. Jesus therefore questioned them, “Then why
in the Spirit does David call him ‘Lord’ when it states, ‘The Lord said
to my Lord “Sit here to my right until I have made all who oppose you a stool for your feet?”’” Then this particularly eminent Rabbi prodded
him, “Have you read books?” “Not only have I read books,” Jesus
replied, “but also what is in those books.” Then he gave them a
detailed explanation of the books of the Law--the rules, the
legislations, and all of the riddles that were interwoven into the
prophetic Scriptures--matters that were too profound for the mind of
any ever to unravel. At that point the Rabbi said, “I have never seen,
or even heard of such things before! What do all of you suppose will
become of this boy?”
(Luke 2:41-43a; ArIn 21:1-8; InTh 19:1a)
Caravan to Nazareth, The temple in Jerusalem
Every year, Jesus’ parents would go to the Passover feast in
Jerusalem. And when he was twelve years old they traveled up, as
their custom was. And after the feast was over and they had satisfied
the number of days required, they all started out for home. And even
as they were all returning, the Lord Jesus headed back for Jerusalem.
His parents knew nothing about him staying behind in the temple
among the teachers, elders, and learned men of Jerusalem. He posed
many questions to them and answered them concerning many issues
having to do with their expertise.
For example, Jesus asked them: “Whose son is this ‘Messiah’?”
“David’s,” they replied. Jesus therefore questioned them, “Then why
in the Spirit does David call him ‘Lord’ when it states, ‘The Lord said
to my Lord “Sit here to my right until I have made all who oppose you a stool for your feet?”’” Then this particularly eminent Rabbi prodded
him, “Have you read books?” “Not only have I read books,” Jesus
replied, “but also what is in those books.” Then he gave them a
detailed explanation of the books of the Law--the rules, the
legislations, and all of the riddles that were interwoven into the
prophetic Scriptures--matters that were too profound for the mind of
any ever to unravel. At that point the Rabbi said, “I have never seen,
or even heard of such things before! What do all of you suppose will
become of this boy?”
JESUS ASTONISHES AN ASTRONOMER
AND A PHILOSOPHER
(ArIn 20:9-21)
The Temple in Jerusalem
And when this astronomer who was there asked the Lord Jesus,
“Have you ever studied astronomy?” he answered him by revealing to
him the number of spheres and celestial objects, together with their
triangular, square, and sextile facets; which ones moved prograde and
which ones moved retrograde, their various proportions and their
various forecasts, along with many other depths, never yet plumbed by
the minds of men.
There was also this Philosopher among them who was very skilled
in medicine and the physical sciences, who asked the Lord Jesus,
“Have you ever studied medicine?” He answered him with an
explanation of both medicine and its theoretical underpinnings.
Moreover, he defined precisely what lies above the powers of nature,
along with all that is subject thereto; the physical potential, and the
interactions between the body and its fluids, and how they respond to
one another. He also revealed the number of its constituent parts,
such as bones, arteries, veins, and nerves; the various physical aspects
of the body, namely warmth and dryness, coolness and moisture, as
well as their various functions; how the soul controls the body, and the
various senses and modalities that are open to them; the capacity for
language; desire and anger; and last of all, the composition and
decomposition of the body; and a whole host of other subjects that
have eluded the grasp of all mankind. Then that philosopher got up
and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Oh Jesus, my Lord! From now on, I
will follow you and work for you.”
AND A PHILOSOPHER
(ArIn 20:9-21)
The Temple in Jerusalem
And when this astronomer who was there asked the Lord Jesus,
“Have you ever studied astronomy?” he answered him by revealing to
him the number of spheres and celestial objects, together with their
triangular, square, and sextile facets; which ones moved prograde and
which ones moved retrograde, their various proportions and their
various forecasts, along with many other depths, never yet plumbed by
the minds of men.
There was also this Philosopher among them who was very skilled
in medicine and the physical sciences, who asked the Lord Jesus,
“Have you ever studied medicine?” He answered him with an
explanation of both medicine and its theoretical underpinnings.
Moreover, he defined precisely what lies above the powers of nature,
along with all that is subject thereto; the physical potential, and the
interactions between the body and its fluids, and how they respond to
one another. He also revealed the number of its constituent parts,
such as bones, arteries, veins, and nerves; the various physical aspects
of the body, namely warmth and dryness, coolness and moisture, as
well as their various functions; how the soul controls the body, and the
various senses and modalities that are open to them; the capacity for
language; desire and anger; and last of all, the composition and
decomposition of the body; and a whole host of other subjects that
have eluded the grasp of all mankind. Then that philosopher got up
and worshiped Jesus, saying, “Oh Jesus, my Lord! From now on, I
will follow you and work for you.”
JOSEPH AND MARY DISCOVER THAT JESUS IS MISSING
(Luke 2:43b; InTh 19:1b-5; ArIn 21:22-29)
Caravan to Nazareth, The Temple in Jerusalem
But his parents imagined that Jesus must have been in the crowd
with them somewhere. And after they had done a full day’s walking,
they went looking for him among their kin, and when he was nowhere
to be found, they grew troubled and headed back to the city to search
for him. They found him at last on the third day, sitting in the temple
amid the Teachers, hearing the law and posing questions to them.
And all of those who heard him there were astounded by his
understanding and his exposition. And everyone there paid careful
attention to him and wondered how in the world a mere child like this
could throw so much light on passages from out of the law and
parables within the prophets, leaving the elders and the Teachers of
the People utterly unable to speak.
It was even as they were all addressing these and other issues that
the Lady Saint Mary came walking in after having wandered around
all over with Joseph for three days seeking after him. And when she
saw that he was seated in the presence of doctors, asking them
questions and giving them answers, Joseph and Mary were both
astonished. Then his mother Mary approached him and asked, “Why
have you put us through all this, my child? I’ll have you know that
your father and I have gone through a great deal of trouble in
searching for you, and we worried about you all that time!” Jesus then
replied to them, “Why did you go looking all over? Were you not
aware that it was needful for me to be employed in the house of my
Father, taking care of His affairs?” But they failed to grasp the sense
in which he meant for them to hear his words.
But the scribes and Pharisees then spoke up, “Are you the mother of
this lad?” “Yes I am,” she replied. “Oh Mary,” they all confessed, “how
joyful are you among women! You are truly blessed to have brought
forth a boy like him, for such a blessing has God lavished on the fruit
of your womb. Never before have we seen or heard such glorious and
excellent wisdom.” Jesus then rose up and followed his mother, going
down with them, and traveling with them on to Nazareth, where he
lived in obedience to them. His mother treasured up all that had been
said in her heart. And Jesus waxed ever wiser and wiser, all the time
growing in grace and stature; and the esteem of God and men. To him
be boundless glory forevermore. Amen.
(Luke 2:43b; InTh 19:1b-5; ArIn 21:22-29)
Caravan to Nazareth, The Temple in Jerusalem
But his parents imagined that Jesus must have been in the crowd
with them somewhere. And after they had done a full day’s walking,
they went looking for him among their kin, and when he was nowhere
to be found, they grew troubled and headed back to the city to search
for him. They found him at last on the third day, sitting in the temple
amid the Teachers, hearing the law and posing questions to them.
And all of those who heard him there were astounded by his
understanding and his exposition. And everyone there paid careful
attention to him and wondered how in the world a mere child like this
could throw so much light on passages from out of the law and
parables within the prophets, leaving the elders and the Teachers of
the People utterly unable to speak.
It was even as they were all addressing these and other issues that
the Lady Saint Mary came walking in after having wandered around
all over with Joseph for three days seeking after him. And when she
saw that he was seated in the presence of doctors, asking them
questions and giving them answers, Joseph and Mary were both
astonished. Then his mother Mary approached him and asked, “Why
have you put us through all this, my child? I’ll have you know that
your father and I have gone through a great deal of trouble in
searching for you, and we worried about you all that time!” Jesus then
replied to them, “Why did you go looking all over? Were you not
aware that it was needful for me to be employed in the house of my
Father, taking care of His affairs?” But they failed to grasp the sense
in which he meant for them to hear his words.
But the scribes and Pharisees then spoke up, “Are you the mother of
this lad?” “Yes I am,” she replied. “Oh Mary,” they all confessed, “how
joyful are you among women! You are truly blessed to have brought
forth a boy like him, for such a blessing has God lavished on the fruit
of your womb. Never before have we seen or heard such glorious and
excellent wisdom.” Jesus then rose up and followed his mother, going
down with them, and traveling with them on to Nazareth, where he
lived in obedience to them. His mother treasured up all that had been
said in her heart. And Jesus waxed ever wiser and wiser, all the time
growing in grace and stature; and the esteem of God and men. To him
be boundless glory forevermore. Amen.
JESUS BEGINS TO HIDE HIS ACTIVITIES;
DILIGENTLY STUDIES THE LAW
(ArIn 22)
Nazareth
This marks the time when Jesus began hiding his miracles and secret works. He dedicated himself to a careful study of the law until
the end of his thirtieth year, the age at which the Father acknowledged
him openly at the Jordan with the sound of His voice, and the Holy
Spirit in the form of a dove, addressing him with this declaration from
the sky above: “This is My Son, whom I love and in whom I take
delight!” He is the one we worship with all honor, because he brought
us from the womb of our mother; calling us into being and bringing us
to life. He who for our sakes has taken on a human form and rescued
us, that he might embrace us with eternal kindness, and freely show us
the greatness and abundance of his mercy and goodness. May all
glory, praise, power and dominion be to him from now on and
forevermore. Amen.
DILIGENTLY STUDIES THE LAW
(ArIn 22)
Nazareth
This marks the time when Jesus began hiding his miracles and secret works. He dedicated himself to a careful study of the law until
the end of his thirtieth year, the age at which the Father acknowledged
him openly at the Jordan with the sound of His voice, and the Holy
Spirit in the form of a dove, addressing him with this declaration from
the sky above: “This is My Son, whom I love and in whom I take
delight!” He is the one we worship with all honor, because he brought
us from the womb of our mother; calling us into being and bringing us
to life. He who for our sakes has taken on a human form and rescued
us, that he might embrace us with eternal kindness, and freely show us
the greatness and abundance of his mercy and goodness. May all
glory, praise, power and dominion be to him from now on and
forevermore. Amen.
INTRODUCTION TO THE LIFE OF JOSEPH THE CARPENTER;
INSTRUCTIONS TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL
(HJC Intro,1)
{In the name of God; three Who are comprised of one. The
narrative of the death of our father, the aged and venerable Joseph the
carpenter. Brothers, may his blessings and his prayers sustain us all.
Amen.
His entire lifetime amounted to one hundred and eleven years, and
his passing from this world took place on the twenty-sixth of Abib,
which is also known as Ab. May we be upheld by his prayer! Amen.
And it was truly none other than our Lord Jesus Christ who disclosed
this narrative to his most reverend disciples on the Mount of Olives;
all about the labors of Joseph, and also of his final days. And the holy
apostles preserved this address, and left it in written form in the
Jerusalem library. May their prayers sustain us all! Amen.}
One day it happened that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,
was sitting on the Mount of Olives with his followers who had
gathered there. And he addressed them as follows: “Brothers, friends,
and sons whom the Father has chosen out of all mankind; you know
how I have frequently spoken to you about the crucifixion I must
undergo, and of the death that I must endure in order to redeem Adam
and his children, and how I will arise from death. I will now entrust
you with the teaching of the sacred gospel which has been preached to
you already, so that you might make it known around the world. I
will, moreover, give you power from on high, filling you with the Holy
Spirit. And you are to preach repentance and the remission of sin
throughout each and every nation. For if a man could find so much as
a single cup of water that is from the world to come, it would seem far
greater and more vast to him than the collective riches of this earth. Moreover, the ground covered by even a single foot in my Father’s
house is beyond the wealth of this whole world. Truly a single, joyful
hour in the home of the godly is more gracious and dear than a
thousand years among evildoers: since their wailing and mourning
will never cease, nor ever will their tears stop flowing, nor will they
even once enjoy any comfort or rest.
“And now, oh my distinguished members, go and proclaim this in
every nation, saying to them, ‘Truly the Savior, the Administrator of
Justice, is looking diligently into the inheritance that is due. And the
angels will throw down their opponents and fight on their behalf on
the Day of Battle. And he will closely scrutinize every senseless and
baseless word that mankind has spoken, and they will all be forced to
give account. For even as death is inescapable, so also will every single
one of man’s works, whether they are good or bad, be spread out on
the Day of Judgment.’ Also, be sure to relate to them this message I
am giving you today, ‘Let not the strong man glory in his might, nor
the rich man in his wealth; but if any man must glory, let him glorify
the Lord.’”
INSTRUCTIONS TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL
(HJC Intro,1)
{In the name of God; three Who are comprised of one. The
narrative of the death of our father, the aged and venerable Joseph the
carpenter. Brothers, may his blessings and his prayers sustain us all.
Amen.
His entire lifetime amounted to one hundred and eleven years, and
his passing from this world took place on the twenty-sixth of Abib,
which is also known as Ab. May we be upheld by his prayer! Amen.
And it was truly none other than our Lord Jesus Christ who disclosed
this narrative to his most reverend disciples on the Mount of Olives;
all about the labors of Joseph, and also of his final days. And the holy
apostles preserved this address, and left it in written form in the
Jerusalem library. May their prayers sustain us all! Amen.}
One day it happened that our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ,
was sitting on the Mount of Olives with his followers who had
gathered there. And he addressed them as follows: “Brothers, friends,
and sons whom the Father has chosen out of all mankind; you know
how I have frequently spoken to you about the crucifixion I must
undergo, and of the death that I must endure in order to redeem Adam
and his children, and how I will arise from death. I will now entrust
you with the teaching of the sacred gospel which has been preached to
you already, so that you might make it known around the world. I
will, moreover, give you power from on high, filling you with the Holy
Spirit. And you are to preach repentance and the remission of sin
throughout each and every nation. For if a man could find so much as
a single cup of water that is from the world to come, it would seem far
greater and more vast to him than the collective riches of this earth. Moreover, the ground covered by even a single foot in my Father’s
house is beyond the wealth of this whole world. Truly a single, joyful
hour in the home of the godly is more gracious and dear than a
thousand years among evildoers: since their wailing and mourning
will never cease, nor ever will their tears stop flowing, nor will they
even once enjoy any comfort or rest.
“And now, oh my distinguished members, go and proclaim this in
every nation, saying to them, ‘Truly the Savior, the Administrator of
Justice, is looking diligently into the inheritance that is due. And the
angels will throw down their opponents and fight on their behalf on
the Day of Battle. And he will closely scrutinize every senseless and
baseless word that mankind has spoken, and they will all be forced to
give account. For even as death is inescapable, so also will every single
one of man’s works, whether they are good or bad, be spread out on
the Day of Judgment.’ Also, be sure to relate to them this message I
am giving you today, ‘Let not the strong man glory in his might, nor
the rich man in his wealth; but if any man must glory, let him glorify
the Lord.’”
THE DEATH OF JOSEPH
(HJC 10-32; ArIn 22:7b)
After many years had come and gone, the elderly Joseph arrived at
a ripe old age. Despite working continuously, his body never grew
frail, nor did his vision ever fail, nor ever did his teeth fall out, nor was
he ever senile his whole life long; but he, like a young lad, went about
his business spryly and energetically, with his arms and legs intact and
free from aches and pains. All together, his lifetime amounted to one
hundred and eleven years, stretching his days to their furthest extent.
Now two of Joseph’s oldest boys, Justus and Simeon, were married
and had their own families. Both of his daughters were also married
and living in their own homes. That left Joses and the Lesser James
living in Joseph’s house with my virgin mother. I lived with them
blamelessly as one of his sons, calling Mary my mother and Joseph my
father, doing whatever they would tell me to. I never defied them, but
always obeyed them no matter what they would say, even as other men
who are brought forth on this earth are inclined to do. I never did
provoke them to anger, nor did I talk back to them, or contradict
them, either. On the contrary, as the apple of my eye did I lavish them
both with love and affection.
And after all this, it happened that the death and passing from this
world of the pious and elderly Joseph was drawing near, as is the case
for every man that is born of this earth. And even as he was at the point of death, an angel of the Lord informed him that his passing was
near. He therefore grew fearful and perplexed. He then rose up and
traveled on to Jerusalem. And when he went into the Lord’s temple,
he poured forth his prayers before the sanctuary, pleading, “Oh, God,
author of every solace; God of all pity, and Lord over the whole human
race; God of my soul; God of my body; and God of my spirit; I worship
You and plead with You. Oh, my Lord, my God, if my days are at an
end, and the hour of my passing from this world is at hand, I beg of
You, send Michael, the great prince of Your holy angels, to accompany
me, that my miserable soul might leave this tortured frame of mine
without incident; free from any threat or fear. For unspeakable fear
and dread seize all bodies on their dying day; be they either male or
female, wild or domestic animal, or whatever crawls along the ground,
or flies through the air. Every creature under heaven that breathes in
the breath of life becomes panic-stricken as their souls fearfully and
woefully pass away from their bodies. Oh, my Lord and my God, let
Your holy angel be there to help ease the separation between my body
and soul, and do not let the face of the guardian angel appointed to me
from the time of my birth turn away from me now; but may he
accompany me on my journey even until he brings me to You. Let his
expression be pleasing to me and comfort my heart, and let him go
with me in peace. Let not the demons approach me with their frightful
faces on the way that I must go, until I arrive in Your delightful
presence. Let not the gatekeepers keep my soul from paradise. Show
not forth my sins so as to condemn me before the terror of Your
judgment seat. Do not permit the lions to lunge on me, nor allow the
swells of the fiery sea to overwhelm my soul before I have gazed upon
Your face, so glorious and divine; for every soul must face these things.
Oh, God, most upright Judge, Who with justice and fairness will pass
judgment on all mankind, and will pay them back for what they have
done. Oh, my Lord, my God, I beg of You, draw near to me with Your
compassion, and shine Your light upon my path, that I might draw
near to You; for You are a fountain overflowing with every glorious
thing, and are possessed of everlasting glory. Amen.”
And it happened afterward that when he had returned to his own
home in Nazareth of Galilee, Joseph was stricken by an illness that
confined him to his bed. And it was at that time that he passed on, as
is the lot of all mankind. This disease, you see, completely
overwhelmed him. From the day that he was born, he had never yet
suffered such an affliction, and truly it pleased Christ to arrange this
end for the righteous Joseph. And for forty years he remained unwed; afterward he cared for his wife another forty-nine until she died. And
a year after her death, the priests entrusted my mother, the blessed
Mary to him, to look after her until such time as she should wed. She
lived in his house for two whole years; and during her third year in the
house of Joseph, when she was fifteen, she brought me into this world
by a means so mysterious that no created being can recount it, nor yet understand it, but only myself, my Father, and the Holy Spirit, who
are of one substance with me.
The age of my father therefore, that venerable old man, was one
hundred and eleven years, as it had been decreed by my Father in
heaven. And it was on the twenty-sixth of Abib that his soul left his
body. For it was then that the choice gold started to lose its luster, and
the silver to wear out through use. (By this I mean his wisdom and his
intellect.) He also refused all food and drink. And having lost his
carpentry skills, he began to let his business go. And so it happened
that, in the early morning hours of the twenty-sixth day of Abib, that
that honorable man, the aged Joseph, lay upon his bed, surrendering
his troubled soul. He therefore opened his mouth and cried:
“Cursed was the day I was brought into this world!
Cursed was the womb that carried me!
Cursed were the bowels that moved for me!
Cursed were the feet that I sat and rested on!
Cursed were the breasts that nursed me!
Cursed were the hands that carried me and cared for me until I was
grown!
For in sin was I conceived, and in sin did my mother long for me.
Cursed are my lips and my tongue, which have brought up and
spoken foolishness, scandal, lies, ignorance, ridicule, gossip,
dishonesty, and hypocrisy!
Cursed are my eyes, which have gazed upon scandal!
Cursed are my ears, which have rejoiced in the slanderous words of
others!
Cursed are my hands which have taken things that were not theirs!
Cursed are my stomach and my guts, which have longed for
forbidden foods!
Cursed is my throat, which as a blazing fire has consumed all that it
has come across!
Cursed are my feet, which have taken paths offensive to God!
Cursed is my body, as is also my pathetic soul, which has already
deserted God, Who fashioned it!
What will I do when I am made to stand before the Righteous 120
Judge; when He will demand an account for all the deeds that have
been accumulating from my youth? Cursed is every man who dies in
his sins! Behold, that same event that overtook my father Jacob as his
soul sailed away from his body has truly overtaken me! Oh, how
miserable I am today, and fit to be mourned! God, however, and no
one else, will concern Himself with my body and soul; and deal with
them as He sees fit.”
Then I went over to Joseph and found his soul in its distress, for he
was suffering terribly. And I said to him, “Bless you, father Joseph!
How are you feeling, oh man of honor?” And he responded, “Bless you
too, my beloved son. Truly do I say to you that pain and fear
encompass me, but my soul grew still when I heard your voice. Oh
Jesus of Nazareth! Jesus who rescues me! Jesus who sets my soul
free! Jesus who defends me! Oh, Jesus! How sweet is your name in
my mouth--and in the mouths of all who cherish it! Oh All-Seeing
Eye, and All-Hearing Ear, hearken to the words I speak! I worship you
and serve you today in all humility, and my tears rain down before
your face. You are my God, and my Lord, even as the angel has
reminded me so many times, particularly on that day when wayward
thoughts tossed my soul to and fro concerning the holy and virgin
Mary, of whom I was secretly plotting to rid myself, though she was
bearing you within her womb. At the time that I was weighing my
options, behold, these angels of the Lord appeared in my sleep, and
related this incredible mystery to me: ‘Joseph, son of David, do not
fear to take on Mary as your wife; do not be sad or speak such
unbecoming words with regard to her conception, for she is carrying
the child of the Divine Inspiration, and will bring a son into the world,
who will be called Jesus, since he will free his people from their sins.’
Oh my Lord, please do not permit me to suffer on account of my lack
of knowledge concerning your birth, neither of the mystery involved.
Oh my Lord, I also recall the occasion when that boy died of a
snakebite--how his family wished to turn you over to Herod, accusing
you of killing him--but even so, you brought him back from death and
restored him to his mother and father. How I then came up to you,
grabbed your hand and admonished you, ‘Watch yourself, my son!’ At that time you answered me, ‘Are you not seen as my fleshly father? I
will show you who I truly am!’ For all of these reasons, my Lord and
my God, please do not be mad at me, nor call me to account for that
instance. I am your servant, your servant girl’s son; but you are my
Lord, my God and my Deliverer, and assuredly the Son of God.” Now when my father Joseph had spoken this, he was worn from all
his weeping. And I could see that death clearly held him in its sway.
Then my unblemished virgin mother stood to her feet, walked over to
me and said, “Oh, my beloved son, this honorable old man Joseph is
even now at the point of death.” “Oh, dearest mother,” I replied, “truly
the burden of death is shared by all things that are brought forth on
earth; for death has its way with all of mankind. Even you, oh virgin
mother, must experience the same fate as other mortals. Nevertheless,
neither your departure, nor that of this righteous man, qualifies as the
true death, but rather as eternal life. Furthermore, even I must die
with regard to the body that I got from you. Even so, rise up dearest
mother of mine, and go over to the blessed old man Joseph, that you
might bear witness to all that takes place as his soul rises up from his
body.”
My spotless mother Mary walked over to where Joseph was and
went inside. There at his feet I sat and watched over him, for by then
the signs of death could be seen in his face. And that honorable old
man lifted up his head and fixed his eyes upon me, but had no
strength to speak to me on account of the pains of death that had
taken him. But he kept on gasping for air, and I held his hands for an
entire hour, at which time he turned and looked at me, motioning to
me not to leave his side. At that moment, I held my hand up to his
chest, and sensed his soul around his throat, ready to depart its
chamber.
And when my virgin mother saw me touching his body, she also felt
his feet. And when she found that they were lifeless and cold, she said
to me, “Oh, my beloved son, truly his feet are stiffening, and are even
now as cold as snow.” She then called Joseph’s sons and daughters,
saying, “Come now, all of you, and gather all around your father; for
he is surely at the gates of death.” Then his daughter Assia remarked, “Oh my brothers, this is certainly the same affliction that claimed the
life of my own dear mother!” And she mourned and wept in
bitterness; whereupon all of Joseph’s other children likewise cried
alongside her, my mother and myself weeping along with them.
And glancing southward, I saw Death already drawing near, and all
of Gehenna with him, closely guarded by his army and his helpers;
flames shooting out of their clothing, faces, and mouths. And when
my father Joseph saw them coming, his eyes welled up with tears, and
at that moment he groaned in a very strange way. When I saw him
gasping furiously, I pushed Death back, and all his minions. And I
called upon my holy Father and said, “Oh Father of every mercy--the All-Seeing Eye and the All-Hearing Ear--hearken to my prayers and
petitions on behalf of the elderly Joseph. Send in the brightness of all
Your angels, Michael, the Prince of Angels, together with Gabriel, the
Proclaimer of Light. Allow the entire host of them to walk alongside
the soul of my father Joseph until they bring it near to You. This is the
moment when my father needs Your compassion the most.” (And I
say to you also that each and every saint--indeed each and every man
that is born to this world, be they either just or corrupt--must
necessarily pass away.)
Then Michael and Gabriel approached the soul of my father Joseph.
Then they took and wrapped it in a glistening cloth. This was the
means by which his spirit was given into the hands of my good Father,
Who granted him peace. None of his children yet knew that Joseph
had died. And the angels defended his soul from the demons of
darkness who were blocking the way, glorifying God until they had
conveyed it into the abode of the devout.
Now his corpse was lying flat on its back and devoid of blood. I
therefore reached out and straightened his eyes, shut his mouth with
my own hand, and said to the Virgin Mary, “Oh, mother of mine,
where is that ability which he so aptly showed throughout his lifetime
in this world? Sadly, it has gone away, and is as though it never was.”
And when his children overheard my conversation with my spotless
and virgin mother, they knew that he had breathed his last, and they
burst into tears and mourned for him. “Your father’s death,” I
explained to them, “is in truth not really death, but rather it is endless
life: for he has been freed from this world and its concerns, and has
moved on to endless and eternal rest.” And hearing these words, they
tore their clothes and wept aloud.
And the people of Nazareth and Galilee converged on the scene
when they heard their weeping, and they wept from the third hour all
the way until the ninth. And at the ninth hour they all went together
to the bed of Joseph. And they rubbed his body with precious
ointments and raised it up. But I prayed that same prayer to my
Father in the heavenly language which I had made with my own hand
before I was carried in the womb of my mother Mary. And when I had
completed it, I said “Amen,” and the entire host of angels appeared.
And I ordered two of them to extend their glistening robes and to
enshroud the body of the blessed old man Joseph in them.
At that point I spoke to Joseph, saying, “The stench of death and
corruption will have no power over you, nor will so much as a single
worm ever come from out of your body. None of its limbs will ever be broken, nor will a hair on your head be moved from its place. Oh
Joseph, my father, no part of your body will ever be lost, but it will
remain intact and never decompose, even until the thousand-year
feast. I will bless and repay in the assembly of virgins anyone who
should make an offering on your special day. And on the day of your
memorial, whosoever should feed the wretched, the poor, the widows,
and the orphans in your name from the work of his hands will never
lack any thing good as long as he lives. And to anyone who has so
much as offered a cup of water or wine to drink to either widow or
orphan in your name, I will place him in your care, that you may travel
along with him as he enters into the millennial feast. And to every
man who should offer a gift on the day of your commemoration, I will
bless and repay in the assembly of virgins: to one I will give thirty
times over, to another, sixty, and to yet another, a hundred. And as for
anyone who should write down the story of your life, and of your
labors, and of your passing from this earth--and even this narrative
that is from my mouth--him I will commit to your keeping as long as
he lives. And when his soul leaves his body and he has parted from
this realm, I will burn the book of his sins and not afflict him with any
penalty on Judgment Day; but he will travel through the sea of flames,
passing across without trouble or pain. And to every poor man who
can offer none of these things, this will be what he should do: if a son
is born to him, he is to name him Joseph, so that neither poverty nor
untimely death might ever come to pass in that house.”
After this, the leading men of that town gathered together at the
spot where Joseph’s body had been placed, bringing with them burial
shrouds with which they wished to wrap him up, according to the way
the Jews prepare the bodies of their dead. But they found that his
shroud held tight--clinging like iron to his body--for when they would
have taken it off, they found it impossible to loosen or budge, nor
could they find a linen edge, which astonished them to no end. Finally
they carried him over to a place where there was a cave and opened
the gate so they could lay his body to rest alongside those of his
forebears. Just then I called to mind the day that he traveled with me
into Egypt, and of the tremendous hardships that for my sake he was
compelled to endure. And I mourned his passing for quite some time;
saying as I was sprawled out over his corpse: “Oh Death, which causes
all knowledge to disappear and brings about tears and sorrows in
abundance, surely it is my Father, God Himself, who has given you
this power. Because men perish for the transgression of Adam and his
wife Eve, and Death does not spare anyone. Even so, nothing ever happens to anyone, or is brought upon him without my Father
commanding it first. Surely there have been men whose lives reached
nine hundred years; but even these have passed away. And though
there were others who lived even longer, all of them have come to this
end, and not one of them can say, ‘I have never tasted death.’ For the
Lord does not send the same affliction twice; hence it has satisfied my
Father to inflict it upon mankind but once.
“Death goes out the very instant that it sees the order coming down
from heaven, and it says, ‘I will go forth against that man, and afflict
him most grievously.’ Then, in a flash it sets upon the soul and
overpowers it, doing with it as it pleases. Because Adam violated my
Father’s decree, you see, and failed to act in line with His will, the
anger of my Father seethed over him, and He then condemned him to
death; and this was how Death came into the world. If, however,
Adam had kept my Father’s laws, Death would never have gotten the
better of him. Don’t you know that I could ask my Father to send me
down a chariot of fire to take my father Joseph’s body up to the
peaceful place that it might live among the spirits there? But because
of Adam’s disobedience, the trouble and violence that come with
Death has befallen all of mankind. And it is for this reason that I
myself must die in the flesh; that I might secure grace for those who
are my handiwork.”
Having said this, I embraced the body of my father Joseph, and
wept over it. Then they opened up the mouth of the tomb and placed
his body into it, near to that of his father Jacob. And at the time of his
passing, he had lived one hundred and eleven years. Never had a
tooth in his mouth pained him, nor had his eyesight ever grown dim,
nor ever did his body bend, or his strength ever fail him, but he
worked at his carpenter’s trade even until his dying day, which was on
the twenty-sixth of Abib. And after Joseph, who was worn out by old
age, had died and received a burial alongside his forebears, the blessed
Mary went to live with her sisters’ children.
And when we apostles heard these words from our Savior, we rose
up in joy and prostrated ourselves in his honor. “Oh Savior of us all,”
we implored him, “show us your grace. Now we all have heard the lifegiving
word! Even so, we still have questions about the fates of Enoch
and Elijah, oh Savior of ours, for they were both reprieved from death.
For truly they dwell in the place of the just even unto this very day, nor
have their bodies known decay. Even so, that aged carpenter, Joseph
was, after all, your father according to the flesh. And you have ordered
us to go throughout the world and preach to them your holy Gospel; and you have said, ‘Relate to them the account of the passing of my
father Joseph, and honor him every year with a solemn holiday and
festival, and let them know that anyone who takes anything away from
this narrative, or adds anything to it, sins by so doing.’ Yet we are
especially eager to understand why it is that you did not cause Joseph
to be immortal like these, though he called you his son from the day
that you were born in Bethlehem, and you say yourself that he was
both chosen and righteous?”
And our Savior answered us, “Truly my Father’s prophecy regarding
the disobedience of Adam has now been fulfilled. Everything is
ordered by my Father according to His will and pleasure. For if any
man should despise the commands of God, and in imitation of the
devil continue to sin, his life is prolonged, that he might have a change
of heart, and think about how he must be given over to death. If,
however, anyone is quick to do good works, his life is also prolonged,
that the more his life is lengthened and discussed, the more that
upright men might imitate him. But when you see a man whose mind
tends toward anger, his days are indeed cut short; for these are the
ones who are taken in the prime of their lives. Therefore every
prophecy that has been spoken by my Father concerning mankind
must be fulfilled in every one of its aspects. Yet with regard to Enoch
and Elijah, and how they are alive to this day in the very flesh in which
they were born, and with regard to my father Joseph, whose body has
not been spared as were theirs; indeed, even if a man were to live
many thousands of years upon this earth, he would nevertheless at
some point be compelled to exchange his life for death. And my
brothers I say to you that Enoch and Elijah must return to this world
toward the close of time and be slain as well. To be more specific, this
will happen on the day of upset, terror, confusion, and evil. For
because of the reproach with which he will be revealed, the Antichrist
will mutilate the bodies of the four who are to disgrace him utterly
when they expose him for his ungodliness during the time that they
are alive, and he will pour their blood out like water.”
“Oh, our Lord, God, and Savior,” we asked, “who are these four
about whom you have spoken, those whom the Antichrist will cut off
on account of the reproach that they will lay to his charge?” “They are
Enoch, Elijah, Schila, and Tabitha,” the Lord replied. When we heard
our Savior say this to us, we all exulted and rejoiced, giving glory and
thanks to the Lord God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory,
honor, dignity, power, authority, and praise, the good Father along
with him, together with the life-giving Holy Spirit, from now on and forevermore. Amen.
{Here ends the complete Infancy Gospel, which through the aid of
the Most High God has been completed in accordance with what we
found written in the original.}
(HJC 10-32; ArIn 22:7b)
After many years had come and gone, the elderly Joseph arrived at
a ripe old age. Despite working continuously, his body never grew
frail, nor did his vision ever fail, nor ever did his teeth fall out, nor was
he ever senile his whole life long; but he, like a young lad, went about
his business spryly and energetically, with his arms and legs intact and
free from aches and pains. All together, his lifetime amounted to one
hundred and eleven years, stretching his days to their furthest extent.
Now two of Joseph’s oldest boys, Justus and Simeon, were married
and had their own families. Both of his daughters were also married
and living in their own homes. That left Joses and the Lesser James
living in Joseph’s house with my virgin mother. I lived with them
blamelessly as one of his sons, calling Mary my mother and Joseph my
father, doing whatever they would tell me to. I never defied them, but
always obeyed them no matter what they would say, even as other men
who are brought forth on this earth are inclined to do. I never did
provoke them to anger, nor did I talk back to them, or contradict
them, either. On the contrary, as the apple of my eye did I lavish them
both with love and affection.
And after all this, it happened that the death and passing from this
world of the pious and elderly Joseph was drawing near, as is the case
for every man that is born of this earth. And even as he was at the point of death, an angel of the Lord informed him that his passing was
near. He therefore grew fearful and perplexed. He then rose up and
traveled on to Jerusalem. And when he went into the Lord’s temple,
he poured forth his prayers before the sanctuary, pleading, “Oh, God,
author of every solace; God of all pity, and Lord over the whole human
race; God of my soul; God of my body; and God of my spirit; I worship
You and plead with You. Oh, my Lord, my God, if my days are at an
end, and the hour of my passing from this world is at hand, I beg of
You, send Michael, the great prince of Your holy angels, to accompany
me, that my miserable soul might leave this tortured frame of mine
without incident; free from any threat or fear. For unspeakable fear
and dread seize all bodies on their dying day; be they either male or
female, wild or domestic animal, or whatever crawls along the ground,
or flies through the air. Every creature under heaven that breathes in
the breath of life becomes panic-stricken as their souls fearfully and
woefully pass away from their bodies. Oh, my Lord and my God, let
Your holy angel be there to help ease the separation between my body
and soul, and do not let the face of the guardian angel appointed to me
from the time of my birth turn away from me now; but may he
accompany me on my journey even until he brings me to You. Let his
expression be pleasing to me and comfort my heart, and let him go
with me in peace. Let not the demons approach me with their frightful
faces on the way that I must go, until I arrive in Your delightful
presence. Let not the gatekeepers keep my soul from paradise. Show
not forth my sins so as to condemn me before the terror of Your
judgment seat. Do not permit the lions to lunge on me, nor allow the
swells of the fiery sea to overwhelm my soul before I have gazed upon
Your face, so glorious and divine; for every soul must face these things.
Oh, God, most upright Judge, Who with justice and fairness will pass
judgment on all mankind, and will pay them back for what they have
done. Oh, my Lord, my God, I beg of You, draw near to me with Your
compassion, and shine Your light upon my path, that I might draw
near to You; for You are a fountain overflowing with every glorious
thing, and are possessed of everlasting glory. Amen.”
And it happened afterward that when he had returned to his own
home in Nazareth of Galilee, Joseph was stricken by an illness that
confined him to his bed. And it was at that time that he passed on, as
is the lot of all mankind. This disease, you see, completely
overwhelmed him. From the day that he was born, he had never yet
suffered such an affliction, and truly it pleased Christ to arrange this
end for the righteous Joseph. And for forty years he remained unwed; afterward he cared for his wife another forty-nine until she died. And
a year after her death, the priests entrusted my mother, the blessed
Mary to him, to look after her until such time as she should wed. She
lived in his house for two whole years; and during her third year in the
house of Joseph, when she was fifteen, she brought me into this world
by a means so mysterious that no created being can recount it, nor yet understand it, but only myself, my Father, and the Holy Spirit, who
are of one substance with me.
The age of my father therefore, that venerable old man, was one
hundred and eleven years, as it had been decreed by my Father in
heaven. And it was on the twenty-sixth of Abib that his soul left his
body. For it was then that the choice gold started to lose its luster, and
the silver to wear out through use. (By this I mean his wisdom and his
intellect.) He also refused all food and drink. And having lost his
carpentry skills, he began to let his business go. And so it happened
that, in the early morning hours of the twenty-sixth day of Abib, that
that honorable man, the aged Joseph, lay upon his bed, surrendering
his troubled soul. He therefore opened his mouth and cried:
“Cursed was the day I was brought into this world!
Cursed was the womb that carried me!
Cursed were the bowels that moved for me!
Cursed were the feet that I sat and rested on!
Cursed were the breasts that nursed me!
Cursed were the hands that carried me and cared for me until I was
grown!
For in sin was I conceived, and in sin did my mother long for me.
Cursed are my lips and my tongue, which have brought up and
spoken foolishness, scandal, lies, ignorance, ridicule, gossip,
dishonesty, and hypocrisy!
Cursed are my eyes, which have gazed upon scandal!
Cursed are my ears, which have rejoiced in the slanderous words of
others!
Cursed are my hands which have taken things that were not theirs!
Cursed are my stomach and my guts, which have longed for
forbidden foods!
Cursed is my throat, which as a blazing fire has consumed all that it
has come across!
Cursed are my feet, which have taken paths offensive to God!
Cursed is my body, as is also my pathetic soul, which has already
deserted God, Who fashioned it!
What will I do when I am made to stand before the Righteous 120
Judge; when He will demand an account for all the deeds that have
been accumulating from my youth? Cursed is every man who dies in
his sins! Behold, that same event that overtook my father Jacob as his
soul sailed away from his body has truly overtaken me! Oh, how
miserable I am today, and fit to be mourned! God, however, and no
one else, will concern Himself with my body and soul; and deal with
them as He sees fit.”
Then I went over to Joseph and found his soul in its distress, for he
was suffering terribly. And I said to him, “Bless you, father Joseph!
How are you feeling, oh man of honor?” And he responded, “Bless you
too, my beloved son. Truly do I say to you that pain and fear
encompass me, but my soul grew still when I heard your voice. Oh
Jesus of Nazareth! Jesus who rescues me! Jesus who sets my soul
free! Jesus who defends me! Oh, Jesus! How sweet is your name in
my mouth--and in the mouths of all who cherish it! Oh All-Seeing
Eye, and All-Hearing Ear, hearken to the words I speak! I worship you
and serve you today in all humility, and my tears rain down before
your face. You are my God, and my Lord, even as the angel has
reminded me so many times, particularly on that day when wayward
thoughts tossed my soul to and fro concerning the holy and virgin
Mary, of whom I was secretly plotting to rid myself, though she was
bearing you within her womb. At the time that I was weighing my
options, behold, these angels of the Lord appeared in my sleep, and
related this incredible mystery to me: ‘Joseph, son of David, do not
fear to take on Mary as your wife; do not be sad or speak such
unbecoming words with regard to her conception, for she is carrying
the child of the Divine Inspiration, and will bring a son into the world,
who will be called Jesus, since he will free his people from their sins.’
Oh my Lord, please do not permit me to suffer on account of my lack
of knowledge concerning your birth, neither of the mystery involved.
Oh my Lord, I also recall the occasion when that boy died of a
snakebite--how his family wished to turn you over to Herod, accusing
you of killing him--but even so, you brought him back from death and
restored him to his mother and father. How I then came up to you,
grabbed your hand and admonished you, ‘Watch yourself, my son!’ At that time you answered me, ‘Are you not seen as my fleshly father? I
will show you who I truly am!’ For all of these reasons, my Lord and
my God, please do not be mad at me, nor call me to account for that
instance. I am your servant, your servant girl’s son; but you are my
Lord, my God and my Deliverer, and assuredly the Son of God.” Now when my father Joseph had spoken this, he was worn from all
his weeping. And I could see that death clearly held him in its sway.
Then my unblemished virgin mother stood to her feet, walked over to
me and said, “Oh, my beloved son, this honorable old man Joseph is
even now at the point of death.” “Oh, dearest mother,” I replied, “truly
the burden of death is shared by all things that are brought forth on
earth; for death has its way with all of mankind. Even you, oh virgin
mother, must experience the same fate as other mortals. Nevertheless,
neither your departure, nor that of this righteous man, qualifies as the
true death, but rather as eternal life. Furthermore, even I must die
with regard to the body that I got from you. Even so, rise up dearest
mother of mine, and go over to the blessed old man Joseph, that you
might bear witness to all that takes place as his soul rises up from his
body.”
My spotless mother Mary walked over to where Joseph was and
went inside. There at his feet I sat and watched over him, for by then
the signs of death could be seen in his face. And that honorable old
man lifted up his head and fixed his eyes upon me, but had no
strength to speak to me on account of the pains of death that had
taken him. But he kept on gasping for air, and I held his hands for an
entire hour, at which time he turned and looked at me, motioning to
me not to leave his side. At that moment, I held my hand up to his
chest, and sensed his soul around his throat, ready to depart its
chamber.
And when my virgin mother saw me touching his body, she also felt
his feet. And when she found that they were lifeless and cold, she said
to me, “Oh, my beloved son, truly his feet are stiffening, and are even
now as cold as snow.” She then called Joseph’s sons and daughters,
saying, “Come now, all of you, and gather all around your father; for
he is surely at the gates of death.” Then his daughter Assia remarked, “Oh my brothers, this is certainly the same affliction that claimed the
life of my own dear mother!” And she mourned and wept in
bitterness; whereupon all of Joseph’s other children likewise cried
alongside her, my mother and myself weeping along with them.
And glancing southward, I saw Death already drawing near, and all
of Gehenna with him, closely guarded by his army and his helpers;
flames shooting out of their clothing, faces, and mouths. And when
my father Joseph saw them coming, his eyes welled up with tears, and
at that moment he groaned in a very strange way. When I saw him
gasping furiously, I pushed Death back, and all his minions. And I
called upon my holy Father and said, “Oh Father of every mercy--the All-Seeing Eye and the All-Hearing Ear--hearken to my prayers and
petitions on behalf of the elderly Joseph. Send in the brightness of all
Your angels, Michael, the Prince of Angels, together with Gabriel, the
Proclaimer of Light. Allow the entire host of them to walk alongside
the soul of my father Joseph until they bring it near to You. This is the
moment when my father needs Your compassion the most.” (And I
say to you also that each and every saint--indeed each and every man
that is born to this world, be they either just or corrupt--must
necessarily pass away.)
Then Michael and Gabriel approached the soul of my father Joseph.
Then they took and wrapped it in a glistening cloth. This was the
means by which his spirit was given into the hands of my good Father,
Who granted him peace. None of his children yet knew that Joseph
had died. And the angels defended his soul from the demons of
darkness who were blocking the way, glorifying God until they had
conveyed it into the abode of the devout.
Now his corpse was lying flat on its back and devoid of blood. I
therefore reached out and straightened his eyes, shut his mouth with
my own hand, and said to the Virgin Mary, “Oh, mother of mine,
where is that ability which he so aptly showed throughout his lifetime
in this world? Sadly, it has gone away, and is as though it never was.”
And when his children overheard my conversation with my spotless
and virgin mother, they knew that he had breathed his last, and they
burst into tears and mourned for him. “Your father’s death,” I
explained to them, “is in truth not really death, but rather it is endless
life: for he has been freed from this world and its concerns, and has
moved on to endless and eternal rest.” And hearing these words, they
tore their clothes and wept aloud.
And the people of Nazareth and Galilee converged on the scene
when they heard their weeping, and they wept from the third hour all
the way until the ninth. And at the ninth hour they all went together
to the bed of Joseph. And they rubbed his body with precious
ointments and raised it up. But I prayed that same prayer to my
Father in the heavenly language which I had made with my own hand
before I was carried in the womb of my mother Mary. And when I had
completed it, I said “Amen,” and the entire host of angels appeared.
And I ordered two of them to extend their glistening robes and to
enshroud the body of the blessed old man Joseph in them.
At that point I spoke to Joseph, saying, “The stench of death and
corruption will have no power over you, nor will so much as a single
worm ever come from out of your body. None of its limbs will ever be broken, nor will a hair on your head be moved from its place. Oh
Joseph, my father, no part of your body will ever be lost, but it will
remain intact and never decompose, even until the thousand-year
feast. I will bless and repay in the assembly of virgins anyone who
should make an offering on your special day. And on the day of your
memorial, whosoever should feed the wretched, the poor, the widows,
and the orphans in your name from the work of his hands will never
lack any thing good as long as he lives. And to anyone who has so
much as offered a cup of water or wine to drink to either widow or
orphan in your name, I will place him in your care, that you may travel
along with him as he enters into the millennial feast. And to every
man who should offer a gift on the day of your commemoration, I will
bless and repay in the assembly of virgins: to one I will give thirty
times over, to another, sixty, and to yet another, a hundred. And as for
anyone who should write down the story of your life, and of your
labors, and of your passing from this earth--and even this narrative
that is from my mouth--him I will commit to your keeping as long as
he lives. And when his soul leaves his body and he has parted from
this realm, I will burn the book of his sins and not afflict him with any
penalty on Judgment Day; but he will travel through the sea of flames,
passing across without trouble or pain. And to every poor man who
can offer none of these things, this will be what he should do: if a son
is born to him, he is to name him Joseph, so that neither poverty nor
untimely death might ever come to pass in that house.”
After this, the leading men of that town gathered together at the
spot where Joseph’s body had been placed, bringing with them burial
shrouds with which they wished to wrap him up, according to the way
the Jews prepare the bodies of their dead. But they found that his
shroud held tight--clinging like iron to his body--for when they would
have taken it off, they found it impossible to loosen or budge, nor
could they find a linen edge, which astonished them to no end. Finally
they carried him over to a place where there was a cave and opened
the gate so they could lay his body to rest alongside those of his
forebears. Just then I called to mind the day that he traveled with me
into Egypt, and of the tremendous hardships that for my sake he was
compelled to endure. And I mourned his passing for quite some time;
saying as I was sprawled out over his corpse: “Oh Death, which causes
all knowledge to disappear and brings about tears and sorrows in
abundance, surely it is my Father, God Himself, who has given you
this power. Because men perish for the transgression of Adam and his
wife Eve, and Death does not spare anyone. Even so, nothing ever happens to anyone, or is brought upon him without my Father
commanding it first. Surely there have been men whose lives reached
nine hundred years; but even these have passed away. And though
there were others who lived even longer, all of them have come to this
end, and not one of them can say, ‘I have never tasted death.’ For the
Lord does not send the same affliction twice; hence it has satisfied my
Father to inflict it upon mankind but once.
“Death goes out the very instant that it sees the order coming down
from heaven, and it says, ‘I will go forth against that man, and afflict
him most grievously.’ Then, in a flash it sets upon the soul and
overpowers it, doing with it as it pleases. Because Adam violated my
Father’s decree, you see, and failed to act in line with His will, the
anger of my Father seethed over him, and He then condemned him to
death; and this was how Death came into the world. If, however,
Adam had kept my Father’s laws, Death would never have gotten the
better of him. Don’t you know that I could ask my Father to send me
down a chariot of fire to take my father Joseph’s body up to the
peaceful place that it might live among the spirits there? But because
of Adam’s disobedience, the trouble and violence that come with
Death has befallen all of mankind. And it is for this reason that I
myself must die in the flesh; that I might secure grace for those who
are my handiwork.”
Having said this, I embraced the body of my father Joseph, and
wept over it. Then they opened up the mouth of the tomb and placed
his body into it, near to that of his father Jacob. And at the time of his
passing, he had lived one hundred and eleven years. Never had a
tooth in his mouth pained him, nor had his eyesight ever grown dim,
nor ever did his body bend, or his strength ever fail him, but he
worked at his carpenter’s trade even until his dying day, which was on
the twenty-sixth of Abib. And after Joseph, who was worn out by old
age, had died and received a burial alongside his forebears, the blessed
Mary went to live with her sisters’ children.
And when we apostles heard these words from our Savior, we rose
up in joy and prostrated ourselves in his honor. “Oh Savior of us all,”
we implored him, “show us your grace. Now we all have heard the lifegiving
word! Even so, we still have questions about the fates of Enoch
and Elijah, oh Savior of ours, for they were both reprieved from death.
For truly they dwell in the place of the just even unto this very day, nor
have their bodies known decay. Even so, that aged carpenter, Joseph
was, after all, your father according to the flesh. And you have ordered
us to go throughout the world and preach to them your holy Gospel; and you have said, ‘Relate to them the account of the passing of my
father Joseph, and honor him every year with a solemn holiday and
festival, and let them know that anyone who takes anything away from
this narrative, or adds anything to it, sins by so doing.’ Yet we are
especially eager to understand why it is that you did not cause Joseph
to be immortal like these, though he called you his son from the day
that you were born in Bethlehem, and you say yourself that he was
both chosen and righteous?”
And our Savior answered us, “Truly my Father’s prophecy regarding
the disobedience of Adam has now been fulfilled. Everything is
ordered by my Father according to His will and pleasure. For if any
man should despise the commands of God, and in imitation of the
devil continue to sin, his life is prolonged, that he might have a change
of heart, and think about how he must be given over to death. If,
however, anyone is quick to do good works, his life is also prolonged,
that the more his life is lengthened and discussed, the more that
upright men might imitate him. But when you see a man whose mind
tends toward anger, his days are indeed cut short; for these are the
ones who are taken in the prime of their lives. Therefore every
prophecy that has been spoken by my Father concerning mankind
must be fulfilled in every one of its aspects. Yet with regard to Enoch
and Elijah, and how they are alive to this day in the very flesh in which
they were born, and with regard to my father Joseph, whose body has
not been spared as were theirs; indeed, even if a man were to live
many thousands of years upon this earth, he would nevertheless at
some point be compelled to exchange his life for death. And my
brothers I say to you that Enoch and Elijah must return to this world
toward the close of time and be slain as well. To be more specific, this
will happen on the day of upset, terror, confusion, and evil. For
because of the reproach with which he will be revealed, the Antichrist
will mutilate the bodies of the four who are to disgrace him utterly
when they expose him for his ungodliness during the time that they
are alive, and he will pour their blood out like water.”
“Oh, our Lord, God, and Savior,” we asked, “who are these four
about whom you have spoken, those whom the Antichrist will cut off
on account of the reproach that they will lay to his charge?” “They are
Enoch, Elijah, Schila, and Tabitha,” the Lord replied. When we heard
our Savior say this to us, we all exulted and rejoiced, giving glory and
thanks to the Lord God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ. To him be glory,
honor, dignity, power, authority, and praise, the good Father along
with him, together with the life-giving Holy Spirit, from now on and forevermore. Amen.
{Here ends the complete Infancy Gospel, which through the aid of
the Most High God has been completed in accordance with what we
found written in the original.}
MINISTRY 1
INTRODUCTION TO JESUS’ MINISTRY
(Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1; Lentulus to Tiberius)
Judea
Here begins the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate
was the governor of Judea, and Herod was the tetrarch of Galilee.
Philip, his brother, was the tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachontis, and
Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abiline. In those days there emerged, and
to this day exists, a man of tremendous might named Jesus Christ,
who is referred to as the prophet of truth by the Gentiles, and the Son
of God by his own disciples, since he raises the dead and heals the ill.
He is a man of average height, handsome and dignified in his
appearance, giving those who look on him a feeling of love and at the
same time fear. His hair is the same shade as an unripe hazelnut, and
is straight nearly to his ears, but from that point down, it becomes
darker, curlier, and shinier; flowing over his shoulders and parting
down the middle of his head as is typical of Nazarenes. His brow is
gentle and serene, and his face has neither wrinkles nor flaws, and its
comeliness is enhanced by a slight ruddiness thereto. There is no
defect to be found on either his nose or his mouth. His beard is full,
and about the same shade as his hair; not too long, but parting a bit
below the chin. His expression is one of mature simplicity, with
sparklingly clear gray eyes. His rebuke is fearful, but his warnings are
humane and motivated by love, that is to say he strikes a balance
between lightheartedness and solemnity. On occasion he has wept,
but he has never indulged in laughter. He stands tall and straight,
with particularly arresting hands and arms. His manner of speaking is
serious, measured, and down to earth; more captivating than the
children of men.
INTRODUCTION TO JESUS’ MINISTRY
(Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1; Lentulus to Tiberius)
Judea
Here begins the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate
was the governor of Judea, and Herod was the tetrarch of Galilee.
Philip, his brother, was the tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachontis, and
Lysanias was the tetrarch of Abiline. In those days there emerged, and
to this day exists, a man of tremendous might named Jesus Christ,
who is referred to as the prophet of truth by the Gentiles, and the Son
of God by his own disciples, since he raises the dead and heals the ill.
He is a man of average height, handsome and dignified in his
appearance, giving those who look on him a feeling of love and at the
same time fear. His hair is the same shade as an unripe hazelnut, and
is straight nearly to his ears, but from that point down, it becomes
darker, curlier, and shinier; flowing over his shoulders and parting
down the middle of his head as is typical of Nazarenes. His brow is
gentle and serene, and his face has neither wrinkles nor flaws, and its
comeliness is enhanced by a slight ruddiness thereto. There is no
defect to be found on either his nose or his mouth. His beard is full,
and about the same shade as his hair; not too long, but parting a bit
below the chin. His expression is one of mature simplicity, with
sparklingly clear gray eyes. His rebuke is fearful, but his warnings are
humane and motivated by love, that is to say he strikes a balance
between lightheartedness and solemnity. On occasion he has wept,
but he has never indulged in laughter. He stands tall and straight,
with particularly arresting hands and arms. His manner of speaking is
serious, measured, and down to earth; more captivating than the
children of men.
אין תגובות:
הוסף רשומת תגובה